Volume 74, Issue 16

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

THE HIGHLANDER VOL. 74, ISSUE 16

FOR THE WEEK OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

est. 1954

Page 16-17

UCR’s Most Eligibile Bachelors We asked, you answered!

Page 18

Psychology of Love Explaining the warm fuzzies!

ADELIA URENA/ THE HIGHLANDER

2 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org

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HUMANS OF UCR

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Mata Elangovan editorinchief@highlandernews.org

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Omar Khalifa (he/him), Business Administration Major with Marketing Concentration, Second Year

I work as a peer advisor at the Career Center. I guide students [through] their resumé or cover letters and help them out when it comes to job searching Ljȶǫ ȓȶɯDZɞȶɥȎȓɛ ɥDZLjɞǥȎȓȶȅԬ L LjȪɥɀ ȎDZȪɛ ʑȓɯȎ DZʐDZȶɯɥ ȪȓȥDZ ǥLjɞDZDZɞ ʦLjȓɞɥ Ljȶǫ ȓȶɯDZɞȶɥȎȓɛ ʦLjȓɞɥԬ ȶǫ L ՃLjȪɥɀՄ ǫɀ Lj Ȫɀɯ ɀȄ ʧLjǤȪȓȶȅԬ I really like the peer advising team. I like collaborating and communicating ʑȓɯȎ ɯȎDZȳԬ Lɯ՟ɥ LjȪʑLjʗɥ ɞDZLjȪȪʗ ɞɸȶԧ DZɥɛDZǥȓLjȪȪʗ ȓȶ ɀɸɞ ȳDZDZɯȓȶȅɥԬ L ȄDZDZȪ ȪȓȥDZ ʑDZ՟ɞDZ LjȪʑLjʗɥ ɥɯɞLjȓȅȎɯ ՃȓȶɯɀՄ ǤɸɥȓȶDZɥɥԧ Ǥɸɯ ɯȎDZȶ ʑDZ ǥLjȶ LjȪʑLjʗɥ ȎLjʐDZ ȄɸȶԬ L ʑɀɞȥ Ljɥ Lj ȳLjɞȥDZɯȓȶȅ ɥɛDZǥȓLjȪȓɥɯ Ȅɀɞ « Ԭ L ɸɥɸLjȪȪʗ ȎDZȪɛ ǥɞDZLjɯDZ ȅɞLjɛȎȓǥɥԬ L ʑɀɞȥ ɸȶǫDZɞ ɯȎDZ u̲ǥDZ ɀȄ ɯȎDZ ɞDZɥȓǫDZȶʧԧ ɥɀ L ɸɥɸLjȪȪʗ ǥɞDZLjɯDZ ɥɛDZǥȓ̇ǥ ȅɞLjɛȎȓǥɥ Ljȶǫ ǫDZɥȓȅȶɥ Ȅɀɞ ɯȎLjʧԬ L՟ȳ LjȪɥɀ Lj ɛLjɞɯ ɀȄ « ԧ ɯȎDZ «ȶǫDZɞȅɞLjǫɸLjɯDZ ɸɥȓȶDZɥɥ ɥɥɀǥȓLjɯȓɀȶԬ L՟ȳ LjȪɥɀ Lj ȅɞLjɛȎȓǥ ǫDZɥȓȅȶ ǥɀɀɞǫȓȶLjɯɀɞ ɯȎDZɞDZ ɯɀɀԬ L՟ȳ ȓȶ Ԭ L serve as a volunteer, so I usually help with events.

L ʑɀɸȪǫ ɥLjʗ ɛɞȓȶȅ ɛȪLjɥȎ ҲҰҲҵ ՃȎLjɥ ǤDZDZȶ ȳʗ ʦLjʐɀɞȓɯDZ DZʐDZȶɯ ɥɀ ʦLjɞԬՄ ̨Ljɯ DZʐDZȶɯ ʑLjɥ ɞDZLjȪȪʗ Ȅɸȶ ɯɀ ʑɀɞȥ Ljȶǫ ʑLjDZ `DZDZ ʑLjɥ ɞDZLjȪȪʗ ȅɀɀǫ ȓȶ ɯDZɞȳɥ ɀȄ DZȶɯDZɞʧLjȓȶȳDZȶʧԬ L ɞDZȳDZȳǤDZɞ Ljɯ ɀȶDZ ɛɀȓȶʧԧ ɥɀȳDZ ɀȄ ɯȎDZ ɀɯȎDZɞ ʐɀȪɸȶɯDZDZɞɥ ՃLjȶǫ LՄ ʑDZ ՃʑDZɞDZՄ LjȪȪ ȓȶ Lj ȅɞɀɸɛ Ȣɸɥɯ ȎLjȶȅȓȶȅ ɀɸɯ ȓȶ ɯȎDZ ǤLjǥȥԧ ǥȎDZDZɞȓȶȅ Ljȶǫ ȎLjʐȓȶȅ ȄɸȶԬ Gɀʑ ǫɀ L ̇ȶǫ ɯȎDZ ɯȓȳDZԭ L ɞDZȪȓȅȓɀɸɥȪʗ ɸɥDZ ?ɀɀȅȪDZ LjȪDZȶǫLjɞԬ Êɀɸ ȶDZDZǫ ɥɀȳDZɯȎȓȶȅ ɯɀ ɥDZDZ Ljȶǫ ȪLjʗ ɀɸɯ DZʐDZɞʗɯȎȓȶȅ ɯȎLjɯ ʗɀɸ LjɞDZ Lj ɛLjɞɯ ɀȄ Ljȶǫ ՃɀɞȅLjȶȓʡDZՄ ȓɯ ǤLjɥDZǫ ՃɀȶՄ ɯȎLjʧԬ ÄȎDZȶ ȓɯ ǥɀȳDZɥ ɯɀ ǫɀȓȶȅ ȎɀȳDZʑɀɞȥ ɀɞ ɥɛDZǥȓ̇ǥ ǥȪɸǤɥԧ L ɸɥDZ Ճ?ɀɀȅȪDZ LjȪDZȶǫLjɞՄ Lj ȪɀʧԬ Lɯ ȎDZȪɛɥ ȳDZ ǤDZ ȳɀɞDZ LjǥǥɀɸȶʧLjǤȪDZԬ՝

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THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

10 Tuesday

11

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday

CJ with the Facts: Trivia 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Stable

Highlander Hearts 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

HUB 101 Men’s Tennis vs. Hawai’i 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

SRC Tennis Courts

12

Men’s Basketball vs. UC Santa Barbara 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

SRC Arena

13

Baseball vs. Utah Tech 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Riverside Sports Complex

Thursday

Friday

14

Baseball vs. Utah Tech 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Riverside Sports Complex

Saturday

Women’s Basketball vs. UC San Diego 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

SRC Arena

15

Baseball vs. Utah Tech 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Riverside Sports Complex

Sunday

16 Monday

Softball vs. Team Japan 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Amy S. Harrison Softball Field

Baseball vs. Utah Tech 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Riverside Sports Complex

3

4 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

NEWS

highlandernews.org/category/news

5įŁĽ Gavin Newsom critical of proposed billionaire tax GAVIN NEWSOM CRITICIZES PROPOSED ONE-TIME WEALTH TAX ON CALIFORNIA BILLIONAIRES. 59)'8 -;5 *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

A

t a Jan. 29, 2026 news event in San Francisco, California Governor Gavin Newsom voiced his concerns over the long term economic consequences of a proposed tax on billionaires, stating that “over the years, you would VHH D VLJQL¿FDQW UHGXFWLRQ in taxes because taxpayers will move.” Newsom’s criticism of the tax departed from the majority opinion of voters, who are largely in support of the tax.

The proposal seeks to impose a one-time tax equal to 5% of total net worth on any individual in CaliforQLD ZRUWK PRUH WKDQ billion. The proposal further stipulates that revenue generated by the tax would EH SULPDULO\ XVHG WR R൵-

COURTESY OF MARK BELLO VIA REUTERS

set expected cuts in federal healthcare spending.

Newsom’s criticism of the tax centered around his concern that California billionaires would leave the state in response, potentially costing jobs and valuable

business activity.

In response to the proposal, a number of California billionaires have declared their intention to leave the state if the tax is instated. At least six, such as Google cofounder Sergey Brin, have

ASUCR

ASUCR Senate Meeting SENATORS ELECT VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND PASS IRANIAN SOLIDARITY RESOLUTION. 1'99'4*8' '-;/88+ :[H࢒ >YP[LY

The Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (UCR) meeting on Feb. 4, 2026 began at 7 p.m. and conFOXGHG DW S P Senators held a second round of special elections for the Vice President (VP) of Finance position following the recently elected Swaraj Dash’s withdrawal, citing “extenuating circumstances,” electing Sanjana Kalidindi after a 40 minute closed session beginning DW S P DQG HQGLQJ DW S P A total of 11 State of the Union addresses were

delivered, with Senators holding a recess at 9 p.m DQG UHWXUQLQJ DW S P Senators then passed SR-W26-002, a resolution in solidarity with the people of Iran and the Iranian community at UCR 11-0-2.

Along with this, Senators passed SB-W26-003 which updated report guidelines 13-0-0 and SBW26-004, a bill which added the Scotty Eats program into the VP of Internal Affairs bylaws.The bill was passed 12-0-1 after having been tabled twice previŶH ously.

already preemptively departed, relocating to states like Nevada. Newsom, who maintains close ties with many of California’s wealthiest residents, has expressed disappointment over the departures, calling

the tax and its unintendHG H൵HFWV VRPHWKLQJ WKDW would be “really damaging to the state.”

Supporters of the tax, such as California representative Ro Khanna, have argued that it would reduce income inequality in the state. In addition to lawmakers, not all billionaires are opposed, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang claiming that although he is not an outright supporter, he is ³SHUIHFWO\ ¿QH´ ZLWK WKH WD[ and does not intend to leave the state.

As of February 2026, the proposal has not yet attained the 875,000 signatures required to advance it to the ballot. If achieved, the proposal would be voted on in November 2026 and ŶH WDNH H൵HFW LQ

Crime Watch: Moreno Valley shooting suspect arrested 47-YEAR-OLD TEESHA LUCAS ARRESTED FOR THE KILLING OF 22-YEAR-OLD FOLLOWING MONTHS-LONG INVESTIGATION. '4*8+= .'-2+8 :[H࢒ >YP[LY

On Jan. 29, 2026, 47-year-old Teesha Lucas was arrested for the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Xavier Cox. The shooting RFFXUUHG RQ $SULO DURXQG p.m., in the 13600 block of Daimler Street in Moreno Valley.

After deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon, WKH\ IRXQG &R[ VX൵HULQJ IURP gunshot wounds. First responders brought Cox to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. /XFDV ZDV LQLWLDOO\ LGHQWL¿HG DQG taken in for questioning before being released.

After the case was presented to the Riverside District Attorney’s 2൶FH SURVHFXWRUV ¿OHG YROXQWDU\ manslaughter charges against Lucas.

She was later arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.

Authorities emphasized the shooting was an isolated incident rather than an ongoing threat to

the public. Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact Master Investigator R. Deanne or Investigator Newby of the Central ŶH Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

COURTESY OF RAEAN

highlandernews.org/category/news

NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

5

The intersection of Riverside County law enforcement and ICE OVI MATHIVANAN :[H࢒ >YP[LY

MORE INDIVIDUALS WERE MOVED FROM LOCAL CUSTODY TO ICE IN 2025.

,Q WKH 5LYHUVLGH &RXQW\ 6KHUL൵¶V 2൶FH transferred 43 individuals into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody whereas in 2024, they transferred only 13 individuals. These ¿JXUHV DUH D SRUWLRQ RI WKH LQGLYLGXDOV UHFRUGHG by the department as having been transferred to ICE FXVWRG\ :KLOH WKH GDWD R൵HUV D VQDSVKRW RI UHFHQW ICE transfer activity, it may not capture every transfer in which individuals may have been moved between local law enforcement systems and ICE. $FFRUGLQJ WR ,&(¶V R൶FLDO ZHEVLWH GHWHQWLRQ by the agency is non-punitive and is separate from criminal punishment or incarceration. The agency asserts that custody decisions are made based on limited resources and exercised to protect national interests and security.

ICE also provides an Online Detainee Locator System, which permits the public to search for individuals over the age of 18 who have been detained

by ICE for over 48 hours by name, country of birth, birth date or an assigned Alien Registration Number.

However, the locator does not account for minors and individuals may not immediately appear in the system following a transfer. This delay can impede family and friends’ abilities to determine where a loved one is being detained, as well as make it more GL൶FXOW IRU OHJDO VHUYLFH SURYLGHUV WR SURPSWO\ DVVLVW detained individuals and their families.

Local responses to the nationwide immigration crackdown have varied across various businesses and departments. The City of Riverside provides publicly accessible information on individuals and employers’ ULJKWV D൶UPLQJ WKDW ³(YHU\RQH LQ 5LYHUVLGH KDV

rights, no matter their immigration status.” The emphasis on access to accurate legal information, regardless of one’s immigration status, have created a supportive community where individuals hold a strong understanding of their rights, as well as how local systems intersect with federal immigration laws.

On Jan. 30, thousands of individuals mobilized to protest against the expansion of ICE operations and anti-immigration policies in the country following a VHULHV RI KLJK SUR¿OH LQFLGHQWV DQG NLOOLQJV LQYROYLQJ federal immigration enforcement. The incidents include the Jan. 7 killing of Renée Nicole Macklin Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during a federal ICE operation, as well DV WKH -DQ NLOOLQJ RI $OH[ -H൵UH\ 3UHWWL GXULQJ D

protest against ICE mass deportations.

In light of ongoing local and national concerns about immigration enforcement, local community organizations and individuals in Riverside County continue to provide resources to support residents and WKHLU IDPLOLHV D൵HFWHG E\ WKH QDWLRQZLGH LPPLJUDWLRQ crackdown and ICE operations. Additionally, the &LW\ RI 5LYHUVLGH ¿UPO\ PDLQWDLQV WKDW LW ³GRHV QRW share immigration status information with federal enforcement agencies unless required by law or a judicial warrant,” reassuring citizens that the city’s policies are intended to protect residents’ privacy and prevent the local law enforcement system from having to engage with federal immigration operations outside of what it required by local and federal law. ŶH

COURTESY OF PICRYL

U.N. attributes ‘imminent’ financial collapse to members’ unpaid dues THE U.S.’S LACK OF PAYMENT IS A MAIN CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS FINANCIAL CRISIS. that equate to “billions of dollars,” even after and because the U.N. organizations were announcing on Jan. 7 its withdrawal from 31 “mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful and On Jan. 30, Secretary-General Antonio 8 1 HQWLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ EXW QRW OLPLWHG WR WKH poorly run.”

7KLV KDV VLQFH OHIW WKH 8 1 LQ D ¿QDQFLDO Guterres of the United Nations (U.N.) UN Human Rights Council, U.N. Women, announced the organization’s ‘imminent the U.N. Population Fund and the U.N. predicament, as the U.S. is responsible for ¿QDQFLDO FROODSVH¶ DQG DWWULEXWHG LW WR EHLQJ D Framework Convention on Climate Change. “about 95 percent of the money owed to the result of members’ mandatory unpaid dues. In The White House reported this was due to 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV´ ² RU DSSUR[LPDWHO\ a letter sent to all 196 members on Jan. 28, how they “operate contrary to U.S. national ELOOLRQ ² DV UHSRUWHG E\ D 8 1 VHQLRU R൶FLDO WKH FKLHI FODLPHG WKDW WKH ¿QDQFLDO FRQVWUDLQWV interests, security, economic prosperity or GXULQJ D EULH¿QJ RI UHSRUWHUV RQ WKH 8 1 ¶V budget crisis. It should be mentioned that this WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ LV FXUUHQWO\ IDFLQJ GL൵HU IURP sovereignty.”

When asked about the factors that played into is the amount of both the unpaid dues for 2025 any the agency has previously faced. the White House’s decision-making process, and 2026.

The United States is one of the named U.N. Each member country’s dues are determined members that has failed to pay its annual dues Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed it was done to save American taxpayers’ money by its respective country’s gross domestic product, and failure to pay them could result in the penalty of the country being stripped of its voting rights at the U.N. In fact, this was the case seen with Venezuela in 2025, which it also happened to be the U.N. member country with the second-highest amount of unpaid dues.

Returning to the letter sent out to members, Mr. Guterres writes, “The crisis is deepening, threatening program delivery and risking ¿QDQFLDO FROODSVH ´ DQG HPSKDVL]HV KRZ KH “cannot overstate the urgency of the situation.”

Here, he refers to how the agency will be forced to shut down its New York headquarters and the 2൶FH IRU WKH &RRUGLQDWLRQ RI +XPDQLWDULDQ $൵DLUV LI IXQGLQJ FRQWLQXHV WR UHPDLQ VFDUFH Ŷ MARIBEL HERNANDEZ :[H࢒ >YP[LY

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COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

6 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

NEWS

highlandernews.org/category/news

Highway 99 shut down after collision KAISER NURSES AND PROFESSIONALS STRIKE AT RIVERSIDE LOCATION. /<'4' (;9:'3'4:+ *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

On Jan. 31, 2026, dozens of vehicles shut down both directions of Highway 99 in Central California early Saturday morning. The event occurred near Earlimat in Tulare County, due to a dense fog, causing complicated and alarming driving conditions.

As stated in ABC News there was an estimate of 159 vehicles involved in the crash. $FFRUGLQJ WR +LJKZD\ 3DWURO R൶FLDOV WKLV FROOLVLRQ RFFXUUHG DW D P DQG H[SDQGHG DFURVV ERWK WKH northbound and southbound lanes from Avenue 24 to the Kern Country line; which led to the Golden State Highway shut down.

Authorities had warned drivers to drive slowly, not rely on automatic headlights and to slow down.

The National Weather Service had warned that the heavy fog would remain that entire week.

$ &DOLIRUQLD 3DWURO 2൶FHU H[SODLQHG WKDW LW is important to “Make sure to manually turn on your headlights so others have a chance to see you.”

Several people have been hospitalized with no ŶH FRQ¿UPHG GHDWKV DV RI QRZ

COURTESY OF RAW PIXEL

Don Lemon arrested after covering a protest at a Minnesota church INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST DON LEMON ACCUSED OF VIOLATING FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAW. +2/@'(+:. :+4*VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

Don Lemon, an independent journalist and former CNN anchor, was arrested for conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship.

GD\V DIWHU ¿OPLQJ D SURWHVW DW WKH 6W 3DXO Church in Minnesota, Lemon was arrested along with three others, a local independent journalist and two activists. Prosecutors allege that they “oppressed, threatened and intimidated the Church congregants and pastors by physically occupying most of the main aisle and row of chairs near the front of the Church, engaging in menacing and threatening behavior.” They also allege that Lemon VSHFL¿FDOO\ ³SRVWHG KLPVHOI´ DW WKH FKXUFK¶V entrance and “confronted some congregants and physically obstructed them as they tried to exit the church building to challenge them with ‘facts’ about US immigration policy.”

Lemon’s arrest took place as he returned to his hotel room after covering a Grammys event. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Lemon states that he was in front of the elevator when he was “jostled” by multiple people, KDQGFX൵HG DQG WROG KH ZDV XQGHU DUUHVW The journalist said he asked them for a warrant and was shown a copy on a phone by

someone from the FBI. Lemon responded to the presence of the FBI by stating, “FBI guys were out there. I mean, it had to be maybe a dozen people, which is a waste of resources.”

He explained that his attorney had tried to FRQWDFW WKHP DQG WKDW KH KDG R൵HUHG WR WXUQ himself in instead of the FBI “[having] all these people following [him] around.”

Upon Kimmel responding that his arrest was “more than a waste of resources,” Lemon answered, “You’re right about more than just a waste of resources … They want to embarrass you. They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear.” Lemon also mentioned that he was denied his one phone call and was instead told by the Homeland Security workers that arrested them that “you get to talk to your attorney whenever the court says that you can.”

Lemon and the three other people arrested were released from custody on Jan. 30, 2026, without bail but under court-ordered conditions. Lemon’s lawyer states that they are planning on proceeding to plead not guilty DQG ¿JKW WKH FKDUJHV ZLWK /HPRQ DGGLQJ “I look forward to my date in court.” He is expected to appear in court on Feb. 9, 2026, in Minneapolis.

As protests continue in the United States, multiple journalists, humanitarian committees and news organizations have condemned Don /HPRQ¶V DUUHVW DQG GLVFXVVHG LWV VLJQL¿FDQFH on the First Amendment. CNN said in a post on X that the arrest “raises profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and

COURTESY OF JILL CONNELLY VIA REUTERS

the First Amendment.” Following his release, Lemon has addressed these implications and has said that while he feels vulnerable, he is determined to defend what he sees as an attack Ŷ on free speech.

H

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

7

6ĺijĸijĹĸĽ Finding love in today’s society may not be so impossible after all BE BRAVE, BE REAL AND SEND THAT RISKY TEXT BECAUSE COMMUNICATION IS KEY. SHREYA PATEL :[H࢒ >YP[LY

hiding behind bad communication DQG WKH ODFN RI FRQ¿GHQFH UHTXLUHG ollege dating life has to approach someone because R൶FLDOO\ PRYHG LQWR RXU FRQ¿GHQFH GHFLGHG WR JR WR VOHHS LQ phones. Love apparently is 2016 and still hasn’t woken up. now found somewhere between a Modern dating isn’t impossible; +LQJH QRWL¿FDWLRQ DQG D 6QDSFKDW it’s just internally exhausting for streak. While some people are out people nowadays. Dating apps here living their dream relationship become the main character, but — posting cute anniversary pictures, sadly, they’re kind of toxic. These soft-launching partners to romantic apps are nothing more than an songs and getting spoiled by each LOOXVLRQ RI LQ¿QLWH RSWLRQV DV LI ORYH other — the rest of us are stuck is found on some kind of shopping refreshing apps and wondering how platform. It not only makes a HYHU\RQH HOVH ¿JXUHG LW RXW personal connection feel distant Dating apps have become the but also replaceable every minute default path that our thumbs take DV \RX VZLSH OHIW DQG ULJKW WR ¿QG when we open our phones — someone “better.” Except “better” WKH\¶UH FRQYHQLHQW DQG ORZ H൵RUW ZRXOG MXVW PHDQ D GL൵HUHQW ELR but emotionally dangerous as with the same inability of holding a you start getting attached, even if conversation. virtually. Despite this digital chaos, Also, ghosting has become a love still exists in real life; it’s just trend recently for some reason.

C

While many think it’s cool, it comes R൵ DV PRUH RI D VLJQ RI EDG FRPPXnication skills and disinterest in the other person. But in today’s dating culture, detachment is treated like FRQ¿GHQFH DQG FDULQJ LV FRQVLGHUHG desperate and “doing too much.”

What’s even worse is that people don’t bond over genuine connection now; it’s trauma bonding that gets people talking. Oversharing on the ¿UVW GDWH KDV UHSODFHG VPDOO WDON and suddenly you know their long list of ex-lovers before you know their favorite color. This leads to two individuals who know vulnerable details about each other without establishing any foundation of trust and stability.

On top of that, unrealistic expectations are also at their peak.

Social media has convinced us that ORYH VKRXOG EH H൵RUWOHVV DHVWKHWLF SUSANNA WU / THE HIGHLANDER

and perfectly curated. Instagram never shows couples arguing, 7LN7RN URPDQWLFL]HV UHG ÀDJV DQG rom-coms make every love story look so smooth and have a happy ending. And Snapchat? Snapchat is MXVW ¿OOHG ZLWK UDQGRP \HDU ROGV adding you as a friend. The amount of unhinged messages alone is enough to make anyone rethink dating entirely on that app.

After all the book-tok hype, there’s been a checklist made for an “ideal partner” — looks, height, humor, fashion style, hobby interests and pocket money — as if they’re shopping for the latest device instead of building a relationship with an actual human being. But it’s important to remember that love is built with real human interaction, which includes imperfection and face-to-face conversations instead of fake digital algorithms.

6R WR ¿QG ORYH LQ WRGD\¶V VRFLHW\ you must start by putting yourself out there. Because even if there are PDQ\ ¿VK LQ WKH RFHDQ \RX QHHG WR WDNH WKH ¿UVW VWHS DQG DFWXDOO\ JR RXWVLGH ZLWK D ¿VKLQJ URG 6SHQG time outside your bedroom, go explore new places, join clubs on campus, make eye contact, talk and socialize with people and actually get to know them outside WKHLU ,QVWDJUDP SUR¿OH .QRZ \RXU standards and what you expect from a relationship. You don’t need to accept the bare minimum, but H[SHFWLQJ D ¿FWLRQDO PDQ ZULWWHQ E\ a romance author isn’t going to help either.

Love today is possible. It just requires patience, honesty and VLJQL¿FDQWO\ IHZHU PL[HG VLJQDOV and ghosting. Admit that you like someone to them, don’t expect them to read your mind. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such rule written in stone that says “the JX\ KDV WR DSSURDFK ¿UVW ´ 6R EH brave, be real and send that risky text. Worst case scenario, they say they’re not looking for anyone. But best case scenario, it might work out and you could be the next one ŶH to post that soft launch.

8 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

OPINIONS

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R’Perspective: Grindr is a Meat Market GRINDR IS A MEAT MARKET APP THAT CAPITALIZES OFF YOUR LONELINESS AND INSECURITY. LIAM MCCANN *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

of yourself for it to match you.

Obviously, Ditto isn’t the same as Grindr, but it perpetrates the same problems Grindr does. You put a bunch of photos of yourself on the app for an AI software to process and spit out a match for you. You don’t get the meat market “pick whatever you want” aspect on Ditto, but it’s easy to ghost someone who doesn’t appeal to you. It’s impersonal, as it’s constructed to be.

Advertisements in general are key to a marketplace — even a meat market — so I don’t think it is ridiculous to say WKDW À\HUV HQFRXUDJLQJ \RX WR DGYHUWLVH yourself perpetrate the same problems that other dating apps create. Apps like these tell you that they are a means of ¿QGLQJ ORYH EXW PRVW RI WKH WLPH WKH\ are false promises built on “buying and EMILY MATA / THE HIGHLANDER VHOOLQJ´ \RXU SUR¿OH <RX ZDQW WR EH , DP QRW WKH ¿UVW JD\ PDQ WR VD\ WKDW deleted Grindr after a matter of weeks as the best product on the market — the Grindr is an awful app, and I know I won’t more and more people I was messaging skinniest, the tallest, most muscular. If you’re a twink (skinny, young and usually be the last. However, I do think a lot of the revealed themselves to be minors.

The exploitation of minors is an hairless gay man) or bear (older, heavier nuances are left largely unspoken. Being gay, especially in small towns or when issue that deserves more attention, but and hairy gay man), you want to make you’re young, can feel very isolating. after I deleted the app from my phone, yourself the best candidate for those Naturally, you see the ads and hear the I immediately felt liberated. I stopped looking for your body type.

An app like Ditto, in a wider scope, rumors about the new popular app that feeling like I was the product of a butcher.

But then, I felt that “queer loneliness” is largely harmless, but this comparison ZLOO ¿[ LW IRU \RX ² *ULQGU In other words, a meat market. The again. I hadn’t met with anybody, but I ties into the mental health struggles premise of the app is that you open a was determined this time. I wasn’t really RXU JHQHUDWLRQ LV D൷LFWHG ZLWK 2XU browsing page of (usually) men with gay unless I hooked up with a guy, or so understanding of ourselves is based on jacked bodies and occasionally a face say societal expectations and pressure. our online identity. It starts with how we present ourselves on Zoom during RU WZR 7KLV SDJH FDQ EH PRGL¿HG ZLWK So, I returned to the meat market.

GR]HQV RI ¿OWHUV <RX SLFN ZKR LV DWWUDFWLYH The guy was 28. Not illegal, but morally quarantine and social media platforms to you, shoot them a message and wait for … questionable. A few days passed, and like Snapchat and Instagram. These apps them to respond. If all goes “well,” you the shame started to sink in. I’m still are the same idea.

You can be anybody you like, and get a response and plan when you’ll hook unsure why I let myself do that. I let myself be part of the meat market I criticized. I even if this version of yourself has been up.

However, note how I say “occasionally wanted attention, and I wanted it then. I completely fabricated, it still won’t be a face or two.” A big staple of many dating wouldn’t take no for an answer. I put the enough because it’s not you. It’s about apps is the anonymity that they grant you most provocative things I could on my your likeness and whether or not people and Grindr is no exception. In fact, most SUR¿OH DQG ZLWKLQ VHFRQGV , JRW D ÀRRG ZDQW WR EX\ \RXU SUR¿OH %X\ WKH SURGXFW people who show their faces end up being of messages. In a way, the other guy was \RX DUH DGYHUWLVLQJ $V , VHH À\HUV DURXQG blocked by anyone they show their faces part of the meat market too. I didn’t care campus telling people to sign up for a to. This anonymity communicates to DERXW KLP LQ WKH VOLJKWHVW DQG , GLGQ¶W ¿QG “love-lottery,” I am asking myself if I you, however indirect, that being queer him attractive. I wanted his attention and really want to participate in the meat is something to hide or be ashamed of. nothing more. That’s what Grindr does for market anymore. I say this as a person who signed up to try it out, but I don’t like People hiding their identities can be safe, you.

So, to put this into perspective, I the feeling of being a product. I deleted it.

EXW \RX DOVR UXQ WKH ULVN RI FDW¿VKLQJ Apps such as these teach you to feel It’s less a dating app and more a hookup walk around campus and I see a bunch app, and while I don’t think that’s right, I RI À\HUV SURPRWLQJ D QHZ GDWLQJ DSS ashamed of yourself and how you are DP QRW KHUH WR SLWFK \RX WKH GL൵HUHQFHV for University of California, Riverside perceived, especially for the queer I am here to tell you about how Grindr (UCR) students. This app is called Ditto. community. But you’re not a ham or beef teaches gay people to feel ashamed. If the DL ² LWV $, VRIWZDUH SURPSWV \RX WR ¿OO chuck hanging from the ceiling. You’re anonymity aspect doesn’t do that, perhaps out the form with your interests, height, not a product waiting to be bought. Resist Ŷ my story will. I was almost 19 when I DJH DJH SUHIHUHQFHV DQG DGG ¿YH SKRWRV the market.

H

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

9

Navigating the performance of Valentine’s Day VALENTINE’S DAY IS MORE ABOUT BEING SEEN AS LOVED THAN BEING IN LOVE.

ZOË MINTER *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

L

ove is in the air, but behind the roses, chocolates and perfectly curated social media posts, Valentine’s Day often feels less like a celebration of love and connection and more like a performance.

If the day is not staged, planned, perfectly rehearsed and complete with every prop in place, it might as well not exist. Because, like any good performance, it is not for the people performing. It is for the audience, and we are sitting with opera glasses in hand ready to watch and either give rave reviews or harsh critiques as we see each post pass through our feed.

COURTESY OF VECT VECTEEZY & PNGTREE

We post every matcha, every pilates class we attend, every vacation and therefore we feel the need to share and perform our relationships as well. It feels like if we do not post about our relationships, then they don’t truly exist.

comparisons. But this risks losing sight of what truly matters — what it feels like to love and be loved.

The performance has clouded our vision with a haze of likes and comments, when meaning should come from a more personal So as we post our relationships, our friends place. We have lost the feeling of knowing SRVW WKHLUV DQG RXU IDYRULWH LQÀXHQFHUV that something is meaningful to us, even if share theirs, simple acts that we might have no one ever sees it or leaves a little heart by originally found sweet or made us happy it. The meaning of our relationships should have now been devalued, giving value to come from what we make of them, and not how our relationships are perceived by from how they’re perceived by others. others rather than how we feel. It makes us ask internally if my partner is doing enough Yes, I will always share with my friends 6R WKH TXHVWLRQ LV :K\ GR ZH IHHO because (insert favorite celebrity) got a a sweet thing a guy did, but I share it with the pressure to share every detail of our bouquet of lilies and I got roses. Taking a grain of salt and do not let someone else’s relationships just to be speculated upon by us down the spiral of questioning our own opinion dictate my joy or love. At the end the masses? The reason is the pressure to tastes, we think I loved them when I got of the day, love is sweetest when everyone in the relationship is happy, and the cute perform for others. them, but now I don’t know. moments are not staged for anyone else’s This is the irony of relationships and approval or criticism. Maybe that’s the Whether it be professional accolades on LinkedIn or our personal lives on Instagram, how they are performed because it causes kind of Valentine’s Day we should all aim most of our lives have been documented in WKH VHOI IXO¿OOLQJ SURSKHF\ RI PHDVXULQJ for, one that makes us smile when no one is Ŷ some way or another through social media. our lives through likes, comments and watching.

H

10 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

OPINIONS

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Valentine’s Day disguises overconsumption as romance LEAVE THE BOO BASKETS IN 2025.

HENYA DADEM 4HYRL[PUN 0U[LYU

Sometime around the last two weeks of January, retail stores begin revamping their seasonal section with tons of pink and red merchandise, shelves decked out in glittery hearts and vibrant roses. Once Feb. 14 passes, the same heart-shaped candy boxes that were stacked high on shelves are suddenly thrown into clearance for Valentine’s Day nonenjoyers to snack on or continue to ignore altogether.

According to Capital One ShopSLQJ 9DOHQWLQH¶V 'D\ LV WKH ¿IWK largest spending holiday in the United States. Last year, Americans VSHQW D WRWDO RI ELOOLRQ RQ 9DOentine’s Day goods, which is over PLOOLRQ PRUH WKDQ WKH SUHYLous record set in 2020. Although the day is framed as a celebration of ORYH WKH HQRUPRXV ¿QDQFLDO LPSOLcations suggest that it serves more as a marketing opportunity for companies rather than a celebration of a meaningful holiday.

Valentine’s Day themed gifts DUH PDVV SURGXFHG VSHFL¿FDOO\ IRU the holiday. This includes not only novelty items such as gift cards and plushies, but even roses, which are grown in massive quantities just for the single day celebration. The mass production of these single-use

VHDVRQDO LWHPV DOVR FUHDWHV D VLJQL¿cant amount of waste at a time when ODQG¿OOV DUH DOUHDG\ SLOHG KLJK 7KH celebration generates around 82 square feet of plastic waste. Much of this merchandise is low quality and sold with excessive packaging, which contributes to an environmental decline as most of these items cannot be recycled.

Themed merchandise such as heart-shaped mugs, glasses and pink decorative items are marketed as sentimental keepsakes, yet many of these items have little use after the holiday. Once February ends, these gifts often sit unused in cabinets or eventually get thrown away. What was once a romantic gift becomes clutter, turning a sweet gesture into meaningless waste. Companies can À\ XQGHU WKH UDGDU ZKLOH SURGXFLQJ poor quality Valentine’s Day goods because they know that these items are not going to be used long-term.

The rise of “boo baskets” on various social media platforms has FRQWULEXWHG VLJQL¿FDQWO\ WR QRUPDOizing overconsumption in the name of love. On platforms like TikTok, creators have established their entire online brand identity and content around putting together seasonal, themed baskets that can cost hundreds of dollars. These baskets

DUH RIWHQ FUHDWHG DURXQG D VSHFL¿F FRORU VFHQW SUR¿OH DQG EUDQG UDWKHU than with thoughtful personalization. :KHWKHU RU QRW LQÀXHQFHUV DUH DFWXDOO\ SXUFKDVLQJ WKH ¿OOHG EDVNHWV WKH\ ¿OP LV LUUHOHYDQW %\ pushing and producing this content, they are setting unrealistic expectations and encouraging viewers to overspend as a gesture of love. Instead of expressing genuine care, D൵HFWLRQ WXUQV LQWR D FKHFNOLVW RI generic aesthetic items copied from someone else.

7KLV WUHQG UHÀHFWV D EURDGHU SDWtern of emotionally driven consumerism. On Valentine’s Day, love is continuously expressed through objects rather than sentiment, communication and presence. IndusWULHV SUR¿W R൵ RI PDNLQJ FRQVXPers believe that their feelings for their loved ones must be expressed materialistically. This encourages SHRSOH ZKHWKHU WKH\ FDQ D൵RUG WR or not, to throw loads of money at aesthetic items that lack quality and oftentimes practicality. It is really hard to drink from a heart-shaped mug.

The commercialization of Valentine’s Day turns intimacy into a transaction. Emotional value becomes measured by price tags and

volume rather than thoughtfulness and care. Romance is no longer about connection but about putting on a performance. Flaunting your love publicly through trending gifts and curated aesthetics for the special holiday is not a genuine display RI D൵HFWLRQ Rejecting the consumption driven Valentine’s Day trends does not mean rejecting love and romance. ,W PHDQV UHGH¿QLQJ WKH KROLGD\ WR prioritize intention rather than overconsumption and following trends.

Thrifting unique items, handmaking gifts, baking treats and spendLQJ TXDOLW\ WLPH R൵HU PRUH PHDQingful alternatives to purchasing poor quality, mass-produced items.

Creating experiences and custom gifts, such as those found on Etsy, often carry more sentimental value and thought while avoiding unnecessary waste.

In a culture that constantly urges people to spend more money, choosing to consume less can be freeing.

Valentine’s Day does not need more products on the shelves. It desperately needs more authenticity. Love VKRXOG QRW EH GLVSRVDEOH RU GH¿QHG by monetary value. It should be expressed in ways that will outlive the ŶH clearance aisle.

COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

11

Take it or Leave it: It’s time to get back on Hinge YOU MAY MEET THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE OR NEVER SEE YOUR DATE AGAIN. PENELOPE SHAO *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

Nowadays, people have devel- graphic can be found on a daily WKHUH DUH EHQH¿WV WR H[SHULPHQW- soring certain messages that may oped endless methods to pursue basis, even if you’re only open ing and practicing going on dates. EH GHHPHG LQDSSURSULDWH R൵HUa search for romance. One of to meeting people no further than Although downloading Hinge LQJ D YHUL¿FDWLRQ VWDWXV WR HQVXUH these methods that is on the rise ¿YH PLOHV DZD\ can put you on the path to meet WKDW \RXU SUR¿OH LV DOLJQHG ZLWK due to the rise in technology is By engaging with a diverse your next partner or gain valuable another photo that is submitted dating apps. Many of these apps crowd like this, you can start to experiences, there is a major con- to the app and options to block, have gained popularity, but in re- learn what your real deal-break- FHUQ IRU PDQ\ XVHUV VSHFL¿FDOO\ report or unmatch users for any cent years, daters have begun to ers are and what you may be women. Many have been met reason. Whilst acknowledging gravitate towards one app spe- more open to than you previous- with safety concerns in the past this progress, safety measures on FL¿FDOO\ +LQJH ly thought. Meeting new people as men have harassed, abused Hinge and any dating platform Swiping through on your who we might not consider to be DQG HYHQ FDW¿VKHG WKHP WKURXJK can still be improved and should phone to scope out all the singles our “type” can surprise us as we usage of the app. BBC reported be a constant priority. in your city sounds too similar learn new character traits that are that users of Hinge would often All in all, giving Hinge a shot, to ordering food through Door- compatible with us. be “asked for a sexual favour ZKHWKHU LW EH WKDW \RX¶UH ¿QDOO\ Dash. It has people wondering, The thing with compatibility is before someone said hello” or ready to commit again or you’re “Is this actually a reasonable way WKDW GL൵HUHQW WKLQJV ZRUN IRU GLI- before someone told them “their looking to meet new singles on to encounter a long-term partner- ferent people. The people we date actual name.” your trip abroad, it may not be a ship?” Hinge has the potential to are not going to be exact copies With more women experienc- bad option. Go on dates, fall in SDYH D SDWK WR ¿QG ORYH 1RW RQO\ of us. Given this, dating multiple ing this on Hinge, the app’s reli- love or even dislike the dates and does it expose you to other inten- people of various backgrounds ability for user safety and well- delete the app. Swiping through tional individuals, but the expe- helps us determine which quali- being was raised. In response, the front page every now and rience of dating and conversing ties we want in a connection, and Hinge installed updates to shield then is an exciting new way with a variety of individuals al- which ones we don’t. Whether daters from inappropriate en- to connect with others and see Ŷ lows you to curate your ideal you marry your date or never see counters. Now, Hinge contains what’s out there. love.

WKHP DJDLQ DIWHU WKH ¿UVW GLQQHU multiple safety features like cenHinge makes dating for users direct and intentional. Whether COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES \RX DUH MXVW ORRNLQJ IRU D ÀHHWLQJ ÀLQJ ORQJ WHUP SDUWQHU RU even friends, Hinge allows you to address these goals at the very WRS RI \RXU SUR¿OH 7KLV FDQ HDVily simplify your dating life by avoiding any unnecessary confusion. For instance, if someone’s bio only reads “short-term relationship,” it’s best to believe them and act accordingly.

With features like text prompts and photo captions, Hinge offers the opportunity for users to portray themselves authentically through the screen. You can slide in a witty joke or state important deal-breakers right away durLQJ \RXU ¿UVW GDWH 1HYHUWKHless, Hinge provides access to prompts that make your dating experience feel less like using an app and, well, actually dating.

Hinge also exposes people to a larger dating pool that helps them gain experience to discover the type of love they want for WKHPVHOYHV 7KHUH DUH DOO GL൵HUent types of people on Hinge.

Users of every possible demoH

12 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

FEATURES

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-įīľĿļįĽ

Scotty-Scopes:

WHAT THE CARDS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY PLANS.

The signs this Valentine’s Day

Libra (September 23 – October 22): Two of Pentacles Reversed Love comes in countless forms. Don’t focus on only one, appreciate all types of love this Valentine’s Day. We attract what we bring to the world. Share some love!

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Eight of Swords You have an abundance of love in your life and you know it. This Valentine’s Day, remind your loved ones of how you feel about them. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Queen of Cups Approach this Valentine’s Day with your deepest emotional connections in mind. If you have a partner, make them feel loved and appreciated.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Nine of Swords Envy is like poisoning yourself and expectLQJ WKH RWKHU WR VX൵HU $OWKRXJK GL൶FXOW spend the holiday cherishing what you have as opposed to lamenting what you do not.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): The Chariot Keep your eyes peeled for new developments in romance. Flowers can grow in the cracks of the concrete. Blink and you’ll miss them.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Knight of Wands You’re still in the process of digesting new information. Take a risk — ask that person out on a date, you never know what might come of it.

LIAM MCCANN *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): The Lovers You will spend Valentine’s Day with the SHUVRQ \RX ORYH <RXU H൵RUWV WR PDNH \RXU partner feel cared for will be returned in kind.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): The Empress Reversed This Valentine’s Day you will be forced to IDFH \RXUVHOI 'RQ¶W IHDU \RXU UHÀHFWLRQ Take this day to learn more about yourself and those you love.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Six of Swords Reversed

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Ten of Swords Reversed

Stay grounded within yourself. Get yourself a sweet treat to start your day and have a selfcare night. Your love isn’t only meant for other people, it’s important to love yourself too.

The thought of texting your ex can be very tempting. Don’t do it. This Valentine’s Day, avoid self-sabotage and be proud of yourself for doing so.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): The Hermit Look in the mirror this Valentine’s Day and love what you see. The only Valentine you need this year is yourself.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): The Tower Valentine’s Day can be tough, but don’t take that as a sign to destroy the goals you have built for yourself. Resist the urge to GRZQORDG 7LQGHU RU ¿OO WKH HPSW\ VSDFH in your roster. ŶH LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

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FEATURES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

13

So you’re the single friend MALINI JOSEPH Contributing Writer

THE SINGLE PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING VALENTINE’S DAY. COURTESY OF HELENEA LOPES VIA PEXELS

Valentine’s Day. The day of love. The one not worrying about the need to impress a sig- nies and they liven up my barren apartment. day of the year when it is socially acceptable QL¿FDQW RWKHU There are endless tutorials on YouTube, Tikfor couples to exist in public. Sorry, I think I Instead of ensuring the itinerary for Valen- 7RN RU ,QVWDJUDP ZLWK HYHU\ ÀRZHU LPDJLQjust threw up in my mouth a little. The hype tine’s Day is perfect and obsessing over the able, as well as green plants to break up the around Valentine’s Day and romance is so smallest details, you now have more time to petals. overrated. Swapping saliva during peak cold study as we hit the peak of midterm season.

Too often, especially on this holiday, the DQG ÀX VHDVRQ VRXQGV OLNH D JHQXLQH QLJKW- All that work you’ve been neglecting because rhetoric gets pushed that you should be unmare, and think of how claustrophobic all seasonal depression has been hitting so much VDWLV¿HG ZLWKRXW D URPDQWLF SDUWQHU 7KLV LV those crowds in the city will be. harder this year, well, now you can throw not a good message to believe and internalBeing single on this day is genuinely so yourself into it and get ahead of your peers ize, especially during a day that has become PXFK HDVLHU WKHUH¶V VR PXFK VWUHVV R൵ \RXU with partners. more about a consumerist culture pushed by EDFN 7KHUH DUH D ORW RI EHQH¿WV WR EHLQJ VLQ7KLQJV WR GR RQ 9DOHQWLQH¶V 'D\ LQVWHDG capitalism than actual romance and enjoying gle, but, if you really want to do something on 1. If you still want to play into the theme of time with your partner. this day just to avoid being depressed about it the day, gather your other single friends and Companies have monopolized the holiday, all, here are a few things you can do. host a little party to swap valentines like back jacking up prices all over the place in order to %HQH¿WV RI EHLQJ VLQJOH RQ 9DOHQWLQH¶V in elementary school. Whether those valen- monetize all the couples who want to go out 'D\ WLQHV DUH WKRVH VDPH VPDOO FDUGV \RX FDQ ¿QG for the day. The world is so incredibly loud So you’re the single friend of the group. in stores, handmade gifts tailored to each per- and has grown increasingly more expensive, Good for you! Look at all the things you get son or trying out new drinks or dessert recipes so it becomes immensely important that we to avoid on this holiday! You don’t have to you found on TikTok, it is completely up to sit in the quiet and learn to reconnect with ¿JXUH RXW GLQQHU UHVHUYDWLRQV IRU GDWH QLJKW RU you! ourselves as individuals.

VLW WKURXJK UXVK KRXU WUD൶F MXVW WR PHHW WKRVH 2. Binge watch those movies you’ve been Knowing your likes, your dislikes and your reservations because the restaurant is all the meaning to see for a while. Pretend you’re a hobbies without the input of another person way in Los Angeles. There’s no need to worry ¿OP FULWLF WKDW ZLOO QHHG WR UHSRUW WKHLU ¿QG- or social media ensures that you will not comabout buying the perfect gift for your partner ings to the group chat. Create a March Mad- promise or diminish the things that bring you that just has to top last year’s gift.

QHVV VW\OH ³%DWWOH RI WKH 0RYLHV´ WR ¿JXUH RXW joy for the sake of a friendship or a romantic You don’t have to agonize in front of the ZKLFK LV WKH ¿OP WR UHLJQ RYHU DOO RWKHU ¿OPV partner. It ensures you know who you are as a PLUURU IRU KRXUV WU\LQJ WR SLFN WKH PRVW ÀDW- If you’re feeling particularly productive, cre- human being who gets to take up space.

WHULQJ RXW¿W WKDW VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ FRPSOLPHQWV ate an Oscars-style award show.

Being single is so much fun. There is a freeyour partner’s. Being single means you can 3. Craft! If you haven’t done it in a while, dom to it, to remembering one’s individuality do so many things that would’ve taken so working with your hands becomes very satis- that we so often take for granted. And, if bemuch longer with a partner. You don’t have fying and meditative, especially if that craft ing single starts to feel too lonely, a romantic WR ¿JKW RYHU ZKDW FXLVLQHV WR HDW DQG \RX FDQ can serve as decoration within your dorm or SDUWQHU GRHVQ¶W QHHG WR EH WKH RQH WR ¿OO WKDW rewatch that Studio Ghibli movie for the 50th apartment after. One craft I highly recom- gap. My friendships, my platonic soulmates, time that month. You get to indulge in hob- PHQG LV FUHDWLQJ SLSH FOHDQHU ÀRZHUV ,¶YH KDYH DOZD\V EHHQ PRUH IXO¿OOLQJ WKDQ DQ\ URŶ ELHV DQG H[LVW LQ \RXU UDWWLHVW FRP¿HVW RXW¿W PDGH SLSH FOHDQHU VXQÀRZHUV OLOLHV DQG SHR- mantic relationship.

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14 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

FEATURES

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NORM’S NOOK

SPOTLIGHT

Philip Brett Memorial Peace Garden NOLA PERIFEL Assistant Features Editor

The Philip Brett Memorial Peace Garden is a Japanese style garden installed in 2008 in the Arts Building at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). This peaceful garden, designed by Dr. Takeo Uesugi, was created in honor of Philip Brett, a renowned UC professor of Musicology, who tragically passed away of cancer in 2002.

This garden is a secluded and peaceful place for students to relax and PHGLWDWH ,W LV WKH SHUIHFW TXLHW DUHD IRU VHOI UHÀHFWLRQ DQG WKH JDUGHQ¶V wooden bench is a great place to take a nap. A pagoda garden statue stands tall between the greenery of the dry garden. It is the perfect place for a ŶH quiet and peaceful Valentine’s Day picnic!

ALONDRA ORDAZ / THE HIGHLANDER

ICONIC ROM-COMS

GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

BY: KIRTI SHEELAM, STAFFF WRITER

ANSWERS

(DON’T PEEK!) $FURVV 1. Instagram’s version of a TikTok video 6. Egyptian goddess of cats 10. Actress ____ Condor of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” 14. Who Harry met 15. Wings 16. Famous ____ cookies 17. Old-womanish 18. Nintendo rival 19. Tools with teeth 20. Some movie ratings 21. 1999 rom-com with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook

24. Female deer 25. Idol and Joel 26. 2003 Christmas themed rom-com 31. “Your 15 minutes of fame ___ __!”

32. Letter-shaped fastener 33. Priestly garb 36. Upside-down sleepers 37. Whoopi’s role in “The Color Purple” 39. Greek goddess Athena ____ 40. Radical ‘60s org.

41. “The Phantom of the Opera” heroine Christine ____ 42. Poe’s middle name

43. The 80’s most iconic dance romance 46. More nimble 49. Literary collections 50. Julia Roberts’ biggest rom-com 53. Strong acid, chemically 56. “If it ____ broke …”

57. Amazes 58. Author Calvino ,QÀLFW XSRQ 3UH¿[ ZLWK W\SH <HDUO\ REVHUYDQFH Abbr.

63. Taylor Swift’s all encompassing tour 64. King of the jungle

:DUG R൵ 'RZQ 5RFN\¶V SUH¿[ 2. “You ____?”

3. Yale students 4. Building wing 5. Strong old-time cleanser 6. Most despicable 7. Pub orders 8. Epic story 9. Crayola color retired in 2003 10. In conclusion 11. “_____ and the Night Visitors” 12. “Impossible!”

+HOSHUV $EEU 22. TV’s “___ Ramsey” 23. Cheerful tune 24. ____ ex machina 26. Experiment sites 27. Toward the mouth 28. November honorees 29. Newsman Garrick 30. Singer DiFranco 33. “___ _ want for Christmas ...”

34. Tilt 35. Firework sound 37. A type of LV bag 38. Consume 39. MLB postseason VHPL¿QDO 41. Zero sugar version of

Pepsi 42. Jesus’ disciple who lied 43. Says “I second that” 44. Plum variety 45. De Armas of “Knives Out” 46. Garden tool 47. Earlier 48. ____-_-car 51. V-J Day ended it 9LQWQHU¶V SUH¿[ 53. Mandlikova of tennis 54. “Little Love-god” sonnet 55. ____, Simon 59. Explosive minecraft ŶH block

FEATURES

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

15

TEST YOURSELF! What traditional Valentine’s gift are you?

Get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with this quiz.

By: Nola Perifel, Assistant Features Editor 1. Where would you rather travel most during the Valentine’s Day period?

A. Switzerland B. Paris C. Venice 2. What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?

A. Enjoying a nice movie and a variety of delicious snacks. % $ SLFQLF LQ D ¿HOG RI GDLVLHV C. A romantic candlelit dinner on the beach.

3. What kind of gift makes you most happy?

A. Food or a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. % $ ERXTXHW RI ÀRZHUV WR EULJKWHQ \RXU GD\ & +DQGPDGH JLIWV ¿OOHG ZLWK HPRWLRQ

answer key ŶH

COURTESY OF BEYZA C VIA PEXELS

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DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM

MAIN M AIN ST ST

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If you got “A,” you are the most classic Valentine’s day gift, Chocolate. Like chocolate, you are sweet and lovable. You are who everyone turns to when in need of comfort. Your loyalty is one of your strong suits and your generosity is one of your best qualities. You are kind and your presence RIWHQ PDNHV SHRSOH VPLOH HɣRUWOHVVO\ <RX DUH empathetic and you love with all your heart, feeling other peoples’ emotions deeply. You often prioritize others before yourself. Try to WKLQN RI \RXUVHOI ¿UVW VRPHWLPHV ,W LV RND\ WR say no.

If you got “B,” you are a Bouquet of Roses.

You naturally attract those around you like bees to pollen. You are passionate about the people you love. You have trouble trusting people initially, and like roses, your thorns protect you. You are a very goal-oriented SHUVRQ DQG \RX ¿QG EHDXW\ LQ HYHU\WKLQJ <RX DUH TXLHW \HW FRQ¿GHQW DQG \RX OLJKW XS HYHU\ room you enter. Like roses, you usually smell amazing. You constantly aim for perfection, which is great, but remember — it is okay to make mistakes.

If you got “C,” you are a Love Poem. Like the love poem, you are the most romantic person out there. You prioritize your emotions and you allow yourself to be vulnerable. You are passionate and loving, and you allow yourself to dream. You might be someone who enjoys hand making gifts for the people you love. Your imagination helps you reach an emotional depth that no one else understands.

Your intuition and emotions are what drive your every move. You are a hopeless romantic and you pour your heart and soul into your ŶH relationships.

16 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

FEATURES

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UCR’s Most Eligible Bachelors WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED. HERE ARE THIS YEAR’S PICKS FOR UCR’S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELORS. SANJANA THATTE Features Editor & NOLA PERIFEL Assistant Features Editor

I have 9 pets!

Including Snakes!

Emma Zulawski . She/Her . @emmaaaaaaz

Psychology

YEAR

2nd Year

HOMETOWN

Modesto

FOOD

Sushi

LOVE

Long Term Love Get B.A and become victim advocate

MY DATE

Brunch & Coffee with a walk or picnic

THEY CALL ME

Whimsical, Kind, Helpful, Snacker, Yapper

Naysha Agarwal . She/H er

. @_nayshaaaaa special

Biology

YEAR

2nd Year

HOMETOWN

Camarillo

FOOD

Indian Food, Pani-Puri, Ta

LOVE

Long Term Love

MY DATE THEY CALL ME

co Bell

Become an Oncologist Shopping together Kind, Smart, Yapper Supr eme

GRAPHICS BY ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER

Jordan Marquez . He/Him . @jo rdan

special

.mcdummy

Major

Psychology

YEAR

2nd Year

HOMETOWN

Murrieta

FOOD

Sushi

LOVE

Long Term Love

LIFE GOALS

Be a psychiatrist, Have a big fam

MY DATE THEY CALL ME

ily

Cof fee, Thrifting, Bowling, and

Sunsets~

Sweet, Funny, Spontaneous, Adv enturous

I play Dungeons and Dragons

Yapper final boss & Coca-Cola addict

Major

LIFE GOALS

(Take me!)

special

Major

LIFE GOALS

I’ve never been to a concert!

Alex Howe . He/Him . @alexhowe_04

special

Major

Sociology

YEAR

3rd Year

HOMETOWN

San Mateo

FOOD

Dumplings

LOVE

Chill long-term Love

LIFE GOALS

Contribute to community, make connnections

MY DATE

Coffee, Boba, or Ice cream date

THEY CALL ME

Relaxing, Calm, Has Dry/Dark humor, easygoing

FEATURES

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

17

u

Everything yo liked I liked first edplanet

. @pott urea. He/Him Reese Mcallg

Biology

Major

FOOD LOVE LIFE GOALS MY DATE THEY CALL ME

Anthony Esp

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MY DATE

Aquarium D ate

THEY CALL ME

Funny, Atten

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Major YEAR

3rd Year Anaheim

FOOD

Sushi and Taco Bell

LIFE GOALS MY DATE THEY CALL ME

True honest companion

- Match my freak

Pursue passions in dance and

creativity

Matcha and Film Museum date

Quirky, Whimsical, Silly,

Santana

Upbeat

special

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Major

HOMETOWN

LOVE

I make MMD animations!

special

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FOOD LOVE LIFE GOALS MY DATE THEY CALL ME

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18 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

FEATURES

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The psychology of love EXPLAINING HOW THE CHEMICALS IN YOUR BRAIN MAKE YOU FEEL THE WARM FUZZIES.

COURTESY OF YANALYA VIA FREEPIK WADE MU *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

When you fall in love with someone, ness with the person that started the rush. it can be hard to describe the mysteri- Your brain essentially treats romantic atous, magical or even irrational feelings traction as a reward, and every smile, text you have. While love has inspired poetry, and glance reinforces the spell.

Additionally, the stress hormone cortimusic and mythology for centuries, psychology and neuroscience explain that sol plays a major role in love, whose job is these intense feelings we associate with to heighten your awareness. The sweaty romance are deeply rooted in the brain’s palms, a racing heart and nervousness FKHPLVWU\ )URP WKH EXWWHUÀLHV LQ \RXU someone might get when thinking about stomach to the sense of comfort you get a crush can be attributed to the alertaround that special someone, love is a ness and arousal cortisol creates. When symphony of chemicals orchestrated by you are falling in love, you might worry neurotransmitters and hormones to create about how a relationship will work out or wondering if they like you back. The the feelings that we know as love.

According to Harvard Medical School, chemical sharpens your memory, which RQH RI WKH PRVW LQÀXHQWLDO QHXURWUDQV- can explain why you might remember mitters involved in love is dopamine, small details about a crush, such as the which is responsible for pleasure, moti- sound of their laugh, their hobbies and vation and reward. When falling in love other small details which seem seared with someone, dopamine levels increase, into your brain. sparking feelings of excitement, attracAnother hormone at play in the love tion and intense focus for the other per- concoction is serotonin, the hormone reson. Time feels faster, and everything is sponsible for mood regulation and focus. more vivid. This can explain why puppy Interestingly, serotonin is reduced during love can feel all consuming and euphor- the initial stages of love, which can exic because your brain is lighting up like plain why love can feel all consuming, ¿UHZRUNV HQFRXUDJLQJ \RX WR VHHN FORVH- ¿OOLQJ RQH¶V WKRXJKWV GD\ DQG QLJKW

As romantic relationships deepen, other chemicals enter the arena. Also known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin increases with physical touch, cuddling, kissing and sexual intimacy. Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, and it plays a major role in long term bonding and sustaining long term relationships. Likewise, the hormone vasopressin is produced, increasing loyalty and contributing to monogamous relationships.

In the end, love is a fascinating blend of science and wonder, where neuroscience supports what we feel as magical and unexplainable. Understanding how neurotransmitters and hormones like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin work together can deepen our appreciation of the beauty of love. Love’s biochemistry gives rise to connection, attachment and meaning in life and knowing that the warm fuzzy feeling we get is rooted into our biology shows us that love is not something we should take for granted. Ŷ H

COMICS

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Co

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026

Lifelong Meaning / By: JUXWAH

MI

CS

Take a Break / By: Natalie Marquez

Year of the Horse / By:_Susanna Wu

Dewy’s Adventures / By: Emily Mata

19

20 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

RADAR

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9īĮīļ A night at the 12th Annual Smartphone Film Festival IAN PALMA, ANTHONY ASCENCIO-CARVAJAL 9HKHY ,KP[VY :[H࢒ >YP[LY

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PDUWSKRQH ¿OPLQJ DQ DFW once seen as perverse and unprofessional by pretentious ¿OPPDNHUV DQG FDPHUD VQREV KDV VHHQ D MXVWL¿HG VXUJH ZLWKLQ WRGD\¶V movie industry. Smartphones have EHFRPH D OHJLWLPDWH WRRO WR ¿OP features big and small, as proven by movies such as Sean Baker’s “Tangerine” and Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later.” More so, the accessibility of cameras within the palm of one’s hand has made it SRVVLEOH IRU DVSLULQJ ¿OPPDNHUV DQG directors to practice their craft.

2Q )HE VWXGHQW ¿OPPDNHUV at University of California, Riverside (UCR) boldly unveiled ¿YH PLQXWH VKRUW ¿OPV LQ WKH WK Annual Smartphone Film Festival at CHASS Interdisciplinary South 1128, further giving testament to the SRZHU RI VPDUWSKRQH ¿OPPDNLQJ DV well as showcasing the creativity of UCR students.

The 12th Annual Smartphone Film Festival was packed with spectators DQG ¿OPPDNHUV UHDG\ WR LQGXOJH in cinema while supporting one DQRWKHU :LWK ¿OPV UDQJLQJ from comedies to dramas to GRFXPHQWDULHV WKH ¿OP IHVWLYDO encompassed a variety of genres for everyone to enjoy.

2QH ¿OP ³$PHULFDQ 'UHDP ´ highlights the rise and fall of The Getaway Cafe, a prominent bar and

FILMS, PHONES AND AWARDS GALORE.

hangout spot within UCR that has now been pushed out of business.

Directed by Elias Martigon, the documentary encapsulates a moment LQ WLPH ZLWKLQ 8&5¶V KLVWRU\ ¿OOHG with drinks, sport and camaraderie, especially putting a spotlight on those who’ve worked at the cafe.

“American Dream” is sure to evoke some bittersweet nostalgia for those who were lucky enough to frequent the place.

“A Knot Holding,” directed by Georgie Sandoval, takes viewers to the darkest depths of the human PLQG 7KH ¿OP IRFXVHV RQ DQ evidently distressed man reluctant to express any emotion to his partner RWKHU WKDQ WKH SKUDVH ³,¶P ¿QH ´ :LWK impressive performances from both the actor and actress, Sandoval’s ¿OP H[HUWV SDOSDEOH WHQVLRQ ZKLOH emphasizing the importance of sharing feelings and having open conversations especially in a time of crisis. When asked what’s the QH[W VWHS LQ KLV ¿OPPDNLQJ FDUHHU Sandoval states, “I think I’m gonna go see where it takes me, just for the love of the game.”

Luis Hernandez and Michelle /DUD¶V ³6SLOO $W 7KH 2൶FH´ ZDV D mockumentary comedy that takes place in a business meeting setting.

It was interrupted by the mishaps of a new employee delivering FR൵HH DQG D FDQWDQNHURXV FRZRUNHU

blogging the incident for views.

Performances during character interviews and aftermath of the spill drew laughs and heartfelt reactions LQ WKLV R൶FH GUDPD During their Q&A, they mentioned WKH EHQH¿WV WKDW FDPH ZLWK FR directing, as one could see the vision the other director was missing, thus they combined talents to develop WKLV H[FHOOHQW SLHFH 5HÀHFWLQJ RQ future plans, Lara stated, “I just want to give back to my town and be like, ‘hey, it’s possible to do whatever you want, be whoever you want, go for your dreams. Despite the odds, recognize that from the ground up, anything is possible.’” Hernandez shared, “I wanna pursue directing DQG ¿OPPDNLQJ 7KLV LV UHDOO\ MXVW D start of what I really want to do and what I really want to pursue.”

By the end of the screening, Q&As between student panelists and the auteurs took place, with each of them GHVFULELQJ WKH SURFHVV RI ¿OPLQJ WKH short. An awards ceremony followed VRRQ DIWHU LQ ZKLFK ¿OPV UHFHLYHG UHFRJQLWLRQ IRU GL൵HUHQW FULWHULD Han Chang’s “Frames” centered on a photographer at the park capturing pictures of the landscape and people going about their day. Chang was able to capture beautiful scenes of the lake and impressive camera angles high in the air that would otherwise seem done with professional

equipment. The methods presented DUH ZKDW JDUQHUHG &KDQJ¶V ¿OP IRU the award of Best Cinematography.

Hayden Harbison’s “Not What They Seem” is a spy comedy centering the protagonist “Mr. Man,” facing his nemesis “Dr. Evil,” and was well received. Lots of laughs from the audience over the clock puns, silly dynamic between archenemies and a surprise appearance from Mr. Man’s Grandma made it a story with plenty of twists. Award for Best Actor went to Max Perry, while WKH ¿OP LWVHOI ZRQ WKH $ZDUG IRU Audience Favorite.

Jeevan Dhanota’s “Charles HQ” blended live-action performances with an animated pikmin character named Charles. As a result of the techniques used during production, it garnered the award for Best Editing. Due to Doritos being a key SORW GHYLFH GXULQJ WKH VKRUW ¿OP Dhanota also received them with the award.

Despite the awards given out to a IHZ ¿OPV LW VHHPV DV LI HYHU\RQH was a winner given the excellent and interesting movies that were placed on display at the Smartphone Film Festival. What started as a proposition from a student began a yearly tradition to organize the student body’s creative prowess WKURXJK VPDUWSKRQH ¿OPPDNLQJ ŶH

IAN PALMA / THE HIGHLANDER

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

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‘10 Things I Hate About You’ ONE OF THE FEW ROM-COMS TO NOT ONLY STAND OUT BUT ALSO STAND THE TEST OF TIME. DILLON CLARK *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

COURTESY OF TOUCHSTONE PICTURE

MAIN ST

While today, the niche of creatively am- ly into her environment, and Patrick initially its own, the real heavy lifting of these ideas bitious Shakespeare adaptations has been seems just as unreachable. They develop in comes from the performances. Julia Stiles exhausted into a genre of its own, there was small and awkward steps rather than big ro- gives Kat a sharp attitude that perfectly once a time where this idea felt new and mantic gestures, which makes every step on ZDONV WKH ¿QH OLQH EHWZHHQ FOHYHU DQG ELWWHU refreshing. “10 Things I Hate About You” the rocky staircase of their relationship feel allowing her later vulnerability to feel genumanages to maintain relevance through its earned. The movie suggests that the love you LQH 7KH ¿OP¶V VWDWXV DV D ZKROH LV DEVROXWHO\ universal themes, captivating character writ- need may not look like the love you expect, propelled by the late Heath Ledger as Pating and irreplaceable performances. While and that going after it requires an absolutely rick, whose unending charisma and underlythe basic idea of pursuing unexpected love in terrifying level of vulnerability. ing warmth is unparalleled in the realm of a world that makes success feel impossible is Bianca and Cameron’s relationship mir- romantic comedy. Their onscreen chemistry FRPPRQ WKH SUHVHQWDWLRQ DQG ÀDYRU RI WKLV rors this, as it also begins as a result of su- is absolutely magnetic, forcing the audience ¿OP KHOS WR PDNH LWV PHVVDJH PRUH UHVRQDW- SHU¿FLDO DWWUDFWLRQ DQG GHYHORSV LQWR D GHHS- to root for them in every scene. ing than ever.

Watching “10 Things I Hate About You” in er emotional bond. Despite their newfound 7KH ¿OP IROORZV .DW DQG %LDQFD 6WUDWIRUG friendship and shared struggles, Cameron a time dominated by overly loud and perforsisters whose dating lives become regretta- DQG 3DWULFN FRXOG QRW EH PRUH GL൵HUHQW DW mative romance, reinforces why this movie bly intertwined after their overprotective fa- ¿UVW :KLOH &DPHURQ LV DZNZDUG DQG FRQ- continues to be talked about over dozens of ther declares that Bianca may not date unless sistently reserved, Patrick can be more accu- other more forgettable rom-coms. Love is so her more reserved sister does as well. As all UDWHO\ GHVFULEHG DV FRQ¿GHQW EXW HPRWLRQDOO\ often portrayed as spectacular or ideal, so good dramas do, this leads to a dishonesty- guarded. something as raw, heartfelt and rough around ridden predicament in which Patrick Verona, Ultimately, both of these problems are WKH HGJHV DV WKH WLWXODU SRHP LQ WKH ¿QDO DFW portrayed by the late Heath Ledger, is paid resolved with transparency and sincerity as grows more impactful with each passing to date Kat so that Bianca can regain her au- these characters abandon their problematic year. Whether one likes it or not, love depersonas in favor of emotional honesty. 27 mands honesty, vulnerability and most of all, tonomy.

What makes this simple premise work is years later, these lessons have remained so the courage to reach beyond what feels faŶ its understanding that love does not need to very critical in today’s insecure and dishon- miliar. be convenient or even socially acceptable. est culture.

While the script is strong and witty on .DW LV FHUWDLQO\ QRW D FKDUDFWHU ZKR ¿WV QHDW-

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22 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

RADAR

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You’re not in love, you’re in limerence: a playlist for those who yearn FIVE INDIE FOLK-POP SONGS FOR THE LIMERENT, THE HOPELESS AND THE QUIETLY HEARTBROKEN. CLARA BEAUGIÉ *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

³-DGHG %OXH´ E\ (PPD $QGHUVHQ Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, a day solely music centers on vulnerability and unspoken “Colour me Jaded & Blue cause my mind dedicated to romance. For some people, the feelings, making her a perfect voice for stoemotion that shows up in its place feels more ries about longing, distance and unresolved has been running in circles around you” There’s a point in limerence when hope crowded, a feeling of being completely con- connection. This track is gentle but devastatCOURTESY OFthere.

HBO starts to rot. “Jaded & Blue” lives right sumed by someone who may not feel the ing.

Andersen’s voice sounds tired in the most ³<RXU SODFH´ E\ %URNHQ 5HFRUG same way back. You can start calling this “Now would it be weak if I said you had honest way. It’s a realisation that wanting psychological state of being limerence. The someone doesn’t mean that the feeling is mu“obsessive rumination, deep infatuation and my heart in the palm of your hands” Broken Record, based in Long Beach, de- tual. Over the years, Andersen’s songwriting a strong desire for emotional reciprocation scribe themselves as “your local girl band” has naturally blended with her personal di² DQ XQIXO¿OOHG ORQJLQJ IRU D SHUVRQ ´ +HUH DUH ¿YH LQGLH IRON SRS VRQJV DOO DQG WKHLU HQHUJ\ ¿WV )RU WKRVH ORRNLQJ IRU ary, crafting lyrics that she hopes will bring by emerging female artists, to console you something more upbeat without losing the connection and comfort to those who need it. ³, VWLOO FKHFN \RXU SOD\OLVWV´ E\ $EE\ through limerence. To empathetically make emotional core, this song is it. It’s the kind you conscious of this feeling of wanting and of song one plays when they’re trying to re- 3RZOHGJH “I’ve spelt your name in secret, building entire emotional worlds out of si- claim space they once gave away. It’s warm, you only hear the noise, FDWFK\ DQG D OLWWOH GH¿DQW lence.

You’ll never understand it, ³6R +RW <RX¶UH +XUWLQJ 0\ )HHOLQJV´ ³3XVKLQJ PH RXW´ E\ 0LD 9UDEOLF I’m screaming to the void” “I feel like a fool cause I breathe and I E\ 6TXLUUHO 6XQÀRZHU Missing someone quietly and watching “I still love someone who hurt me” think of you” There’s nothing louder than rejection 6TXLUUHO 6XQÀRZHU LV DQ $PHULFDQ LQGLH their life from the sidelines is often the hardwhen it’s quiet. “Pushing me out” captures musician and songwriter whose music lives est part. 20-year-old Powledge from Texas that moment when you realise someone you in a world of lyricism, and immersive sound- FDSWXUHV WKDW VSHFL¿F NLQG RI KHDUWEUHDN care deeply about is slowly distancing them- scapes. Drawing from indie folk and rock where the connection is gone, but the actraditions, her work explores the quiet inten- FHVV WR WKHP LVQ¶W PDNLQJ LW GL൶FXOW WR PRYH selves.

Vrablic is an emerging indie-pop art- sity of everyday life, making her a deeply RQ 3RZOHGJH¶V YRLFH ÀRDWV RYHU D GHOLFDWH ist, originally from Northern Indiana. She’s resonant voice for themes of longing, trans- acoustic guitar, letting the emotional weight Ŷ known for her emotionally raw songwrit- formation and the subtle gravity of human of her lyrics take over. ing and soft, intimate production style. Her connection.

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LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

highlandernews.org/category/radar

RADAR

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

23

Radar Replay: ‘Good Will Hunting’ WHY ‘GOOD WILL HUNTING’ IS ACTUALLY A ROMANCE MOVIE.

COURTESY OF MIRAMAX FILMS

COLLIN GAILMARD *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

*This review contains spoilers* :LOO +XQWLQJ´ D JUHDW ¿OP LV :LOO¶V LQQHU being able to connect with themselves For those who are somewhat versed in journey as a young man with such a and how they really want to live their WKH FDQRQ RI FRQWHPSRUDU\ ¿OP FKDQFHV troubled past. lives. When dealing with this topic, older are they have heard about “Good Will 7KURXJKRXW WKH ¿OP :LOO RU RWKHU PRYLHV SURPRWHG D VRUW RI VWRLF LGHDOLVP +XQWLQJ ´ 7KH ¿OP VWDUULQJ OHDG 0DWW characters talking about Will, recount the belief that a strong young person, or Damon and supporting actors like Ben his tragic, and often violent upbringing. a strong young man especially, should be $൷HFN DQG 5RELQ :LOOLDPV LV DERXW Stories of his foster father beating him, able to move past their problems. This embracing and loving oneself for being putting cigarettes out on him, squandering EHOLHI LV HVSHFLDOO\ H[HPSOL¿HG LQ ROGHU who they are and, in the words of Natasha all of his potential and chaining him to movies, even American classics such as %HGLQJ¿HOG ³UHOHDVLQJ \RXU LQKLELWLRQV ´ Boston forever. Will took solace in his “The Dirty Dozen,” “Rocky” and “Rebel 7KH ¿OP UHFRXQWV WKH VWRU\ RI :LOO simple life, spending most of his time Without a Cause.”

Hunting, a prodigal mathematician who, either with his nose to the ground doing “Good Will Hunting,” however, takes after jumping in and out of prison for hard manual labor or drinking with his WKLV DQG ÀLSV LW RQ LWV KHDG HQWLUHO\ years, is put under the care of professor friends in whatever random dive bar they Instead of promoting this idea of stoic Gerald Lambeau and therapist Sean chose that night. He still enjoyed more LGHDOLVP WKH ¿OP FKRRVHV WR UHSUHVHQW D Maguire at the Massachusetts Institute of educational pursuits, but he chose to keep healthy, emotional journey taking place in Technology. With their help, and the help these private. the heart and mind of a young man. The of his girlfriend Skylar and best friend 0RVW RI WKH ¿OP LV VSHQW ZLWK WKH ultimate conclusion of this journey was Chuckie, Will comes to terms with who supporting cast trying to break this facade :LOO ¿QDOO\ UHDOL]LQJ KLV IXOO SRWHQWLDO he is and stops holding himself back in down, and Will responding in turn with not just as a genius mathematician, but OLIH ¿QDOO\ OHDYLQJ %RVWRQ IRU JRRG KLV SULPDU\ GHIHQVH PHFKDQLVP VKXWWLQJ as a human being with feelings. While “Good Will Hunting” is widely regarded people out. Whether this is insulting Sean’s ³*RRG :LOO +XQWLQJ´ ZDVQ¶W WKH ¿UVW ¿OP DV RQH RI WKH PRVW EHORYHG ¿OPV HYHU dead wife, ridiculing Lambeau’s research to depict this, it was one of the best. played in theaters, boasting an impressive or breaking up with Skylar, Will seems This depiction of self love is exactly 97% on the Tomatometer, 94% on the to have no problems with completely what makes “Good Will Hunting” Popcornmeter and 4.4 stars on Letterboxd. removing people from his life in order to a worthy watch for this upcoming The gorgeous visuals, the captivating protect his carefully maintained outlook 9DOHQWLQH¶V 'D\ ,Q D UHÀHFWLRQ RI PRGHUQ dialogue, the true-to-life characters and RQ OLIH 7RZDUGV WKH FOLPD[ RI WKH ¿OP American culture, this day has turned into the iconic cast are just a few of the aspects however, Sean succeeds in helping Will a way to express external love. It’s all of “Good Will Hunting” that make it such face his traumatic past, opening him up DERXW ¿QGLQJ D YDOHQWLQH DQG VKRZHULQJ a classic. And understandably, they’re to both the people and the world around WKHP ZLWK HQGOHVV D൵HFWLRQ %XW LQ GRLQJ also what people praise the most. him. so, many forget that love must come both However, an often underdiscussed Will’s story is unfortunately a story that externally and internally to complete the aspect of this movie is how it represents so many young people around the world are picture. And Will’s journey to love himself RQH RI WKH QLQH OLWHUDU\ FRQÀLFWV 0DQ YV living. Regardless of their backgrounds, is the perfect reminder that Valentine’s Ŷ Self. A key part of what makes “Good traumatic experiences inhibit them from Day is about one’s self as well.

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24 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

SPORTS

highlandernews.org/category/sports

:ĺĹļľĽ Highlanders blow 16 point lead in loss to Cal State Fullerton HIGHLANDERS FAIL TO SEAL THE DEAL AS THEY FALL IN THE BIG WEST STANDINGS. RACHELLE REYNOSO GONZALEZ *VU[YPI\[PUN >YP[LY

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s basketball team delivered a determined performance Thursday night at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) Arena.

The Highlanders battled through four quarters and overtime before falling to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) 82-78 in a tightly contested Big West matchup.

Despite the loss, the Highlanders displayed resilience against the Titans, who entered the game with an 8-3 conference record. The loss dropped UCR’s record to 7-15 in the season, while CSUF improved 13-9.

UCR won the opening tip and immediately applied defensive pressure, forcing turnovers HDUO\ LQ WKH ¿UVW TXDUWHU +RZHYHU WKH +LJKODQGHUV struggled to convert from the perimeter, allowing Fullerton to build momentum through interior scoring and transition opportunities. The Titans held a narrow advantage after the opening frame as both teams adjusted to the pace of play.

7KH +LJKODQGHUV EHJDQ WR ¿QG WKHLU UK\WKP in the second quarter, tightening up defensively and attacking the basket with more consistency.

Hannah Wickstrom and Bria Shine helped spark 8&5¶V R൵HQVH FRPELQLQJ DJJUHVVLYH GULYHV with active play on the defensive end to cut into WKH GH¿FLW ,PSURYHG EDOO PRYHPHQW DQG SDLQW touches allowed the Highlanders to take a 35-29 lead heading into halftime.

Momentum shifted coming out of the break DV 8&5 WXUQHG GHIHQVH LQWR R൵HQVH LQ WKH third quarter. The Highlanders forced multiple turnovers, leading to fast break points and a scoring run that energized the home crowd, leading by as many as 16 points. &68) UHVSRQGHG LQ WKH ¿QDO IUDPH LQFUHDVLQJ their defensive pressure and attacking inside to make a comeback. The Titans chipped away at the lead with second-chance points and timely ¿QLVKHV LQ WKH SDLQW ZKLOH 8&5 VWUXJJOHG WR PDLQWDLQ FRPSRVXUH ODWH &68) WRRN WKHLU ¿UVW lead of the fourth quarter with two minutes to play, absorbing all the game’s momentum.

8&5 ZDV GRZQ E\ WZR RQ WKHLU ¿QDO R൵HQVLYH

possession, and Hannah Wickstrom converted a clutch layup to tie the game at 72. She led the game in scoring with 35 points.

In the extra period, both teams exchanged baskets early, but the Titans capitalized on key possessions down the stretch. UCR continued to FRPSHWH XQWLO WKH ¿QDO PRPHQWV EXW D KDQGIXO of missed opportunities allowed CSUF to pull away in the closing moments.

7KH +LJKODQGHUV H൵RUW ZDV KLJKOLJKWHG by strong defensive activity, cooperative ball movement and the ability to respond to momentum swings throughout the game.

The Highlanders will look to build on that ŶH performance as Big West play continues.

ELENA VERSAGE / THE HIGHLANDER

Seneca Hackley hits 1,000 career points in a 58-53 loss against CSUN JIHOON KWON :[H࢒ >YP[LY

On Feb. 7, 2026, the University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) women’s basketball team hosted California State University, Northridge (CSUN). The Highlanders entered the game as the favorites to win with a 5-7 conference record over CSUN’s 3-9 record. Additionally, Seneca Hackley came into the game nine points short from reaching her 1000th career point in college EDVNHWEDOO DFURVV WKUHH GL൵HUHQW VFKRROV CSUN put up two points to start the game with a layup from Saray White. UCR quickly responded with a three-pointer from Hannah

ELENA VERSAGE / THE HIGHLANDER

UCR DWINDLES DOWN THE STRETCH, LOSES IN BACK-AND-FORTH CONTEST. Wickstrom. With great defensive presence in the opening minutes, the Highlanders took a 6-2 lead. The Matadors came back with a 6-2 run of their own to even out the score. Both teams exchanged buckets, with Seneca Hackley scoring four points in the last 40 seconds of the quarter to give the Highlanders a 12-11 lead.

The Matadors started the second quarter on a 12-3 run to retake the lead. UCR regained momentum with three-pointers from Wickstrom and Hackley and consecutive baskets from Dieynaba Sylla, putting up her season-high performance with four points. Midway through

the second quarter, Hackley hit a three-pointer to eclipse 1,000 career points and the entire team arose in excitement.

The second half resumed with a three-pointer from Kaylani Polk. UCR was up by eight points, but could not maintain their lead as CSUN quickly came back with Rita Nazário’s jumper ZKLFK SXW WKH 0DWDGRUV DKHDG ZLWK ¿YH VHFRQGV remaining in the quarter, 45-44.

The fourth quarter saw six lead changes with CSUN taking the lead with two minutes remaining. UCR never managed to recover as Nazário iced the game at the free-throw line to give the Matadors a 58-53 win.

Wickstrom and Hackley led the team R൵HQVLYHO\ WKURXJKRXW WKH JDPH SXWWLQJ XS points and 15 points respectively. Polk added ¿YH DVVLVWV DQG WKUHH VWHDOV JDPH KLJK QXPEHUV in both categories. The Highlanders looked FRQ¿GHQW IURP WKH WKUHH SRLQWHU OLQH DV ZHOO DV the free-throw line, shooting 32% and 67% each over CSUN’s 24% and 50%. However, CSUN ¿QLVKHG ZLWK D KLJKHU ¿HOG JRDO SHUFHQWDJH VKRRWLQJ IURP WKH ¿HOG FRPSDUHG WR 8&5¶V 30%.

UCR is on a two-game losing streak and has lost six out of their past seven games. They will look to get back in the win column when they travel to Santa Barbara on Feb. 12 to face the ŶH Gauchos.

highlandernews.org/category/sports

SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

25

Valentine’s Day date ideas for the couple that loves to stay active THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, TRADE ROMANTIC CLICHÉS FOR PLAYFUL COMPETITION PERFECT FOR A DATE NIGHT. IZZY GRAHAM :[H࢒ >YP[LY

With Valentine’s Day being right activities like laser tag and escape rooms. gutter balls). After you throw in a round around the corner, it may be a good idea <RX FDQ VHH D OLVW RI WKHVH GL൵HUHQW of arcade games, snacks and maybe even to start thinking about what to do with activities on their website. You are able a milkshake, the night feels casual while \RXU VLJQL¿FDQW RWKHU 7KLV GRHV QRW KDYH to enjoy a great time, take cute photos experiencing some old fashioned quality to mean fancy dinners and big expensive and enjoy some friendly rivalry along the time.

JLIWV 3OD\LQJ VSRUWV RU GL൵HUHQW JDPHV way. It’s also a great opportunity to ‘make together is an easy way to celebrate by D PRYH¶ LI \RX¶UH JRLQJ RQ \RXU ¿UVW IHZ Most bowling alleys make things interesting for you by creating themed getting active, laughing way too loud and dates! enjoying one another’s company.

If you’re looking for something a nights, challenges or special awards for No matter how long you’ve been bit more romantic while still trying to the winner. Round1 Bowling & Arcade together, sports can be an easy and low be adventurous then ice skating is the KDV D ODUJH VHOHFWLRQ RI GL൵HUHQW WKHPHV H൵RUW ZD\ WR ERQG ZKLOH GRLQJ VRPHWKLQJ next best option. This is an activity that you can choose from on their website.

GL൵HUHQW WKLV 9DOHQWLQH¶V 'D\ )URP naturally brings you close. Whether it is glow-in-the-dark mini golf to ice skating, holding hands trying to remain upright, What makes these activities so perfect these simple activities can turn a simple or laughing after falling and taking your for Valentine’s Day is that they are date night into a fun and memorable date down with you, ice skating is slightly focused on a shared experience, opposed experience. challenging, romantic and extremely to a “perfect” date. You don’t need to be Glow-in-the-dark mini golf is an rewarding once you have a rhythm. perfect at it, you just have to show up and amazing option for couples who love Many ice rinks, including Icetown in have a good time. These dates encourage to relax and enjoy a little friendly Riverside, provide multiple time slots for laughter, communication and teamwork, FRPSHWLWLRQ :LWK EULJKW ÀXRUHVFHQW RSHQ VNDWH GD\V <RX FDQ ¿QG WKHVH VORWV which create the ideal foundation for any lights, loud music and strange obstacles, on their website, making it super easy to relationship. mini golf creates an atmosphere where ¿QG D WLPH WKDW ZRUNV EHVW IRU \RX DQG awkwardness doesn’t stand a chance. You your partner this Valentine’s Day. At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day don’t need to be athletic or experienced, is about spending time with someone you most of the fun is missing easy shots and If you’re looking for something a bit love. Whether you are putting in the dark, getting to laugh about it the rest of the more on the classic side, bowling is the skating hand in hand or rolling strikes time.

SHUIHFW WKLQJ ,W LV HDV\ WR OHDUQ D൵RUGDEOH down a lane, these sporty yet fun date Most mini golf places have more than and fun for any skill level. Bowling allows ideas are proof that love doesn’t have to Ŷ just mini golf as well. For example, GLO time to conversate in between turns, relax be fancy, it just needs to be fun.

0LQL *ROI LQ 5LYHUVLGH KDV GL൵HUHQW and celebrate strikes (or laugh at all the

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COURTESY OF COTTONBRO STUDIO

26 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

SPORTS

highlandernews.org/category/sports

Kiss cams on the arena screen VALENTINE’S DAY OR NOT, KISS CAMS REMAIN A STAPLE OF LIVE SPORTING EVENTS. COURTESY OF ADAM FAGEN VIA FLICKR

OVI MATHIVANAN :[H࢒ >YP[LY

During an era when sporting events of basketball Olympics exhibition game, Day public service announcement all kinds are readily available through when former U.S. President Barack titled “Fans of Love,” an extension of a live broadcasts and streaming platforms Obama’s appearance on the Jumbotron larger 2015-origin Love Has No Labels ² DOORZLQJ YLHZHUV WKH ÀH[LELOLW\ WR DORQJVLGH IRUPHU ¿UVW ODG\ 0LFKHOOH campaign, used the kiss cam during the watch in real time or save replays for later Obama. The moment circulated through NFL Pro Bowl to challenge viewers to to watch during dinner — the live arena national media coverage and reached even reevaluate the ways they perceive others VWLOO R൵HUV D GLVWLQFW LQ JDPH H[SHULHQFH non-fans of the sport, demonstrating how and reconsider personal bias. The creators that digital viewing cannot replicate. Kiss in-game engagement gimmicks like kiss of the video took a unique outlook on kiss cams are one of the most recognizable and cams can extend a game’s reach beyond FDPV D GHFDGHV ORQJ ¿[WXUH RI VSRUWLQJ enticing features that fans look forward to the arena and capture attention from those culture. during live games, turning brief pauses who may not have been following the Instead of adhering to conventional in gameplay into moments of crowd game itself. expectations of who is typically featured engagement that keep energy and morale While the origins of the concept are on a kiss cam, the video highlighted a high in the arena. murky, kiss cams are often deployed wide range of fans, featuring all forms of Mike Wierzbicki, Deputy Athletics during intermissions, timeouts and other love on the arena screen at the 2017 NFL 'LUHFWRU ([WHUQDO $൵DLUV DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ pauses in a game, allowing production Pro Bowl and emphasizing inclusivity of Minnesota, explained the unique draw crews to display interactive segments to through the familiarity of a live sporting of in-person events that engagement bits in-person fans while athletes can take a event that fans know and love.

OLNH NLVV FDPV FDQ SURYLGH ³7KH SURGXFW break and talk to their coaches.

The video, which ran just under three of watching a game on TV is only getting However, the concept of kiss cams minutes, extended beyond the game itself. better and better and you don’t have to KDV DOVR GUDZQ VLJQL¿FDQW FULWLFLVP DV Attendees were able to participate in an drive to campus, and you don’t have to the camera, and the pressuring spotlight H[SHULHQFH WKDW ZHQW EH\RQG WKH ¿QDO GHDO ZLWK WUD൶F RU ZKDWHYHU LW PLJKW EH that comes with it, are often placed on score, leaving not only with memories :H¶UH WU\LQJ WR ¿QG WKRVH GL൵HUHQW ZD\V anonymous and unsuspecting members of the Pro Bowl and the teams’ skilled to celebrate the engagement, the unique RI WKH FURZG ,Q VRPH FDVHV KLJK SUR¿OH play, but also with a shared community aspects of coming to a game that you individuals may contact a venue or team experience of being part of a historic can’t get outside the stadium walls.” ahead of time to specially request not to moment that used sports culture as a Ŷ One notable kiss cam moment that appear on the video board. vessel for broader connection. made for a story of its own during an That said, kiss cams have also been used DOUHDG\ KLJK SUR¿OH VSRUWLQJ HYHQW as a platform for broader messaging within occurred during a 2012 U.S. men’s the sports sphere. In 2017, a Valentine’s H

highlandernews.org/category/sports

SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

27

From walk-on to recordbreaker SPRINTER D’LAINEY NAKAMOTO HAS SHATTERED SCHOOL RECORDS IN THE 60-METER DASH. ELENA VERSAGE :[H࢒ >YP[LY

When D’Lainey Nakamoto was a se- helped the team “mesh together so much nior in high school, she had no Division more than recent years.” , R൵HUV LQ WUDFN DQG ¿HOG 6KH HPDLOHG Nakamoto’s success on the track has every coach in the Big West Confer- continued to build. She has posted perence, but none responded. Nakamoto sonal records at the Big West Champibegan to lose hope that she would have onships in back-to-back seasons and the chance to run at the Division I level. was part of two record-breaking 4x100 Then, the University of Califor- relay teams at UC Riverside in 2024. nia, Riverside (UCR) head coach Nate Most recently, on Saturday Jan. 30, NaBrowne reached out. Browne invited kamoto broke the UC Riverside’s wom1DNDPRWR RQ DQ R൶FLDO YLVLW ZKLFK en’s 60-meter record. she agreed to attend the very next day.

Before every meet, Nakamoto envi“When he told me I can be a walk-on sions herself running. She focuses on … it was a dream come true,” said Na- her mechanics, making sure she has kamoto. them down, and allows herself to feel Nakamoto said she is grateful for the motion of each stride. The sprinter COURTESY OF UCR ATHLETICS WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ KHU FRDFKHV JDYH KHU described the process as a lucid dream, The Vista native also spoke about her “They didn’t have to choose me. They one in which she can feel herself runmother’s support over the years, exdidn’t have to let me be on the team.” ning even though her body is not physipressing love and appreciation for the According to Nakamoto, her coaches cally moving. She commented that she woman who attended every track meet, care about her as a person, not just as an always checks in with her coach Fatimat rain or shine, often staying for hours to athlete, an approach she said sets UCR Yusuf-Olukoju, asking what she can do. watch her race.

WUDFN DQG ¿HOG DSDUW IURP RWKHU 'LYLVLRQ Although she has a warm-up card dictat$OWKRXJK WKLV LV KHU ¿QDO VHDVRQ DW I programs. ing what she should do to prepare for the UCR, Nakamoto plans to continue runNakamoto added that head coach Nate race, she likes to check in with Yusufning, either unattached or with a Fili%URZQH DQG KLV VWD൵ SULRULWL]H DWKOHWHV¶ Olukoju “because she’s like my anchor.” pino-American running group she was mental health, physical health and acaAt the age of six, Nakamoto ran her invited to join. Academically, she is demics “more than what you can do for ¿UVW UDFH %DFN WKHQ VKH ZDV D ORQJ focused on becoming a physician assisthem performance wise.” She empha- distance runner, doing the mile and 5k tant. She currently works as an unpaid sized the level of care she receives from races. “I don’t know what really sparked FHUWL¿HG QXUVLQJ DVVLVWDQW IRXU GD\V D WKH FRDFKLQJ VWD൵ GRHV QRW GHSHQG RQ it,” Nakamoto stated. The senior exweek for four hours each day and hopes how well she performs. pressed that she had played other sports to attend a physician assistant program 8&5¶V WUDFN DQG ¿HOG SURJUDP SUL- growing up but found the most joy durŶ for graduate school. oritizes their athletes’ mental health ing the condition portion of practices. “I with psychiatry students from Califor- ZRXOG DOZD\V EH WKH ¿UVW WR FRPH LQ « nia Baptist University working with the , WKLQN , GLG GHYHORS VRPH FRQ¿GHQFH athletes. Something Nakamoto says has from that.”

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The Highlander Newspaper is a great way to keep up with current events and news around campus. If you are interested in the newspaper’s articles or pictures, we offer opportunities in writing, photography and design. Join us every Monday at 5:15 p.m. in HUB 101 to learn more.

;IJį /ijıIJĶīĸĮįļ ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER