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LEGAL
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“ Mahlia Jade Trang (She/Her), Public Policy & Law and Society, Fourth Year
LETTER FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD
In support of the R’Garden
DOUBLE DOWN AND ENSURE FUNDING FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR.
On Dec. 1, 2012, an empty plot of land behind Parking Lot 30 was transformed into what we know today as the R’Garden, or the University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) commuorganizations, Sustainable UCR and Cultivate R’Space.
fund and create a separate community garden through Sustainable UCR and the Salvation Army, but the latter organization withdrew its Chancellor Timothy White made a one-time fund of $145,723 available, as he believed, “The power of our students is … really the organic piece of our university, along with the power of our faculty.”
In light of potential foreclosure, the R’Garden has been rallying for student and community support for years. R’Garden workers have hit the streets in protest, spoken to various local ofto boost funding since 2022.
This year, during the ASUCR elections for the 2025-2026 school year, the R’Garden referendum fell through yet again. The R’Garden lost support simply because only 17.6 percent of students turned out to vote, not meeting the 20 percent minimum voter turnout for the referendum to pass.
On May 12, 2025, in a post on their Instagram, the R’Garden released a message asking for support from those at UCR as well as the greater Riverside community:
tain operations through the next academic year. CNAS is also prepared to continue supporting R’Garden by extending the use of land, water and other agricultural resources such that the operation of R’Garden can continue until a new referendum can be put to a student body vote in 2025-26.”
This does not mean that the battle is over. In fact, student activism in colleges is not new. For years, student activists have gathered in solidarity to oppose wars, call for research funding and seek out free speech. And in many instances they won.
Now is not the time to start pulling back from sending emails to the administration calling for attention to the R’Garden. Students, faculty and community members all around have to double down until funding is guaranteed. It would be all too simple for the administration to revoke
R’Garden, so the spotlight on their struggle has to remain until stability is guaranteed.
CNAS department that they have secured funding for the R’Garden for the duration of the 2025-2026 school year, here is a draft email to send to them.
I strongly urge you to continue looking for alternative funding methods, internal to the university, to continue funding this space of learning and food security. I do not believe that it is possible for me to succeed as a student with the looming fear of food insecurity, as living costs
loved one, the threat of food insecurity is all too real, and it is important for these resources to be available to us.
Without the R’Garden, my worries are exacerwho drop by, regardless of food insecurity status, making it one of the most — if not the most — accessible resources on campus. No questions asked, no debts owed; the R’Garden is there to support all.
The R’Garden is a place where students have the opportunity to learn about issues in the community and around the world, such as food insecurity, environmental justice and what it meansous learning opportunities through programs like College Corps, but it also aims to foster a connection within the community through various outreach events.
The loss of the garden means the loss of events such as the Fall Harvest Festival, the R’Garden Rockout and other workshops such as the vermicomposting workshop or seed bombing event.
Less than two weeks later, as students took of College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS), Peter W. Atkinson released a statement on behalf of campus leadership: “In the short term, CNAS is working with campus leadership to explore bridge funding options that could sus-
is [First Name Last Name], and I am a student at the University of California, Riverside. I am writing to express my strong support for maintaining the funding for the R’Garden. Since its foundation in 2012, the R’Garden has become an integral part of the UCR experience.
As a UCR student, I feel it is my responsibility to advocate on behalf of this integral resource. Without the R’Garden, UCR cannot continue to advertise itself in good faith as a low-income and minority-serving institution when this garden has fed countless students on campus.
If the R’Garden is not funded, it’s a loss to UCR as a whole.
We, as a student body, are holding you, as administrators, accountable. Please let us and the whole campus community know when you have
Best, [First Name Last Name]
SANJANA THATTE
R’Bus planning process
POTENTIAL PLANS FOR THE UCR STUDENT AFTER-HOURS SHUTTLE SYSTEM.
R’Bus, an initiative started with College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) Senator Vinisha Lalli and former Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) Senators Anjana Narasimhan and Amariah Peedikayil, aims to provide students with safe late-night transportation back to their residences. It has now evolved into plans for a full-time internal transportation system that potentially could act as a bus service central to the University of California, Riverside (UCR).
Senator Lalli explained that R’Bus originates in the point-to-point system that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic. The shuttle service transported students from campus within a one-mile radius of the University of California, Riverside (UCR). It was run by the University of California Police Department (UCPD) afterhours volunteers. The program had several issues, such as not accommodating those with
disabilities, not being eco-friendly and operat-
many waiting for a considerable duration of time before they could catch a bus.
Senator Lalli wished to reinvigorate the program, noting that many science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students often had labs and classes that ran very late into the night. The lack of lighting on campus makes it unsafe for many to travel back to their resi-
Lalli and her team’s initial pitch for the program would allow for American Disability Association (ADA) compliant GEM carts to follow a scheduled route around campus from 7 p.m. to
However, after talking to Maria Keller, Associate Director of the Student Disability Resource Center, Senator Lalli and her team realized that a broader internal transportation
system is needed throughout the day at UCR. This would help students with disabilities get around campus and generally reach buildings and lecture halls far from them.
If approved, the project, which has been in the works for a year, would begin its testing phase during the summer. Funding could potentially be sourced from the Associated Students of UCR (ASUCR) or other on-campus organizations. The route the buses would take would likely be determined in collaboration with UCPD. The program would start operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and if support is gathered, will also be extended to later hours.
If she succeeds in her ambition, Senator Lalli hopes to make the program permanent through an ASUCR resolution and operate the system through an app similar to the Riverside Transit Agency’s (RTA) app.
Trump enacts Canadian tariffs
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS IMPOSED TARIFFS ON IMPORTED GOODS FROM CANADA.
SARAH TABEL
Trade tensions between the United States (U.S.) and Canada have increased amid a wave economic ties between the two countries. The U.S and Canada have had a longstanding history of bilateral trade relationships, particularly in the automotive and energy markets.
The Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (CUSFTA), was signed in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. The agreement was enforced in 1989 and Canada. It was later replaced by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) include Mexico. The agreement was superseded in 2020 with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which aimed to improve trade relations and create a balanced trade environment between the three countries.
In 2024, The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the U.S. imported $413 billion worth of goods from Canada, making it the nation’s third-largest supplier. Canada was reported as the top destination for U.S. exports in 2024. Including both exports and imports, Canada was the second-largest trade partner for the U.S. that year.
Statistics Canada reported that 76 percent of their goods were exported to the U.S. and 50 percent were imported from the U.S. in 2024. In 2023, the U.S. was the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Canada, investing more in Canadian assets and businesses, by stock, than any other country. In the same year, Canada was the third-largest source of FDI to
the U.S.
In Janunary of 2025, the Trump administra-
Canadian goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which grants the president authority to regulate inter-
also imposed under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which permits the president to take action on imports that threaten national security. However, Canadian imports under the USCMA
In February of 2025, President Trump announced that the U.S. will impose 25 percent
however the imports under the USCMA remain
On March 12, Trump imposed 25 percent tar-
which removed previous exemptions and raised
hicle imports traded under USCMA, excluding all content from the U.S. The Trump administration announced that it would continue taking preventive measures to avoid the accumulation
Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, stated U.S. can make “credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade.” Canadian provinces and territories have also announced retaliation mea-
sures on the sale of U.S. alcohol.
Congress is currently assessing the possibility of conducting oversight over U.S.-Canada trade relations. A joint review of USCMA has been scheduled for 2026.
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Six people dead after plane crash in San Diego
SENNA OMAR
PLANE CRASH DESTROYS THE LARGEST NAVY-OWNED NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE U.S.
weather hit a power line and crashed into a San Diego neighborhood. The plane smashed into the home of a San Diego native, Ben McCarty, destroying his home and claiming the lives of all six passengers.
members of the neighborhood died; however, eight people were taken to the hospital for minor injuries such as smoke inhalation.
Following the crash, McCarty’s home was left in pieces; the roof partially collapsed and that 10 other houses in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood — the largest Navy-owned housing in the country — were damaged.
McCarty told ABC News, “My wife was he walked toward the front of his home, a scene of destruction unfolded before his eyes.
McCarty and his wife grabbed their children and dogs and rushed for the back exit, where neighbors helped them escape.
Neighbors who witnessed the crash describedball outside their homes.
Many residents felt blessed to have survived the devastating destruction to their homes. “I spared,” shared Ariya Waterworth, a witness to the crash and resident of the neighborhood.
After the crash, at least 100 residents were evacuated from the neighborhood. San Diego
lingering for days.
Flight Path
New Jersey, at 11:15 p.m. on May 21, 2025, and stopped for fuel in Wichita, Kansas. According -
ery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it smashed into power lines about two miles southeast of the airport.
Assistant SDFD Chief Dan Eddy, who was on the scene of the crash, explained that on the morning of the crash the fog was so thick, “you could barely see through it.”
torney, elucidated the possible circumstances surrounding the crash to AP news. According to Newman, the plane likely operated on an instru-
tive Airport, once the aircraft reaches 673 feet during its descent, the pilot must rely on sight to guide the landing.
“If a pilot descends to that level and he can’t see the runway, he has to call for a missed approach or divert to another airport,” described Newman.
‘Propaganda I’m NOT falling for’
DINARA GODAGE
DIVING DEEPER INTO THE HISTORY OF PROPAGANDA.
Recently, a common trend on TikTok is listing “propaganda” that the creator will not believe. Lists include items such as high gas prices, hook up culture or animal print clothing.
While many of these videos are jokes madesemination of false or partially incorrect inforthis meant convincing a nation that genocide is acceptable rather than what colored shoes is popular or not.
Propaganda has its origins in the ancient world with ancient Greeks utilizing oratory propaganda, the Catholic Church creating the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith in 1600s and the Spanish Armada after their defeat by Britain to paint their loss in a more favorable light.
Modern propaganda became a common word in the 1910s due to World War I (WWI). It can be presented in various forms, such as banners, slogans, insignia, hair styles and many others.
fascists and communists such as Hitler and Mussolini. They utilized newer technologies to
However, these groups are not the only ones to blame. Democratic governments thrive on pro-
of constituents, whether that be a few thousand in their town to be mayor or millions to become the United States president. Each candidate creates a slogan and writes a narrative to appeal to public opinion. While every candidate may not be falsifying their campaigns, each of them is not entirely truthful either.
Another example of propaganda is wartime slogans. For instance, Rosie the Riveter encourages, “We can do it!” and Uncle Sam points at the viewer telling them “I want you!” Each of these were created to establish a positive view
When encountering propaganda, the American Historical Association suggests following one of the two tests to judge the truthfulness of the message by asking:
1. Is it really propaganda? Is some individual and action? Who? For what purpose?
2. Is it true? Does a comparison of independent reports show that the facts are accurate? Does such a comparison show that the suggestions made are soundly based?
Propaganda has had various negative impacts on history, such as perpetuating genocide, ethnic cleansing and general warfare. Utilizing critical thinking, as explained in the tests from the AHA, can assist in creating an opinion apart from the messages pushed by governments or corporations.
COUTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
COUTESY OF FREERANGE STOCK
Kim Wilcox Drive: Legacy remains at UCR
COMMEMORATING CHANCELLOR WILCOX’S IMPACT ON UCR. KARINA SEPULVEDA
On May 8, 2025, the street surrounding University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) campus was renamed and dedicated in honor of the university’s ninth chancellor, Kim Wilcox, who has devoted 12 years to UCR and has announced his resignation. The street, originally designated Campus Drive, has been renamed Kim Wilcox Drive. The Arts Building, Hinderaker Hall, the School of Business, Orbach Science Library and University Lecture Hall are all located along the street.
The unveiling of one of the remodeled street signs took place in the morning, followed by a lunch reception and a larger campus commemoration at Rivera Lawn in the afternoon for Chancellor Wilcox. Not only were UCR -
erside community. While giving a speech, he expressed his gratitude: “A university is only as great as its people, and those at UCR helped transform the campus.” Given his time at UCR, Wilcox has been able to see and experience the university’s full potential. Attendees participated in activities such as booths with games and prizes, including buttons and stickers featuring photos of Wilcox.
Natalie Upp, a fourth-year English major at UCR, pointed out that the university does not commonly host special dedications, sharing, “I think it’s cool that someone can have enough impact to do that and have something changed.” Historically, four other chancellors besides Kim Wilcox have received publicing UCR into what it is today.
Commemorations such as Spieth Hall, -
lor, Herman Spieth, who served from 1958 tosor of zoology. UCR’s second chancellor, Ivan Hinderaker, was the university’s longest-servshop “Ivan’s,” located inside the building, are named after him.
UCR’s two libraries, the Tomás Rivera Library and the Orbach Science Library, are named in honor of the university’s third chancellor, Tomás Rivera, and sixth chancellor, Raymond L. Orbach. Tomás Rivera was the system, and Raymond L. Orbach initiated the proposals for UCR’s medical school.
But some students have expressed concerns about the inconvenience caused by the name change. James Barragan, a fourth-year aerospace engineering student, articulated, “I feelnitely confuse some locals who used to come around here. So there’s that kind of transition from one name to another, but there’s only so much we can do. At least the best thing we can hope for is Google Maps to update it.”
Other students, such as Leo Thai, a secondyear engineering student, expressed, “It probably [would have] been easier if they kept it. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. It’s still a street.”
Chancellor Kim Wilcox took on the role of chancellor in 2013, and since then, enrollment has grown by more than 25 percent, along has also added or renovated more than 2 mil-ditional $1 billion in projects underway. This
is the sixth year that U.S. News has featured UCR in the top two spots in its social mobility category.
No. 1 in the nation among four-year universities.For the following two years, it was ranked No. 2, before returning to the No. 1 position in 2024-25. Under Chancellor Kim Wilcox’s leadership, UCR joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), becoming one of just four AAU members that are also a Hispanic-serving institution and an Asian Ameriserving institution.
During his time at UCR, he became a mentor to many of his students and peers who work alongside him. As a result, Kim Wilcox received the 2023 American Council on Education (ACE) Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor Award at the ACE Council’s annual meeting. Wilcox is one of the founding leaders of the University Innovation Alliance, serves on the board of directors of the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Presidential Forum and is a founding leader of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities.
He is actively involved in promoting college athletics and academics, as well as addressing issues related to limited resources in urban areas, becoming an advocate for his students. UCR’s Chancellor Kim Wilcox will be leaving his position during this summer of 2025 and will be remembered for his contributions to the university.
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Congressional Column: The Laken Riley Act
On Jan. 29, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This bill was named in honor of Laken Riley, who was a nursing student at the University of Georgia. Riley was murdered in February of 2024 by an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who had prior arrests in New York and Georgia but had not been restrained by federal immigration authorities.
Department of Homeland Security to detain migrants if they are charged with certain criminal
assault against law enforcement or any crimes that result in death or serious bodily injury of another person.”
The bill was authored by Senator Katie Boyd Britt from Alabama, who is a part of the Republican Party. The Laken Riley Act was initially introduced in the 118th Congress in the House of Representatives on March 1, 2024, where it cleared the House’s vote with a vote of 251170. The support was composed of all of the Republican representatives voting for the passing of this bill and 35 Democrats. The bill faced opposition in the Senate, which at the time held
Democratic power, and did not pass.
In the 119th Congress, the bill was reintroduced and passed again in the House of Representatives with a vote of 264-159 on Jan. 7, 2025. On Jan. 20, 2025, the Laken Riley Act was passed in the Senate with a vote of 64-35 and was signed into law by current President Donald Trump nine days later. The Laken Riley
Key provisions of the Laken Riley Act include the fact that minors are not exempt and that there is no opportunity for release.
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KISHNEET KAUR
ASUCR
Rishika Salvi expresses discontent with former and incoming ASUCR cabinet.
SENNA OMAR
Editor-In-Chief
Incoming Vice President of Internal the University of California, Riverside
an association that acts in this manner … The actions and attitudes of
don’t see any of you again, have a great
incoming Executive Vice President
Although Salvi had already left the
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New Non-traditional Student Director, International Student Director, Elections Director and President Pro-Tempore appointed.
SENNA OMAR
Editor-In-Chief
The Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR), on Wednesday held Non-traditional Student Director, International Student
Incoming ASUCR President and current President encouraged everyone to come to the transition summit throughout her time at ASUCR and resigning from her
Student Director, International Student Director, Non-Traditional Student Director — Nina Haywood
Because of the success of the event, Internal Affairs
of California Community Colleges navigating mental International Student Director — Kaity Dong the resources for international students at UCR
notices that all of the international student resources
international administration … this administration is
President Pro Tempore (PPT) — Jeevan Rao Returning College of Natural and Agricultural
students to have direct access to information that affects Elections Director — Diya Baskaran
OP ED
Why California must pass AB 288 in workers’ fight for fairness
A NEW CALIFORNIA BILL WILL EXPEDITE LABOR LAW VIOLATION INVESTIGATIONS BY MAKING THE STATE TAKE OVER WHEN THE PROCESS IS PROLONGED.
ANDY TRAN, ANGELINA HANNEMAN, EVANGELINE SI, RAY BARAJAS, & ADAM BELHEDI
California Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, representing Inglewood and nearby areas in Los Angeles County, introduced Assembly Bill 288 (AB 288) to protect workers when federal labor laws fail. The bill addresses serious delays in the federal system, especially with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) — an independent federal agency created to “safeguard employees’ rights to organize” — which is underfunded, politically intools.
As a result, many workers wait months or years for justice in wage theft and labor violation cases. AB 288 provides a faster and more accessible way for California workers in the private sector to defend their rights when the federal system is too slow or broken.
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees at privatesector workplaces the right to unionize and prevent unfair labor practices. The NLRB conducts workplace elections and investigates unfair labor practice charges. However, the federal agencycade despite seeing an increase of 10 percent in cases related to union petitions and unfair practice charges dur-
In addition, the Department of new federal department established by and save taxpayers’ dollars — termiin Los Angeles, along with many other a lawsuit against Trump’s decision.
illegal,” the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of allowing the current board members. The ruling essentially independent federal agency employees at whim, only weakening agencies’ ability to function and do their duty.
In the Inland Empire, the proliferation of warehouses has contributed toing health concerns among residents. AB 288 would allow workers to petition the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), a state agency that
administers the “collective bargainingent business sectors, for relief in cases where the NLRB has not provided a timely remedy. This would ensure that employees can exercise their rights to organize and bargain collectively without undue delay.
MAIN ST
Amazon’s work culture in the Inland Empire has been pointed out for being unsafe, stating, Amazon’s operating methods are creating hazardous work conditions and processes. Veronica Kern, an Amazon warehouse worker in Moreno Valley, described the environment as “stressful and intense,” noting that managers would publicly chastise workers for not meeting undisclosed productivity targets and even pressure them to hurry back from bathroom breaks.
employees to face demanding productivity quotas enforced by sophisticated tracking systems, warehouse workers have little room for breaks or mistakes. Many employees report feeling like they are constantly under surveillance, with every movement monitored and measured against ever-increasing targets. This high-pressure workplace environment leads to increased records of workplace injuries regarding lower back injuries, high turnover rate and burnout issues that are especially concerning given Amazon’s dominant presence as one of the region’s largest employers.
now, workers protected by the NLRA which investigates the claim, may issue a formal complaint and then hold a hearing before an administrative judge, whose decision can be appealed to the full Board and even to federal court. This drawn-out process can take months or even years to resolve.
In recent years, for example, the average time from charge to resolu-
many Californians living paycheck to paycheck, delayed justice often means falling behind on rent, skipping meals or forgoing medical care while they wait for a resolution.
ORANGE ST
plaints through California’s PERB, AB 288 would provide a faster and more accessible pathway to justice. This would ensure that vulnerable workers in industries like warehousing can advocate for their human rights withouthoods.
AB 288 provides extremely important worker protections for this critical moment in labor history, when multibillion-dollar corporations are infringing on workers’ rights. The bill addresses important issues regarding workplace protections that corporations are exploiting to commit workplace injustices.
The federal labor laws currently do not protect workers and do not ef-
are essential to their economic security and to maintaining standards of human dignity, especially when faced with everything.
The relationships between profits and power are more apparent than ever in light of the current administration’s actions, with Trump’s appointment of over a dozen billionaires into his second-term cabinet, and his close
Bezos. After a report that Amazon products, Trump called Bezos to recKaroline Leavitt deemed a “hostile and political act,” leading to a statement from Amazon denying the report.
Due to the shortcomings of federal laws and the willingness of the regulations in favor of corporations and billionaires, the state must ensure that bureaucratic processes are not exploited and should provide protection for workers. Under the current Trump administration, AB 288 is more critical than ever to ensure workers’ rights are recognized and protected.
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Op-Eds are not edited by The Highlander, excluding those related to grammatical errors and AP opinion of the Editorial Board and are not written by Highlander contracted writers.
solution for workers trapped in a slow and uncertain federal process. Right
Americans, as employees wait multiple years without a timely response from
From uncertainty to belonging: How UCR became my home
UCR HELPED ME BECOME THE PERSON I AM PROUD OF TODAY.
the University of California, Riverside college student, trying not to show the disappointment of not getting into my dream school.
However, after spending time at UC Los Angeles and participating in the intercampus visitor program, which allows UC students to spend a quarter or semester at another UC campus in person, I realized that UCR felt more like the right match for me. UCR is more in tune with my ideals, especially in terms of community, values, campus culture and its landscape with its homey size and greenery.
year, I carried so much hope, anticipation and just as much uncertainty. I didn’t
or live up to my expectations. I didn’t have the answers, but I knew I was ready to grow.
That growth didn’t happen overnight. It started slowly with new experiences, late-night thoughts, reruns of “Gilmore Girls,” and with small moments that changed me in ways I didn’t even notice until now, standing at the edge of graduation.
which happened to be for the Opinions section, titled “The death of new and bittersweet,” I explored how horror movies were changing and how fear evolves in someone. In retrospect, that article was about more than pop culture.
LILIANNA ANGEL H
letting go of old ideas and embracing the unfamiliar. In so many ways, that’s exactly what college has been for me: facing change with curiosity, even when
UCR has been the beginning of everything for me. And now, as I prepare to leave, I already miss it. A large part of me wishes I weren’t graduating as early as I am, so I could continue to experience UCR as an undergraduate, but the other part of me is grateful for the time I did have here and excited for what’s next in life.
I was accepted into UCR as a political science major and have no regrets. I knew from the start that I was passionate about understanding how political systems work and how to create meaningful change in them. But it wasn’t always a straight path. After taking PBPL 001 with Professor David Brady, I seriously considered switching majors.
A part of me still wishes I had double majored in public policy because that
course opened up the world of policy by understanding how to create and understand legislation. For a while, it political theory kept calling me back. That “something” found its place in POSC 005, Political Ideologies, with Professor Bronwyn Leebaw, where political theory challenged me to dig deeper into the “why” behind politics. Now, as I take POSC 196A, Moot Court, with Professor Peter Mort, I’m sharpening my argumentation and public speaking skills in ways I arrived at UCR. Each of these courses helped me build not just my academic
Then came my decision to minor in feminist studies, spawned from my women and culture and political ideologies classes, I realized I wanted to learn more about the feminist lens and how this perspective views the world. One of my favorite courses is GSST 175, Gender, Ethnicity and Borders, with Professor Elizabeth Rubio, who has helped me think more critically about identity, power and intersectionality. Overall, I think my love of political science and minoring in feminist studies allowed me to really enjoy my major by fully understanding the framework of our political systems.
I was able to achieve a lot, including various political ideology courses from early American political thought, jurisprudence, electoral politics and a Chicano studies service learning course where I volunteered with California Public Interest Research group (CALPIRG), which focused on environmentalism in lobbying campaigns. At UCLA, I learned a lot, and for that I am eternally grateful.
However, the things outside the classroom made my college experience unforgettable, especially at UCR. The Highlander gave me a place to grow as a writer and share my voice. I later joined HerCampus, which taught me the fundamentals of writing I was my true voice. Each article became a and what I cared about. HerCampus gave me room to write with heart, to tell stories that felt personal and raw. Through both media organizations and community, purpose and pride.
I also threw myself into student life. I participated in Scotty’s Fair last year with my friends (which I absolutely
loved!), engaged in many campus events from last year’s Maker’s Week to club expos and everything in between. While these events may seem like just calendar items, they were moments of joy, growth and connection. They reminded me that UCR is more than a university — it’s a vibrant community.
Becoming a UCR Traditions Keeper — completing a list of unique UCR traditions — was one of my proudest accomplishments. It gave me a reason to explore every corner of campus and participate in activities I might have skipped. Each tradition became a little thread in the larger story I was weaving here. One of my fondest memories, thanks to the UCR Traditions Keeper program, was exploring Downtown Riverside from the Food Lab to the Riverside Main Library.
When college life felt overwhelming — and trust me, it did — my hobbies were my sanctuary. I restarted knitting, took up crocheting and started binge rewatching “Gilmore Girls” since my
distractions from the 20 units I took per quarter to graduate two years early; those small rituals helped me stay connected to myself, even during the busiest, most stressful weeks.
Balancing classes, writing clubs and a personal life was never easy. I had many
plans to recover, including taking a break during week three or 7 every quarter, though this was a bit reckless in hindsight. Every time I fell behind or was tired, I came back stronger. UCR
out how to breathe, which is unique to this college campus.
Everything I’ve done here — every class, every article, every late-night cram session and every spontaneous need for ice cream has made me who I am. I came in unsure of my place in the world, and now I’m leaving with a clearer vision of what I want to do and
equity and justice as a Constitutional lawyer. I want to continue writing, speaking and advocating in ways that matter.
So, thank you to UCR and its wonderful community from the very bottom of my heart. Thank you for accepting me, challenging me and helping me become someone I’m proud of. Thank you for giving me friends I’ll always cherish, professors who expanded my knowledge and made me want to learn more and memories I’ll hold close forever.
A very special thank you to my brother Ricky, my sister Brianna and my mom Anna for always pushing me to do my best. Thank you to the best advisor I have ever had, Bryan Barker, for helping me take the classes I really wanted to and helping me graduate early. Thank you to everyone on The Highlander. You all do so much, and I deeply appreciate it.
This goodbye is bittersweet — just it’s also beautiful in a sense, because now I get to carry UCR with me, wherever I go.
graduate: I made it.
I’ll never stop being a Highlander at heart — it’s in my tartan soul now, woven into every part of who I’ve become.
LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER
Take It or Leave It: Cowboy boots are in the hands of the wrong party
LOVING YOUR NATION DOESN’T IMPLY WORSHIPPING YOUR GOVERNMENT, ESPECIALLY NOT WHILE WEARING FLAG-COVERED OVERALLS.
While browsing TheGuardian.com, I saw an image of a manboy boots and a t-shirt that read, “Trump’s Tweets Matter.” The picture reminded me of a political meme, but to this man, his patriotic cowboy aesthetic was absolutely serious.
This has become even more of a trend in the United States (U.S.), where patriotism has become a costume. Not metaphorically, but literally. Right-wing protests and conservative campus events now feature cowboy boots, American and t-shirts that turn political phrases into punchlines. I have nothing against cowboy boots, denim or acana. It is nationalism in rhinestones.
Before Trump, patriotism meant for its essential ideals such as libfor improvement and realizing that criticism may come from a place of genuine concern. Speaking out against racism was perceived as paor healthcare. Dissent was seen as a duty, not a threat.
-alty rather than principled behavior. If you criticize the country, you are labeled ungrateful. If you talk about injustice, you are told you despise America. If you advocate for change, you will be accused of being a socialist. This version of -
gans over justice and truth, labeling betrayal rather than devotion.
However, America was founded on acts of disobedience, which is a bit ironic. The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the British King and government, who were taxing the colonies unfairly without letting them have a say. The Founding Fathers spoke out against this kind of power — a distant king and monarchy controlling the colonies without listening to the peoples’ needs. They wanted a government that was fair and answered to its citizens. They wrote the Declaration of Independence because they were fed up with oppression from their political system.
Let’s be clear: patriotism should not imply pledged loyalty to a politician. Patriotism means caring enough about your nation to want it to improve. This includes speaking out against injustice, advocat-
nity. It could mean seeking iman end to prejudice. Loving your country entails striving to make it for all citizens. I criticize the U.S. because I feel it has potential. Be-
None of this necessitates donning statement.
The atmosphere during political rallies is part cosplay, half cult. The They are a message. They are a signal that states, “I belong to this
we do.” The bright colors and slogans detract from how hollow the message truly is. Let’s not forget who they’re celebrating: President Donald J. Trump, who attempted to overturn an election, encouraged violence to Capitol rioters on Jan. 6 and is now facing nearly 34 felony charges, among many other absurd policies and actions.
There has been a clear bastardization of the term “patriotism,” turning it into a demand to never -
and obedience. Patriotism is not a slogan, a catchphrase or a method of devotion. True patriotism is unpleasant and honest. It entails loving your nation enough to confess when something has gone wrong and working hard to make things
simpler when one is not marginalized. For many people, patriotism from the system; they are not experiencing systemic racism, econom-
est displays of loyalty, whilst those advocating change understand that true love for this nation entails insisting that it live up to its principles for all.
government. Instead, many simply obey orders and accept those in authority, even when justice is ignored.
If Make America Great Again (MAGA) fashion were a political
stitched together with every conceivable image of Trump on top. It’s noisy, overbearing and tries so hard to demonstrate loyalty to their leader. It’s frustrating to watch inpatterns and politician faces, as if you worship and how many stars and stripes you can wear at once.
It’s also important to remember
Marginalized groups include Black, Indigenous and people of color who endure continuous racial discrimination; immigrants who face exclusion and legal impediments; LGBTQ+ people who face prejudice and a lack of safeguards; and low-income communities confronted with economic disparity. Because these communities face injustice and marginalization, they demonstrate patriotism by advocatthan blind loyalty.
We need to stop allowing one group to claim ownership of patriotism. Cowboy boots do not belong nor does love for our country.
You can wear boots and believe in climate change. You can wear denim while still supporting racial justice. You can love your nation while believing it should do better. The notion that only conservatives are patriotic is a lie promoted by those seeking to silence disagreement. The fact is straightforward: if you love something, you hold it accountable. You want it to be the very best version of itself. That is true patriotism.
RUBAITA IQBAL
COURTESY OF FLICKR
Take It or Leave It: Canceling it forward: positive impacts toward individual change
CANCEL CULTURE HOLDS PUBLIC FIGURES ACCOUNTABLE AND CAN PROMOTE PERSONAL GROWTH BY AMPLIFYING INDIVIDUAL VOICES.
A couple of years ago, I witnessed a classmate delete an old tweet in the middle of a lecture after her friends in a group chat dug it up and started gossiping about it. I remember her whispering to me in fear, saying something along the lines of, “If I get cancelled over that tweet from 2015, just know that I was 13 and dumb.” At the time, their comment was funny, but it made me realize how much people fear being cancelled, especially in a time where the concept of cancel culture is openly embraced.
Cancel culture represents actions that the general public and fans take against celebrities when they need to be held accountable for problematic or harmful statements and behaviors. The backlash through protests from their fan base, whichencer status and platform.
criminal ones, are considered more severe than gossip-inducing drama or alleged rumors. Because of this variance, cancel culture is not only determined by the degree of the behavior, but also by how the public majority responds to it.
In 2010, social media became popularized as apps such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram were emerging. People from all over the world had the opportunity to connect virtually with strangers through the power of social media. It was also able to provide individuals with an outlet to freely share their opinions in the form of images, words and videos. While these various platforms opened doors to positive interactions and the exchange of information, they also contributed to the rise of cancel culture and publicly calling out strangers on the internet.
Being an active participant in cancel culture is necessary to reduce negative behavior, such as racism, sexism or abuse of fan bases, as it challenges the harmful norms.
In 2018, Stefano Gabbana, a fashion designer for Dolce and Gabbana, was put on blast for an Instagram direct message (DM) from a friend referring to China as a “country of [poop emojis]” and described the nation as dirty and smelly. In addition, he made racist, stereotypical jokes aboutnancial losses for his brand, as many fash-
The resulting backlash pushed Gabbana to rethink his statements and shows how cancel culture allows celebrities to learn from their mistakes rather than punishing them.
“Cancelling” someone doesn’t bring right, tuning into cancel culture on social media will give power to individual voices, -
growth for the “cancelled.”
Around a total of 10,093 United States (U.S.) citizens see cancel culture as a way to express their opinions and bring awareness to criticize larger global problems such as abuse of power, racism and sexual harassment. Take the example of James
one million followers on TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.
In 2020, Charles was accused of allegedly messaging underage boys on Snapchat, though he later claimed not to know they were minors. Instead of his followers just gossiping about the situation, many people began to respond to his actions by posting TikTok videos analyzing and discussing the allegations to warn his fans. This eventually discouraged Morphe, a makeup brand, and YouTube from partnering with him in future brand deals.
Fans commented on Charles’ TikTok posts to spread awareness of the situation. One user, @annualgoat, commented that just like there are child labor laws” to protect underage social media users. Charles’ fans came together to cancel him, and their actions worked. Brands began to disengage, and Charles lost two of his major sponsorships.
After the incident with Charles and the associated apology, conversations began to steer toward addressing the larger problem
appropriate boundaries with minors, especially those within their fan base. The joint power of these voices led to brands disengaging with Charles, showing that digital activism, embodied through cancel culture, can be useful in boycotting content
Charles’ situation opened a space for discussion of topics such as sexual assault and internet safety procedures for minors, which everyday media tends to ignore. In the broader sense, this act of digital protest is crucial for social change and can help
inform important conversations about the censorship of media content for minors.
Cancel culture also serves as a reminder unchecked power. In 2018, the comedian Kevin Hart was announced to host the 2019 Oscars Academy Awards Show. The enthusiasm fans exhibited after this announcement eventually contributed to the discovery of tweets Hart posted that contained homophobic remarks.
Initially, Hart did not address his remarks, since he claimed to have already apologized. However, after fans shared screenshots of his tweets on Instagram and Twitter, urging others to unfollowsigned from hosting the Academy Awards. He later wrote a public announcement on Twitter, stating, “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.” The press also played a role in announcing and publishing articles in CNN, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, fueling media attention towards Hart’s past actions and spreading fans’ criticism.
As a result, it helped raise awareness on how cancelling someone with a large public audience can prompt them to step back, apologize and recognize their harmful actions. Hart stepping down from hosting the Oscars showed his accountability for his past actions, while his apologetic words on Twitter demonstrated his emotional sensitivity toward the situation.
Because of Hart’s public commitment to changing himself, his fans responded full responsibility for his past mistakes. Cancel culture pushed him to engage with the LGBTQ+ community he hurt by immersing himself in conversations about safe space, and to help strengthen his understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. He met and talked with comedian Wanda Sykes, who helped Hart comprehend the harm that such jokes can create.
Sometimes being cancelled, even if unfairly, can lead to personal growth. In 2021, TikTok star Sienna Mae Gomez, an
assault by Jack Wright. These allegations were never deemed true since there was no proof of an incident occurring between the two parties.
Despite facing greater backlash from her fans when compared to Hart and
Charles, Sienna continued to deny the allegations. Eventually, she removed herself from social media to focus on her mental well-being. A year after being away from social media, Sienna launched her swimsuit line, “Sienna Swim,” in 2022.
Rather than disappearing from the public’s view, she used this experience to bounce back and create a brand focused in their bodies. During this time, she also and found God as she began to rediscover her purpose spiritually. Sienna Mae’s transformation represents that cancel culture, even when proven false, can push individuals towards their better selves, allowing them to become stronger spiritually and mentally.
However, not everyone sees cancel culture in a positive light. Many argue that the especially in cases where people lose their reputation over misunderstandings. Being wrongfully cancelled can cause irreparable harm to reputations and the mental health of individuals, leading to suicide or depression. However, cancel culture isn’t just black and white. It is a tool, and like any tool, its results and impact depend on how people use it. The positive growth associated with cancel culture can be seen in the case of Kevin Hart and Sienna Mae their lives for the better.
harmful behaviors or language doesn’t automatically lead to irreversible repercussions. Oftentimes, it can lead to positive, meaningful discussions surrounding accountability and growth. In the end, cancel culture is essential for positive change since it provides authority to individual accountable for potentially problematic behaviors while promoting one’s growth. Every day, it allows people to have a space to criticize harmful behavior and forces individuals to own up to their own mistakes, showing the power of social media protest. Rather than fearing it, we should rethink the whole concept of calling out someone for their actions. If cancel culture can make our nation a little more aware, then perhaps it is not a bad thing after all.
H
ABIGAIL WEI
COURTESY OF STAY TUNED
COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
COURTESY OF SNAPCHAT
Scotty-Scopes:
Your cosmic forecast awaits.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Six of Pentacles
The balance of giving and receiving is your theme this week. Generosity will restore harmony. Don’t be afraid to lean into it, Libra.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Temperance
Patience is your power this week, Capricorn. Let go of control and allow balance.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Three of Cups
Celebration and connection are on the horizon, Aries. Stop being so judgy and let joy and friendship guide you forward.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Knight of Swords
guessing. Just be sure you’re not rushing in without a clear plan.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Nine of Cups
It’s been rough lately, Scorpio, but emo-
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Six of Swords
A transition is underway; trust it. Aquarius, focus on the future and let go of what no longer serves you.
DIVE IN TO SEE WHAT FATE HAS IN STORE FOR YOU.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Five of Pentacles
Challenges may test your spirit, but you’re built to bounce back. Don’t do it alone. Ask for support when you need it.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): The
Victory is within reach, Pisces. Stay determined and don’t lose focus. Let your willpower steer the course ahead.
MAIN ST
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): The Magician
You already have everything you need to manifest what’s been on your mind. Own your power, Taurus, and watch your vision come to life.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Page of Cups
A message of love or inspiration is coming your way. Stay curious, Gemini, and embrace the unexpected.
ORANGE ST
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): The Empress
Creativity and abundance are blooming all around you. This spring, Leo, step into your power and let your brilliance shine.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Seven of Swords
Trust your instincts and keep things close to the chest for now. Virgo, your strength lies in quiet strategy, not oversharing.
Chariot
KARMEN
NORM’S NOOK SPOTLIGHT
The Highlander Chairs
Talk about a love seat! Talk about pinnacle comfort to the point of skipping academic demands and reached its peak, and the general public has to know. At the University of California, Riverside (UCR), and a not-so-humble waiting room four four-seater couch set. In tune with the blue and gray minimalistic scene adopted by the school, these lowly ol’ chairs ease quarrels. Just about the size of an airplane seat, these chairs hold their bounce like no other. Shapeshifting into your body’s silhouette, sinking you into comfort and supporting the crook of your neck just right, you’d be surprised how much these chairs can do. Whether these chairs make you sleep like a baby, allow you a place to doom scroll, give you a spot to enjoy your lunch or chat it up with some friends, they’ll never make you want to leave. As my last Norms Nook spotlight, ever, I’d like The Highlander chairs to get a taste of publicity for carrying many of us into a couple of moments of peace and solace. To hell with graduating, maybe I just might sit for a bit, or an extra year or two.
H
STUDENT POLL
Natalie Dahl / The Highlander
QUESTION: 2025 graduates, what underrated study spot has saved your grades?
Answer our weekly question on the Highlander Instagram for the opportunity to get featured in the next issue!
2nd floor lounge at the HUB.
Tim Boba.
Orbach second floor couch chair and desk.
Arcade Coffee Roasters.
Transfer Success Zone at the ARC. The Highlander office.
Sneha P.
Daniel O.
Lesley G.
Haard S.
Natalie U.
Senna O. coms and d know. UCR)
GABRIELA GALVAN
GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER
COURTESY OF PEXELS
SO LONG, FAREWELL
29. Japanese bon voyage
33. Hidden means of support?
34. Basketball basket
35. Pepsi, for one
37. Voting groups
41. “___ luck?”
42. 18th-century hairstyles
44. Stan who created Spider-Man
27. Meaning of 1-, 29-, 52-, 54-, 76-Across?
45. Imaginary surface coinciding with the earth’s
sea level
48. Ice ___
50. Katniss’ ally
SMAIN ST
52. French tootles
54. Sanskrit later
58. Opulence
59. “I ___ you one”
60. Drive-___
62. Red wine grape
66. Sweat source
68. Schnoz
70. Pilotless plane
71. Blood-related
72. What comes to mind
large intestine, plural
74. Reply to “Shall we?”
75. Like some checks
BY NATALIE FEATURES E
IE D
EDITOR
76. Spanish ta-ta
1. Smallest unit of an element
2. ___ lamp
3. Newspaper’s ___ page
4. Roof style
5. Back at sea
6. Shipwreck signal
7. Italian wine center ___ Spumante
8. What “yo mama” is
9. Associate
ORANGE ST
10. Sixth sense, for short
11. Uncool sort
12. Bloated
13. Ham it up
21. Civil rights org.
ANSWERS (DON’T PEEK!)
23. Ending for ab or ad
26. 86 is a high one
28. Lentil dish
29. Uneven hairdo
30. Top-of-the-line
31. It has its ups and downs
32. “Be-Bop-___” (Gene Vincent hit)
36. Run ___ of (violate)
38. Medley
39. Monetary unit of Ghana
40. Crystal ball user
43. Truth ___
47. Bite the ___
49. Maintained
51. ______ enclave
53. Semicircular bench
54. Prickly cactus
55. Came to
56. Worth
57. Chip away at
61. ___-friendly
63. Hubs of activity
64. “I’m ___ your tricks!”
65. Darjeeling and oolong
67. “Star Trek” rank: Abbr.
69. “Mangia!”
H H
Senna omar Editor-in-chief
I will be pursuing an M.A. in Specialized Journalism from the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg.
Dinara Godage Assistant News Editor
I will continue my academic career at Indiana University Maurer School of Law this upcoming fall, and I’ll be sure to keep everything I’ve learned and the passion for learning that I realized while at the paper!
Emily Manus Business Manager
I’ll be working, writing and resting!
Lizbeth Martos Assistant Business Manager
My next steps after graduation are to study for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, apply to finance jobs and relax.
frances
tong
production assistant
Now, I will be working at Stanbridge University and applying to graduate school.
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF FREEPIK PHOTOS BY VASH CHEN, NEORAH DAVIS / THE HIGHLANDER & COURTESY OF SALLY LI
Spandana Janapati Assistant Opinions Editor
I will be furthering my education by applying to a Master’s of Social Work and Public Policy program during the fall 2025 application cycle.
Bobbi Monae Mandour Assistant radar Editor
This summer, I’ll be doing a research internship and then taking a gap year to figure out graduate school.
Gabriela Galvan Assistant Features Editor
I’m GG and my future is undecided. Maybe grad school, maybe a pizza place. We’ll see!
Maribel Gamez-Reyes Radar Editor
I will be studying abroad for the summer! I’ll be joining Professor Irene Hatzopoulos in the FLEAP program “Italy Through Food and Film” in Bologna, Italy.
Natalie Dahl Features Editor
I will be attending San Diego State University in the fall obtaining my credential to become an elementary school teacher!
Aaliyah Brown Copy Editor
I will be pursuing a career in economic research and data science. H
The butterfly effect
SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief
NEORAH DAVIS / THE HIGHLANDER
EMILY MANUS Business Manager
Manifesting my way to The Highlander
LIZBETH MARTOS Assistant Business Manager
NEORAH DAVIS / THE HIGHLANDER
NEORAH DAVIS / THE HIGHLANDER
On to new beginnings
DINARA GODAGE Assistant News Editor
I found out about the newspaper after I wrote an opinion piece on culture and colorism in Bridgerton. I was just completing a class assignment; I had not thought about publishing any of my work until I was encouraged to publish
by one of my close friends. That’s when I happened across the application for senior staff and took the shot. And I could not be more grateful to have been chosen for the news team!
A writer’s journey
SPANDANA JANAPATI Assistant Opinions Editor
I started writing for The Highlander in my junior year at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). I had written creative pieces in the past, most of which were deeply personal. Letting others read something so vulnerable made me want to protect my craft from criticism. I had always avoided chances of publication, choosing to engage with this craft I love in private.
I had been interested in the paper for two years before I decided to join. Every Monday, after my 9 a.m. class, I’d pass by the “Writers’ Meeting at 5:15 p.m.” sign while buying myself a sweet treat from to wake up so early. I tampered down my piqued curiosity about the school newspaper and always ignored the sign.
I don’t know what it was about that one day in fall quarter — maybe it was the breeze or the way the new mousse in my curly hair routine worked a little too well and I just felt a bit too sure of myself — but I walked into The Highlander
I can’t pretend I didn’t join the Opinions section out of convenience. I knew the previous Opinions Editor, Ysabel Naskone, from working at UCR Housing Services. Seeing a familiar face in a sea of daunting ones felt safer. I was
back out of this opportunity.
At the time, the idea of publishing my writing felt unimaginable, if not undeserving. And yet, it happened.
culture. It was born out of irritation with Arcade Coffee’s tip prompt, an extremely nosy cashier and an iced honey cinnamon latte that was more ice than coffee.
Despite the publication of my work and the praise I received from friends and family, I found little satisfaction with my writing. I treated it like another task on my to-do list. This mindset, however, didn’t quench my need for perfection in all of my articles and desire to contribute to student journalism.
As a pre-law student, I was heavily involved in the School of Public Policy and the prelaw professional fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta, the latter of which I ran and was elected to be president. I’ve improved professionally from these positions and am grateful for those opportunities. With these in my pocket, I hadn’t seen journalism as something that would be really has been.
Being an editor has taught me the art of writing and design and fostered my love for learning. College gets dense with reading,work and endless deadlines. However, writing for the paper has been such a wonderful experience and break from other academics. It has given me the chance to learn about new topics to write on, read other students’ work and learn more about their passions.
The novelty of the paper never faded for me and I truly appreciate everything that I’ve gained thus far. Now, I will be continuing my academic career at Indiana University Maurer School of Law this upcoming fall, and I’ll be sure to keep everything I’ve learned and the passion for learning that I realized while at the paper!
So I applied for Assistant Opinions Editor.
I was shocked to get the position. In my head, I didn’t deserve it — classic impostor syndrome.
part of me that I would carry into every interaction and every piece I wrote. I was positive that I was of the position, especially when it came to editing.
Once I understood the process and worked out a system, I found myself enjoying editing more than writing. Following the tiny details, rereading drafts and eventually understanding the writer’s voice felt rewarding. Editing gave me the chance to get out of my own
head and admire the craft in others’ writing. The complex interplay of words and the rush of reading a sentence so uniquely tied to an author’s voice reminded me why I found joy in writing.
Being a part of The Highlander during the 2024–2025 school year helped me understand myself better, not just as a writer or editor, but as a person. I’ve grown into someone who sees more than just the impostor in the mirror.
I’m thankful for the staff who welcomed me, believed in me and supported the Opinions section. This has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience, and I will always cherish it.
NATALIE DAHL Features Editor
Cross my heart
GABRIELA GALVAN Assistant Features Editor
NEORAH DAVIS / THE HIGHLANDER
Hey Siri, cue ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ by Coldplay
MARIBEL GAMEZ REYES Radar Editor
that will shortly come to an end at the University year at a time in which everyone was adapting following the initial COVID-19 pandemic. I was the only student from my high school, St. Mary’s Academy, to attend the University of California, Riverside (UCR), my dream school then and now.
I initially chose the pre-business route for interests lay in my love of literature. Before starting out as a contributing writer at The Highlander, I was still trying to accept this fostered my creativity and writing skills, and I eventually found that by building up the courage
meeting near the end of spring quarter in my sophomore year, and it became the start of an incredible journey into discovering my writing outside of academia.
At the time that I joined, Radar Editor Brenda Jovel welcomed me into a space where my contributions were always uplifted. And I’m so thankful for her. I got a behind-the-scenes peek into the time and effort that every student there put into keeping The Highlander operating, and that reinvigorated my motivation to keep learning about AP style writing, reading more
articles and challenging myself to write from a variety of pitches.
I hesitated before applying for a staff position, but the supportive environment at The Highlander encouraged me to push back against my own insecurities as a writer and do it anyway. From being Assistant Features Editor to Radar Editor
to support other writers in their own journalistic endeavors.
I have gone from attending the California College Media Association (CCMA) as a team, to being entrusted to write coverage for largescale events such as Associated Student Program Board’s (ASPB) Block Party and UCR Drag Club’s annual Dragalicious Drag Show. Every week brought on different challenges, but each one was a rewarding experience in equal measure.
Thank you, Senna Omar and Mata Elangovan for trusting my vision for our Radar section, and encouraging my other writing quests! To Brenda Jovel, Brendan Vo and Kimberley Bejec who set the bar high, thank you for inspiring me in my contributions to Radar. And to Bobbi Mandour, although we teamed up later, thank you for collaborating on overseeing the work of our section.And to Bobbi Mandour, although we teamed up later, thank you for collaborating on overseeing the work of our section.
It wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of our writers, whom I thank for trusting me to guide you. The Highlander has
‘Thnks fr th Mmrs’
BOBBI MONAE MANDOUR Assistant Radar Editor
When I made it to the University of California, Riverside (UCR) after years of dropping in and out of community college, working millions of jobs and letting life’s side quests take me around, I wasn’t was grateful to be in the position to give being a full-time student another shot, but the possibilities seemed endless. I knew I’d only have about two years here, so I had to make them count.
I seized every opportunity to do something interesting with my time, from joining different student organizations, becoming a board member for one, getting a job that put me all over campus, doing editorial work for two different student publications, studying abroad and casually writing articles for The Highlander. I started by and think pieces for Radar, but it was mostly for fun, and I didn’t really have the desire to commit to becoming a staff writer.
My excitement for taking my writing in the newspaper more seriously blossomed once I wrote a few articles for the Penrose Record Room. I owe it to my friendship with those at Penrose and the
inspiration that the record store gave and capability to step into the role of a journalist. When I applied for the position of Assistant Radar Editor near the end of fall of 2024, I wasn’t privy to the profound impact that this decision would have on the rest of my time at UCR. Joining the team was my favorite opportunity I was granted while here, and my only regret would be that I didn’t do it sooner.
My time on the editorial board
grown immensely from the time I joined up until now, and I’m proud of all our collective efforts that make up the heart of journalism on our campus.
Finally, to God and the most supportive parents — gracias por darme el mundo.
has been marked by learning more about life and the world than academics could ever give me. I’ve had the privilege of helping produce meaningful work with a group of people that have more passion, drive and guts than anyone else I’ve met. Everyone jokes that you do this kind of work not for the money, but for the love of it, and for better or for worse, this is true.
However, this job has given me more in experience than money could ever really amount to — from
having a safe haven on our busy campus, getting to travel to New York City and to meeting some of my best friends (shoutout to Kelley and Holly). I love everyone at The Highlander and feel honored to have spent my last year of undergrad with them, even when they call me a senior citizen (thank you for humbling me, Mata). When I really am a senior citizen, I know I’ll look back on this time with a smile.
My senior year was all about headlines, deadlines and red underlines
AALIYAH BROWN
best of myself. With zero experience in journalism, I wore an invisible scarlet letter that was burned into my chest –there was no denying that I had a steep learning curve ahead. I spent my early days trying to prove myself, dissecting every questionable word and parsing the 624-page Associated Press Stylebook like it was the Sunday gospel.
Soon enough, though, my fear of failure dissipated and turned into thereer. In fact, I poured so much of myself into the newspaper that I probably won’t have the same capacity to love another job the same way I did this one. I had the time of my life tearing apart every news article presented to me.
For me, news editing was about making a mess into a masterpiece. There was so much to untangle, from awkward phrasing to media bias to piecing it all together was worth the hustle. Especially because at the end of each production cycle, we could stand back and appreciate what we had built.
As facetious as it sounds, assemteam meant the world to me. Even if it
meant working 10 hours straight, overand fetching overpriced bagels, I was all in. I was willing to compromise my sanity in the walk-in-freezer that we
The biggest blessing of all was that I was surrounded by the most ambitious people I have ever met. I worked with the most virtuous managers. I learned from the most poetic writers. I was humbled by the most strategic thinkers. And I chuckled away at the funniest comedians. That’s what makes The Highlander so great: each person’s talents come together in unexpected ways.
Another perk was learning about the people around me through their writing voices. I got the movie pre-
at each writer’s brains before publication. I forced myself to understand the experiences that shaped their worldview. I had no choice but to honor each writer’s work, so it was inevitable that I would learn to accept their truth.
There was no telling where the news would take me. Sometimes I had fun, like when I realized University of California, Riverside (UCR) was subliminally designed to dominate food
emphasize a “scene familiar to many.”
Other times, I would be shoved right back into reality, like when I relived the downfall of American democracy through a recap of a Marvel series.
Trusting others with your own literary work is also such a vulnerable, but commendable, process. I’m not even sure I have the capacity to do that myself. When you put your opinion out there for judgment, you never know how people will receive it. Being honest about what happens in life is hard. So my role as copy editor was
writers and editors alike gave me the privilege of editing was not something I took lightly.
I’m forever indebted to everyone at The Highlander for trusting my judgment and letting me embrace perfectionism (I am clinically insane about grammar, I know). I have never felt so dearly. My obsession with English, grown stronger with news editing. For that alone, I’m so insanely grateful.
Simply put, there’s no better way to conclude my senior year. The Highlander gave me something that my economics degree alone could not provide: a sense of purpose rooted in storytelling. I hope that news can do that for others, too.
Three clubs weren’t enough?
FRANCES TONG
Over the last four years, I’ve been extremely grateful for my time at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).
wanted to do with my college years, what kind of person I wanted to present myself to be, or who I would meet. Coming to campus and living away from home was overwhelming at a new sense of freedom.
many amazing people, some
of whom impacted me in ways they’ll likely never realize.
Feeling grateful and optimistic about what was ahead, I began exploring campus organizations in hopes of making a meaningful contribution to the UCR community.
Everyone seemed to have established their groups, and I worried I was intruding. For a while, I even felt like the only person not involved in student life, which left me feeling somewhat isolated. But things changed when I was welcomed into End Overdose (EO) and
Girl Gains, where I joined the marketing teams.
Eventually, I took on leadership roles as Marketing Director for both. These organizations introduced me to new communities and experiences I would never have otherwise. These roles also helped me realize my passion for design, especially through my project of designing a unique tote bag with both EO and the Women’s Resource Center.
Though stepping into these spaces was uncomfortable at
me grow personally and
professionally. They showed me how meaningful even small contributions can shape someone’s college experience.
As I entered my third year, I still felt something was missing, but I couldn’t pinpoint it.
Hoping to gain more direction in my career, I began exploring professional organizations, but none truly resonated with me.
It felt discouraging, especially
their path so easily. While visiting friends at other universities, I noticed “women in business” organizations, which sparked my curiosity. When I looked into UCR’s
the only such program was for graduate students; nothing for undergraduates. That realization both inspired and intimidated me.
Despite my fears and selfdoubt, I wondered, “What if this isn’t good enough?” or “What if it fails?” I took the leap and founded She Means Business, a student organization created by and for women pursuing
Surprisingly, the club quickly gained momentum, growing to over 50 active members
earning recognition alongside other established professional organizations and the UCR School of Business. Hearing
so many students express to me that they felt the same way I did was incredibly reassuring— space had been missing at UCR and that others were looking for it, too.
Around the same time, I noticed a design position opening at The Highlander, UCR’s student newspaper. I had wanted to join since my held back due to intimidation and uncertainty. By then, I had learned something important from my earlier fears: sometimes, you just have to try and see what happens. Joining The Highlander introduced me to an amazing group of people and helped deepen my connection to campus—both professionally and personally. Through all my experiences at UCR, the good and the bad, I am deeply grateful for everything I’ve learned and experienced. The people I’ve met along the way have touched my life in ways they may
me a level of love, support and appreciation that I will always carry with me. I can never truly repay the impact they’ve had on me. Thank you, UCR, for everything — you’ve shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m proud to have been a Highlander.
VASH CHEN / THE HIGHLANDER H
NEORAH DAVIS / THE HIGHLANDER
RADAR
TThe Mexican Music and Dance The Mexican Music and Dance Concert: Rhythmic tunes, vibrant Concert: Rhythmic vibrant visuals and rich culture and rich culture
IN A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE MARIACHI LOS ALTEÑOS DE UCR AND THE BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE UCR, MEXICAN ART AND TRADITION ARE PRESENTED FOR ALL TO ENJOY.
Ian Palma Contributing Writer
he Mexican Music and Dance Concert debuted last Thursday with a spectacle of traditional mariachi songs and choreography highlighting Mexico's lavish culture. Showcasing the various regional types of mariachi found throughout the country, there was never a dull moment, with numerous variations of the genre displayed for everyone to see.
Interchanging between live musical performances by the Mariachi Los Alteños de UCR and intricate dances pulled off by the Ballet Folklórico de UCR, the concert was a fun way to celebrate the country’s artistic pride while also serving as an illustrious introduction to the elaborate art of mariachi for those less acquainted.
The concert celebrated Mexican arts while paying homage to Laura Garaciano Sobrino. Also known as “The Mariachi Queen,” Sobrino created UCR’s mariachi program and advanced Latinx studies and art across the University of California (UC) system. The concert marks 10 years since her passing and celebrates Sobrino's life and accomplishments.
When it came to visuals, vibrancy remained an integral part of mariachi, which the concert handled with utmost
grace. Performing behind a foreground of radiant carnation bouquets, the music and dance ensemble wore charros and dresses that were equally colorful and appealing to the eye. Band members were dressed in blue and black traditional mariachi outfits. In contrast, the dance performers had a bit more to do, changing through various clothes reflecting the different regional styles of both the music and the people of Mexico.
From black jackets and tassels reflecting the state of Nuevo León’s industrial culture to the more traditionally vaqueroesque attire representing the state of Jalisco’s agricultural history, each costume was a love letter to the different provinces and customs found throughout the country.
As stunning and appealing as the dancers' outfits were, they played a substantial role in their performances. Long, colorful, tapestry-like skirts emphasized graceful movements, while hard-soled shoes made for thunderous stomps in the zapateado dance style. Overall, visual aesthetics were a major highlight of the concert, in which beauty can be seen in practically every act.
The concert’s musical numbers had no shortage of passion and commitment either.
Playing culturally significant ballads such as “María Isabel” and “El Sinaloense,” Mariachi Los Alteños de UCR members had a chance to showcase both instrumental and vocal chops. Some performers wooed the crowd with their own choreography while others, appearing to be reserved at first glance, gave heartfelt singing performances to the astonishment of the audience.
With the musical leadership of band director Cynthia Reifler Flores, the dances of the show were accompanied by tight and synergistic melodies from instruments ranging from violins, guitars and horns. In between breaks by the mariachi band, energetic instrumentals such as “Pato Asado” accompanied the dances in a way that made audience members stomp, clap and holler to their heart’s delight. Alongside traditional folk songs were contemporary tracks such as “Homenaje a Selena,” which made it seem like a walkthrough into Mexican music's lively history and evolution.
With participation being an integral part of the overall liveliness of the concert and mariachi in general, members of the audience were openly encouraged to cheer and move along to the beat. Dr. Xochitl Chavez, the master of ceremonies, taught concertgoers how
to perform successful gritos, or celebratory shouts, as well as phrases associated with mariachi, which many of them utilized in many of the show’s acts. On a similar note, listeners were invited to sing along to the more recognizable songs of the concert, making for a boisterous performance for all of those involved.
The choreography of The Mexican Music and Dance Concert encompasses various dances seen in mariachi. From slow and steady waltzes to fervent cha-chas, the different styles of dances reflected African, European and indigenous people’s influence on Mexican culture. Each dance sequence was entirely distinct from one another, setting out to show the regional and class differences found throughout Mexico.
One standout act was Los Machetes, in which male dancers performed with literal machetes to accentuate agrarianism and working-class values of strength and skill. Especially when it came to the more uptempo songs, the swaying of the skirts served as a visual treat for audiences to bask in. Every step made by the performers was concise, with stomps and pirouettes synchronizing with the beat of the music.
As if the elegant sights and sounds weren’t enough, the
Mexican Music and Dance Concert also served as a farewell to seniors within the Mariachi Los Alteños de UCR and Ballet Folklórico de UCR programs. Seniors were called up to the stage, where parents adorned them with sashes symbolizing their involvement in the program. Receiving laudatory remarks from the crowd, seniors expressed emotions of pride, gratitude and everything in between.
Although somewhat heartbreaking, the graduating seniors were given a bombastic send-off in which their achievements within the programs were recognized. After getting their sashes, the seniors followed up with their own separate and unique acts. The concert ended the night with one big performance in which the Mariachi Los Alteños de UCR and Ballet Folklórico de UCR programs shared the stage.
The Mexican Music and Dance Concert provided a jovial insight into Mexico's diverse culture and art. Serving as both a cultural exchange and a celebration of Mexican heritage, the concert was lively and fascinating from start to finish. If anything, it proved that the spirit and finesse of Mexican song and dance are still alive and kicking.
Elena Versage // The Highlander
Radar Replay: David Lynch’s ‘Lost Highway’
AN UNDERRATED PIECE WITHIN THE FILMMAKER’S LEGACY THAT OFFERS JUST AS MUCH AS ITS CLASSIC AND WELL-RENOWNED COUNTERPARTS.
Sebastian Morales Staff Writer
Early this year, cinephiles and everyone in between with a heart-wrenching loss of one cinema's most cherished to hold a camera, the great David Lynch. A master ofals, Lynch has left behind In celebrating the legacy ofdeniably diehard fanbase, it only makes sense to give proper spotlight to one ofyears ago in 1997, received very divisive opinions. These sentiments are still today.development of media lit-
has been revisited with greater appreciation, decomplicated and strange transitions between the conprotagonists, Fred Madison who oddly intertwine with of inexplicable events and reality.
Fred, a saxophonist, is overwhelmed by the inclination -
having an affair with gang-
next to Renee’s dead body covered in blood is discovered, he is convicted oftenced to death while pleading for his innocence.
design and the character’s freakish beady eyes that never blink.
had revealed his obsession with the O.J. Simpson case in the mid-90s. Lynch's fascination with this real-life event gives viewers insight-
ing to connect the dots.
liked mechanic, replaces Fred in his jail cell and is letishment. As Pete attempts to reintegrate into his daily life, he is tempted by thetoshop client named Alice strikingly resembles Renee.ice strings Pete along a decrime.
mention Robert Blake’s performance as the chilling Mystery Man. The camerawielding character’s cos-
shaved eyebrows, white powdered face and dark red lip grin that is straight in and lingers within their off-screen. Thanks in part to
sponsible for their horribleing evidence against them, for what they have beenformation into Pete Daytonchosis to distance himself after acknowledging her in-
ality and responsibility for what he has done is a characteristic that is conveyed
act that becomes central in analyzing the themes in
ers involving the police in
Fred and Renee’s bedroom,-
things my own way … How I remembered them. Not necessarily the way they happened.”
The tapes of Fred and the video recorders seenreality that can not be masame way that Fred desires
with vast interpretations
sheds light on how easy it shape the narrative of their memories towards how they perceive themselves or what they want to believe, no matter how far from real-
like many of David Lynch’s narrative to follow even
on a silver platter, he challenged viewers to navigate their interpretations of the ideas presented in his work.
COLOR ME BLUE: Students respond to the graduation cap and gown color change
AMID A SEEMINGLY RANDOM CHANGE FROM BLACK GOWNS TO BLUE ONES, STUDENTS’ OPINIONS HIGHLIGHT THE DEEPER TENSIONS AND MEANINGS AT PLAY IN THE NEW GRADUATION ATTIRE.
Madison Zepeda Contributing Writer
With commencement ceremonies right
to do in these last two weeks —
Nestled among these hallmark moments of academic accomplishment has been a rather con-
and even considered other gown options on the school’s Reddit page. Beyond that, a Change. org petition, which has garnered the hope of reversing the decision.
On the petition’s website, many of the comments paint an especially distressing reality for those who cherish the former gowns. In addition to acknowledging their disdain over the change, these Commencement wear.
is a … pride that comes from having the black gown and bethat also have [them]” for their stores at the University of CaliBerkeley, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine and UC San Diego all of-
ation have also been echoed by majoring in both English and
… the traditional black colors
By emphasizing their long history within academia, the petition similarly asserts how the black
In light of the change, these appeals to academic tradition and modeling the other UCs showcase what is really at stake when
taining a bachelor’s degree or higher is a major moment in one’s life and a testament to everything one has done to get there.
Changing the gown color, then, may resemble a threat to the validity of that achievement — especially given the long-standing
ing their self-worth. Switching to
inevitably feels like disassociat-
tional traditions that may provide needed legitimacy to these efforts.
joy of one’s collegiate accomdemonstrate exactly why.
school’s colors, even if it’s a common palette” in itself. She even of self with the black gowns, [and
have been any other school” in-
and validation that Cisneros and
decide for oneself is more important than anything else.
These parallels also exemplify the gown change: the ability to choose the gown one wants for
honors their perspectives and extheorizes, or embracing somelook more alive” than before. it seems that having the ability to
year political science major, also better if they, like, at least heard preferences” beforehand.
With any debate like this, one can [she] contradicts [herself],” since gold” to her ceremony.
Similarly, Starr contradictedmands attention and respect,”
cases, these moments of mild hypocrisy reveal that different opin-
UC Davis, UC Merced and UC -
help to verify the existence of — and UCR’s transition into — a UC system. Here, placed besidethe next commencement gowns be something for everyone.
JOSEPH ARRIAGA Contributing Writer
After 14 years, the Final Destination franchise is back in cinemas with the newest installment, “Final example that some franchises should be left in the
some of the best in the franchise, but the constant use
‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ can’t cheat death or mediocrity.
DESPITE FLASHES OF CREATIVITY, THIS FILM PROVES THAT SOME FRANCHISES SHOULD STAY BURIED
kills that work as a dark comedy, but are quickly it is revealed that it was a dream experienced by
her family and how she can stop it. This serves as the narrative device for a plot that deals with curses and school students in particular — who have cheated
could work with better writers because the execution
Lana Del Rey-inspired books
HERE IS A LIST OF BOOKS THAT FEEL LIKE A LANA DEL REY SONG
IRIS ARANDA Contributing Writer
“Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov (1955):
“Lolita,” was inspired by the novel by professor named Humbert, who becomes whom he nicknames “Lolita.” He refers erotic novel, but a social satire about sexual abuse.
“L.A. Woman” by Eve Babitz (1982 with an older family friend named Lola, books by Eve Babitz, it is clear that Lana
“Valley of the Dolls” by Jacqueline Susann (1966): women in the entertainment industry. their battles with addiction. This novel is with this book is “Put Me in a Movie.”
“Just Kids” by Patti Smith (2010): “Brooklyn Baby.”
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath (1963):
“The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald (1925): This is an obvious read, because was featured in the soundtrack for
because they can randomly die at any moment in the audience to just move on to the next character and this causes the audience to lose interest in the story
Verdict:
has some moments of creativity and interest with the
“A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams (1947): This critically acclaimed play follows due to his lower socioeconomic status
“Ultraviolence.”
“The White Album” by Joan Didion (1979): A collection of personal and analytical a variety of events such as the Black
“The Spy in the House of Love” by Anaïs Nin (1954)
The novel explores if one can have affairs
“The Girls” by Emma Cline (2016):
‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’ blossoms into a murderous delight of a show
NBC’s “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” is a sharp, stylish suburban murder mystery that blooms with wit, scandal and unexpected heart. watch.
This suburban mystery of murder unfolds with complicated love lives and hidden affairs.
secrets and betrayals that fester beneath its manicured lawns. At its core, the show is not with their daily lives.
notable for her work as Michaela Pratt from trapped housewife and realtor.
And there are other actors that make the
happened and who was murdered, but is done screen labels, are so creative and immersive themes of death, betrayal and scandals. The Little Lies,” as evident in its use of narration
has far more secrets yet to bloom. Verdict:
worthwhile watch.
H
them, Melissa Fumero portrays Birdie, an
Unlike many of its predecessors, the show
or simply wants a show that respects their
LILIANNA ANGEL
PHOTO COURTESY OF
SPORTS
Tartan Tailgating: Continuing a tradition, but noticing
GOING TO A LOS ANGELES SPARKS GAME ISN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE, AND THAT’S A GOOD THING.
Elena Versage Staff Photographer
My friend Marissa and I have a longstanding tradition of going to at least one Los Angeles Sparks game each season. This past Friday, weing the Sparks play against the Golden State Valkyries.
On the way to Crypto.com
Broadway Theater District in Downtown Los Ange-
a photographer, I made a break.
Upon arriving at the arena, it’s easy to gravitate towards
serve as a reminder of the history of LA basketball. Ifrals and banners hanging in the rafters were.
I noticed that the arena was very packed, more packed than I’ve seen it for a Sparks game. Despite the Valkyries being a new team, many people were donning their logo on their chests. I also noticed that many people were wearing shirts from -
eryone Watches Women’s to be becoming increasingly
In the past, I’ve noticed that the people in the stands for the Sparks games were mostly women. However, on Friday, I noticed that the diverse. Once in my seat, I
tle boy wearing a Valkyries
men very excited to be on
in attendance, a testament grown.
While the players warmed
Soon after the Valkyries
it was time for the Sparks.
The lights dimmed and the intro video began to play. screen.
To say the crowd was hyped -
compared to when Kelsey welcomed with open arms
ite amongst Sparks fans.
Tip-off, Valkyries ball. The
Sparks had some good plays, too. Fan reactions have always been my favorite part of any sports game. The ooos after a big block, the ahhs after a step back,posing player's free throw attempt have always made
The main reason Marissa and I chose to come to the Sparks game against the Valkyries was that Marissa was a big fan of Kate Martin, a player on the Valkyries who rose to fame while at the University of Iowa with Caitlin Clark. Marissa got very excited when Martin was jogging to the scorer'sbing in. Seeing my friend snapping photos of her favorite player with her digi-
noticed a sensory pod and a lactation pod. The sensory pod was a dark room with
the sign inside the door, it was meant for people who needed a break from the enter the lactation room,
from the name. After waiting in the Wetzel's Pretzels
that spanned years.
anna Stewart and got the by Stewart. Since then, America has been hooked. Being born and raised in Los Angeles and going to school at California State University, Los Angeles, has allowed her to go to games for not only the
-
noticed a girl with paintings of the players. A big reason
that Marissa and I had seen the same girl at a game last season. I got the chance to speak with her, and I learned her name is America (@
deep appreciation for sports
often as possible when I'm hits, I try to be at any game I can. If I'm not at a WNBA game, I'm most likely at a NWSL game.” America told me. So far, she has been able to share her work with big names like Nika Mühl, Trinity Rodman, Christen Press, Alyssa Naeher and Kate Martin.
The game ended in a win for the Valkyries. As we were immediately hit with the smell of overpriced bacon-wrapped LA hot dogs. On the walk back to my car, I took another look at the fans exiting the arena. I sawself in the little girls leaving in LA and loved the Sparks for as long as I can remember, evident based on the team's merch in my closet, ranging from the sizes ofsomething I look forward to every year. From the cheers basket to seeing everyoneing a three-pointer, I love it all.
ACL injuries torment the world of women’s sports
FEMALE ATHLETES ARE AT A GREATER RISK OF TEARING THEIR ACL, YET MOST OF THE RESEARCH FOCUSES ON MEN.
Elena Versage Staff Photographer
Tprovides control for rotation in the knee and prevents the tibia from moving in front of
ment, the ACL is essential for peak physical performance
ity. The ACL is vital in performance sports and the average
one, non-athletes and athletes alike.
As is the case with every other
There are three types of ACL 1 sprain, where the ACL is slightly stretched and damworking. Then there is a grade a partial tear of the ACL. In a loose.
an ACL tear. As the name im-
a direct collision.
pen to anyone, there’s evidence that female athletes are more affected than male athletes. Female basketball players are three-and-a-half times more likely to tear their ACL
Additionally, female soccer likely to tear their ACL than male soccer players. Overall, women are two to eight times more likely to tear their ACL,
fects how they recover from
basketball and football. They too fast, moving in a different
ries, it is rarely as simple as
ing a stars aligning moment. Hormones, biomechanics and main reasons as to why womhas cells in it that respond totrogen and progesterone. The cells have a docking station where hormones like estrogen can attach and affect the way the cells behave. The estrogen can grow and make collagen. Collagen is a protein that acts which allows them to stay
The biomechanics of male and female athletes are different. When landing from a
means their knees aren’t as bent as those of male athletes. Men also land with more core engagement than women do. This difference in landing styles shows how women's
When it comes to anatomy, women generally have wider hips, and their knees tend to this knee alignment, the risk physical activity is greater for women than it is for men.
knees is also typically thinner than in a man’s knees, which to a tear.
sports. Soccer stars like Tierna Davidson, Sam Kerr and ACLs in recent years. There
notable instances are Georgia Amoore, Cameron Brink
Jordan Horston and Nika Mühl. Recently, Kansas City
tore her ACL.
Despite the fact that ACL in-
research is done on men. As as their bodies react to things differently. Research needs tocially when it comes to ACL plays a part in the fact that men generally have better recovery than women do.
Even after recovery, women -
other knee after an ACL in-
we have seen in the past with athletes like Megan Rapinoe, Anna Heilferty and Bria Hartley. In contrast, men's knees were more stable, their legs were more evenly strong and they scored better on recovery tests. Women are also more
done on the same knee (revi-
Researchers also need to take
a physical feat — it's psychologically challenging. Psychologists have known for a long time that women, on than men. This makes comingmen.
Women are also generally -
has shown that women are less likely than men to get back to the same level of sport they
come a long way when it
MVP in the NBA and a generational talent before he tore
cism following the devastating
the same impending death of
March Madness championship
Medicine is a constantly evolv-
Differences in physics and female athletes now and in the
Taryn Torres SD Gotham
Arsenal women stun Barca Femení and shock the world in Women’s Champions League
STINA BLACKSTENIUS, AN UNLIKELY HERO, SCORES FOR ARSENAL WOMEN AND HALTS THE BARCA FEMENÍ DYNASTY.
Isaac Solnick Sports Editor
Earlier this month, a back-
Inter Milan and FC Barcelona
stant classic. A stoppage time goal from Inter’s Francesco Acerbi allowed his teammate Davide Frattessi to score the winner in extratime to eliminate the Catalonians on a 7-6 aggregate scoreline.
look PSG dominated Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal across both legs. This was an impressive display from the Parisians, considering what Arsenal had done to the almighty Real Madrid in the previ-
FC Barcelona and Arsenal's men’s teams will need to wait
rope’s biggest prize this past Fri-
ten overshadowed by international play, there was plenty of anticipation for Friday’s clash. Led by the world’s best footballer, Aitana Bonmatí, FC Barcelona Femení and a force to be reckoned with.
nal appearance and looking for their third straight Champions
cer teams of all time. Their trio
fair for opposing defenses.
In the other corner, Arsenal Womtheir opponents. They do possess
ball with her toe and redirected the ball into her own net.
the video assistant referee deterwhen she received the initial pass. Paredes sighed in relief as the 0-0 scoreline was preserved.
attempt that the keeper saved. That’s not to say Arsenal Women didn’t have their moments either.
Femení made back passes to either the defenders or the goalkeeper. If the woman receiving the pass was slow to the ball, the Arsenal Women forwards were
With the game still at a deadlock in the second half, Arsenal Women needed some fresh legs
manager Reneé Slagers made forwards Beth Mead and Stina
This change almost paid off in-
from goalkeeper Cata Coll de-
Off a set play on a corner kick, Arsenal Women the lead. Mead
fense scrambling. One-on-one with Coll for a second time, once more.
Barca Femení appealed for anstood and gave Arsenal Women
ing to see Arsenal Women play
Barca Femení dominated possession and the big scoring chances.
