Volume 70 Issue 00

The Highlander

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

For the week of Wednesday, June 30, 2021

VOL. 70, ISSUE 00

est. 1954

FEATURES

2021

Campus must-haves you didn’t know you needed I CAN’T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT THESE ESSENTIALS ­— AND YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO EITHER. MADISON RHEINS Editor-In-Chief

Arriving at college, I didn’t realize that I was going to need more than just my laptop, a few pens and a notebook in my backpack.

And from my experience, having the bare minimum on hand when walking around

NEWS UCR’s newest additions to the campus

campus is a nuisance that can be easily avoided. UCR is very large, and you’re going to be away from your dorm or car for a majority of the day. So, having a few essentials with you at all times will minimize the hassle of walking such great distances back and forth.

Perhaps the most important item in my backpack is my

AFTER BEING COMPLETELY REMOTE FOR OVER A YEAR, THERE ARE A LOT OF NEW PROJECTS THAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO SEE WHEN THEY RETURN COME THIS FALL. FATEMA SHALABI Managing Editor

Before in-person instruction was officially ceased during March 2020, construction zones were a common sight on campus. From the construction projects occurring on the outskirts of campus to the building of the Student Success Center near the Highlander Union Building, students were familiarized with the blue fences that would alltoo-often increase walking distance across campus by at least a few minutes. Though the last completed project that students may remember is the art installation outside of the Art Building with signs reading “Change,” there are a few new additions to the UCR campus that have been completed since or will be completed by the in-person return this fall.

First opened a decade after UCR’s founding in 1907, the Barn was originally used as a horse stable.

Its historical standing as one of the

first buildings that helped shape the image of t h e Riverside campus paved the way for its n u m e r o u s purposes over the decades: from becoming one of the first restaurants on campus to becoming a concert venue where numerous bands were hosted. After a construction timespan

new flat water bottle. Of course, many students may opt to use a colorful Hydro Flask, but if you are anything like me, carrying something around all day can be quite exhausting. To remedy this, I decided to purchase a small, flat water bottle for a fraction of what a typical Tekeya or Hydro Flask would cost.

Not only is this bottle cheaper than most, it also fits comfortably in my backpack without taking too much space.

And though it may be on the smaller side of water bottles, it is still worth the price and functionality. Not to mention, the bottle itself is very minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing.

Coming in second on the level of importance is my phone charger, ► SEE ESSENTIALS PAGE 7

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Topics should be UCR-centric and/or pertain to our generation of students. Contact Opinions Editor Samuel Harrison at opinions@highlandernews.org by Wednesday if interested in writing a letter and submit the completed letter by Saturday at noon. Letters can and will be rejected if it does not meet requirements.

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ASUCR

ASUCR guide THE HIGHLANDER HELPS NAVIGATE THE PROCESSES OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AFFAIRS. ABHIJIT REGE News Editor

What does ASUCR do for you?

ASUCR represents all undergraduates as the official student government on campus.

As such, The Highlander aims to use this guide to inform the student population of their purpose and processes.

Who is a part of ASUCR? How do they represent me?

The executive branch, also known as the executive cabinet, consists of a student-elected, representative body who are in charge of a variety of major committees and are tasked to aid the campus and its endeavors.

Several committees include the Green Campus Action Plan, whose mission is to pursue sustainability on campus, the Elections Committee, who are tasked with coordinating and overseeing on-campus elections and the Office of External Affairs, whose committees focus on advocacy and civic engagement.

The legislative branch, also

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known as the senate, reviews and processes legislation including resolutions and senate bills.

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► FROM ADDITIONS

of about two years and a budget of $30 million, the Barn is open for business after being completed during early May of last year.

Its features include a main restaurant area, a faculty and staff lounge, a concert venue and an outdoor patio, ensuring that the Barn will likely become one of UCR’s most favored hangout spots on campus.

Another recently completed housing project is The Dundee Residence Hall, which is located on the north end of campus. In order to accommodate for the growing number of students attending UCR, especially those

that seek to dorm, this project was deemed necessary and specifically caters to the freshman student population. It includes a fitness center, a courtyard with outdoor activities, a two-story residential restaurant, over 800 beds and other amenities to make students feel at home.

Located in the center of campus is the Student Success Center, which is planned to be completed and ready for students as in-person instruction resumes this fall. The main part of the center consists of a lecture hall design that is unique to this campus, as it seats 400 students in a circular or round shape. The three story building will include a

These pieces of legislation are designed to address problems concerning students and faculty and aim to bring major improvements to the campus.

The senate is composed of 16 elected students representing each college, with one elected as president pro tempore.

The judicial branch, or judicial council, handles the concerns of ASUCR consisting of misinterpretations and disagreements which may occur during the legislative process.

Their job is to enforce the constitution and to ensure that justice and fairness are met out and followed. They are a non-

lounge, differing meeting rooms, various-sized lecture halls, study areas and a dining venue.

The commuter experience is notorious for its parking struggles, and similar to many other campuses, UCR has increasingly faced a parking dilemma in terms of space and availability. For this reason, the new parking structure that is located at the campus’ east end near Lot 13 is perhaps the most anticipated addition. The parking structure is made up of four levels, includes over 1,000 parking spaces and has two entrances. It also includes an electrical vehicle charging station and space for H bicycle storage. ■

partisan body composed of six appointed justices, with three appointed each year to serve a two-year term.

All of the branches and committees work together in order to handle the legislative process, support numerous initiatives and ultimately enact change for the campus.

How does the legislative process work?

Anyone on campus has the power to write legislation, though most legislation is often written by senators. When someone writes a bill, there are a variety of requirements, such

as requiring at least one senator to sponsor the bill before it is reviewed. Once it is submitted to the president pro tempore, the Legislative Review Committee evaluates the legislation to make sure it follows certain specifications and maintains proper grammar and syntax. The legislation is then voted on by the senate after it is added to the meeting’s agenda, where a 50% majority vote is required to pass.

Substantial changes can be made to the university, and the problems that many students face in their day-to-day campus experience can be solved or remedied through the proper H channels. ■

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ASUCR 2020-2021 recap

ABHIJIT REGE News Editor

October 2020

ASUCR debated on a number of constitutional amendments and resolutions in their first meeting on Oct. 12. For instance, CA-F20-002 was proposed to reform the amendment process of the ASUCR Constitution. The bill would reduce the requirement for an amendment to appear on the general election ballot from 15% of the undergraduate student body to just 2%.

A week later, their second meeting was conducted on Oct. 19 and saw a special election filling the vacant role of the transfer and nontraditional director with fourth-year education and history major, Kaitylyn Hall.

November 2020

At ASUCR’s fifth meeting of the quarter on Nov. 9, the senate approved Vice President of Sustainability Vanessa Gomez-Alvarado’s choices for her office, as well as the three candidates for the judicial council. For the special election that took place, fourth-year biology major Lama Yassine was elected as the new elections director.

On Nov. 13, ASUCR held their second State of the Association meeting of the year, which saw the passage of SR-F20004, a proposition to mandate recorded lectures for all classes on campus.

ASUCR’s eighth meeting on Nov. 18 primarily saw the discussion and passage of SR-F20-005, which aimed to push back against the Budget Advisory Committee’s

recent recommendation to eliminate the School of Public Policy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic budget cuts.

December 2020

ASUCR held their last State of the Association meeting of the quarter and unanimously passed seven pieces of legislation regarding Greek life. Resolution SR-F20-006 saw the student body standing in solidarity against sexual violence in light of recent claims of the prevalence of sexual assault within Greek life communities.

January 2021

Resolution SR-W21-002 was passed, which promoted a more streamlined and efficient process for reporting discrimination on campus. A bill was also tabled in their third meeting that would have had UCR adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

In their final meeting of the month, they discussed the revocation of UCR’s federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institute, an update on ASUCR’s Black Lives Matter donation and a senate resolution meant to increase awareness on the need for more family housing on campus.

February 2021

The ASUCR senate approved resolution SR-W21-007 to implement inclusivity training for faculty and staff. The senate in the following meetings moved forward with approving a $15,000 large-scale initiative to add reusable to-go containers in the dining halls. A resolution was also

proposed to convert the UCR School of Business’ current method for obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, but ultimately failed to pass the academic senate. Additionally, international students are now allowed to vote and participate in ASUCR elections after an amendment was made to Chapter VII of the ASUCR bylaws.

March 2021

The ninth ASUCR meeting was held on March 3. During the meeting, the senate approved an amendment to the Elections Code to remove the deadline to file a violation form on the elections website. As a result, motions to pass both SB-W21-007 and SR-S21-002 were made. SB-W21-007 addressed current candidates’ abilities to vote on bylaws while they run for office, while SR-S21-002 advocated for a safe, inperson graduation ceremony.

April 2021

The first meeting of the month had the student body approve two resolutions that supported UCR’s commitment to 100% clean energy and the implementation of American Sign Language and deaf culture classes into UCR’s curriculum. In addition, they also approved a senate bill that will permanently allocate $40,000 for students’ basic needs every year. In a following meeting on April 22, SR-S21-006 was passed, which advocated for affordable textbooks across the UC.

May 2021

A BRIEF RECOLLECTION OF THE ASUCR’S MANY FEATS AND ACTIONS.

plan that would have increases in tuition for incoming students. The student body convened on May 12 in order to discuss and pass SR-S21-009 and SR-S21-010, which advocated for fair trade and diverse food options for students, respectively.

In the second meeting of May, SB-S21009, SR-S21-011 and SR-S21-013 were passed, which called for the creation of the Student-Parent Committee, prioritization of mental health services further through additional resources and an increase in transparency of the University of California Police Department, respectively.

A statement was also released at this time to affirm support for Palestinian students, faculty and staff.

The final meeting of the month kicked off with the passage of SR-S21-012 Support Student Workers Resolution, which aimed to support student-employees on campus, support a campus-wide minimum wage that is tied to inflation and support the efforts of the over 17,000 UC student researchers in their effort to unionize through social media and other forms of communication.

June 2021

During their final meeting of the school year on June 2, an unannounced walkout was staged that prevented the passage of legislation. Several CHASS senators walked out of the meeting in protest of a legislation that would add a minimum H requirement to win an election unopposed.■

The first meeting of the month saw a discussion of a cohort-based tuition

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OPINIONS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

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THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL

COURTESY OF PEXELS

The drought crisis in California CALIFORNIA IS STARING DOWN ANOTHER TERRIBLE DROUGHT; CORPORATIONS AND THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY NEED TO ANSWER FOR IT.

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tarting April 21, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency to various counties throughout California. Though droughts are nothing new in Californian history, they call to mind the frustrating requirements of lessening time in the shower, not running the faucet so often and avoiding watering the lawn.

Unfortunately, the truth is that these civilian contributions, while noble, are not going to solve the drought on a large-scale level.

Instead, the burden of limiting water use should be placed on the people who use it most — the agricultural industry.

Although it might seem unorthodox at first to place the responsibility on agriculture, especially since California provides one-third of fruits and nuts to the rest of America, the concept of asking the agricultural industry to improve its water practices is nothing new, as this article from 2015 suggests. Unfortunately, things have not changed; agriculture still takes up 80% of the state’s water use. The truth is, even if the governor or counties tried to enforce civilian rules to help try and lower the use of water, the impact would be minimal compared to actively trying to fix how water is used in the agricultural industry. Although there have been some measures passed in the past, such as the Water Conservation Act of 2009 (SB X7-7), the same amount of water is still being used, meaning these laws are not doing nearly enough.

If the California government wants to try to curb the severity of the drought we’re entering, it would be wise to start with agriculture. For instance, they can allot time and money into the incredible universities throughout California to work with these farmers to research better and find more efficient ways of irrigation.

Almost every single California university has an agricultural department doing this exact research, which is all the more reason the government should be partnering with them.

This is a problem that desperately needs to be addressed because lessening the water use now is better than the country suffering from a food shortage down the line when there isn’t enough

water to go around. Though it is uncomfortable to suffer through restrictions, if they are not set now, we will pay the price later.

However, this is not to suggest that civilians should do nothing in the face of the approaching drought. Even though plenty of water used by the state population is recycled, it is always wise to try and lessen the amount used, especially during a drought. If the governor wants to ensure civilian compliance to preserving water, he must stand up and do so rather than worrying about his public image.

Some ways to help current civilians could be to offer an incentive system for people who use under a certain amount of water in a week or a month. People are more driven to do things when there is a reward to be won, and this could be a good way to help people commit to using less water.

However, as with all major problems, the root of helping the population better understand the importance of a cause should start in the classroom. The government should be wise to invest time and money into helping children understand the importance of saving water; though some education of California partially exists in fifth-grade classrooms, it doesn’t go nearly in-depth about the environment and climate of California as it should. Children deserve to learn about the state they live in, its climate, what they can do to help prevent droughts and who they can hold accountable for not helping this cause.

If the California government wants anything to be done about this budding drought, they need to be the ones to put sanctions on corporations or farms for using too much water. The government should not leave water limits up to cities; some more liberal counties would likely take the drought more seriously than more conservative ones, leaving an imbalance in fairness. All counties need to take this issue seriously in order to help prevent California from falling into a water shortage, and the government needs to be the one to put a regulation out. And although some people may feel that their personal rights are being infringed upon because of these restrictions,

a little discomfort now is necessary to prevent far more discomfort down the line. We must take this drought seriously as a collective and do our best to follow whatever guidelines the government could potentially put out.

Lastly, the government should be more mindful of how it markets this drought initiative.

There have been countless TV commercials for the COVID-19 vaccine initiative, and this exact same press should be given to saving water. The climate change initiative has unfortunately not been “marketed” as well as it should be, given the issue’s severity. People should have a better understanding of this crisis than what they have currently, and advertisements are the way to spread necessary facts. If the government wants to make people more aware of the severity of the drought, then they should put their money where their mouth is and help raise awareness to Californians and to the rest of the country, who rely on California to provide them with produce.

If the Californian government and population want to prevent a severe water shortage as we enter this new drought, we all must be willing to be proactive. The government should work with and penalize those industries that are using the majority of California’s water in the first place, and if they want the citizens to help take part in the water crisis, they need to take the time and money necessary to help educate our population and inform them on why what they are doing is so important. As we are still at the beginning of the drought, we have the unique opportunity to start making changes to prevent the water loss from being too severe; but if we are not careful, we will quickly find ourselves in a predicament where many people will suffer all because of the selfish desire for H individualism. ■

The Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.

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Switching to in-person learning won’t be as simple as stepping into a classroom EVELYN HOMAN Opinions Editor

It’s a cliche at this point to say that the pandemic altered the way we live our lives. College and high school education were hit the hardest, alongside many other fields of society.

Students everywhere stopped taking classes in classrooms and started taking them in their bedrooms. Teachers had to completely reformulate end-of-the-year units and activities. And though we all crossed our fingers and hoped for the best, the last year of education has been spent primarily online as well. With this change came a myriad of side effects and habits — sleeping through a Zoom lecture, skipping assignments due to burnout, sitting with the camera off and trying to interact as little as possible.

After a year’s worth of these habits, even the most diligent students might find it hard to adapt to an in-person

environment again.

First and foremost, it is important to note that if it takes time for you to adjust to in-person classes, that’s more than okay. It takes time for the brain to adapt to a new environment, especially after a pause in the social interaction that many students are used to. Some may find in-person classes draining as well; again, this is more than okay. Prioritize your mental health, but try not to skip classes or discussions if you can help it. To combat this burnout, acknowledge that you need time to reacclimate to so much action. Keep a planner to track assignments or due dates, and try to keep your mind awake in class by taking plenty of notes, no matter what the course is. Your future self will thank you, and your present self will be grateful for some mental stimulation.

For some, however, fall quarter seems too soon for in-person classes, fearing the stress that comes along with them. If

this sounds like you, take a deep breath.

You are not alone in this sentiment! If you can’t fathom taking an in-person class so soon, when registration comes around, make sure that all your classes are listed as online. UCR has ensured that many classes will be offered online, as well as in-person, meaning you can get the comfort of continuing to take online classes and reacclimate at your own pace.

Given this, however, it should be noted by universities that some folks simply are not ready to switch back to in-person classes. Indeed, some 73% of students prefer some courses to be fully online anywhere because they can fit it around their work schedule or life schedule much easier. Universities shouldn’t be so quick to simply ditch online classes as soon as we shift towards in-person learning; there can be plenty of value in allowing students to take their classes online if they so choose.

OLD HABITS DIE HARD, AND THE ONES WE PICKED UP DURING ZOOM UNIVERSITY ARE NO EXCEPTION.

For everyone who is raring to go in terms of getting back on campus; however, don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Even the most excited for interaction can face burnout after a year away from this environment. Prioritize your mental health and try not to beat yourself up if you have some difficulties. If you’re struggling, utilize campus resources like the Academic Resource Center, tutoring programs and professors’ office hours to help set you up for success.

The switch to in-person learning will not be as easy as just walking into a classroom. The mind will take a little longer to transition into an in-person mental space, and there is nothing wrong with that. Be kind to yourself, stay organized and seek out help if you need it. Doing so will result in a strong start to the quarter, no matter what type of learning environment you’ll be thriving H in.■

COURTESY OF PEXELS

The real how-to advice for a successful first year comes from experience, not a book ADVICE GIVEN TO INCOMING COLLEGE STUDENTS HAS BECOME MONOTONOUS AND DOESN’T TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE FACT THAT EVERYBODY NAVIGATES COLLEGE DIFFERENTLY. NATALIE MONROY Contributing Writer

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How-to advice on having a successful first year in college is oftentimes cookie-cutter and written by those who have not been in academia for years.

The same advice is always given to these impressionable young adults: join a club, go to office hours, make friends with your hallmates and many others. However, all of this advice fails to encompass the fact that everyone navigates through their first year differently. Especially in light of the last year and a half, incoming freshmen have experienced their first year in a way that no other class has.

There is no one-size-fits-all advice out there, and there was definitely nothing that could have prepared the classes of 2023 and 2024 for their first years. For some, like myself, advice suggesting joining clubs or getting to know all of my hallmates just didn’t seem

all that appealing or helpful.

As a first-generation college student, my main concern was getting by after going into my college experience blind. I switched majors three times and I almost got evicted from the dorms due to issues with financial aid. Joining clubs, making friends or studying my days away could not have prepared me for the reality of the college experience.

The reality is that college can be a difficult, confusing and sometimes even a lonely experience. The transition from high school to college is intense. The best advice I could give to incoming freshmen is to try your best and take this time to explore.

It’s okay to feel lost and confused. College is often the first time most young adults step into independence and start making their own decisions. In these cases, it’s wisest to turn to those with experience. Ask for the

advice of older siblings or older peers. No one is ever truly alone in this venture, and the beginning is always the hardest part. If one-on-one interaction isn’t your speed, email your professors, join the class GroupMe and use technology to your advantage to reach out to groups of people to help support you.

Take care of yourself, and don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. If you’re struggling, know when to reach out to someone if you need help. College is just one aspect of your life, and though it may be at the forefront, don’t let it consume all of your time and energy. The first year of college can always seem more daunting than it has to be. No matter what the end goal is, everyone should be gracious to themselves. Remember that college is a journey unique to every individual and that this is the beginning of a greater H future. ■

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FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

Be in-the-know of what characterizes the best dorm room

FATEMA SHALABI Managing Editor

Perhaps the most exciting part of being admitted into your college of choice is making the decision to dorm.

Dorming is one of the most yearned-for aspects of college by many first-year students because it epitomizes the college experience: it allows for meeting new people, going to social events and having the first moment of your life where you are truly independent.

Though you are no longer living with your family and are probably living with at least one or two other roommates, every dorm room needs a sense of home to make it feel like it is your room. Here are a few tips on how to organize your dorm room so that it feels like home while also allowing you to utilize your space most efficiently.

BEDDING Of course, every bedroom needs a comfortable set of blankets and pillows.

Arguably, what you choose to have on your bed will dictate the overall vibe of your room since it’s the space’s focal point. The rest of your decor will revolve around your bedding choices, so make sure you choose something that is both comfortable and appeals to your tastes. A fun idea would be to try finding blankets and pillows that are reversible so that you can switch between both sides as you get tired of one. A recommendation would be to also invest in a small throw blanket to place at the end of your bed or hang over your chair. Throw blankets will provide you with extra warmth during those rare cold nights in Riverside, and they’re also

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THOUGH THE TRANSITION FROM HOME LIFE TO DORM LIFE IS DAUNTING, THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DORM EXPERIENCE LAIDBACK AND COMFORTABLE.

comfortable to snuggle up with as you watch a movie.

space The trickiest part of designing your dorm room is making it look nice while still having enough space for all of your belongings. Thankfully, there are tons of choices for storage compartments that allow you to do just that. I recommend buying both storage bins to place anywhere in your room and storage trays that can be more easily stored by sliding them under your bed or in your closet.

A must-have for any dorm room is an over-the-door storage hanger. These can be used to store your shoes, any clothing that might not fit inside of your closet or any miscellaneous items. Another option to maximize storage is to look for multifunctional furniture when going on your shopping spree. For example, an item as simple as a multipurpose ottoman where you can open the lid and store items inside can do a lot for your dorm room.

decor This is where you should allow your creativity to roam free so that you can get your dorm room to represent who you are as a person. Even though most students will probably be looking at Tik-Tok or Pinterest to get inspiration for this category, here are some quick ideas for convenience. Considering most dorm halls won’t allow you to drill any holes into the walls, command strips and hooks are essentials for hanging anything up. I’d recommend hanging up posters, pictures or artwork you love. Fairy lights are currently trendy and would look

aesthetically pleasing around your bed or on your walls. Another idea for decor is to bring in a few potted plants. These would bring some greenery and life into your dorm, and caring for them could also be therapeutic. I also strongly recommend bringing in any comfort items that you have to make your room feel more like home, whether that be stuffed plushies, some of your favorite books or any other objects.

clever item hacks Dorm life is really about trying to find any way possible to make your experience most comfortable and hassle free. Since most dorm halls share a bathroom, it

► FROM ESSENTIALS

laptop charger and headphones. Once everyone returns to campus, myself and other students will be eager to study at some popular spots. So, if you are planning on putting in some work at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf or the Tomas Rivera Library, it’s crucial that you keep all of your chargers and headphones on you at all times. To make things less messy in my backpack, I like to find adorable pouches to store all of my cables and adapters. As a result, these pouches serve as a functional way to keep your backpack clean while also adding a bit of style to your study setup.

As we return to campus, it may be daunting at first to be around so many people after spending quite some time in quarantine. In addition to wearing a cloth mask, I also make sure to pack five disposable masks in a plastic bag along with a miniature hand sanitizer in case I touch something dirty or want to have a quick snack on the go. These are extremely important tools for those who are hesitant to return to campus and want to feel more comfortable.

After all, there’s nothing wrong with having the reassurance that you are being clean and safe.

Along with masks and hand sanitizer, I strongly recommend packing cough drops, Advil, chapstick, mini-deodorant and a tide stick — ­­

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COURTESY OF UCR HOUSING

would behoove you to purchase a shower caddy where you can store all of your toiletries. Another item that will keep you friendly with your roommates is a clip light. It can be clipped anywhere and will be extremely useful during those late nights where you need to stay up to do homework while you try your best to not disturb your sleeping roommates. Using the same clip method, buying a handheld clip fan will make Riverside heat waves all the more tolerable. Last but not least, buying a bedside shelf to hook onto the edge of your bed frame will provide you with easily-accessible space for your bedside essentials.

Hopefully, some of these tips will be H useful for you! ■

your local Target’s toiletry travel section will be your best friend. Not only are these items lifesavers, but they are also cheaper than running to the bookstore or the Market at Glen Mor. For these items, I simply store everything in a small makeup or pencil pouch. It’s impossible to predict when a headache will strike or when you will spill something on yourself, but having these on hand will definitely minimize the stress when these circumstances arise. Although it seems as if you’ll have too much to carry in your backpack, storing everything in separate pouches really helps with organization and cleanliness.

UCR reopening can be a bit intimidating, especially if you are new to campus or stuck in the routine of remote learning.

However, these small essentials will make a huge difference in your overall experience. You will never have to worry about walking back and forth to retrieve forgotten items, nor will you have to worry about being unprepared for something.

Making a difference in the way you organize something as simple as your backpack and what you carry can have a huge impact on confidence and success. So, when shopping for items, be sure to H purchase these must-haves. ■

8 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

FEATURES

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/features

Exclusive summer treats for you to stay cool at the pool By: Ashley Chen, Features Editor

Throughout the summer, I have researched hundreds of recipes to find the healthiest and smartest snack options. I’m always attending class or working, so it’s hard for me to find the time to have an actual meal. The freshman 15, a phrase that refers to the weight freshmen gain during their first year at college, actually exists, and it’s difficult finding the time to hunt for healthier food options when your favorite fast food place is five minutes away from you. These are just a few low-calorie summer treats that I’ve made this H summer that have kept me from yearning for a cheeseburger and fries. ■

Frozen yogurt cups Preparation time: 5-10 -Nonfat plain yogurt minutes or yogurt of your Servings: 1 choosing -Strawberries -Blueberries -Honey or a substitute of maple syrup, agave or simple syrup

Candied fruits

Preparation time: 5-10 minutes Serving: 1 -Fruits of your choice -Honey, agave or maple syrup

Place any fruits of your choice into a bowl.

Drizzle honey or any sweetener of your choice on top of the fruits, and mix it all up!

This is a perfect way to end a meal on a healthy note! This snack is an option for those who enjoy candy but are looking for healthier alternatives.

On the lizard’s rock

Place 6 white cupcake parchment papers into a 6-cup muffin pan.

Place 1 spoonful of nonfat plain yogurt into each of the cupcake parchment paper.

Place a few berries on top of the nonfat plain yogurt.

Place another 1 ½ spoonful of nonfat plain yogurt, and cover the fruits completely.

Drizzle a bit of honey on top of each yogurt cup. I personally like honey, but you are free to use any type of sweetener.

Freeze the yogurt cups for 2 hours and enjoy!

This summer treat is one of my favorite snacks to have for the summer! It’s super light and healthy, especially if you have a sweet tooth and crave ice cream on a daily basis.

Summer is like a desert, wherever you are.

A vast emptiness filled with boundless potential.

All activity comes to a static nothing.

Stillness of the morning becomes the skirring of the day becomes the stillness of the night.

What was all of it for?

At the end we are all lizards sitting on a rock, hoping to be filled with warmth.

Do not fear, this is not a tale of a pointless life.

There will be a change.

The desert is not the same in the morning as it is at night.

When the sun sets, autumn will come with its soft embrace H and you will find your scales to be a new skin.■

Tomato and mozzarella salad Preparation time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 -Salad mix of your choice -½ cup of cherry tomatoes -⅓ slice of mozzarella cheese -Balsamic vinaigrette Take the serving size of your salad mix, and place it into a bowl.

Take ½ cup of cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Place them into the bowl with your salad mix.

Take ⅓ slices of mozzarella cheese, and chop them up into bite size pieces. Place them into the bowl.

Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinaigrette, and mix it all together.

The perfect snack for study sessions and on-the-go meals!

By: Rebecca Salinas

Contributing writer

Radar

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/ae

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

New Breakout Star from the North: Tate McRae SAMUEL LAO Assistant Radar Editor

For the most part, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a standstill for people all around the world, but for young artist Tate McRae, that has not been the case. Looking back on her roots, McRae began by focusing on her dance career and attempting to reach the national stage. Since the age of eight, she has competitively danced and has three national titles under her belt — quite the feat for someone so young. At the age of thirteen, everything began to change for McRae as she decided to go on the American television show, “So You Think You Can Dance?,” and the rest is history.

To really understand who Tate McRae is, we must first look at her origins and the parts of life that made the future face of music. McRae was born in Calgary, Canada, but as a child, her family often traveled, settling in the Middle East for a period of time. Her father received a job in the city of Oman, where they lived for

three years before they finally resettled in Calgary when McRae was eight years old.

Now back in Calgary, McRae began taking her dance life very seriously, and though she was not declared the winner of the American television show, it still catapulted her into the limelight.

From here, McRae began posting her original written songs onto YouTube, writing about what was going on in her life and the experiences she was having as a young teenager.

She explains how at the age of thirteen, she felt like she had a lot of content, like anyone that age would. After posting her first song onto the site, McRae was approached by 11 separate record labels in New York, eventually deciding on joining RCA Records.

As life began to pick up and things started looking up, COVID-19 hit, and McRae was forced into isolation. Without any hesitation, McRae kept up her hard work and released her breakout single, “You Broke Me First.” The song was a

massive hit, propelling McRae into the national spotlight during a period of time when the world of entertainment seemed to be on hold.

Instead of allowing the pandemic to slow her down, McRae has only been increasing her infamy as she has released various hit songs and even her own EP titled, “TOO YOUNG TO BE SAD,” throughout the last year. Most recently, McRae appeared on a single featuring fellow artist, Khalid, which is an amazing summer tune to kick off the sunny season. At only 17 years old, McRae has already played at the European Music Awards and even performed for Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.

It seems like Tate McRae is here to stay as she continues to grow larger with each release.

McRae has teased fans various times with hints to an album, and many are eager to hear the next big thing from her. Make sure you buckle up and strap in for Tate McRae’s journey as she becomes the next breakout H star from up north. ■

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NEW ARTIST TATE MCRAE LOOKS TO BREAK OUT OF HER HOMETOWN IN CANADA, MAKING VARIOUS HIT SINGLES OVER THE PAST YEAR.

COURTESY OF TATE MCRAE VIA YOUTUBE

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OPINIONS EDITOR

“The Boys of Summer”

Homan

by The Ataris

The Don Henley classic is a summer staple, but midwestern punk band The Ataris gave this song a lively punk-pop update that makes this anthem better fit for sunny fun. The Ataris turned “The Boys of Summer” into a spunky banger built to be a lasting summer anthem. The magic of this song lies in the beach imagery of young people in love while infusing it with a heart-pounding, punky instrumental and a tone that will take you back to the days of young love. Little dated lyric changes, like “a Black Flag sticker on a Cadillac,”

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/radar

The Higlander’s Summer Song

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are enough to awaken the inner summer rebel in anybody. Even better, it’s a song that anyone can appreciate; your parents who haven’t listened to a modern pop song since the ‘90s will appreciate the familiar lyrics while you and your siblings can rock out without getting in trouble.

With aggressive instrumentals and all the angst that only early 2000s rock can provide, this version of “The Boys of Summer” pairs perfectly with a late night at the skate park, or headbanging on the way to the beach.

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“By Your Side”

by Calvin Harris

It’s appropriate to start this with one line: The king is back! Since 2009, Calvin Harris has released hit after hit, breaking records along the way. It’s been over a year since we have heard anything from Harris, but it’s as if he is ready to remind everyone what has made him so successful over the years with his amazing versatility and killer beat drops. Harris has always excelled at creating drops for songs that immediately begin to make people

dance, and this most recent release is nothing short of greatness. “By Your Side” is the perfect song to have on constant repeat throughout this summer as the melody just leaves you with a good feeling. The lyrics of the song remind listeners that no matter how hard it may seem, someone is by your side, and as this summer may potentially be the first normal period of time in over a year, Calvin Harris has provided a light at the end of the tunnel.

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“SOLAR POWER” by lorde

Returning from a four-year hiatus, Lorde did not disappoint with her new single, “Solar Power.” The upbeat, acoustic melody and cheerful lyrics mark a tonal shift from the artist’s notable melancholy sound to a brighter theme that is perfect for the summer. The intro starts with Lorde accompanied by a lone acoustic guitar as she sings the opening lines, “I hate the winter, can’t stand the cold … But when the heat comes, something takes a hold.” And though these lines appear to be quite simple in meaning on the surface, the opening lyrics serve as a significant symbol for growth and rebirth that Lorde hones in on throughout the song. The lyrics, “My cheeks in high colour, overripe peaches / No shirt, no shoes, only my features … Lead the boys and girls onto the beaches,” serve as an ode to

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embracing our natural selves and romanticizing the simple things — and after such a stressful year, there’s nothing better than doing just that.

This is the perfect song to welcome summer with, and considering how unconventional this year has been, the lyrics, “Forget all of the tears that you’ve cried / It’s over … It’s a new state of mind,” is an encouragement for everyone to keep moving forward and bask in the new beginnings that the season brings. The song ends with a big flourish, repeating the phrase “solar power” that is accompanied by a catchy drum beat, trumpets and an acoustic guitar that would all go perfectly with a day at the beach or a drive along the water.

Truly, there’s no better way to celebrate a return to normalcy after such a turbulent year than with Lorde’s new song.

RADAR

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/radar

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

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“You”

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“BANKROLL”

by BROCKHAMPTON, A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg Though summer may be the time to relax, sometimes the opportunity to let loose presents itself. The boys of BrockHampton have outdone themselves with this single, “BANKROLL,” as it features some of the finest lyricism to date by the collective.

A firm collaboration with A$AP Mob veterans, A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg elevates the track over powerful, bass heavy production.

And as the icing on the cake, Merlyn Wood, considered to be a breakout member of the group, is so smooth over a majority of

the track, while Matt Champion teams up with Rocky to deliver a catchy chorus. This particular track arrived in April 2021, along with an entire album by the group, “ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE.” Though it was teased for nearly three years with multiple iterations, the final product is sensational, living up to the hype created by the fans. When it comes to versatility and the quality of music, BrockHampton is a go-to choice, whether it be for a rager or a study session.

by Regard, featuring Troye Sivan and Tate McRae With various hits in the electronic dance music scene, Regard has built quite the reputation. His most recent hit, “You,” sounds as if he is continuing to solidify himself as a top artist. Unlike his typical deep “house music” tracks, Regard has made a switch on his single, creating a more upbeat, popinfused summer anthem. Along with a killer beat, Regard has also recruited mega-star Troye Sivan and future star Tate McRae to lead the vocal charge on his song, having them trade off verses as if they are singing to each other. The song revolves around an obsessed individual who is completely

infatuated with the person they are singing to, with lyrics claiming that no matter what they do in life, nothing gets them off your mind. Most recently, these artists have managed to put somewhat of a live performance together as they performed their hit on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show, but this is only a teaser to what fans can expect as the country continues to open up. Overall, this song is perfect to drive to with the windows down on a summer day as it serves as a beacon of hope to a return to the regular world.

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COURTESY OF TED EYTAN VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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“California”

by Rich Brian, NIKI and Warren Hue Rich Brian, NIKI and Warren Hue have finally released their new single, “California,” with their label group, 88rising, about three Indonesian kids chasing their dreams in the heart of California. Though their dreams seemed unattainable and unrealistic, these three artists were able to take their goal and achieve success within the music industry. While listening to the song for the first time, I found that the beat is groovy and relaxing. It had a hip vibe, and I was continuously nodding my head throughout the verse. Rich Brian and Warren Hue’s rap flow mixing with NIKI’s smooth vocals made the perfect beat for those

who enjoy fast-paced, indie genres.

The lyrics also tell different stories of how they all grew up, mentioning the different obstacles they each had to overcome to get to where they are today. For example, in Warren Hue’s verse, he states, “Flashbacks to the pictures from way back. The kids were like, ‘Who’s that? Who’s that?’ Now I do Hollywood.” This song beautifully captures the Asian-American experience and the artists’ perception of California. The lyrics and overall beat of the song are uplifting and motivating for those who are going through a period of self reflection and growth this Summer.

“The Afterglow”

by Silverstein

For rock fans everywhere, it’s common knowledge that some songs are perfect for singing at the top of your lungs down a highway. If you’re looking for an upbeat rock song to accompany your roadtripping, look no further than “The Afterglow” by the Canadian band, Silverstein. From the band’s incredibly well-produced 2017 album, “Dead Reflection,” “The Afterglow” seems like it was made for the summertime. It features an extremely singable chorus, a drum beat made for mimicking on your steering wheel. It ticks all the boxes

for being a catchy adrenaline-inducing anthem that can soundtrack everything from a summer fling to a late-night 7-Eleven run with your friends. And if you’re looking for more incredible music with the same vibe and delicious production, don’t hesitate to give the rest of “Dead Reflection” a listen on a warm summer evening. If you enjoy soaring vocals and want to experience one of the best albums of the 2010s, this album is sure to make for an enthusiastic H soundtrack for your break. ■

LISTEN HERE!

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Sports

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports

Men’s basketball head coach Mike Magpayo wins Joe B. Hall award KEVIN CONTRERAS Sports Editor

Coach Magpayo joined UCR’s coaching staff for men’s basketball as an assistant coach in 2017. For the 2020-21 season, he was named interim head coach, where he led the Highlanders to a historic season in the Big West Conference. His performance as head coach earned him the 2021 Joe B. Hall award.

This award is given annually to the top first-year Division I coach. The award is named after a Kentucky assistant coach who took the head coach position after the renowned Adolph Rupp stepped down. In his first year, Hall led the team to win the Southeastern Conference with a record of 20-8 and is known for leading the team to the NCAA regional finals. Since then, this award has been given to first-year coaches

who have made a mark in their respective school’s history.

From day one as head coach, Magpayo made history with the team’s first victory against Washington. That victory marked the first for a Division I head coach of Asian or Filipino descent. He led the Highlanders to a third-place finish in the Big West Conference as well as the number three seed in the Big West Tournament — the highest in Highlander history. The Highlanders ended their season with a 14-8 overall record and a 8-4 conference record. In the tournament, UCR reached the semifinals for the second time in UCR history, and the team’s victory in the opening round marked the first time UCR won a game in the postseason in 10 years.

Magpayo’s leadership has also allowed talented players on the team to receive

recognition for themselves.

Magpayo’s performance during the 2020-21 season has earned him the opportunity to lead the team as the official head coach. On May 21, the UCR athletics department announced that he had officially signed a five-year contract.

“The work of our elite student-athletes has led to this tremendous opportunity for me to lead us forward. We have constructed a group of young men that have proven to be winners over the last few years. My staff is special and I’m thankful to them as well,” said Magpayo in a UCR Athletics press release. “We are committed to building this winning culture and to always operate with a championship standard. This great young and empowered University deserves H a winner and I intend to give it to them.” ■

AFTER A HISTORIC FIRST YEAR WITH THE HIGHLANDERS, MAGPAYO BECOMES THE OFFICIAL HEAD COACH FOR THE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM.

COURTESY OF UCR NEWS

HIGHLANDER REWIND

UC Riverside women’s basketball upsets USC in a thriller match

HANSEL CHU Assistant Sports Editor

On Jan. 17, 2021, the UC Riverside women’s basketball team travelled to the Galen Center in downtown Los Angeles and pulled off a major upset by defeating the Trojans, 54-52. This was the first time in UCR history that the women’s basketball team defeated USC. The Highlanders were led by a strong performance by senior guard Keilanei Cooper.

The Highlanders jumped out to an early 15-2 start in the first quarter, which included three early 3-pointers from UCR. However, the Trojans settled themselves and finished the first quarter strong, as they went on an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to seven, leaving the score at 17-10 by the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, the Trojans continued to chip into

the Highlander lead. A layup from freshman forward Alissa Pili brought the Riverside lead down to two points, 19-17. The Highlanders responded by going on a 11-0 run to extend the lead back into double digits. With one second left on the clock, Cooper capped off a spectacular first half with a 3-pointer at the buzzer to put UCR up 36-19 at the end of the first half. Cooper, in the first half, erupted for 18 points, in which she carved up the Trojan defense with a series of layups and jumpshots. The Highlander defense in the first half was also stifling, in which they did not allow a single 3-pointer and held the Trojan offense to only 33% shooting from the field.

In the third quarter, however, the momentum shifted to USC as they began to comeback.

The Trojans tightened up their defense, and the Highlanders were unable to get anything going offensively, which let USC go on a momentous 17-0 run to bring them back within two points, 3836. However, a 3-pointer from Cooper with 1:08 left in the third quarter finally broke the scoring drought for the Highlanders. With the third quarter winding down, a jumper from sophomore center Angel Jackson off of a rebound capped off a pivotal third quarter for USC. In the final quarter, both teams went back and forth, responding to each basket with a score of their own. With 2:16 left in the game, a 3-pointer from freshman forward Kari Kyrkjebo put the Highlanders up by eight points, 52-44. With 30 seconds left in the game, the Trojans made a little

push of their own as a 3-pointer from sophomore guard Endyia Rogers brought USC back within five points, and a turnover from the Highlanders resulted in a basket from guard Desiree Caldwell, bringing the Trojans within three points of the Highlanders with only 11 seconds left in the game.

However, USC was forced to foul, and two clutch free throws from Kyrkjebo iced the game and gave the Highlanders a victory of 5452, their first win against USC in campus history.

Cooper carried the Highlanders offensively with 26 points, four rebounds and two steals. Kyrkjebo contributed with a solid 12 points and seven rebounds, and freshman guard Jordan Webster recorded a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

COURTESY OF UCR ATHLETICS

THE HIGHLANDERS DEFEAT THE TROJANS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CAMPUS HISTORY.