The Mirror | FALL 2024

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Gender gap in the classroom

BY ELLE SINIO FOR THE MIRROR

Teachers often asked in elementary school, “Would some of our strong boys be willing to lend a hand and help lift these chairs onto the table?”

They never seemed to consider that girls might just be as capable.

Reflecting back, while I didn’t comprehend this as a kid, each time those words were spoken, someone drew an invisible line, dividing young children into categories based on outdated stereotypes rather than individual abilities.

Despite this, I was eager to prove my worth and strength to older generations, especially my teachers.

Whenever a boy in my class received an “A,” he was met with enthusiastic praise.

“I’m so proud of you,” the teacher would boast. “Good job!”.

His achievement was a delightful surprise, worthy of celebration.

But when I received an “A,” it seemed to just be fulfilling an expectation. The response was often a simple nod or a brief acknowledgment that lacked the warmth and encouragement given to my male peers.

This difference in recognition reinforced the idea that as a woman my accomplishments were less impressive.

It felt as though my hard work and dedication were taken for granted, as if academic success was something I was supposed to achieve effortlessly.

Academic validation was something I craved when I was younger. That longing has persisted into my high school years. Each grade and assignment feels like a stepping stone toward proving that I am just as capable as my male classmates.

But often I find discrimination from my classmates as well.

In group projects, my ideas are often dismissed or overshadowed by the boys, who usually take the leadership role in the group. It is as if my contributions are less valuable, not because of the content, but rather than who they come from.

Yet the constant lack of enthusiastic recognition from teachers placed doubt in my mind, whispering that no matter how hard I worked, I would never be enough to break through the misogynistic expectations set for me.

This internal struggle pushes me to strive for perfection, hoping that if I achieve enough, the praise will finally come.

During gym class, the divide becomes even more apparent.

Boys dominate the sports field, often excluding girls and pushing us to the sidelines. And when I try to join in, I am met with skepticism or comments suggesting that I’m not strong or fast enough.

These interactions reinforce the idea that certain activities are reserved for boys, while girls are expected to occupy more passive roles.

Most young girls are met with teasing and bullying from the boys in the class.

“Well, if he’s teasing you, you know it probably means he has a crush on you,”

‘‘ In group projects, my ideas are often dismissed or overshadowed by the boys, who usually take

”

the leadership role in the group.

Elle Sinio

teachers or parents often say whenever this is brought up.

This sets up an idea that bullying is an acceptable way to show affection, normalizing toxic masculinity and perverting the perception of love and respect by young people.

This mindset can lead to self-esteem issues, set back emotional intelligence and perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes, affecting personal relationships and professional dynamics.

As a young girl, I experienced this firsthand. I vividly remember feeling confused and hurt when a boy in my class constantly pulled my hair and called me names. When I told my teacher, she brushed it off with a smile, saying he probably liked me, leaving me

to question my worth and struggling to understand healthy relationships.

But I refuse to let these attitudes define me.

Instead, they fuel my determination to prove myself and challenge gender biases.

I seek out opportunities to excel in subjects typically dominated by boys and participate in activities that defy gender norms. Along the way, I have found friends among my peers who share similar experiences, and together we support each other in breaking down these barriers.

These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of standing up against discrimination. They fuel my determination to advocate for a more inclusive environment where everyone is valued for their unique contributions regardless of gender.

As I continue through high school and beyond, I’m committed to fostering equality and respect among my peers. By focusing on personal growth and making a difference in the world around me, I’ve found a sense of empowerment that goes past the need for constant approval, one that drives me to create change not just for myself but for future generations of girls who deserve to be seen and heard for their true potential.

If I have to be in a position of leadership l, I make sure to educate myself on what I have to convey and how I can lead efficiently. If there is an issue under my leadership, I make sure to address it clearly and directly. MADISON BRAYBON I don’t let men talk down to me. Sometimes it takes laughing. When men say strange things you don’t just let it pass you by. You laugh because its strange and you comment on what they say. I feel like a lot of girls tend to be quiet in the face of disrespect, but I tend to go at it head on.

AFSANA KHATUN I speak up about my problems. Whenever I face an issue I make sure others hear about what I’m facing.

STUCK IN HER SEAT Sophomore Elle Sinio expresses her perspective of seeming invisible in the classroom

SINIO: THE MIRROR ANTHONY CASTANEDA; CLASSROOM: PHOTOS PUBLIC DOMAIN

PHOTOS BY

MIRROR STAFF

The Trump appeal:

promise power

BY ALYSON CERNA THE MIRROR NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

Enclosed in a sea of differing opinions and passionate political takes, Senior Anthony Pasqualone finds himself deserted with his differing opinion that Trump should be reelected in the 2024 presidential race.

As the 2024 presidential elections approach, the nation is once again polarized by the starkly different visions of Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.

Vice President Harris’s liberal views, prochoice beliefs and weak boarder and immigration control minset starkly contrasts with former President Trump’s conservative, pro-life and stronger immigration control mindset.

This contrast has lead to a large divide in the American people, with celeberties like Zachary Levi being canceled online for supporting Trump.

As the campaign between the two presidential candidates intensifies, many people are unable to let go of Trump’s controversial past, fueling tension among Republicans and Democrats.

While many people question how anyone could endorse the 45th President of the United States following his numerous controversies, including his use of X (formally Twitter), the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack and the Stormy Daniels coverup scandal, some like Pasqualone, continue to support Trump and encourage others to acknowledge the positive he has done for the country.

“What first attracted me to Donald Trump as a political figure is his economic standpoint,” Pasqualone said. “I believe he’s wise with his approach to real-world prob-

NEWS BRIEFS

lems, and his movement represents something larger than just one political figure.”

According to Pasqualone, outside of his considerably negative publicity, Trump has managed to boost the country’s economy. By passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2018, corporate tax rates were reduced, and tax relief was provided to millions.

‘‘ I believe he’s wise with his approach to real-world problems, and his movement represents something larger than just one political figure.”

Anthony Pasqualone, Trump supporter

Another highly praised Trump initiative that Pasqualone favors was his strict immigration policies. Trump’s White House Archives claim that immigration was

reduced by 49%. Trump also took major strides towards keeping drugs, criminals and terrorism out of the country, along with strengthening the economy and workforce by protecting American workers from job loss and abuse of the welfare system.

More importantly, Pasqualone finds that Trump’s nationalism and patriotism shine through his political statements, regardless of how they may seem at face value. Through rallies and speeches, he’s proved himself to be a true defender of American values and tradi-

tions, appealing to voters who feel deep pride in the American identity.

Those who feel progressive values are a threat to the country enjoy Trump’s quirky but heartfelt remarks.

“Trump really emphasizes American patriotism, and that’s what our country is all about,” Pasqualone added. “He’s great at displaying it, and I completely support it. If there’s any specific area where he excelled though, I’d have to say it’s his control of illegal immigration between the United States and Mexico.”

Despite the constant scrutiny of the media, Pasqualone supports Trump’s ability to withstand constant challenges, which he believes helps Trump garner respect from supporters by proving his perseverance.

According to Pasqualone, the internet also plays a huge role in Trump’s portrayal.

“The press has two different viewpoints, some good and some bad,” he explained. “I’d say that the internet mainly shows what they want individuals to see, which can be a reason he’s covered so negatively in the press.”

Additionally, Pasqualone and other supporters point to his advocacy for the armed forces pledging to strengthen the U.S. military; Trump receives a great deal of support from military families.

“I think that Trump has garnered strong support from his fans because of the decisions he makes,” Pasqualone said. “His choices make a lot of sense to those voting for him, so we love him. I would absolutely support him if he ever ran for office again.”

RALLY TIME At the beginning of one of his campaign rallies in Tempe, Arizona on Oct. 24, former President Trump points to a supporter in the crowd. Arizona is considered a battleground state, but went to the Democrats in 2020.

ENIGMA Former President Trump at an Aug. 24 rally in Surprise, Arizona. Even with

his

FIGHTING OFF FEAR The threat of another pandemic with the possibility of another year long quarantine scares students more than the resurfacing of the Monkeypox. virus itself.

Monkeypox: A potential new pandemic?

BY SKYLIE MOLINA THE MIRROR STAFF

The COVID-19 pandemic defined 2020 and 2021, reshaping global health priorities.

The early days of COVID-19 can be captivated by overcrowded hospitals, empty store shelves, widespread job losses and the sudden shift to online learning.

As the world recovered from COVID, the emergence of monkeypox sparked fear and speculation about a possible new pandemic.

Mpox, more commonly known as monkeypox, is a viral infectious disease that can be spread through close or intimate contact, including skin-to-skin contact, hugging, kissing and can even affect unborn children through pregnancy.

It is not only prone to spread to humans but also animals, making it a zoonotic disease.

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 during research on monkeys in Denmark, originally confined to laboratory settings.

The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa.

In July 2022, the multi-country outbreak of mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) as it spread rapidly via sexual contact across a range of countries where the virus had not been seen before. That PHEIC was declared in May 2023 after there had been a sustained decline in global cases.

Mpox has been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for more than a decade, and the number of cases reported each year has increased steadily over that period. Last year, reported cases increased significantly and already the number of cases reported so far this year has exceeded last year’s total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.

While most cases of monkeypox have been observed in Africa, in 2022, the dis-

STAGES OF MONKEYPOX Besides fever, fatigue and muscle aches, the virus erupts in a rash.

Stage u Macules Stage v Papules Stage w Vesicles Stage x Pustules Stage y Scabs

After symptoms — which last two to four weeks — are gone, scabs have healed and new skin has formed, a person is no longer contagious.

SOURCE NIH; GRAPHIC THE MIRROR STAFF

ease began spreading across the globe.

Mpox is part of the same family as smallpox, but it features much milder symptoms that can last anywhere from two to four weeks.

The symptoms include fevers, chills, exhaustion, headaches and other flu-like symptoms, and in comparison to smallpox, a lower risk of death. Still, it has harmful effects such as muscle aches, back pain and swollen lymph nodes, according to the World Health Organization.

There are two variants of the disease: Clade One and Clade Two.

Clade One, currently spreading throughout Western Africa, causes signs of much higher devastation in comparison to Clade Two.

Clade Two, the least harmful clade, began in 2022, with more than 99.9% of people who caught the virus surviving.

Mpox Clade Two has been present in California for as long as the disease has been active, according to the California Department of Public Health.

According to UCLA Health, Mpox has been present in Los Angeles County since Nov. 2022 with over 2,000 confirmed cases, and over 29,000 across the United States.

Despite its spread through direct contact, the disease does not present a big threat due to its lack of severity and slow spread.

Senior Pragyanjyoti Dash, an aspiring health professional, explained that

society shouldn’t prepare for another pandemic just yet.

“I think that monkeypox has existed for a while and isn’t transmitted like Covid, so the danger of it becoming a pandemic is quite low,” Dash said.

Despite the low threat level for a pandemic, monkeypox remains a concern, especially for vulnerable populations. People with weak immune systems, children under a year old, pregnant women or people with a history of eczema are at high risk and should be extra cautious.

To prevent the spread of the disease, there is a vaccine available to everyone. Two doses are recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with booster doses recommended every two to 10 years.

The two vaccines currently in use for mpox are also recommended by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, and are also approved by WHOlisted national regulatory authorities, as well as by individual countries including Nigeria and the DRC.

WHO is working with countries and vaccine manufacturers on potential vaccine donations, and coordinating with partners through Medical Countermeasures Network to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other tools.

WHO anticipates an immediate funding requirement of an initial US$ 15 million to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities. They also say that currently, Mpox poses a low health risk in the United States due to widespread awareness and robust healthcare systems. But precautionary measures such as getting vaccinated are recommended.

“People are more vigilant and have more knowledge and resources because of COVID,” Dash said. “So if it turns out to be a pandemic on a very large scale, we would fare much better.”

Balancing act: Exploring new schedules

BY SKYLIE MOLINA THE MIRROR STAFF

An ongoing debate aims to find a schedule that would boost enrollment while optimizing student learning.

Social Sciences teacher and Head of the Scheduling Committee, Mr. Jacob Ferrin, is working alongside other teachers trying to find the schedule that best suits the needs of students and staff.

“We are reaching out to other schools and reaching out to parents to figure out what might help or work the best for our school,” he said.

According to Mr. Ferrin, one of the major concerns is the limited classes that students can take on a six-period schedule.

“If you’re in the Performing Arts Magnet, you’re required to do a Performing Arts class,” he said. “But there is no room in our schedule here for our freshmen, unless you’re doing a sport after school that can count for P.E. credit.”

One option under considerations is a classic block schedule consisting of eight classes, four of which meet every other day

However a major concern with block scheduling is that classes will have periods over an hour, decreasing attention span observed in adolescents.

“If students lose focus after 60 minutes, then you actually are increasing the learning loss because students are tuned out,” English teacher Mr. Christopher May said. In response to concerns about block scheduling, Mr. Kenny Weber proposed an alternative schedule designed to accommodate more electives while keeping class periods under an hour to enhance learning.

“My idea of a perfect schedule for a day would actually be a seven-period bell schedule, from 8:30 to 3:38,” he said. “Your periods would be shorter, but you get that extra class.”

The board has not decided what the best option would be, but ultimately, the decision is up to the teachers and staff who would ultimately need to vote on any schedule change per the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) contract.

“Right now we are sitting and we’re looking at the data,” Ferrin said. “All are welcome to come to the committee meetings and to voice their opinion.”

WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK Mr. Ferrin, head of scheduling committee, works hard to find the most efficient schedule for students.

FOR THE MIRROR ISRAEL SANCHEZ BOYSO

THE MIRROR CHIOMA CHIAWA

“Guys it smells poopy. It smells so poopy in here. I don’t know what it is. I keep getting poopy whiffs and I’m scared.”

Senior Emily Chavez in reference to the smell of her public bus.

OVERHEARD

“Who’s playing Chappell Roan?” Senior Xavier Martin-Porter when he walked into theater class and someone was playing Laufey, not Chappell Roan.

“Microwave.” Senior Sophia Hillestead in response to the question, “If you were a hamster, what crazy way would you die?”

“Why is he fuzzy? He’s a sponge!” Senior Madison Thacker when talking about the quality of an old photo of Spongebob Squarepants.

“We don’t tweet anymore, we no longer support Elon Musk, Mrs. Arana’s a feminist.”

Performing Arts Coordinator Mrs. Fanny Arana when asked about why Van Nuys High’ X lays dormant.

Starved for sleep

What’s behind student sleep deprivation?

BY ELIZABETH ESCOBAR

THE MIRROR STAFF

Barely hearing the teacher’s voice, senior Renisha Patel slumped into her seat, her eyes heavy and tired from a restless night.

It was 9 a.m., and her head pounded with the relentless rhythm of exhaustion. As she pulled out her English textbook, she glanced at the clock and sighed, knowing the day ahead would be another marathon of classes, extracurriculars and endless homework.

“I can’t follow along in class because I can barely keep my eyes open,” Patel said.

In today’s fast-paced world, many students like Patel are finding themselves increasingly short on sleep, and the consequences are becoming more apparent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 70% of high school students don’t get enough sleep on school nights.

The struggle to get rest comes from a mix of factors, including the influence of academic pressures, outside obligations, procrastination and biological aspects. As these different factors clash with students’ natural sleep patterns, many find themselves caught in a cycle of sleep deprivation.

In today’s competitive educational environment, students face intense pressure to achieve top grades, excel in standardized tests and secure spots in prestigious colleges and universities, often leading to long study hours, latenight cramming and a reduced amount of time for sleep.

“I would say that the amount of

SOUND THE ALARM With responsibilities and extra curiculars keeping them up at night, students struggle to stay awake in class.

‘‘

The body’s circadian rhythm, which acts like an internal biological clock, is reset during the teen years, telling the person to fall asleep and wake up later,”

Michigan University Extension Educator

Kris Schwartzendruber

homework I have, mearly because of the rigor of my classes, makes me stay up later trying to complete it all,” Patel said.

Trying to balance classes and academic demands in school with the other aspects of life can contribute significantly to sleep deprivation among teenagers.

Patel is also involved in the school’s varsity girl’s volleyball team. Long practice hours and afterschool games often contribute to having less time to do her homework and get a good nights sleep.

“Right now we’re in volleyball season, so I come out of practice around six, and then I have to drive home, and I live pretty far,” she said.

This dynamic illustrates a broader issue faced by many students: the struggle to balance various aspects of their lives while managing their need for rest.

There’s also the procrastination paradox.

Procrastination is a common challenge among students, and its effects extend far beyond missed deadlines and last-minute cramming.

For students like Patel, procrastination often translates into a cycle of stress and sleep deprivation that can be difficult to break, and like many other students, Patel often finds herself putting off assignments and studying until the last minute.

As deadlines loom closer, the need to catch up on work often leads to late-night study sessions and early morning cramming, leading to further sleep deprivation.

This lack of sleep exacerbates

stress, making it even harder to focus and complete assignments effectively. The cycle repeats itself, creating a pattern of sleep loss and academic struggle.

Biological factors related to their age also cause teenagers to grapple with sleep issues.

Naturally for teens, melatonin production doesn’t kick in until late at night. In addition, hormonal changes associated with puberty also play a role in teens’ sleep patterns.

“I usually don’t get tired very early,” Patel said. “But going to sleep so late because of it perpetuates into toxic cycle,” Patel said.

Kris Swartzendruber, Michigan State University Extension educator, states that adolescents have internal clocks that differ from those of kids and adults.

“The body’s circadian rhythm, which acts like an internal biological clock, is reset during the teen years, telling the person to fall asleep and wake up later,” Swartzendruber said.

These hormonal fluctuations may affect sleep quality and duration, adding another layer to the complex relationship between sleep and adolescent development.

By understanding and addressing the biological underpinnings of sleep issues, the well-being and academic success of teenagers can be better supported. Schools, parents and policymakers must collaborate to create environments that support healthy sleep habits, helping students navigate this critical stage of development with improved rest and resilience.

THE MIRROR: CHIOMA CHIAWA

PRO CHOICE OR NO CHOICE

Teachers and students express their positions on abortion, and the reasons for their stance.

Abortion: My body my choice?

BY MIA RAMIREZ FOR THE MIRROR

“Afetus is a living being, and abortion is murder!”

passionately shouts prolife protesters on one side of a crowded street.

Without missing a beat, their prochoice counterparts on the other side reply, “Abortion is a medical procedure that every woman deserves the right to receive should they see it fit!”

The question of the morality of an abortion and a woman’s right to obtain one has fostered a growing divide amongst citizens in the United States for decades, intensifying after the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The decision stated that the Constitution does not protect the right to an abortion, thus leaving the legality of abortion up to each state.

To many, including Senior Helena Razi, the ruling seemed like an obvious regression in women’s rights.

“If government officials are able to take one right away, then it makes them think that it is okay to take other rights away in the future,” Razi said.

Razi describes herself as “100% prochoice” believing that the government has no right to decide what medical procedures a woman should have available to her.

“Every person should have the ability to do what they want with their own body,” Razi said. “There shouldn’t be lawmakers trying to make decisions on what a woman does or doesn’t do with herself.”

Yet this has not stopped state officials across the country from putting heavy restrictions on abortion. In the last two years, certain states, including Alabama

Where do you stand?

Pro-life or pro-choice?

“Every woman should have the right to do what they want with their body. You shouldn’t be forced to care for a child you don’t want. That can mess with your parental relationship. ”

— Senior Linda Valencia

and Louisiana have banned abortion entirely.

Sophomore Lizette Aguirre, who has a more conservative view on abortion, does not agree with complete bans. She believes that exceptions should always be made for cases where women have been raped, abused or are risking their lives carrying to full term.

“If a woman knowingly puts herself in a situation where she was aware she could get pregnant, then she should have to deal with the consequences that follow,” Aguirre said. “But a woman that has been abused should not be forced to carry a child that will remind her of that moment.”

In banned areas, patients as well as healthcare providers can face criminal charges for being involved in abortion procedures, with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

According to U.S. history teacher Mr. Douglas Kayne, the threat of criminal charges has struck fear in many healthcare providers.

“Since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court, we have already seen healthcare professionals and providers flat out refuse to administer healthcare to women out of fear that it will be seen as if they are participating in an illegal abortion, even if the fetus is no longer viable,” he said.

Strict bans and state healthcare providers’ refusal to administer an abortion have led women to cross state lines to receive care, as well as engage in Telehealth Abortions.

Through Telehealth Abortions, women can receive abortion medication through mail and remotely consult with a doctor over-call in another state to carry out the

“I think in cases of rape, or when the mothers life is at risk, abortion is moral. But when abortions are used carelessly and because you weren’t careful and had unprotected sex, then abortion is wrong..”

— Senior Pamela Fajardo-Alfaro

procedure in the comfort of her home.

This approach has been approved by the FDA and can legally be practiced in states where abortion is illegal due to ‘shield laws’ that have been put in place that state a healthcare provider cannot be prosecuted by another state for helping a woman obtain an abortion over state lines.

According to the Society of Family Planning’s most recent #WeCountReport, an average of 6,700 monthly Telehealth Abortions were provided under shield laws in states that have strict abortion bans.

The #WeCountReport also stated that 2024 so far has experienced a higher abortion rate compared to 2022 and 2023.

Razi believes that the use of Telehealth Abortions and the increase of abortion rates throughout the United States showcase how state abortion bans do not benefit everyday American women or reflect their interests.

“This scenario represents how the overturn of Roe v. Wade was only supported by a minority, while a majority of women are fearful of their rights being stripped away and are doing everything in their power to access reproductive care,” Razi said.

Razi shared that she is afraid that the outcome of this year’s upcoming Presidential election could only have further consequences on women’s rights regarding abortion.

“If we put the wrong person in power we could see further infringement on our rights and thus a greater ban on abortion,” Razi said.

Mr. Kayne explained that voters should be careful of who they vote for if the issue of abortion is important to them.

“People should have power over their own bodies,” he said. “Any restrictions suggested or encouraged by a presidential

STUDENTSTHINK...

“I belive everyn woman should have thw right to abortion. I don’t think anyone other than women should be able to deicde what they do with their body. I am fully prochoice!”

—Senior Aleanna Delarosa

candidate could have much deeper ramifications than just the decision of whether to terminate a pregnancy or not. I strongly recommend that everyone considers all of the ramifications of selecting a particular candidate, even if you disagree with their stance on abortion.”

The 2024 presidential candidates have notably different views on abortion and a woman’s right to obtain one.

Former President Donald Trump considered himself to be a pro-life president and currently says that abortion laws should be left to the states. But Trump has changed his stance on abortion a number of times.

Unlike Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris believes abortion should be legal across the country and strongly rejects efforts to restrict abortion in any way.

Reproductive rights play a key role in her overall campaign, and it could be women who support abortion rights that help elect her as the first female president.

On top of abortion being a prominent topic in the presidential election, multiple states will be including measures on abortion on their own ballots this year.

Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, Montana and Florida are among these states which will be voting on measures that will either further restrict or protect access to abortions through an amendment in their state constitution.

Given the prominence of the discussion of abortion laws and rights throughout the country, students like Aguirre believe that voters should pay close attention to the issue.

“Abortion is one of the main issues in America, and your vote could have an effect on whether or not your own opinions are heard,” Aguirre said.

“I belive that abortion is very debatable. I personally belive that it should be the mothers choice and it should be about safety. It pretains to me because I am a young woman who is fortunatly not in the 98th percentile but if I were I would wanted to have all the rights that pertain to me. ” — Sophomore Dailyn Plummer

THE MIRROR ABIGAIL KIM

Goldmine or gimmick: TikTok’s Creator fund and rewards program

BY ALYSON CERNA THE MIRROR NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

The darkness of junior Andrea Dedace’s bedroom is only interrupted by the soft glow of her phone screen. Lying on her side, one hand is occupied with occasional upward flicks to the screen, leaving the other unbothered.

She’s stuck between a cycle of doubletapping, saving videos, reposting or sharing with others.

Dedace spends hours on TikTok, not just consuming content but considering how she might benefit from the platform’s Creator Fund.

With a steady income generated from business and product advertisements, TikTok sought ways to compensate its creators during the pandemic, which led to the creation of the TikTok Creator Fund, rewarding the app’s most prevalent creators based on the statistics of their content.

Creators like Hank Green, who has eight million followers and creates educational and social commentary videos, have used their platforms to express their distaste towards the program, explaining how the payment is static and unjust.

This led to the launch of the TikTok Creator Rewards Program last year.

As a content creator herself, Dedace appreciates the benefits of the new program.

“A lot of teenagers and young adults are on the app and it’s an easy way to make money at home,” she said. “People put lots of effort into creations, and that definitely deserves monetization.”

Based on how many views a video garners, payouts can average six dollars per 1,000 views.

Highlighting the program’s increased payout, creators in the program say they’ve earned up to $1,000 per million views.

Yet some creators still feel as though the requirements should be changed, saying that the age limit, follower count and view count to join the program are too high.

Despite unavoidable criticism, many creators do believe that the program has positively impacted them financially.

By upgrading the pay rate and looking for ways to improve the system, it’s clear that TikTok is grateful for those who make the app what it is today.

“Although there is content on TikTok that is very generic, the creations that are artistic or well-made should definitely receive monetization, which the creators deserve,” Dedace added.

It was casual

BY ALYSON CERNA THE MIRROR NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

“W

as it casual when...”

Yes, it was— you’re just delusional.

Many young adults today find themselves questioning the boundaries of “casual relationships,” sometimes feeling uncertain about their own interpretations.

A dating pool filled with confusion and a lack of commitment has tainted societies views on romance, causing individuals to question the integrity of the people they’re talking to.

It’s obvious that nowadays an abundance of people are unable to define what stage or label their relationship holds— coining the term “situationship.”

Susan Albers, a psychologist for Cleveland Clinic, explained her take on the purpose of a situationship.

“Situationships contain the love and romance of a traditional relationship,” she said. “Where they differ is that they do not contain traditional labels such as boyfriend or girlfriend. They

have less obligations and are often not a committed relationship.”

The issue of situationships stems from a lack of communication.

“I think very few people our age can make it to the relationship level because girls and boys lack clear communication skills,” Joselin Gonzalez, a junior who’s offered advice to her friends, said. “From hearing countless rants from friends about the guys they’re talking to, it’s always clear to me what’s wrong, and it’s constantly the lack of communication.”

Beyond communication, many people struggle to acknowledge when they’re being misled in relationships.

“Situationships shouldn’t even be a thing,” Gonzalez explained. “The idea is overwhelming, dumb and unfulfilling. I think you either want to be with someone or you don’t. There’s no reason to have a complicated talking stage at an age where you’re already dealing with so much.”

Couples aren’t safe either, though. Plastered with examples of unfaithfulness and discourtesy aimed at their partner, TikTok has unintentionally promoted the concept of cheating and disloyalty.

As many creators share tips and tricks on how to efficiently cheat on a partner, younger generations have become susceptible to engaging in this behavior, leading to its normalization.

Well-versed in the world of TikTok, Elle Sinio shared her opinion about the content the app pushes regarding dating.

“I think that nowadays TikTok has romanticized toxic and unhealthy relationships,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve scrolled on TikTok and seen videos of people bragging about cheating or seeing multiple people at once. Something about it is just really unsettling.”

Similar to TikTok, many musical artists tend to promote unhealthy relationships and sexual encounters, making it difficult to escape this negative portrayal of how people should be treated.

Songs like the Ice Spice and Central Cee collaboration, “Did it First,” Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” or John Legend’s “She Don’t Have To Know,” all explore the topic of infidelity from the perspective of the artist being the unloyal one in the relationship.

“A lot of different artists like to push their idea of a ‘healthy relationship,” Sinio said. “One artist may be promoting a healthy, committed relationship through their music, while another may be promoting a toxic and cheating-driven relationship and romanticizing it as healthy and cool. It depends on the artist you listen to.”

Because so many songs lack representation of what affection towards a partner should look like, some have felt as though older music better represents what relationships should display.

“I strongly believe that older music represents love better,” sophomore Chanel Freeman said. “In most love songs from the past, you can hear the deep love and affection they held for whoever they sang to. Our generation rarely decides to create love songs, and when they do, they’re very lust-motivated.”

As young adults navigate the complexities of modern relationships, it becomes essential to prioritize clear communication and genuine connection. By critically evaluating the influences of media and fostering open dialogues, individuals can redefine their expectations and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Embracing these changes may empower a generation to create meaningful connections that withstand the pressures of contemporary dating culture.

ALL ABOUT THE MONEY The rise in the Tik Tok creator fund has increased content creation on the app, with new creators trying to hit it rich by posting.

LABELS Situationships are like traditional romances, but have fewer obligations and don’t come with terms like “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.”

BY JOSHUA CAZARES THE MIRROR STAFF

Younger people, especially students, often go through a phase where isolation is appealing. This affects teens early on, decreasing the chances of them building connections and later causing them to feel left out.

“Extreme shyness, meeting new people, talking in a group, or speaking in public can become an extreme fear,” school psychologist Danette Beitra said. “Everyday social situations become uncomfortable.”

Social anxiety can be genetic, but people who also experience teasing, bullying, rejection or humiliation may be more prone to social anxiety.

Healthy social connections and positive relationships with people, like family members, friends, and schoolmates, can lower anxiety and depression. Lacking social and physical contact can affect school life and other daily activities, creating difficulty in maintaining and making friends.

Social anxiety among teens is some-

thing many are grappling with. Although technology has made social interaction easier, the social interaction from things like phones and computers tends to be superficial.

The pressure from social media can be overwhelming, and constantly seeing others’ whereabouts through apps like Instagram can make teens feel like they don’t measure up, leading to a fear of missing out (FOMO).

The pandemic additionally increased anxiety levels. Being cut off from friends during lockdown left many young people feeling disconnected. Through trying to navigate friendships, many were left with the fear of being judged, causing them to withdraw even more.

COVID-19 dramatically reshaped how youth interact by shifting social connections online, limiting face-to-face interactions, and increasing social anxiety.

Because of these issues, it’s important for parents, teachers, and friends to foster welcoming environments where teens feel safe to share their feelings.

Making friends with social anxiety can

Surge in teen social

anxiety

Students

be tough, but there are some simple ways to make this process feel a bit easier. Look for activities or groups that align with your interests—these settings can help spark conversations without too much pressure.

grappling with intense social discomfort may feel self-conscious

and

isolated, impacting self-confidence, relationships and academics

“Developing a series of learning experiences to help you work on your therapy goals and overcome your social anxiety in small, manageable steps,” National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC) co-founder Larry Cohen said.

Resolving social anxiety in teens can start with understanding and support. One effective way to help individuals with social anxiety is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which allows them to challenge negative thoughts and face social situations. Getting involved in group activities like sports or clubs can also be a comfortable space to make friends.

“I just get nervous when I talk to people,” Senior Mario Bacamen comments.

“I have a fear of being judged, and I’ve had negative past experiences. I often contemplate and struggle to even maintain a conversation.” Additionally, practicing mindful techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help alleviate anxiety in the moment.

“I’ve never sought help, possibly because I think I could deal with it on my own,” Bacamen said. “I also don’t want people to think I’m cheesy or corny.”

For many teens, social anxiety isn’t just an occasional feeling; it’s something they deal with every day. Social media adds to the pressure, making it feel like they always have to be “on” or perfect, which can exhaust them.

When a space is created where teens feel safe and accepted they can manage anxiety and build confidence needed to face the world one step at a time.

This wasn’t in the assembly Juniors scramble to fulfill graduation requirement

BY ISAURA GARCIA THE MIRROR STAFF

As the school year progresses, many students face new challenges in balancing academic and extracurricular responsibilities.

While ninth and tenth graders focus on enjoying high school and maintaining grades, juniors and seniors are encouraged to start discussing college and considering their future.

In the second semester of their junior year, all eleventh graders are required to complete four volunteer hours or a requirement their U.S History teacher assigns.

“I actually don’t know why we do this project,” Social Science Teacher, Mr. Ferrin said. “All I know is that when I came to this school, they said I had to do this and could choose what to assign.”

Students in the Medical and Math Science Magnets must accumulate 100 volunteer hours, while all other students only need the district required four.

Applying to be a volunteer can be as simple as an interview and providing necessary information such as consent forms, physicals and TB tests. But other places may require letters of recommendation or multiple interviews.

“What I do know is that this is a requirement for every LAUSD student, regardless of what each U.S. History teacher assigns their class to do,” Mr.Ferrin said.

Junior Josefina Flores, a Medical Magnet student, believes it would be easier for students to complete the project in the first semester.

“Everyone already has a lot to do; so why is this minor

thing added during the second semester?”

With constant reminders and significant pressure, most juniors see junior year as the year that decides their future.

“I’m not sure why we do it during Junior year,” Mr. Ferrin said. “I know some schools that assign some project Freshman year. It’s really up to the school, then the teacher.”

Better communication from school administration regarding these requirements may help ensure students are well-informed and prepared.

While grades, tests and extracurricular activities are often emphasized, smaller but equally important requirements like volunteer hours can be easily overlooked, leaving juniors like Flores, already juggling academic performance and extracurriculars, scrambling at the last minute to meet these expectations.

“Honestly, school and the other personal things I have to get done in order to graduate take priority over some random requirement added after everything,” Flores said.

ON THEIR OWN Due to the pandemic, teens across the world are facing increased social anxiety, leading to spikes in depression and suicide.

THE MIRROR ANTHONY CASTANEDA

FALLING BEHIND Seniors who failed to complete the service learning find themselves unable to graduate.

THE MIRROR DAVID VAZQUEZ

Insights from Ivy League insiders

BY SKYLIE MOLINA THE MIRROR STAFF

As she stepped onto the hallowed grounds of Harvard University, Ms. Aditi Doshi felt a mix of excitement and trepidation, eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in the Ivy League.

The Ivy League schools, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford and Columbia, are known for their rigorous academic programs, world-class research facilities and programs and their extreme selectivity.

History teacher Ms. Doshi achieved her dream of attending one of the world’s most renowned institutes of higher learning, Harvard University, to pursue her bachelor’s degree in history.

At Harvard, she received the level of rigor she desired and openly allowed her to explore her interests.

“As a senior, I took every AP class that my school offered, which wasn’t that many,” Ms. Doshi said. “But I never really felt like I was getting a super rigorous education.”

Outside of school, she had exposure to college-level research through the completion of a summer research program at Brandeis University and Drexel University.

It was her involvement, academic discipline and well-structured writing that allowed her to stand out in her college application.

“I made sure that I had a really detailed resume that included every single thing I did in and out of school,” she said. “Every single volunteer activity, community service activity or leadership position, just so the college would get a complete picture of who I was as a student. I just gave them all the information possible about myself and my goals.”

Class of 2024 valedictorian Sean Kim felt the same way. He believed that the time he spent writing his essays, which he thinks truly revealed his character, was what secured his admission to his Ivy League dream school, Brown University.

“I think my essays were a strong point. I did more than just say what I did.”

Kim also suggests that applicants do not have their goals set towards an institution purely because of its selectiveness. While Ivy’s are known for being the greatest universities to attend, they might not be the right fit for all students.

“Don’t be too hung up on a single school,” he said. “Many people tend to beat themselves up over something out of their control. Consider where you may end up going, because I never even saw other schools as an option.”

New addiction: More than just bad habits

BY ELIZABETH ESCOBAR THE MIRROR STAFF

Addiction grips millions, transcending mere substance use to encompass emotional and social struggles. It’s easy for people to be quick to judge others who have addictions. Many people don’t understand how or why someone becomes addicted to something and attributes their addiction to having weak morals or an addictive personality.

Unfortunately, many people aren’t willing to listen to those suffering from addiction to truly understand their journey. In reality, there is no one path to addiction.

While drug abuse is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think about addiction, it’s important to recognize that addiction can manifest in different forms.

According to a 2018 article published by The National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction is characterized by a compulsive engagement in the brain’s “reward circuit.” This causes a momentary euphoria from the release of dopamine — a pleasurable reward and motivation chemical that forms a strong connection between the behavior and positive feelings — in the brain.

Over time, this can lead to a pattern of behavior where the individual continues to seek out the trigger despite potential harm.

media and gaming, is especially relevant in the younger generations today.

The American Psychological Association (APA) notes excessive use of social media platforms can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

A social media addiction can stem from the desire for social validation, to the immediate gratification provided by likes and comments. Senior Mia Kenigsberg is especially familiar with what this type of addiction entails.

“When we post something and receive positive feedback, we feel good about ourselves,” Kenigsberg said. “We get likes, so there’s that crave to just get more and feel good about ourselves.”

‘‘

The APA emphasizes that the immediate gratification and immersive experiences offered by social media can dominate the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for users to moderate their engagement.

One form of addiction that has gained attention in recent years is behavioral addiction, which can include compulsions such as internet use.

Because certain drugs change the brain, it becomes more difficult for a person to resist their urges. This is why drug addiction is also considered a relapse disease — a disease that returns even after a prolonged period of improvement.

In addition to the body’s internal fight against withdrawal, external pressures also contribute to the difficulty for teens to distance themselves from drug abuse.

In a 2024 feature published by the American Psychological Association, Halpern-Felsher, developmental psychologist specializing in cognitive and psychosocial factors involved in adolescents’ health and behavior says, “Teens can make good decisions,” but that approaching this issue with adolescents is different because they care more about what their peers think of them compared to adults.”

One form of addiction that has gained attention in recent years is behavioral addiction.

This type of addiction, particularly connected to social

“We tend to compare ourselves to the people we see on social media,” Kenigsberg said. “There’s that need to make yourself feel better and so you just keep posting on social media to make sure that you’re more well liked.”

Similar to drug abuse, technological addictions share underlying similarities. They both involve the brain’s reward system, which turns these behavioral tendencies into a vicious cycle that can be difficult to interrupt.

“I think it’s never enough, so it becomes a cycle of trying to prove to yourself,” Kenigsberg said. “Prove that you are this great person, which really traps us into social media.”

As one navigates the complexities of addiction and recognizes its many forms, it’s crucial to remember that empathy and understanding can make a significant difference. Each person dealing with addiction faces a unique struggle, often hidden from view.

A supportive and non-judgmental environment could help peers feel less isolated and more understood. Collective compassion and awareness can pave the way for positive change and create a more encouraging community.

“We have to come from a supportive and sensitive place because we don’t know what they could be going through,” Kenigsberg said. “It’s important for them to know that they have people there for them that they can reach out to.”

BEST OF THE BEST The Ivy League schools are known for their selective admittance. In 2024 Brown University was the least competative Ivy, accepting 5.1% of students.

THE MIRROR ANTHONY CASTANEDA

TRADING HANDS Normalized substance abuse continues to hurt teenagers, with availability of illegal substances becoming more popular every year.

THE MIRROR ANTHONY CASTANEDA

The rise of sexual content in teen literature

BY OLAMIDE OLUMIDE THE MIRROR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Smut is defined as fiction, usually works of literature, written in a sexual nature. Generally targeted toward women, smut aims to arouse the reader or viewer.

Popular works include “50 Shades of Grey” and “Bridgerton.”

In shows, movies and books like this, there are no off-screen sexual encounters or lights dimming at the end of a date night. Like an oversharing friend, smut bares everything and leaves it on the page or screen for everyone to see.

Smut is most notably found in romance books, which have become increasingly popular with teenagers and young adults over the past few years. Social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube are renowned for their book recommendations and reviews and recently, many popular books have featured smut.

The rise of ‘BookTok’ on TikTok is seen as a revolution and reintroduction of reading among Gen Z providing a sense of community. However, it has also played a significant role in popularizing graphic sexual encounters.

As an avid reader, sophomore Kenya Perryman shed some insight on her reasoning behind this spread of sexual content in books.

“I think smut has become so popular in YA novels because it gives the reader what they want,” she said. “It gives the reader different points of view, different perspectives of sex and sexual things. It gives readers different insights on how people live their sexual lives.”

While some people see the blatant discussion of sexual activities as unseemly, Perryman explained that sexual activity is something that should be talked about freely.

“Those who read smut are doing the same thing that every other person who reads does, they are learning,” she said.

Perryman herself got into reading at the age of

13, beginning her reading journey on Wattpad, an app made for aspiring authors and storytellers to share their work with others.

Despite its mission to be a place for creative expression, Wattpad stories have become notorious for having smut entrenched in their plot, quickly becoming an epicenter for the fanfiction genre.

“I read fanfiction because I was obsessed with a celebrity,” she said. “Fanfiction provided me with the comfort and the idea of me actually knowing that person in real life.”

Perryman’s journey with smut did not begin that way though.

“I got interested in smut because I was young and dumb and I wanted to feel any sexual, sensual feeling,” she explained. “I was, and still am, going through changes so seeing or hearing things online and around me made me intrigued so I started reading.”

As publishers aim to meet their target audience’s interests and produce selling books, they study trends and look at what people want. If they see that what their audience wants is smut, they look for writers who write smut.

Yet the rise in interest in smut can lead writers to unnecessarily add it to their books, sacrificing plot structure and character development.

“Sometimes authors do write a little bit too much smut in their books to try and make up for the loss of identity in their characters,” she said. “I’d say more recently people forcibly write smut so it kind of makes the book dull and not really in depth.”

nothing wrong with wanting to read smut and sexual content, especially for teenagers and young adults.

“I think although people don’t like to admit it and it’s a little weird to say, people love sex and arousal,” she began. “So I think the popularization of smut has changed recommendations because teens are looking for anything sexual that is attainable.”

Yet the school’s librarian Ms. Suzanne Osman stresses this normalization should only be for teens and young adults, not kids at the age of 10 or 11.

“I definitely think that young people are exposed to more adult content way too soon,” she said. “I think on one hand, it educates people, but my concern is that they’re doing it without supervision as these books are usually recreational and kids don’t know how to process it.”

‘‘ Sometimes authors write a little bit too much smut in their books to try and make up for the loss of identity in their characters.”

Avid reader Kenya Perryman

Some graphic books provide an unrealistic picture of sexual encounters, influencing young readers’ perceptions.

“I think smut sometimes affects young readers’ understanding of healthy relationships,” she said. “There are children or teens who think that this is how things actually are supposed to work and this is how things are supposed to happen. I think that that’s crazy because when it comes to stuff like that, everything’s really subjective so I think it can be harmful.”

In general, exposing young readers to smut is a pressing issue that Booktok, BookTube or Bookstagram are not helping solve. With a tap of a button kids have access to discussions about graphic sex.

Despite this, Perryman explained that there’s

Perryman thinks that it isn’t the responsibility of authors or writers to consider the age and maturity of their audience when writing romantic or sexual content.

“If people don’t want smut or if kids are not allowed to read smut, then they shouldn’t be going to Barnes & Noble and picking out the smuttiest book they find.”

Since the internet is an easy way to access sexual content, parents have a difficult job policing what their kids read.

“Parents should obviously look out for what their child is reading,” she said. “But I also see a lot of smut right next to children’s books. Publishers or bookstore organizers need to keep smut out of the kids section.”

Despite the intrigue and excitement that smut might provide readers, it’s important for media and parents to be actively involved in their children’s online presence.

“As kids continue to develop and live in the world of technology, they eventually are able to gain more access to the internet,” Perryman said. “I believe that because these kids are growing up with the internet, it gives them a better chance of knowing how to get around things like parental controls. The only things I think could actually keep kids away from more mature content is by watching their internet activity day by day and just simply removing the internet from a child’s life until they are old enough for said content.”

HIDDEN BETWEEN THE LINES Graphic sexual content has infiltrated the YA romance genre for years, but only now are parents and psychologists starting to worry about the contents effects on the children reading it.

THE MIRROR RAFFERTY YOWLER

Lost in the scroll: The erosion of media literacy

Being able to evaluate media is vital for protecting privacy and spotting fake content

BY ISAURA GARCIA THE MIRROR STAFF

Distinguishing fact from fiction has never been more challenging — or crucial.

The digital landscape is flooded with content designed to captivate and, at times, deceive. Whether it’s a fake news story, a misleading advertisement or an AI-generated video that looks eerily real, the internet is filled with traps for the unsuspecting.

Like many of her peers, senior Marelin Lopez navigates this digital maze daily.

“I don’t really mind when websites ask for my information, but I don’t usually just hand it over,” she said. “It just gets annoying that every website asks for email, password, phone number, etc.”

Portable music, Bluetooth and instant communication devices may seem mundane for today’s youth, but these technologies represent a digital revolution that can be daunting for older generations. The generational gap in technology use increases the confusion and the risks associated with media consumption.

This inability to navigate media effectively is known as a lack of media literacy.

Promises of free services or prizes can lead people to give away their information, unknowingly exposing themselves to risks that they don’t fully understand.

Fake pop-ups pretending to be cookies, a type of digital file that lets websites remember you, your logins, shopping carts and more can be infuriating. Unlike real cookies, these aim to trick users into giving away information.

“I mostly click ‘Accept Cookies’ on the websites I go on because I need to do my homework,” senior Nujhat Samira said. “I don’t care because it usually looks real.”

Teaching the Youth

Non-Profit Civic Stars aims to educate young students on history, politics and humanities

BY MADISON THACKER THE MIRROR EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

While doing some research late into his sophomore year, current senior Dwayne Famina noticed something strange.

Every student who got into top schools, such as UCLA, Harvard or Yale, had some type of passion project.

Passion projects are becoming more popular every year in the college admissions world. With projects varying from campus to national events or organizations, passion projects help students stand out, showcasing their leadership ability.

For Famina, he didn’t have a project, just a passion for children and humanities.

“After thinking about it for a long time I decided that my passion project would be educating the youth in civics and politics,” he said.

So after several months, Famina was able to get his passion project, Civic Stars, off the ground.

With the increase in online homework, many teens tend to rely on the first website they find for information.

Media literacy teaches that not all websites are credible. Many websites misuse personal data, highlighting the need to critically evaluate information sources.

Another issue that must be addressed when considering media literacy is AI.

Younger generations are familiar with AI, which is prevalent on the internet and social media apps.

But since 2021 AI has drastically improved, making videos and voice recordings increasingly realistic and therefore difficult to distinguish from genuine content.

Without media literacy, concerns about AI’s potential issues grow, highlighting the need for education on distinguishing AI-generated content from real media.

WATCH OUT With the continuous rise of social media and fast paced information, people find it hard to identify what is true.

“I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a video the other day that looked so real,” Samira said. “Turns out it was AI. If the people in the comments didn’t catch it, I never would have known.”

Yet one more issue stands prevalent: fake news.

Fake news is much harder to spot than fake images. As news outlets market themselves more across social media platforms, they become the main source of information for the public, making all age groups susceptible to fake stories.

As a large company with an established brand, Disney has the resources to combat false advertisements and promotions. Marketing strategist for Disney+, Alejandra Rosales, explains precautions that are taken to accurately inform consumers.

“On the strategy side, we can see what’s out there, take it into consideration and analyze how it impacts our campaign strategy,” Rosales said.

With the modern trend of rapid media consumption, people struggle to identify authentic content.

“I’ve seen dupe content and fan art,” Rosales added. “It looks real. People get excited, but we ensure the credibility of the content and assets that we put forth to audiences, making clear it’s from Disney+.”

The public, regardless of age or technical knowledge, should understand the forms of media they consume and how to interact with them properly. While protection, privacy and identifying fake images and advertisements seem straightforward, constant advancements continue to put all media at risk.

“The main point I’m trying to make is that people need to check what they’re looking at,” Rosales said. “Always check the source and credibility before believing.”

COURTESY QUINN HUTCHISON

Civic Stars aims to teach the youth across California through workshops covering all aspects of government, from local to national.

Famina believes that working to explain such complex topics with children of such a young age wouldn’t be possible without extreme patience.

“Working with kids really just comes down to being open to any questions that might come up,” he said.

For Quinn Hutchison, Chief Operating Officer of Civic Star and a senior at Valley

International Preparatory High School, teaching civics is easy if you become a storyteller.

“I feel like a lot of it comes down to creating stories to the best of your ability,” he said. “Obviously, lecturing isn’t particularly interesting, nor is it very engaging when it comes down to kids, especially when talking about complicated subjects.”

While Famina, Hutchinson and all the students running Civic Stars are committed and passionate about the company and what it stands for, they often struggle

PASSION POWER Civic Stars is a program with a mission to educate youth in California. To students like Dwayne Famina and Quinn Hutchison, such passion projects are vehicles for creating meaningful change.

to get other students to join.

“A big problem is trying to find people who are truly interested in Civic Stars,” Hutchinson said. “We get a lot of people who are very interested in joining for the wrong reasons.”

This makes the interviewing process more complex, as the team must work hard to find a candidate’s true intentions.

“It’s hard to navigate who actually wants to do this,” Famina said. “Are they as passionate as we are for educating youth and civics? Or do they really just want to put it on a college app?”

Both Famina and Huchinson agree they are involved in Civic Stars for more than college clout, with both planning to stay with the program past graduation, helping to expand the program nationally.

“I don’t see this as a one time thing,” Famina said. “I don’t see this just for college apps. I see this as a duty that I have to fulfill. If I want to be someone who helps kids, then I have to do this, because this is something that will be looming in their future.”

While students search for passion projects they can create to boost their own college applications, Hutchinson encourages students to reach for the stars when starting.

“I think that it might feel daunting to start,” he said. “It seems like something way out of your reach. But if you are truly interested in creating a passion project, and you love it as much as we love Civic Stars, go for it.”

THE NOUN PROJECT AMETHYST STUDIOS

Main events in the Presidential race

BY MADISON THACKER THE MIRROR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The 2024 U.S. presidential election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. In the months leading up to the contest, a seemingly non-stop series of historical events surrounding the race occurred, including assassination attempts on Former President Trump and a last minute drop out from President Biden. The events shocked the American people daily, leaving them wondering when they would stop living through historical events. From the first debate in late June to the Vice Presidential debate in early October, this summer was nothing short of historical.

July 13

July

June 27

First

debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump

tuned

to CNN’s broadcast of the first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump. The debate, marked by personal attacks

left many Americans anxious about

Former President Trump gets shot During a rally in Butler, Pennyslvania, Former President Trump survives an assassination attempt by Thomas Matthew Cooks, who is shot and killed by Secret Service agents. Trump sustained a minor injury to his ear, while two spectators in the crowd were killed. Trump later assures supporters he is fine, will continue his campaign and will win.

Modern family pressures to pick a career

BY OLAMIDE OLUMIDE THE MIRROR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The clock on the screen read July 28, 12:28 a.m.

Junior Karen Orillena’s mind was spinning as she faced the weight of her academic future.

Her mouse hovered over the “Scores” tab on her AP Classroom dashboard as she felt the pounding of her heart accelerate.

This score would determine whether she got college credit for her AP World History class and, in her mind, her worth to her family.

She was supposed to be the one who went to college, got the degree and moved her family out of their old apartment.

“I want to go to college on my own, but at the same time I’m a first generation student so I’m expected to go to college to help the family,” she said.

Orillena explained that many of the decisions about her future are not in her control.

“In a way, my family does impact my decision in my career choice,” she said. “Although they don’t say it, I can feel pressure to be the best or do my best and to get a job that pays enough to support my family.”

In a world where money is the epitome of success and comfort, Orillena knows she must pick a career that will make her money, over one that will make her happy.

“The career I chose to pursue is nursing because compared to other jobs in the medical field, it’s a faster way to help my family,” she explained.

The preconceived idea that Orillena will lift her family out of financial and societal distress acts as both a source of motivation and deterrent.

“Everyone has their eyes on me as the first to go to college,” she said.

She also noted that although her family applies a lot of pressure on her, society at large adds its own stress.

“When it comes to societal pressures, some people do too much work to follow their parents’ expectations even though it’s not fulfilling for them,” she said. “Put simply, society looks down on low paying jobs.”

While she cannot change her family, Orillena believes she can change her life situation with a career in nursing, despite the stress it might cause her.

“My family wants me to be something successful in life,” she said. “At the end of the day I’m expected to have a job that’s better than theirs.”

Panting, pacing, panicking: Overcrowding crisis worsens in L.A. County animal shelters

BY LEON WEISS THE MIRROR STAFF

Across L.A. county, animal shelters are filling to the brim.

Combined with the excessive heat, many animals are being confined to tight spaces while having compounded stress brought on by the presence of other struggling animals increasing risk of illness and absence of healthy stimulation.

The animals registered into the shelter system face a variety of challenges, one being the restrictive nature of the kennels and cages. Shelter dogs are typically only taken out two or three times a day but are kept inside the rest of the time because of the overwhelming heat.

Another common liability that animals face in shelters is the increased risk of catching diseases and parasites like giardia, tapeworms and kennel cough, which, if left unchecked, can cause fatal pneumonia.

The shelter crisis was not always this dire. The outbreak of covid-19 caused an upsurge in adoptions that, in turn, resulted in many animals ending up in the shelter system.

“So many people were stuck at home during the pandemic and wanted a ‘companion’ but didn’t realize that a companion would require training, vet care, food and whatnot,” Animal Control Officer Katie Clark said.

As a result, many pets weren’t properly interacting with other people or other animals and struggled to live in a post-covid society.

“The owners blame the pet and try to make it seem like it is the animal’s fault because they are misbehaving and don’t know how to properly act,” Clark said.

Long-time shelter volunteer Andrea Menschel shares a similar sentiment, having witnessed these issues firsthand.

“People just said, ‘That’s cute! I want to adopt it!’ but they didn’t fully understand the kind of commitment it was,”

‘‘ So many people were stuck at home during the pandemic and wanted a ‘companion’ but didn’t realize that a companion would require training, vet care, food and whatnot,” Animal Control Officer Katie Clark

she said.

According to the L.A. county website, an issue that has been prevalent since before covid-19 is the irresponsible breeding of animals, also known as backyard breeding.

This typically occurs when people are trying to profit off the selling of animals, and many of these pets end up malnourished and unsocialized due to the limited stimulation they receive.

Wide-open spaces in Lancaster or Antelope Valley have become hotspots for backyard breeding, resulting in many dogs being surrendered to local shelters, causing overpopulation and leading to euthanasia to free up space within only two weeks of dogs initial arrival.

To help raise the rate of adoptions, L.A. county has hosted multiple events that entail bringing a select few dogs or cats out to a park or fair to increase awareness of overcrowding.

Even if you’re not a shelter staff member or volunteer, community members can help improve the lives of these animals in many ways, including responsible pet ownership.

“Please spay and neuter your pets,” Clark said. “If you see something, say something, whether it’s backyard breeding or animals being abused. Animals do not have a voice to speak up for themselves, but we do. Additionally, microchipping and registering your microchip is a must, then if they get lost we can help them get back home.”

Raising awareness about this issue is crucial. Reposting shelter dogs on Instagram or NextDoor can help address the increasing number of animals suffering county-wide in overcrowded shelters.

“Just take care of your animals, do your research and don’t hesitate to reach out for help or ask for resources,” Clark said.

NO WAY HOME Animals suffer to find homes due to the effects of covid causing an influx of animals in shelters.

THE MIRROR LEON WEISS

THE MIRROR CHIOMA CHIAWA

TO1460DAYSLEFT CAMPAIGN!

17

Campaign overload No wonder the average voter gets so turned off. Why do elections have to go on and on?

Editorial: Why LAUSD’s cell phone ban is a step backwards in education

It’s an exciting time to be alive in this golden era of technology.

The daily advancements in technology offer undeniable societal benefits, including workforce efficiency, medical progress and cultural exchange.

There’s just one problem — it’s “screwing the kids over.”

We live in a world where the average teen spends nearly nine hours a day staring at a phone, and that’s not okay.

In the interest of preventing children from becoming “addle-brained sheep,” we need to come together and protect them from the “poison” they carry around in their pockets everywhere.

This is the close-minded narrative that an increasing crowd of “save the children from their screens” advocates love to chant.

A chorus of adults and members of older generations demonize increasing cell phone usage as a modern epidemic, the sole driving force behind why kids today are getting dumber.

In June 2024, the LAUSD Board of Education voted to ban cell phone usage throughout the school day, citing concerns over academic performance and mental health.

While the intentions behind the policy are commendable, a ban would ultimately be ineffective and may even exacerbate the very issues it seeks to address.

Proponents of the phone ban argue that smartphones are a primary source of distraction in the classroom, and it’s true that students who use phones during instruction tend to perform worse academically.

A 2014 Kent State University study found that students who reported higher levels of phone use averaged GPAs that were 0.33 lower than peers with less phone use.

However, distractions in the classroom are multifaceted. Factors like teaching methods and student engagement play significant roles in a student’s ability to focus.

For instance, traditional lecturing does a poor job of keeping students actively engaged in the material. According to a report by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), only 35% of students report being highly engaged during lectures.

Banning phones wouldn’t necessarily lead to improved attention because it doesn’t address the root causes of all distraction — a lack of student engagement coupled with minimal desire to learn.

No matter what restrictions you place on students, they can’t be forced to learn or pay attention. Banning phones wouldn’t guarantee learning, but would likely generate resentment.

The aim of true education is to inspire a love for learning in students. It may sound idealistic and far from practical, but no

OUR TAKES

INFLATION

more than the delusion that forcing students to comply with a ban wouldn’t foster feelings of rebellion.

A more effective approach would be teaching students to manage their technology use responsibly. Relative to how large of a role technology plays in all our lives, it’s baffling that dedicated education on navigating it properly is so limited.

In terms of sheer relevance, even a semester-long class on digital literacy and technology management would be more worthwhile than almost any other subject.

Cell phones serve as vital tools for communication, organization and learning.

They provide easy access to educational resources that enhance the learning experience in and outside the classroom.

Platforms like Khan Academy and YouTube are prime examples of tools students can utilize to aid their academic performance. Offering detailed, accessible lessons on specific topics in the form of video content created by professors and educators around the world, these platforms make getting help easy.

Yes, cell phones can open doors to misuse if malicious intent is present, just like any tool — including school-issued Chromebooks and standard, programmable graphing calculators.

Moreover, emergencies can happen at any moment. Being able to communicate with friends and family during critical times creates a sense of security and safety.

On Nov. 1, 2023, Van Nuys High School was placed on lockdown due to a stabbing that occurred on the quad.

Packed into classrooms, countless stu-

dents were anxious to contact friends and family to check up on each other. Their cell phones were what allowed them to do so.

In a situation that broke national headlines, it would have been absurd to bar the very students on campus from contacting loved ones at will.

The argument that authority and order would be better maintained with phone bans sounds sensible, but overlooks a crucial point: such policies undermine the trust and respect that should exist between students and teachers.

Instead of fostering a collaborative atmosphere, strict bans breed resentment and an adversarial relationship with administration and staff.

At schools like VNHS, where these tensions already exist, a culture of distrust is the last thing we need.

Ultimately, if schools are to prepare students for adult life, we need to advocate for teaching digital literacy use over outright bans. Through dedicated courses, students could learn to make informed decisions online and manage their screen time responsibly, a vital aspect of their well-being.

The efforts to ban phone usage may be well-intentioned, but they are unlikely to yield the desired outcomes of improved focus and academic performance. Instead, they risk hindering student engagement and alienating students from a critical tool for communication and learning.

Times have truly changed, and policies aiming to address rising concerns about technology must consider every perspective to be effective.

Let’s focus on education, not prohibition.

CORRECTIONS

READER

Mirror, Van Nuys High School, 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91411. Letters must be signed and may be edited for space and style.

ADVERTISING Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by either the newspaper or the school. Advertising questions

FOR THE MIRROR: BRIANNE TOLENTINO

The end of the printed page

The case for doing away with newspapers

ABIGAIL KIM With digital media use on the rise and newspaper readership on the decline, maybe it’s time to say goodbye to print

In all our favorite sitcoms, the classic morning routine features a reading of the daily newspaper over a cup of coffee.

As digital notifications replace the rustling of paper, this scene has become a nostalgic ritual of the past. The case for doing away with printed newspapers has become increasingly necessary, and urges reconsideration of media consumption, environmental impact and modern news circulation.

With devices glued to the hand of nearly every U.S. citizen, readership of physical newspapers is at an all-time low.

Only 32.1% of Americans reported reading the paper a few times a week, while a staggering 66.9% either rarely or never engaged with it.

The financial toll has been equally brutal, with revenue for American newspaper publishers dropping by an alarming 52% between 2002 and 2020.

Much of this downturn can be attributed to the rise of digital news. 86% of American adults now get their news online, with 60% accessing it on a regular basis.

Digital news allows for realtime updates on pressing events, whereas newspapers are limited to a daily or weekly publication. Our world overflows with breaking news and political events, making the immediacy of online reports absolutely essential.

As the digital landscape of media continues to evolve, print newspapers become increasingly obsolete.

Newspapers also present major environmental risks, as the production of paper tears through the world’s forests and displaces millions of species.

From 2001 to 2019, global deforestation resulted in the loss of 386 million hectares of forest

‘‘

Print newspapers contribute to the epidemic of deforestation, as the production of paper tears through the world’s forests and displaces millions of species.

land, causing a 10% decrease in tree coverage since 2000.

Alarmingly, 42% of the world’s wood harvest goes toward paper production, underscoring the significant environmental impact of our reliance on paper.

The high demand for paper, driven by newspapers, is not only worsening environmental degradation, but is also accelerating climate change.

Deforestation also displaces indigenous communities. The loss of forest land destroys their dwellings and resources, and they are often forced to migrate elsewhere.

STUDENTS THINK...

BY OCEAN THREATS

What is the biggest problem at our school?

The wannabe gangsters. A lot of kids at this school try to act tougher than they actually are and they just cause problems. Then all the staff get mad at the kids that don’t even do anything wrong.” —

Considering the environmental impact and impracticality of newspapers, ending their production would be immensely beneficial for society. By reducing deforestation, cutting carbon emissions and minimizing waste, the elimination of printed articles will foster a more sustainable future.

Even so, some continue to argue in defense of maintaining their existence in order to preserve traditional American culture.

However, adapting to digital formats does not equate to abandoning tradition.

Is school actually difficult or are most kids just lazy?

“Some are just lazy but there are also a lot of procrastinators. There are probably a lot of smart kids at this school that just take too long to do their work, so it never gets turned in and then they start to fall behind which makes it harder to catch up later.”

— Senior Phoebe

Nguyen

Rather, newspapers provide new ways to preserve and celebrate culture. Online platforms make content available to a global audience, sharing traditional practices and art forms with a wider range of people.

Thus, digital media enriches our traditions by allowing for greater accessibility and interaction with future generations.

Another concern that arises with ending print is the loss of credibility in stories. The general public often perceives printed articles to be more trustworthy and reliable than online sources.

The publication process of physical newspapers cultivates a sense of authority and truth in the paper, a factor that readers may gravitate toward when searching for credible sources.

The dependability of printed newspapers versus online media is not the heart of the problem. News reliability lies in the quality of the news source. Although

Who is the best musical artist of our generation?

“I think Brent Faiyaz is the best musical artist of our generation because I feel that he brought so many popular songs to social media. He also made R&B music popular again. He’s very creative and I feel like he always makes great songs that everyone can listen to. Plus, his songs are catchy.”

—Junior Camilla Chavez-Guillen

it can be easier to spread false information online, digital platforms counter these attacks by providing tools to verify and back up information.

Myriad online media sites continue to maintain a high journalistic standard and have amassed vast audiences, including N.P.R. (National Public Radio), Sage Publishing and the Wall Street Journal.

In the face of an increasingly digitized environment, job losses have emerged as an additional concern. According to Forbes, 43,000 journalists have left the writing scene since 2005, and the majority of these writers worked for daily print newspapers.

Some contend that ending printed papers threatens to accelerate this job decline and disrupt the economy of the journalism industry.

However, shifting from printed to digital media does not mean increased job loss. Transitioning to digital news can open doors for new job opportunities as media, technology and content creation continue to evolve. For instance, digital news outlets require specialists in social media management, data analysis and multimedia content creation. These roles are essential to optimizing online content and ensuring that news of the latest events reaches a large population.

The case for ending print newspapers has never been more relevant. The threats of deforestation and declined readership have rendered print newspapers largely unnecessary and obsolete. The American custom of newspapers can be preserved in a digital format, enabling greater accessibility and increased circulation of information.

Digital media has a strong grip on society and is here to stay. It’s time to fully embrace the online era.

The end of printed articles will bring us one step closer to a more efficient, more effective society.

What is a fashion trend that you are tired of seeing?

“The worst fashion trend is those goddamn skinny jeans. They are not flattering at all and do not give anyone any shape. I guess you can pull them off and style them to work but if you can’t pull your jeans past your butt it’s time to throw them out and move on to some that actually fit you.” — Freshman Inaya Loox

DIVING INTO DIGITAL NEWS In our world of seemingly endless digital advancements, the necessity of a physical newspaper comes into question.

THE MIRROR ABIGAIL KIM

Junior Damien Ordaz

Internalizedhomophobia

LEON WEISS It’s okay to be gay… But that’s not what some gay people say

There is no doubt that there are divisions within the LGBTQ+ community. This could be through race, gender, religion, age or any possible differences that separate one group of people from another.

After all, the LGBTQ+ community is diverse, not a monolithic entity with a single mindset.

Being gay does not prevent bigotry even towards fellow community members. An early example is Henry Willson, a gay talent agent from the 1950s who preyed on young gay men, micromanaging their careers and dictating their public personas.

The idea of an acceptable level of gay persists today. Jay Styler is a gay man who was judged by other gay men at a pride event for wearing makeup, being referred to as “too gay”.

This phenomenon is known as internalized homophobia.

Planned Parenthood defines those with internalized homophobia as people who

are homophobic while experiencing samesex attraction themselves.

The LA LGBT Center characterizes this as “holding themselves back from living life to their full potential” or acting “in ways that reinforce the stereotypes and are ultimately self defeating.”

Concealing a person’s true sexuality can lead to harrowing consequences, such as entering a sham marriage and hiding genuine feelings.

This reasoning stems from rhetoric that characterizes LGBTQ+ individuals as predatory, idiotic and self-absorbed. Signs declaring harmful messages like “homosexuals are possessed by demons” are

sights at anti-LGBTQ+ protests.

With all this hate, it’s understandable that someone might think, “I’m gay and not like that, so I must be one of the good ones.”

Internalized homophobia is intersectional, often fueled by other forms of bigotry, such as misogyny.

Feminine gay men tend to be more often and extremely ostracized compared to their masculine counterparts. Some queer individuals adhere to gender stereotypes and ridicule those who challenge them.

Typically, the targets are younger people with dyed hair who openly display

their pride, as well as men who present more femininely.

There is a disdain, whether conscious or not for nonconformity and femininity. The fear of the unfamiliar perpetuates patriarchal notions ingrained since birth.

Weakness and irrationality are often unfairly associated with femininity, leading to the stereotype that feminine individuals are weak and irrational.

This stereotype is baseless yet it contributes to the stronghold of internalized homophobia within the gay male community.

Lesbians and other queer women experience internalized homophobia differently, often through misogyny, but in different ways. They face constant sexualization, which may discourage them from pursuing sexual or romantic relationships.

They may feel ashamed of their relationships with other women, viewing them as fetishes rather than genuine orientations.

This mindset echoes the stereotype that queer women are “just going through a phase.”

A sharp division exists between gay men and lesbians, highlighted by designated gay bars and lesbian bars. While these social groupings may stem from a desire to interact with similar individuals, they still contribute to a spirit of division.

The reality is that homophobia exists within the queer community.

When queer individuals are threatened by harmful stereotypes and judgments from within their own community, it perpetuates a cycle of harm and distrust.

Internalized homophobia, like homophobia itself, has no place in a functional society and must be addressed.

Faith meets fact: Yes, science and religion can have a harmonious coexistence

ABIGAIL KIM Despite historical conflicts, Christianity and science can work together to enhance the pursuit of truth

Oil and water are notorious for their refusal to blend, much like the common belief that religion and science can never coexist harmoniously.

This perception has constructed a false narrative surrounding faith and science, suggesting that an unbridgeable divide exists between them.

Contrary to popular belief, religion and reason aren’t mortal enemies, but a powerful duo that sheds light on our existence and purpose.

The ongoing clash between science and faith, especially within Christianity, has sparked heated debates among theologians, philosophers and scientists for centuries.

Ironically, much of science was founded on Christianity. Many founding fathers of science, including Robert Boyle, Gregor Mendel and Issac Newton, became interested in the field due to their belief in God.

The biggest argument against the harmony of faith and science is their perceived philosophical incompatibility.

However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Scientific discoveries can deepen the Christian faith by revealing the complexity and beauty of the universe, showcasing the intricate design and cosmic order of

CREATION VS THE CREATOR Finding the balance between science and religion, while complex, is more simple then most people belive.

the Creator.

The perceived contradictions between religion and science blind people to the reality that faith and reason are two sides of the same coin. Although different in their approach to understanding the universe, science and Christianity share common threads in encouraging critical thinking and comprehending the mysteries of the

universe.

With so much still unknown, questioning and seeking answers are fundamental to the pursuit of truth, a journey that resonates with many Christians. In the same way, science depends on questioning and seeking answers to understand the natural world. Both science and religion encourage critical thinking as a way to deepen our understanding of reality. As we delve further into the pursuit of truth, both faith and science can develop more nuanced perspectives that complement rather than contradict each other.

As a Christian, I’ve struggled to bridge my faith with my value for logic and reasoning. However, I’ve come to realize that science and Christianity don’t need to be separate entities.

From God comes all things, and to God are all things.

Science is no exception.

I’ve learned to recognize that science is man-made, meaning there is significant potential for error, given the inherent imperfections of people.

All of this is not to say that science is obsolete. Science grants us an opportunity to marvel at God’s creation and creativity. Thus, faith and science aren’t the oil and water we perceive them to be. Rather, they’re two lenses through which we can explore the profound questions of life. Together, they provide a more nuanced perspective on the universe and our place within it.

By furthering this dialogue, we can advance toward a deeper appreciation of both God’s creation and the human pursuit of knowledge.

We can marvel at the supernatural love that inspired God to grant us life in such a vast and magnificent world.

BE YOU LGBTQIA+ people discriminate against their own.

THE MIRROR LEON WEISS

FOR THE MIRROR ANGELO J. KEATING

Why “defund the police” might make sense

JOEL NAM Exploring solutions not involving police would better prioritize community needs and address root causes of

crime

We’ve all seen it. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd in May 2020, the slogan appeared on television, signs at rallies and social media.

In recent years, the call to defund the police has sparked important conversations about social justice and public safety.

The movement advocates for a reallocation of police funding to community services that address the root causes of crime. It calls for more than just reducing police budgets, emphasizing a reflection on how America’s public safety systems may be faulty.

The most prevailing misconception about defund the police is that it’s solely a cry against deeprooted racism in police departments.

While it’s true that one goal of the movement is minimizing social injustice, it more broadly aims to enhance community well-being by implementing effective change with decreased police involvement.

Police often perform jobs they aren’t intended to do, responding to calls ranging from annoying neighbors to mental illness, domestic disputes and homelessness. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, an average of 62.6% of 911 calls involve situations with no clear safety concerns, while only 3% were related to violent crime.

The average policeman isn’t intended, and therefore isn’t properly trained, to handle such a wide array of situations. No matter how much funding police departments are provided, it’s unreasonable to ask police officers to become Swiss Army Knives for every possible situation.

While police could certainly be present on scene, the first responders to various community

issues should include professionals best equipped to deal with them, whether that’s a psychotherapist assisting a mentally ill individual or a housing facilitator providing effective help for a homeless person.

Thus, it stands to reason that additional funding funneled into police departments that are expected to take care of issues beyond their capacity to help would go to waste.

Alternatively, investing in community programs and street outreach initiatives have proven to result in large reductions in crime. By tackling the underlying factors that lead up to crime, criminal activity is prevented before it even happens.

Critics argue that reducing police funding will lead to increased crime and public insecurity, but this view overlooks the reality that many communities, especially those with higher rates of people of color, are hurt by over-policing and develop a lack of trust in law enforcement.

A study by Gallup, a global analytics firm, revealed that 79% of white Americans felt their interactions with police for the year prior were positive. On the other hand, only 59% of Black Americans felt their interactions with police were positive overall.

Evidently, police presence doesn’t always equate to safety, and can instead heighten tensions and feed into cycles of violence and injustice.

Defunding the police is far from an anti-police stance. Many supporters agree that reform and funding reallocation of police departments to community-driven programs is the best path to increased public safety.

The defund the police movement calls for adjusting where resources are invested within communities in order to create a more just and safe society for all.

Elections are exhaustingly long

ISABELLA MENDOZA With election day approaching, it’s time to discuss the length of the race for who runs our country.

With all its campaigns, rallies and speeches, the United States election is an event viewed around the globe.

The candidates are often announced two years before the actual election day.

This two year period is when all the attention is on the candidates as they make promises about how they’ll improve our country.

The intense media focus on the Democrat versus Republican headlines can be exhausting for the average person.

Putting voters who basically solidify their decisions from the first couple months through such a drawn-out process is an easy way to lose people’s interests in voting and understanding how campaigning works. It is exhausting for the people to hear the same thing on the news about elections everyday.

TO1460DAYSLEFT CAMPAIGN!

Multiple polls from the Washington Post illustrate how Americans have lost interest in voting. In a poll about political interest, a third of individuals said they weren’t highly invested in the 2024 presidential election. When compared to other elections, there is no reason to have so much time on something that is practically decided from the start. Americans prefer to vote for their political party rather than focus on the important issues.

For example, the elections in the United Kingdom only last 48 days, which is plenty of time to get votes in and for the candidates to say their piece.

Canada also has a short election time, going by their 36-day voting calendar. These countries show us that there is no reason the U.S. needs as much time as it takes when others can get it done in only a few months.

Evidently, the U.S. maintains a notably prolonged process. This causes problems in the amount of funds spent on campaigns and preparation.

According to OpenSecrets, a nonprofit research group, over $14 billion were used in the 2020 election alone. It’s understandable that a lot of money is spent on campaigning and promotions, but so much economic focus on the elections takes attention off of ongoing, immediate issues the country faces.

With the elections gathering so much excitement, matters like inflation, illegal immigration and affordable health care slip away from the eyes of both the public and politicians.

If we shorten our election time, the resulting saved money can be better used on different necessities that would benefit our country such as affordable housing, raising standards for working conditions and helping students pay off debt.

For the sake of our resources and sanity, somebody please make the elections shorter.

CREATIVE COMMONS TAYMAZ VALLEY

How to be photogenic

You can’t ABIGAIL KIM

If someone asked if you were photogenic, you would probably respond negatively right away. With society’s high-resolution cameras and hyperfixation on social media, we’re rarely satisfied with our appearance in pictures.

Even so, the notion of photogenicity is an illusion, a construct defined by lighting, flattering angles and filters.

The pasty skin and double chins that make you the “ugly duckling” in a group photo aren’t signs of being unphotogenic. Rather, they arise from psychology and our natural tendency to be self-critical.

Photogenicity is the idea of looking effortlessly attractive in photographs or on film. Countless photographers online offer advice for becoming more photogenic, including practicing poses, finding flattering angles, improving lighting and adopting a relaxed expression.

The number of steps that must be taken to appear effortlessly attractive in photos illustrates the mirage of photogenicity. If looking good in pictures were truly innate, an extensive list of photographing techniques wouldn’t be necessary. The complexity of these steps highlights that being photogenic is more of a fabrication than a natural characteristic, a carefully crafted illusion rather than a simple truth.

One could argue that even when a group photo is taken at the same time with identical angles and lighting, they will still appear less attractive than a “naturally beautiful” friend.

Contrary to common belief, this discrepancy is not the result of beauty or photogenicity. Instead, psychological biases and individual perceptions frequently shape our negative interpretations of ourselves.

When looking at a group photo, most of us tend to search for and recognize our own faces first. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) highlights our obsession with ourselves in the self-reference effect, or the idea that information related to oneself is remembered more effectively. This is also reflected in the discovery that people tend to respond faster to their own faces than to others.

NLM outlines two categories of facial recognition: self-face and other-face. Selfface recognition is the detection of our own face, while other-face is the recollection of other’s faces. Self-face memory is the idea that our mental vision of ourselves seems more attractive than our actual appearance. Thus, when we compare our idealized selfimage with our face in photos, the latter is considered less attractive.

The cognitive dissonance theory is closely intertwined with these concepts. The theory suggests that we experience discomfort when our preconceived no-

JOEL NAM No matter the odds, don’t give up. Please don’t give up

Dear reader, Your life is going to be chock full of failure. And that’s perfectly okay.

Getting knocked to the ground is a part of life we’ve got to accept. It’s inevitable. It doesn’t matter who you are or how great you are, failure will catch you. Giving up after failure is tempting and easy, but rarely worth the cost. Life, and your story, is so much greater than that.

I know it’s easier said than done. I’ve been there myself.

I was a stereotypical high-achieving Asian kid growing up.

Being raised in a low-income, immigrant family, academic excellence and the golden road to college was my be-all and end-all.

This made failure hard to accept, and fueled a constant need to maintain a spotless academic record.

Losing hold of that perceived perfection in sophomore year was devas-

tions don’t align with our reality, inducing self-judgment as a result.

When confronted with a picture that fails to match our internal, more flattering self-image, we are faced with cognitive dissonance, catalyzing a cycle of self-judgment and self-criticism as a method of reconciling the disparity in our appearance.

Mirrors often enter the conversation about photogenicity. Many wonder why they appear more attractive in the mirror than in photos. The answer lies in the simple truth that mirror images are reflections, not true representations, and fail to capture the subtleties of features that determine how others see us.

These preconceived notions contribute to confirmation bias, a psychological concept that reveals our tendency to seek out information that supports our previously held beliefs. When we perceive ourselves to

be unphotogenic, we fall into this trap of confirmation bias by searching for features in our face that trick us into believing we appear unattractive in pictures. Thus, confirmation bias and other psychological factors mislead our view of ourselves in photos, furthering the notion that photogenicity is nothing more than a self-deprecating attitude adopted by our minds.

The illusion of photogenicity unveils our complex relationship with self-image and perception.

Understanding that photogenicity is not an inherent trait but a construct defined by lighting, angles and psychological factors can help us appreciate the true nature of our appearance.

By challenging these illusions, we can work toward a more compassionate and realistic self-view that liberates us from the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

tating. I failed a class for the first time in my life and earned Ds in two others. I gave up. The assignments waiting for me at home grew from five to 20 after only a month of looking the other way.

Failure can be demoralizing.

High school in particular is a time in students’ lives where they might experience failure the most, and it can lead to a myriad of negative reactions:

opment, building grit and perseverance for pursuing future endeavors that might not come so easy, but are important all the same.

Failure opens your eyes to where you can improve, to what life is like, both the good and the bad. That kind of exposure, though sometimes unpleasant, is equally critical to appreciating all the intricate facets of this

The undervalued art of failure

disheartenment, giving up on yourself, closing doors, passing up opportunities and relationships that were open to you because of a few road bumps.

But at the same time, failure can lead to growth and positive change, and with the achievement of positive change comes a fortification of the belief that maybe you are capable of doing hard things.

Failure promotes character devel-

beautiful world we live in.

We wouldn’t know to celebrate our achievements and triumphs without having tasted their bitter opposite at some point.

Failure promotes a growth mindset, which I found, to my surprise, is actually really important.

Growth mindset is a buzzword that schools like to throw around a lot, but for good reason. It’s the belief that we

can improve and develop our skills through dedication and hard work, and that our abilities aren’t fixed by talent but are capable of growth.

Having a growth mindset entails a shift of perspective, transforming the idea of failure from something to be feared to a simple sign that there is room for achievable improvement.

All it takes is a little bit of hope and an ounce of courage to take a look around you.

If you’re able to do that, you’ll find people who want to see you succeed, and are willing to put in effort for your sake.

And you should be one of those people.

Strive to be your best self, understanding that refined perseverance, not an impossible perfection, is the true goal.

So with whatever challenges and obstacles you face now and in the future, I plead with you, just give it one more shot.

And if that isn’t enough, give it another.

If things work out, dear reader, life will become so much more amazing than you might have ever imagined.

And you won’t know until you try.

Sincerely,

A fellow high school student.

Underage drinking It’s still illegal

It’s a Friday night, laughter fills the air and there’s an electrifying, exciting atmosphere. Behind closed doors, a group of teens raise their glasses in secret. But little do they know, an innocent sip could morph into a dangerous spiral faster than they realize.

Despite the allure of social gatherings, underage drinking often leads to unforeseen consequences.

Even with the widespread awareness campaigns, underage drinking remains rampant among today’s youth.

Having attended numerous school presentations about underage drinking, I’ve seen how vividly they portray the risks, yet

these warnings often go unheard. Despite extensive education, my high school experience reveals that many students still engage in risky drinking habits.

Beyond immediate intoxication, underage drinking poses long-term risks to health and well-being.

Adolescent brains are still developing, and alcohol consumption can disrupt this process, impairing decision-making and cognitive functions.

Research indicates that underage drinking increases the likelihood of risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and more aggressive behavior.

During adolescence, alcohol consumption can further impair impulse control, resulting in poor decision-making.

Long-term alcohol addiction may also

lead to shame and severe mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts.

While immediate effects are concerning, the long-term consequences are even more significant.

The consequences of underage drinking can be severe, with even a few poor decisions potentially altering a person’s life trajectory.

Alcoholism can severely affect mental health. The dopamine rush from drinking may lead teenagers to use alcohol as an unhealthy coping mechanism during a vulnerable period.

Drinking before age 15 increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence by up to 50%, underscoring the preventable nature of this potential lifelong struggle.

Underage drinking poses significant health, social and lifelong risks that demand serious attention.

Though underage smoking and vaping are commonly viewed as the most severe addictions among today’s youth, a 2023 study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 12-20 year olds drink 3% more than they smoke.

In some minority communities, underage drinking is influenced by peer pressure and societal norms, often perceived as a rite of passage, yet this behavior can lead to unanticipated consequences.

Young people should seek supportive resources, fostering empowerment rather than shame, to address the underage drinking crisis.

Binge watching is a common activity many have engaged in, often telling themselves that just one more episode won’t hurt.

Binge watching is the overconsumption of media, usually in the form of video content, for hours on end.

While not a new phenomenon in today’s technology-driven era, it is important to be aware that binge watching can negatively affect both mood and health.

Dopamine is the chemical in the brain responsible for feelings of pleasure and excitement. While dopamine provides the exhilarating feeling we feel during weekend Netflix sessions, there needs to be a limit.

Binge watching and excessive screen time tend to release dopamine levels past a healthy threshold, resulting in issues like

poor impulse control, anxiety, aggression, binge eating and depression.

Another issue that can arise from binge watching is insomnia.

Due to the high levels of dopamine you produce when binging, the mind is not calm enough to rest.

Doctor-verified research published on Nemours TeensHealth, a website dedicated to raising basic health awareness for youth, reveals that abnormally high dopamine levels can result in difficulty falling asleep, an effect worsened by the blue light screens constantly emit.

The importance of sleep is commonly underestimated among today’s teens. However, studies show that skimping out on those precious hours of sleep significantly impacts both physical and mental health.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), sleep plays a significant role in determining your mood

throughout the day. Without enough sleep, people are far more likely to wake up irritable or grumpy.

Further, problems exist beyond sleep issues. Binge watching promotes unhealthy lifestyles through the exposure to advertisements.

Marathoning through a few comfort shows occasionally is acceptable, but extreme binge watching can pose significant

threats to mental health.

Binge watching is highly associated with isolation, anxiety and low mental states. Regularly watching fictional scenarios instead of living real life increases the likelihood of loneliness.

Viewers may believe that binge watching is harmless, but far too often, that’s just not the case. Although it may feel good in the moment, the dangerous consequences it yields later on are manyfold.

As with all things, finding a healthy balance of enjoyment and responsibility is key.

Try limiting yourself to just a couple episodes per week. This way, you’ll mitigate adverse side effects while continuing to watch the shows you love.

As long as we remember to enjoy binge watching in moderation, we’ll be fine.

STILL WATCHING? Clicking “Yes“ is not as harmless as it seems; unhealthy binging habits can also affect daily life.

ITS PARTY TIME A rise in teenage drinking has caused over half of students between ages 14-18 to drink at least once a month. With this mindset, these students often forget that underage drinking is a federal offense.

THE MIRROR PHOTOILLUSTRATION BY DAVID VAZQUEZ

THE MIRROR PHOTOILLUSTRATION RAFFERTY YOWLER

Inside the of Gen Alpha mind

Often labeled as entitled, children born between 2010 and 2025 face hate and disdain from older generations

BY OLAMIDE OLUMIDE & MADISON THACKER THE MIRROR EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Like everything in the past few years, this all started with TikTok.

The rise in videos amongst teachers and older siblings declaring their astonishment as to how their students and younger siblings seemed almost illiterate. Many, like Tiktok user @oliviapaige.22, attribute this decline in Gen Alphas intellectual abilities to social media.

Despite this popular belief, A-G counselor Josue Venezo says that the intellectual capabilities of Gen Alpha isn’t what the problem is, it’s their attention span.

“It started with TikTok but now the quick videos are on all social media platforms with insta reels and youtube shorts so I think that’s affected the younger generations more than intellectual abilities,” he said.

Samantha Diaz, a sixth grade Gen Alpha student, expressed her preference for technology to learn.

“I like to work on a computer because it’s just easier to find information and you don’t have to carry as many textbooks,” Samantha said.

But Joanna Probst, a private elementary school teacher, and a mother of two kids, one of whom is Gen Alpha, explained that while this may seem efficient, increased screen time doesn’t benefit anyone.

“Kids nowadays need a dopamine hit really quickly, so to sit and listen to a teacher talk or give a lesson is really difficult for them,” she said. “I would say 75% of our class has some sort of behavior modification, or needs constant reminders to stay on task. And I think a lot of that has to do with screen time.”

This decrease in attention span, according to Probst, is one reason why teachers are expressing their frustration or worry for their students’ success, especially online.

“This decreasing attention span has led

to a trend where parents expect teachers to raise their children,” she said. “Whether it’s a bad habit that they have at home or an issue with a playdate, we actually get requests to intervene with time that we’re not even with them, like not even under our supervision we get asked to help manage friendships between the children.”

This has led teachers like Probst to alter lessons, switching from typical math and english, to responsibility and manners, which she believes parents are responsible for teaching.

“One of the things that we do in our classroom is teach manners,” she said. “I teach ‘Yes, please.’, ‘No, thank you.’ because these kids just don’t do it. I teach honesty. We teach truth telling. Sometimes I wonder if they’re getting as much of that at home.”

English teacher Mr. Angelino Simbulan explained that the parents who are actively helping their children and working to form connections with teachers, are the parents of the students who don’t need help.

“The parents who come to parent teacher night, or who text me, don’t need to text me,” he said. “It’s the parents who might need more help for their child to become proficient in what I’m teaching them, who never text me back.”

Probst believes that this issue will be hard to stop.

“We live in a world where everybody’s trying to make everybody happy and nobody wants to upset anybody,” she said. “Because of this, schools often will do anything to try and make everybody happy, and that’s never going to happen.”

Despite this concern, as well as concerns of screen time and its effects, Venezo claims that there is nothing that parents can do about the amount of time students and children spend on screens.

“I think the screens are here to stay forever,” he said. “I don’t think that there’s any way of reeling that back in. I’d say what we can do is lean in on the parts of tech that are good and real in the bad parts.”

In his time in education, Venezo explained the growth of social media and technology and how students have responded to that growth.

“I’ve been in education for a long time and I have noticed that social media, when it was barely coming up, used to be a thing where you could just log in and message friends here and there and share funny

things,” Venezo said. “But now tenneragers’ social lives are completely connected to the internet. I think it’s easy to fall into a comparison game which can lead to growing up faster and mental health issues.”

According to Venezo the main reason for this dependence and entrenchment of the internet in teenegers’ lives nowadays is that companies have figured out how to keep them engaged.

“When Gen Z was growing up there was TikTok but it was barely starting to bubble up, but now I think all of the big tech companies have figured out how to keep people’s attention,” he explained.

This is because companies have shortened videos to match peoples shrinking attention spans.

“We’re able to just zone out on our phones looking at 10-20 second videos of one minute clips for hours,” he said.

Many believe that the increase in screen time for children has led to them becoming followers, focusing more on trends than originality.

“Some trends like the devious lip trend could be really bad,” Jason Diaz, an 11-yearold Gen Alpha said. “Some trends I really like, cause they can be funny, like memes on Youtube.”

Samantha Diaz agreed, explaining that trends allow her to feel like herself.

“I like cargo pants and bubble braids because I see them on my friends at school,” she said. “Trends are important because they let me express myself.”

Probst explained this increase in technology usage has allowed for Gen Alpha to be more aware of the world and issues around them.

Which can be beneficial but also detrimental to a child’s mental state.

“Younger kids are just aware of everything,” she said. “They’ve seen so many things from the internet.”

According to Mr. Simbulan, Gen Alpha believes that they shouldn’t have to work hard, or work at all.

This is one of the most popular things Gen Alpha finds themselves being criticized for; their inability to handle struggle.

“Students do not know how to handle stress,” he said. “Instead of allowing themselves to be stressed out, they complain about why they’re being stressed to begin with. They don’t understand that stress is a part of learning.”

Mr. Simbulan further stressed that this

line of reasoning could be detrimental a student’s success because the level of stress and pressure they are feeling now lasts beyond highschool.

“Students are given the same amount stress in highschool that they will receive in college,” Mr. Simbulan siad. “So learning how to handle that stress in highschool makes it easier for them in college and outside of college.”

Despite this, Mr. Simbulan understands that there are fundamental differences

detrimental to of now amount of receive learning highschool and understands differences

between Gen Alpha and older generations.

“If you look at how students are able to focus on two things at once, you can see that their ability to focus isn’t equal to the generations before,” he said. “Older people can not focus on two things at once, but Gen-Z and Alpha can. Just because students are on their phones doesn’t mean they aren’t listening, it just means it’s easier for them to focus on two things because parts of their brains can focus a lot easier if they are being used at the same time.”

Even with this observation, Mr. Venezo explains that the cycle of judgment and critique of newer generations from older ones is nothing new.

As technology advances and time passes, the human race always adapts and becomes something new.

Yet we as humans are notorious for our hatred for things that are new and different prime examples being racism and homophobia.

Gen alpha, like many future generations to come, are simply just different. Soon, the world may come to realize this and stop criticizing the things that make them who they are.

“Every older generation looks at the generation beneath them and calls them lazy,” Venezo said. “Gen-X made fun of Millennials, Millennials make fun of Gen-Z and now Gen-Z is making fun of Gen Alpha. We get a little more life experience and in turn a little more critical of other people.”

SIGN OF THE TIMES Gen Alpha often find themselves teased for their modern thoughts and actions. But what may seem strange to older generations, is just a new trend to Gen Alpha kids.

elESPEJO

Dentro de la mente de Gen Alpha

Etiquetados como con derecho, los niños nacidos entre 2010 y 2025 se enfrentan a diversos niveles de odio por parte de las generaciones mayores

POR OLAMIDE OLUMIDE & MADISON THACKER

MIRROR STAFF

Como todo en los últimos años, esto empezó con TikTok. El aumento de vídeos entre profesores y hermanos mayores declarando su asombro al ver cómo sus alumnos y hermanos pequeños parecían casi analfabetos. Muchos, como la usuaria de Tiktok @oliviapaige.22, atribuyen este declive de las capacidades intelectuales de los Gen Alphas a las redes sociales.

A pesar de esta creencia popular, el consejero de A-G Josue Venezo dice que el problema no son las capacidades intelectuales de la Gen Alpha, sino su capacidad de atención.

“Comenzó con TikTok, pero ahora los videos rápidos están en todas las plataformas de medios sociales con insta it’s reels, yt it’s shorts, así que creo que eso ha afectado a las generaciones más jóvenes, más que las capacidades intelectuales, está afectando los lapsos de atención”, dijo.

Samantha Díaz, alumna de sexto de Gen Alpha, expresa su preferencia por la tecnología para aprender.

“Me gusta trabajar en un ordenador porque es más fácil encontrar información y no tienes que llevar tantos libros de texto”, dijo Samantha.

Pero Joanna Probst, profesora particular de primaria y madre de dos hijos, uno de ellos de la generación Alfa, explica que, aunque esto pueda parecer eficiente, el aumento del tiempo frente a la pantalla no beneficia a nadie.

“Los niños de hoy en día necesitan un chute de dopamina muy rápido, así que sentarse a escuchar a un profesor hablar o dar una clase les resulta muy difícil,” explica. “Yo diría que el 75% de nuestra clase tiene algún tipo de modificación de conducta, o necesita constantes recordatorios para mantenerse en la tarea. Y creo que mucho de eso tiene que ver con el tiempo de pantalla.”

Esta disminución de la capacidad de atención, según Probst, es una de las razones por las que los profesores expresan su frustración o preocupación por el éxito de sus alumnos, especialmente en línea.

“Esta disminución de la capacidad de atención ha llevado a una tendencia en la que los padres esperan que los profesores eduquen a sus hijos,” dijo. “Ya se trate de un mal hábito que tienen en casa o de un problema con una cita para jugar en casa, en realidad recibimos peticiones para intervenir con el tiempo que ni siquiera estamos con ellos, como ni siquiera bajo nuestra supervisión, se nos pide que ayudemos a gestionar las amistades entre los niños.”

Esto ha llevado a profesores como Probst a modificar las lecciones, pasando

de las típicas matemáticas e inglés, a la responsabilidad y los modales que, en su opinión, los padres son responsables de enseñar.

«Una de las cosas que hacemos en clase es enseñar modales», explica. «Enseño ‘Sí, por favor’, ‘No, gracias’, porque estos niños no lo hacen. Enseño honestidad. Enseñamos a decir la verdad. A veces me pregunto si reciben tanto de eso en casa».

El profesor de inglés de Van Nuys, Angelino Simbulan, explicó que los padres que ayudan activamente a sus hijos y trabajan para establecer vínculos con los profesores son los padres de los alumnos que no necesitan ayuda.

«Los padres que vienen a la noche de padres y profesores, o que me envían men-

y me he dado cuenta de que las redes sociales, cuando apenas estaban surgiendo, solían ser algo en lo que podías entrar y enviar mensajes a amigos aquí y allá y compartir cosas divertidas», dijo Venezo. «Pero ahora la vida social de los tenneragers está completamente conectada a Internet. Creo que es fácil caer en un juego de comparaciones que puede llevar a crecer más rápido y a problemas de salud mental».

Según Venezo, la principal razón de esta dependencia y arraigo de Internet en la vida de los adolescentes de hoy es que las empresas han descubierto cómo mantenerlos enganchados.

«Cuando la Generación Z estaba creciendo existía TikTok, pero apenas estaba

sajes de texto, no necesitan hacerlo, dijo. “Son los padres que podrían necesitar más ayuda para que sus hijos dominen lo que les enseño los que nunca me contestan.”

Probst cree que este problema será difícil de atajar.

“Vivimos en un mundo en el que todo el mundo intenta hacer feliz a todo el mundo y nadie quiere disgustar a nadie,” afirma. “Por eso, las escuelas suelen hacer cualquier cosa para intentar contentar a todo el mundo, y eso nunca va a ocurrir.”

A pesar de esta preocupación, así como de la preocupación por el tiempo de pantalla y sus efectos, Venezo afirma que no hay nada que los padres puedan hacer sobre la cantidad de tiempo que los estudiantes y los niños pasan en las pantallas.

“Creo que las pantallas están aquí para quedarse para siempre,” dijo. “No creo que haya ninguna forma de hacer retroceder eso. Yo diría que lo que podemos hacer es apoyarnos en las partes buenas de la tecnología y ser realistas en las malas.”

En su tiempo en la educación, Venezo explicó el crecimiento de los medios sociales y la tecnología y cómo los estudiantes han respondido a ese crecimiento.

“Llevo mucho tiempo en la educación

empezando a surgir, pero ahora creo que todas las grandes empresas tecnológicas han descubierto cómo mantener la atención de la gente,” explica.

Esto se debe a que las empresas han acortado los vídeos para adaptarlos a la cada vez menor capacidad de atención de la gente.

“Somos capaces de pasarnos horas mirando vídeos de 10-20 segundos o clips de un minuto en nuestros teléfonos,” explica.

Muchos creen que el aumento del tiempo que los niños pasan frente a la pantalla les ha llevado a convertirse en seguidores, fijándose más en las tendencias que en la originalidad.

“Algunas tendencias, como la de los labios torcidos, pueden ser realmente malas,” dijo Jason Díaz, un Gen Alpha de 11 años.

“Algunas tendencias me gustan mucho, porque pueden ser divertidas, como los memes de Youtube.”

Samantha Díaz está de acuerdo y explica que las tendencias le permiten sentirse ella misma.

“Me gustan los pantalones cargo y las trenzas burbujas porque veo a mis amigas en el colegio,” dijo. “Las tendencias son importantes porque me permiten expre-

sarme.”

Probst explicó que este aumento en el uso de la tecnología ha permitido a la Generación Alfa ser más consciente del mundo y de los problemas que les rodean. Lo cual puede ser beneficioso pero también perjudicial para el estado mental de un niño.

“Los niños más jóvenes son conscientes de todo,” dijo. “Han visto tantas cosas en Internet.”

Según el Sr. Simbulan, la Generación Alfa cree que no deberían tener que trabajar duro, o trabajar en absoluto. Esta es una de las cosas por las que más se critica a los Gen Alpha: su incapacidad para afrontar la lucha.

“Los estudiantes no saben cómo manejar el estrés,” afirma. “En lugar de permitirse estar estresados, se quejan de por qué lo están para empezar. No entienden que el estrés forma parte del aprendizaje.”

El Sr. Simbulan subrayó además que esta línea de razonamiento podría ser perjudicial para el éxito de un estudiante porque el nivel de estrés y presión que sienten ahora dura más allá de la escuela secundaria.

“Los estudiantes reciben la misma cantidad de estrés en la escuela secundaria que la que recibirán en la universidad,” dijo Simbulan. “Así que aprender a manejar ese estrés en el instituto facilita las cosas en la universidad y fuera de ella.”

A pesar de ello, Simbulan es consciente de que existen diferencias fundamentales entre la generación Alpha y las generaciones anteriores.

“Si nos fijamos en la capacidad de los estudiantes para concentrarse en dos cosas a la vez, vemos que su capacidad de concentración no es igual a la de las generaciones anteriores,” afirma. “Las personas mayores no pueden concentrarse en dos cosas a la vez, pero la gen z y la alfa sí. Así que sólo porque los estudiantes están en sus teléfonos no significa que no están escuchando, sólo significa que es más fácil para ellos concentrarse en dos cosas porque partes de sus cerebros pueden concentrarse mucho más fácil si se están utilizando al mismo tiempo.”

Aun con esta observación, el Sr. Venezo explica que el ciclo de juicio y crítica de las nuevas generaciones por parte de las mayores no es nada nuevo.

A medida que avanza la tecnología y pasa el tiempo, la raza humana siempre se adapta y se convierte en algo nuevo. Sin embargo, nosotros, como humanos, somos famosos por nuestro odio a lo nuevo y lo diferente, y los principales ejemplos son el racismo y la homofobia. La generación alfa, como muchas generaciones futuras, son simplemente diferentes y pronto el mundo se dará cuenta de ello y dejará de criticar las cosas que les hacen ser quienes son.

“Todas las generaciones mayores miran a la generación que tienen por debajo y les llaman vagos,” dijo Venezo. “La generación x se burló de los millennials, los millennials se burlan de la generación z y ahora la generación z se burla de la generación alfa. Tenemos un poco más de experiencia vital y a su vez somos un poco más críticos con otras personas.”

“Wicked” or not?

“Witch” will the movie adaptation of the hit stage prequel to the “Wizard of Oz” be?

BY MELISSA OCEGUEDA THE MIRROR STAFF

“You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?”

The Kamala HQ TikTok account has become a key platform for Kamala Harris’s candidacy, using viral moments like the “coconut tree” remark to connect with younger voters as she seeks to become president.

Many social media users have encountered Harris’s “coconut tree” speech and her distinctive laugh, which went viral and quickly became a meme. Users edited it into songs and referenced it across platforms.

The Republican Party saw this as a way to criticize Harris. The GOP [ ‘Grand Old Party,’ a.k.a the Republican Party Youtube account posted the “Coconut Tree” clip claiming how Democratic politicians often “slip-up” and “they are not fit to run the country.”

The video has since made 430,000 views and counting.

Yet even while the Republican Party tried to criticize the Democrats, the majority of people watching these critiques were Democrats.

And the only reason Democrats are watching is to then criticize Republicans; it’s a cycle.

“I think for a really long time Democrats were known as the intellectuals,” Madeleine Summervile, an attorney and political analyst said. “They would make fun of Republicans because they talk slowly and were less educated. But Democrats don’t do that anymore. We are more socially conscious. Still, nothing is

bye” in response to seeing Trump in November.

That video now has over 4.6 million likes and 55 million views.

The Kamala HQ TikTok account has rapidly grown since then, currently standing at 4.6 million followers and 150 million likes.

Many famous TikTokers and celebrities have openly spoken about Harris, some fully endorsing her.

Spencer Hunt, a famous TikToker with over 16 million followers, has posted about Harris, providing information about her policies and goals.

Even Taylor Swift endorsed Harris after the presidential debate on Sep. 10, 2024, posting four paragraphs on her personal Instagram account explaining why she is voting blue.

“I’m voting for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,” she said.

Swift’s endorsements flooded the Vote.gov website with over 400,000, prompting Donald Trump to post “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT” on X the same day.

Harris and her marketing team understand how information is spread on social media.

By catering to the younger generations, their trends and language, Harris gains more ballots with her name on it.

“Kamala Harris understands the younger voting generation more,” first time voter Max Sandoval said. “She uses social media as a tool to target our generation and share her plat-

Feminomenon

targeted at the existing base, everything is for undecided voters, which tend to be Gen-Z. People who were on the line just needed an extra push.”

Harris and her team making Gen-Z related TikToks while the topic at hand is so serious has caught the attention of her wanted audience; “young people.”

The Kamala HQ account started when Biden’s account ended on July 25. But the rise started only three videos later. She posted a TikTok with Lance Bass, former NSYNC member, quoting the band’s song “Bye, bye,

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS

form with us. Instead of patronizing us, she acknowledges that we are a generation that has a voice and values our political views.”

On Kamala HQ, almost every video is a meme. Of course the page has serious videos talking about Harris’s values and messages, yet the Gen-Z videos are still the ones attracting the most attention.

Catering to Gen-Z members of her audience, Harris has heavily collaborated with pop artist Chappell Roan.

For months Roan and Harris fans have been making edits of Harris to

the Roan song “Femininomenon.”

On July 22, 2024 HQ posted a TikTok slideshow of the meme. The post is now the HQ’s most watched video, reaching 58.8 million views.

Additionally, Harris had many celebrities at the Democratic National Convention, including P!nk, Steph Curry and Oprah Winfrey.

And although Beyoncé couldn’t make it, she has allowedHarris to use her song “Freedom” in many of Harris’s campaign ads and on the trail.

On the other side, Trump has been banned from using music from

dozens of artists including Beyoncé, Celine Dion, the Foo Fighters, Queen, Rolling Stones, Rihanna and Adele. Harris’s TikTok HQ has made a huge difference in the 2024 election, shifting who voters — especially young ones — will cast their ballot for. Her HQ has a mix of Gen-Z humor and political staples like ads, press conferences and rallies. Her adept use of social media and the “young people,” as Harris’s mother Shyamala Gopalan would say, put her in the context of all of what she lived in and came before her.

SOURCE: HARRIS WALZ 2024 CAMPAIGN

POSTING HER WAY TO THE TOP Vice President Kamala Harris connects to young voters with a Gen-Z approach to campaigning

president.

The Simpsons see soon-to-be circumstances

Writers on “The Simpsons” have an uncanny track record for predicting the future, whether that be the invention of smartwatches or Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

BY AIDYN KINCHEN

THE MIRROR ONLINE EDITOR

Lisa Simpson secures her presidency after Donald Trump destroys the world’s economy, a scenario eerily similar to Kamala Harris’ presidential run.

The fish within “The Simpsons”’ universe are shown with a three eye mutation due to nuclear pollution, a scenario mirrored by fish near a nuclear plant in Argentina.

Since its 1989 debut, “The Simpsons” have left people questioning its writers’ unique ability to “foresee the future.” This has left many to wonder if the writers are psychic comedians using their abilities to entertain.

Over the show’s many seasons and predictions, this query has become common.

The writers are not psychic, according to History teacher and longtime viewer Mr.

Jacob Ferrin, who’s watched the show since he was six.

“Well the writers aren’t really predicting the future,” he said. “‘The Simpsons’ has an incredible thumb on the pulse of America, meaning the writers have a deep understanding of American character, so they are able to lampoon and satirize it. Therefore, in some strange scenarios, they are able to make these educated guesses that aren’t really predictions. They are able to count the beats of things that could happen in an American climate.”

The animated series follows Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson in their day-to-day life in Springfield.

Through 35 seasons and 768 episodes, “The Simpsons” has made so many predictions that in 2020, Disney+ created a collection titled “The Simpsons Predict.”

Hollywood’s fright fest

“There is so much going on in the world that we have to come in and talk about it,” says Stephanie Gillis, a writer on “The Simpsons.” “We are sort of futurologists in that we write so far ahead, leaving us to guess what’s going to happen.”

There are several notable episodes where “The Simpsons” correctly predicted the future.

“If you watch any of those early seasons of ‘The Simpsons,’ every episode is just a salient and satirical view of society,” Mr. Ferrin said.

In Season Six Episode 19, “Lisa’s Wedding,” which premiered in 1994, The Simpson family visits a carnival, where Lisa learns about her future from a fortune teller. The episode features futuristic technology, including a smartwatch, which is now commonplace.

Horror films are dominant with a surge in new releases,

BY ISAURA GARCIA THE MIRROR STAFF

Horror movies dominate the film scene, reflecting social anxieties and offering a thrilling escape.

The recent surge in horror films has caused a decline in the availability of other genres.

With the rise of horror movie releases at the start of the decade, including films like “The Invisible Man,”, “A Quiet Place Part II” and “Candyman,” it’s evident that target audiences as well as industry priorities have changed.

The slasher that changed cinema, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” drew audiences in with its innovative elements. The anxiety and uncertainty of the 60s

increased interest in horror films of a similar nature.

Now, movie theaters no longer present family films, leading to dwindling crowds during weekdays, as more people opt to view movies at home.

A recent ABC News article explained that events like the covid-19 pandemic, protests and school shootings have heightened social anxiety, also leading to people staying at home.

According to “Stat Significant,” a website focused on data-based essays on movies and TV shows, “nervous” individuals often find “safety” in horror movies, as the fear is controlled and confined within the screen.

In an economy where prices continue to rise, financial factors play a signifi-

cant role in determining which film genres get produced as well.

When people think of horror movies, they often envision jump scares, gore or underlying scary themes.

The primary goal is just to frighten the audience somehow.

A horror movie doesn’t require much money to scare the audience.

While many movies include millions of dollars of special effects and CGI, memorable horror films, including the original “Saw”, were made on low budgets, and continue to induce fear.

The surge in horror movies reflects increasing levels of societal anxiety and economic factors, with low production costs and high returns driving their popularity.

While many view this episode as predicting the invention of smartwatches, Ferrin believes it may have inspired companies to develop the technology.

“This episode could have honestly just been the inspiration for a few companies to venture into this world of unconventional tech items that eventually become conventional,” Ferrin said.

While it’s tempting to believe that “The Simpsons” writers are prophets, their success lies in their awareness of current events and a strategic selection of topics that remain relevant over time.

“I think it’s worth mentioning that they write these episodes 10 months in advance and these predictions come out years later,” Mr. Ferrin said. “They just make these assumptions of things that could happen and they stay relevant.”

FORETOLD FUTURE The writers of “The Simpsons” seem to have the ability to predict the future, putting scenes in the show that perfectly mimic real-life

events occurring years later.

The decline of Saturday morning cartoons

Animated series fade away

BY KAILEE VILLARREAL THE MIRROR STAFF

For children across America, Saturday mornings once meant breakfast and cartoons in pajamas, a tradition that has steadily faded.

Over recent years, low ratings and shifting viewer interests have contributed to a decline in the popularity of kids’ cartoons.

The decline hasn’t gone unnoticed, with social media abuzz about the lackluster reception of new cartoons.

Kids cartoons still exist but they aren’t anywhere near the same as before. Popular kids television networks such as Nickelodeon, Car-

toon Network and Disney Channel have been replaced with more teen-oriented series.

These new shows have gained more popularity than cartoons, resulting in a shift away from traditional animations.

Newly released cartoons aren’t as entertaining or enjoyable as they used to be. Some viewers have not been impressed with the new cartoons or new changes made to older releases.

In 2021, “Rugrats” changed their animation style, causing fans of the old version to be displeased.

A few developers have made new modern versions of older shows to try and recreate the popularity it once had but instead these new versions turn out to be dissatisfying, as

was the case with the new “PowerPuff Girls.”

“Without the original talent onboard, it seemed like Cartoon Network intended to revive the show in name, not in spirit,” senior Allegra Fran, a fan of Cartoon Network said. “That’s a crucial difference for something that seems so traditional on the surface.”

There are also those who believe the modern cartoons really lose the true meaning of what a cartoon is.

Many fans of Cartoon Network have spoken and said that they miss old cartoon shows.

Cartoon Network’s recent integration into Warner Bros., sparking a move from its iconic headquarters, marks the end of an era in the world of cartoons.

Singing through the changes The Choir Program and its many conductors

BY DEVEN MARTINEZ FOR THE MIRROR

While covid-19 disrupted schools across the globe, the Van Nuys High School Choir Program faced a unique challenge: maintaining harmony amid a revolving door of conductors during the transition back to in-person learning.

In fall 2021, long-time choir teacher Mrs. Brianne Arevalo caught covid-19, leaving her students on their own.

Upon her return after three weeks, she resumed teaching, but soon announced she was leaving Van Nuys, citing LAUSD’s vaccine mandate as the reason for her departure.

Despite the circumstances and a plethora of substitute teachers, including Ms. Angelica Rowell, who helped music direct the 2022 spring musical, the Vannaires, the school’s highest-level choir, decided to make the most out of their situation.

Alumni Emily Morales and Ava Azarmi, took charge.

Together they taught the Vannaires songs, made part tracks and even co ordinated a concert with help from the Performing Arts Coordinator Mrs. Fanny Araña.

“It was chaos, splitting into section als with me trying to teach sopranos and altos,” Azarmi said. “Although I did a lot of the work teaching parts and helping organize our rehearsals, it was a wholly collaborative effort among the group.”

During the summer of 2022 students learned they would have a new choir teacher, Mrs. Alexis Weddle.

“When I heard we were finally getting a permanent teacher I was ecstatic,” said Lily Mandell, a senior choir student.

Eight weeks into the semester, Ms. Weddle announced that she was pregnant and planned to go on maternity leave for two months. Despite this, she successfully led the choir program through the first semester, including a November show and Solo Showcase, before leaving in February.

During her leave, a long-term substitute, Mr. Shawn Wilson, took over.

Mr. Wilson guided the choir throughout their second semester, leading the Spring and Solo Showcase.

“I was in that exact same position in high school,” Mr. Wilson said. “I was more than happy to take that burden away from the students.”

In fall 2023, choir students were relieved to have Mrs. Weddle back, with no more substitutes or independent work.

However, celebration didn’t last long as eight weeks in she gathered her students to announce she would be taking a leave of absence due to the toll balancing teaching and caring for a newborn

her decision.

“I think it sucks that she had to leave because of how bad her job made her feel,” expressed senior Emily Chavez. Mrs. Weddle also announced that Mr. Wilson would return to lead the program. He once again stepped up, guiding the choirs through multiple showcases, the Spring musical “Sweeney Todd” and graduation.

But Mr. Wilson decided to pursue other opportunities, feeling that a permanent position was not his goal, though he planned to continue as a substitute teacher.

So the hunt was on again for a choir teacher.

The applicant who stood out was Ms. Deborah Tejada, a classically trained vocalist.

“I’m happy to get an actual teacher for senior year,” senior Sophia Hillestad said.

Students have found the constant changes taxing and tiring.

“Each choir director had contrasting methods of teaching their students, so whenever a new teacher came in, they unintentionally uprooted a lot of the progress the previous instructor had established within the program,” former Vannaire Ella Robinson, who graduated in 2022, said.

The resilience of the students has been crucial to the choir program’s ability to adapt and thrive. Now that there is a permanent teacher, the program is better equipped to provide students with a more consistent and structured environment going forward.

“While each teacher has been extremely different, what they had in common was that they only expected the best from their students,” senior Xavier Martin-Porter, a two-year Vannaire and choir board member said. “Ultimately with their hard work and dedication, they helped me to become better at what I love to do.”

GIVING VOICE

Ms. Deborah Tejada is the new Choir teacher.

Fred Flintstone from “The Flintstones,” one of the many old Saturday morning cartoon staples that’s fading away.

YOUTUBE

The stage vs. screen debate

KAYLA

As movies regain popularity, is the allure of live theater fading?

BY MELISSA OCEGUEDA

THE MIRROR STAFF

Amid laughter and chatter with friends, you find your seats. Nestled in a plush, velvet red chair the air conditioning sends a chill down your spine, and the lights start to dim.

The screen fades to black, or the curtain rises, signaling the start of an immersive experience.

Cinema or theatre.

While both offer entertainment, should their worlds overlap?

The question is tricky, as live musicals, while grander than a movie, face the challenge of high ticket prices.

Attending a professional stage musical can cost anywhere from 50 to 200 hundred dollars.

Many, myself included, hesitate to spend so much on a show available on TV.

“As much as I love live theater I can’t afford it, cause I’m a teenage girl,” said Junior Lucy Tait. “I’d rather watch it at home.”

But while movies are convenient, the experience of live theater is unparalleled

Yes, they are expensive, but not only do you get to share the experience with hun-

dreds of people, but you get the opportunity to see everything live.

If an actor forgets a line or forgets where to walk to on stage, everyone experiences it.

Even if it might seem unprofessional, the whole crowd bursts into laughter and walks home with a memory unique to that performance.

Watching a movie with a large audience can feel similar, yet there’s an awkwardness to people munching on snacks and slurping drinks that can be distracting.

Dresscode, concessions or phone usage are all much stricter in the theater, providing a nicer experience overall.

People think of movies as perfectly made. They have been run, cut and edited to perfection. Not a single line forgotten or a giggle out of place.

Yet, the imperfection of live theater is what makes it unique. The audience gets to experience every little mishap, not only with everyone else watching, but with the actors on stage as well.

Which brings me back to the question: do musicals belong on screen?

Yes, they do.

There are some movie-musicals that have been perfectly adapted, such as “Chi-

cago” (2002), “West Side Story” (1961), “The Sound of Music” (1965), “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and “Mary Poppins” (1964).

These movie-musicals were perfect not because of the cast and crew, but because of how much they satisfy a theater kid.

However, not all successful stage musicals like “Mean Girls” (2017) transitioned well, as shown in the 2024 reboot.

Sometimes it can be the cast that messes up the adaptation, like in “Cats” (2019) and “Dear Evan Hansen” (2021).

While “Dear Evan Hansen” was enjoyable, casting 27-year-old Ben Platt as a high schooler detracted from the film’s authenticity.

Meanwhile, the star-studded cast of “Cats,” featuring Taylor Swift and James Corden, was distracting for some viewers.

A compromise exists with live-recorded musicals called pro-shots, like “Hamilton” (2020) on Disney+, offering the full experience at home at a fraction of the cost.

Ultimately, movie-musicals succeed when thoughtfully adapted and cast, and preserve the essence of the original.

Whether on stage or screen, musicals remain subjective experiences shaped by audience perception.

ADRIANNA

“Somewhere” from “West Side Story” Newbies, if you want to get into musical theater, it’s important to start from the beginningThe Golden Age, the period of musicals from the 1920s to the 1950s that shaped American musical theater to be what it is today. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, “West Side Story” will break your heart, but the tunes are pretty amazing.

“Mamma Mia” from “Mamma Mia!” So maybe “showtunes” aren’t exactly your jam. Well look no further than the jukebox musical “Mamma Mia,” which takes Swedish 80s pop group ABBA’s discography and turns it into a story. Upon finding her mother’s journal, daughter Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past in hopes of finding her real father in time to walk her down the aisle in her wedding. “Mamma Mia” is a well known pop hit that will get everyone to dance and jive, even the most devout musical theatre haters.

“96,000” from “In the Heights”

Before Lin Manuel Miranda was Hamilton, he was Usnavi de la Vega in his semi autobiographical 2009 musical “In the Heights,” which tells the story of bodega owner Usnavi and his life in Washington Heights, Manhattan, as he yearns to return to his homeland of the Dominican Republic. In “96,000,” the residents of Washington Heights find out that someone has won the lottery in their neighborhood and dream about what they would do with the money. The latin, jazzy vibes are sure to get you dancing and in the mood for summer.

“Seasons of Love” from “RENT” Every choir kid is sick of it, but “Seasons of Love” is a classic- the Act One closer to Johnathan Larson’s “RENT,” a heartfelt and heartbreaking story of New York bohemians struggling to make their way through life, battling poverty, illness and the AIDS epidemic. Known for its iconic “Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes,” Seasons of Love puts life into perspective and how we should measure life.

“Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” With the iconic last note and thrilling levitating actress, yes, this showstopper is just as cool to see in person as you think it is. The Act One closer from the 2003 musical “Wicked,” a pre-

Read Listen Watch Play Eat

BY ALYSSA PONTINES

LOVE LETTER IN MANGA In the comingof-age manga “Look Back,” young artist Ayumu Fujino becomes overshadowed by the truant classmate Kyomoto in her elementary school newspaper. Despite the onesided rivalry from Fujino, the two join together to create manga art as both a career and passion. Famous mangaka or comic artist, Tatsuki Fujimoto created this oneshot as a love letter to the medium of manga, resonating with creatives across the globe. “Look Back” has inspired many to pursue their aspirations no matter the turmoil they face.

JAPANESE WEATHER STATION The Japanese alternative-rock album “WEATHER STATION” is a unique VOCALOID album produced by Inabakumori, featuring Kaai Yuki. Collaborating with visual artist Nukunuku Nigirimeshi, the album’s artstyle and iconic mascot girl made a significant impression on listeners as they engaged with both the album and music videos. Many of the songs within the album were hits on streaming services. The album boosted Kaai Yuki’s popularity in the VOCALOID fandom, bringing her out of obscurity.

TWIN ENCOUNTERS As a nostalgic animated show, “Gravity Falls” follows the Pines twins Dipper and Mabel as they spend their summer with their great uncle, Stan, in Gravity Falls, Oregon. How ever, upon discovering a journal with an unknown author, the twins encounter thrilling, yet dangerous mysteries that lurk in the town. This show is regarded as one of the best animated media, maintaining a cult following eight years after its conclusion. Many well beyond adolescence still watch (and rewatch) “Gravity Falls” due to its captivating characters and themes.

DOOR TO HORRORS Hosted on ROBLOX’s gaming platform, “Doors” is a rogue-like horror game in which players traverse through 100 randomly generated rooms. Spread throughout the floor are hostile entities, all with unique gameplay mechanics. Each death serves as a learning experience, sending players back to the beginning of the game to retry. The game was released in August 2022 and rapidly gained traction from players on ROBLOX and beyond the platform due to its high production value. Since then, it has garnered over 3 billion game visits.

A TASTE OF VIETNAM Heading to downtown Burbank brings the establishment “Mama Hong’s,” offering a taste of Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant provides a wide variety of food, from banh mi sandwiches to the

is 211 N. San Fernando Blvd. right next to the shopping mall Burbank Town Center. Other attractions such the AMC Theater are nearby the restaurant, making it the perfect place to eat after a day out.

BALIKYAN -DAVIS FOR THE MIRROR

TONY VS OSCAR A good movie musical is hard to find, especially when showing it to theatre kids, who believe nothing will compare to its on-stage counterpart.

Wonderful? Wicked?

BY ADRIANNA BEAN FOR THE MIRROR

Ihope you’re happy… because the long awaited adaptation of “Wicked” is finally hitting the big screen, with the two part adaptation arriving in theaters on November of 2024 and 2025.

A prequel to the 1939 movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked: Part One” is an adaptation of the 2003 musical, which is loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel.

Set in a pre-Dorothy Oz, “Wicked” follows greenskinned Elphaba Thropp on her journey of self-discovery as she chases her dreams in the Emerald City.

The musical is heartfelt and heartbreaking, offering a fresh take on the origins of a seemingly ‘evil’ character, illustrating that things are not always simply ‘Good’ or “Wicked.”

Given the fantastic source material, the key to the films success will be staying true to the original while adding a unique touch.

However, this may prove challenging. The musical’s immense popularity will be hard to top.

But based on the promotion and the stacked cast, the people behind the movie have confidence that they can pull it off.

While the advertising is not overbearing, or constantly nagging, the long-awaited movie announcement was on a grandiose scale, taking one of the biggest commercial-airing stages possible, the 2024 Super Bowl.

The cast is star-studded, featuring pop singer Ariana Grande as Glinda and Broadway actress Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.

“With more space, we can tell the story of ‘Wicked’ as it was meant to be told, while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys for these beloved characters,” said Chu in a post on X.

As a fan myself, I thank goodness for this choice, especially considering cross-media adaptations tend to leave original source material in the trash.

The trailers reveal a well-developed and unique set design for Oz, drawing strong inspiration from the musical. The technicolor steampunk aesthetic of the Emerald City and its surroundings is particularly striking.

Despite some CGI-related complaints prompted by the release of the first trailer, Chu is a fierce proponent for practical sets and effects, which he plans to rely on heavily throughout both films.

“Witch” will the “Wicked: Part One” musical movie adaptation be?

With such vocal powerhouses, it’s hard to imagine the singing being anything less than stellar.

Yet the film also bets on audiences loving the first part enough to return for the second, a risky move.

Director Jon M. Chu hopes to deliver an in-depth, musically faithful adaptation.

The specific and magical world of Oz will benefit from the film’s broader range and practical effects, offering a more immersive experience than Broadway’s moveable set pieces.

Overall, this is one of the coolest, most creative origin story prequels of an iconic film. If done well, it could be a favorite for fans.

And who knows, maybe the adaptation will defy even our highest flying expectations.

BY ADDISON CUDD THE MIRROR ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

“Hug Attack!” is the iconic phrase often said by Pandy Paws, a cartoon character from “Gabby’s Dollhouse.”

But of course it’s not the cuddly stuffed cat saying this, it’s the actor behind the voice.

Sophomore Tucker Chandler spent his childhood behind a glass box, voice acting for television and movies.

“I started when I was back in elementary school, so I’ve been in the voice acting field for a long time,” Chandler said.

When Chandler was younger, he was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Alex the Lion in the animated TV series “Madagascar: A Little Wild.”

Yet he is most notably known for his role as Pandy Paws in “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” Chandler originally got into voice acting

because of his brother.

“I had a good family friend named Laura Miller who played the role of Lisa Loud in ‘The Loud House’ and Lamby in ‘Doc McStuffins’,” he said. “She’s been in hundreds of things, but she introduced my brother to the field. One day he got an audition for Life cereal and my dad decided ‘what if Tucker does a read for this?’”

While he enjoyed it, being a nineyear-old working actor certainly had its struggles.

“I would need to go straight from school to three-hour recording sessions where I would stand still for three hours straight,” he said. “That’s probably the worst thing in the world for a nine-year-old.”

As middle school started, standing still became less of a problem, but playing the same character began to wear him down.

“I had to commit to the same character over and over,” he said. “It was my type-

cast vocally.”

Although this was discouraging, the people he worked with and his future prospects kept him going.

“I can pay for college now and it’s because I spent a long time being a stuffed animal,” he said.

The process of making even one epi-

sode of a show is extensive. It involves learning songs and lines only a day ahead, while only five minute breaks in between.

Chandler added that people often have the wrong idea about the job.

“I’ve had people in the past ask me about getting into voice acting,” he said. “They’ve asked me things like ‘oh can I have your agent’s number?’ But that’s not how it works.”

The art form of animation and voice acting is often forgotten, it’s not as visible as on screen celebrities. However, just because voice actors aren’t seen doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be recognized.

“A lot of people don’t realize how hard it really is to make it,” he said. “It’s not like they get a picture of your face and they want you right away. You make a voice for yourself and if your voice matches what they want, you get the job.”

hits the big screen this Thanksgiving, after playing over 8,000 shows on Broadway.

MORE THAN HIS VOICE Sophmore Tucker Chandler has been working in the proffessonal voice acting field over half his life, voicing dozens of cartoon characters.

THE MIRROR DAVID VAZQUEZ

Backstage balancing act

Students actively involved in the performing arts department share how they balance an average of 12 hours of rehearsals a week with all of their classes and homework

BY MADISON THACKER

THE MIRROR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

At 3:38 p.m. students all across school start to file out. They’re ready to go home, do hours of homework and relax.

But for the many students involved in Performing Arts activities on campus, their day is only half over.

VNHS Theatre Company’s recent production of “The Haunting of Hill House” rehearsed for seven weeks before it opened the final week of October.

So, between hours of rehearsals and hours of homework, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day for these performing arts students.

But these students love what they do, so they find a way to balance everything they have, no matter what it takes. This is the case for Sophomore Elle Sinio.

Sinio was not only an Assistant Stage Manager for the fall play, but is on board for three different clubs, while still taking a full course load. She often finds herself making both academic and social sacrifices to get everything done.

“Many, many assignments have been sacrificed for my extracurriculars,” she said. “It’s a very hard balance to make. And if that means staying up until one in the morning and getting two hours of sleep, that’s just how I do it, even though it’s not healthy.”

Sinio does everything she can in the Performing Arts department, and puts in so many hours of work during the day, not only because she loves the work, but because of college, which is quickly getting closer.

“I don’t agree that we should have to work this hard just to get into college,” she said. “But if that’s the sacrifice I need to make then I’ll do it.”

Recent graduate Ethan Rodda, who served as the Production Stage Manager two years and past President of Technical Theater club, has to stay up until 12:30 most nights, yet he finds the balance through a rigorous study schedule he makes once he gets home.

“I found that I work really well at night after I’m done with rehearsal and school,”

‘‘ It’s

a very hard balance to make. And if that means staying up until four in the morning and getting two hours of sleep, that’s just how I do it, even though it’s not healthy.”

Elle Sinio, Performing Arts student

he said. “I make myself a schedule and then I start working on what I need to do.”

He knows he has to do whatever it takes, because he hopes technical theatre will one day be his future.

“I love what I do,” he said. “I strive to be in the industry when I grow up. So what I do now is preparing me for things that I’ll need in my future.”

The future is what motivates a lot of the department.

Senior Addison Cudd hopes to become an actress past high school, and is currently chasing her goal by performing any

opportunity she can get.

While she attempts to do her homework once she gets home, it’s often late at night, so her homework gets saved for the following school day.

“I try to get at least a piece of homework done every night, but that doesn’t always end up happening,” she said. “It just really depends on getting it done in between classes and during lunch.”

Cudd believes that students shouldn’t have to go through this just because they have extra curriculars. She believes that teachers should be more lenient with students who have to stay on campus so late everyday.

“I feel like teachers are really lenient with athletes,” she said. “And they just aren’t with the people who have shows.”

For Cudd, doing rehearsals and shows are incredibly similar to the life of an athlete.

“The adrenaline rush is the same,” she said. “When you get on that stage, running around doing all this stuff, it’s a sport of its own, it’s just a different kind of game.”

Performing Arts students all agree that it can be tough and mentally draining to get

everything done that they need to in a day.

Junior Summer Chu, an active member of Dance Company, shares that while it is a lot of work to get everything done, she wouldn’t change it for anything, because to her, dance is everything.

“Sowmetimes academics can be super stressful and overwhelming, and dance is a release for that,” she said. “It’s just me and my body. Dance will definitely be in my life for as long as I can move.”

Chu believes that students who are interested in taking on performing arts extracurriculars here on campus, but are worried about the time commitment involved, should just give it a try and see how it works out.

“In the beginning it’s always going to be tough, but everybody eventually finds their system and their grove and they find what works best for them,” she said. “It will never hurt to try. Classes and workloads are always changing. And you never know just what will work out.”

R-rated reality: Movie age restrictions don’t match modern life

BY ANTHONY CASTANEDA THE MIRROR STAFF

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been watching Rrated movies with my family.

Whether it was with my mother who put it on, or a random movie I found on Netflix, I’ve been unbothered by the content since I was seven.

People argue that R-rated movies can be mentally damaging, but there’s no evidence they can alter brain chemistry or cause long-term harm.

Some of the best movies of our time like “Good Will Hunting” or “The Batman” are rated R while not showing anything harmful for teenagers.

These movies earn their ratings mainly for harsh language or graphic content.

Yet teens under 17 are no strangers to curse words and

violence, they’ve likely encountered worse in the classroom and everyday life.

R-rated movies are rated as such for adult themes, intense violence, drug abuse or graphic content. However, many receive the rating for something as minor as a few

cuss words.

Almost every child today has internet access at their fingertips, exposing them to content far worse than movies. As a child I stumbled upon graphic content on YouTube and it’s even easier to find now.

If kids under 13 can watch R-rated content on YouTube then the age limit for seeing R-rated movies in theaters should be reconsidered.

The enforcement of R-rated movie rules is far too strict. If the ratings were a suggestion for parents rather than a rule for theaters, it would make more sense.

The movie industry would benefit too as more teens could see those films, leading to larger audiences .

At the end of the day, what kids watch is up to the parents. The only difference between explicit content on YouTube and the movies is the format.

THE MIRROR CHIOMA CHIAWA

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS Students in the Performing Arts Magnet give up hangouts, family dinners and even homework assignments to make their dreams come true.

WRONGLY RATED Most R-rated movies feature content many students experience daily, including bad language or sexual humor.

Boss Behind the scenes

The new Theater Department Production Stage Manager ensures perfection during performances

BY MELISSA OCEGUEDA THE MIRROR STAFF

Starting a new job can be daunting, especially when replacing someone known for excellence.

Senior Kayla BalikyanDavis is currently stepping into the role of Production Stage Manager (PSM) for the Theater Department for the first time, after training all of high school.

A PSM is arguably the most important role in any theatrical production, ensuring every crew runs smoothly; calling the show itself, directing others on timing and most importantly, taking lots of notes.

“Being a PSM is a lot of managing and coordinating with crews and actors,” Balikyan-Davis said. “I have to schedule people and make sure they all get their job done. So generally it’s a lot of coordination and collaboration.”

Creating a production involves

significant pressure, especially for Balikyan-Davis, who also has to balance academics and extracurriculars.

“I balance by always knowing what is ahead,” she said. “I am always conscious of what is coming up in life. It helps me stay organized and see what needs to be done and when.”

The previous PSM, Ethan Rodda, held the position during his junior and senior years. He not only kept everything running smoothly, but also served as lighting designer for smaller shows.

“Ethan trained me last year,” she said. “He taught me what to do, and how to manage everything. Having previous insight on the job has really helped me because I know and understand how to manage everything.”

Despite her excitement, BalikyanDavis expressed some uncertainty and nerves.

“I do feel some pressure,” she said. “It is a little intimidating at times. I

want to make sure I’m just as good, if not better than Ethan. However, it’s nice to know he set the bar. Now I know what is expected of me, and I have some help to guide me through the process.”

Getting to this point wasn’t easy for Balikyan-Davis. It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication.

“I’ve been involved in tech at Van Nuys for four years,” she said. “My freshman year I started off as run crew and then my sophomore year I wanted to get a lot more involved so I started assisting stage managing, and it was at this point where I began to get really into technical theatre.”

Balikyan-Davis got so involved that she is now the President of the Technical Theatre Club, which meets every Friday in the auditorium.

Becoming PSM is a goal she’s had for years — a passion that’s grown with her.

“I never really had a single mo-

and most importantly calling the show during performances.

ment that made me want to do it, but just the experience throughout all the years I’ve been doing it has made me want to PSM,” she said.

“Just seeing how much you do and how much of an impact you make on the show all made me want to go for the top.”

Even though she loves all aspects of a production, her favorite is seeing the finished product.

“Seeing how we start from nothing and create such an incredible production is my favorite part,” she said. “I love seeing everything get put together.”

The new PSM offers a few words of encouragement for anyone interested in becoming a PSM or starting a new job.

“Don’t be scared, just do it,” she said. “It’ll all work itself out.”

Balikyan-Davis will be working live as the new PSM for the upcoming musical theater production of “Mamma Mia!” in March.

THE MIRROR PHOTO BY GIANMARCO RAZURI

CALLING THE SHOTS Senior Kayla Balikyan-Davis has worked for four years to earn the top spot for each show, Production Stage Manager. Balikyan-Davis focuses on helping other crew members, organizing the cast

THE MIRROR PHOTO BY KIMBERLY SALAZAR

The Haunting of Hill House

Journey’s end in lovers meeting

BY ADDISON CUDD & MELISSA OCEGUEDA THE MIRROR STAFF

Thunder booms through the sky but there’s no rain. A sound is heard from the kitchen but you’re home alone.

The shadow in your room starts to look more and more like a person.

Cut off from the outside world by its remote location and shunned by all who know its forbidding and sinister reputation, “The Haunting of Hill House” has remained empty and silent for decades, except for the daily visits of its grumbling caretaker, Mrs. Dudley.

Its isolation is broken by the arrival of Dr. Montague, an investigator of supernatural phenomena who has been granted a short lease by the present owner. His mission is to delve into the morbid history of the house and to come to grips with the forces that have made it uninhabitable for years.

He is joined by three others, all having their particular reasons for accepting Dr. Montague’s invitation to share “The Haunting of Hill House.” Their visit begins in informality, but their sensibilities are soon jolted by strange and eerie occurrences. As they struggle to disguise their mounting fears they are joined by Dr. Montague’s wife and friend, who have come to “The Haunting of Hill House” for purposes of their own.

The play leaves the audience wondering, is the

house haunted?

Or are the people the haunted ones?

These were the questions people wondered when entering the auditorium on Oct. 24, the opening night of “The Haunting of Hill House.”

The Theatre Department has been working tirelessly for more than two months on making this show what it was.

On August 21, over 40 people auditioned for “The Haunting of Hill House” and for many of them, including sophomore Olivia Klipstine who played leading role Eleanor Vance, it was their first time auditioning for a play.

“My experience with ‘Sweeney Todd’ made me realize I don’t want to just do the musicals, I don’t want that to be my sole experience here,” she said. “I want to be involved in the community. I want to do everything I can and even though I had never acted before, I went for it and I think it worked out very well.”

As rehearsals started, the many merits of the play came with struggles.

“It’s hard to go through someone else’s life and have to create your own personal experiences,” sophomore Ellie Steinberg, who played the voice of Eleanor’s sister, said.

Struggling with connections of the characters was the biggest hardship for many of the ensemble members.

Considering the ensemble didn’t exist in the

original play, being added in by theatre teacher and director Mr. Justin Baldridge, the ensemble could only use clues from the original book for help.

“Being in an ensemble comes with a lot of focus,” sophomore Amelia Probst, who played one of the ghosts in “The Haunting of Hill House,” said. “You have to do so much while still figuring out your character.”

Another issue senior cast and crew members are facing, is the challenge of working full time on a production, and applying for college.

“I wrote my entire common application essay during rehearsal,” said Pankowski. “Still, having to balance rehearsal vs. free time is hard, so I have to take a step back and realize I should be doing my college stuff. It’s a big priority.”

The leads had some on-stage feats to overcome as well.

“My enunciation was a big issue for me,” junior Chris Ruiz, who played the role of Luke Sanderson said. “Also, committing to the role. My character is really goofy and I really had to work on not laughing.”

For many of the actors, they found themselves referring to the original book “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirly Jackson, written in 1959.

“Reading the book, watching the original movie, seeing how everyone is portrayed differently helped me a lot.” Klipstine said.

Senior Deven Martinez played Dr. John Montague

FAMILIAL BONDS (From L to R) Sophomore Connor Ruckman, senior Addi Cudd, sophomore Olivia Klipstine and sophmore Ellie Steinberg form a family portrait.

THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE (From L to R) Sophomore Amelia Probst, junior Brianne Tolentino, sophomore Oliver Barrett, senior Sophia Hillstead, and senior Julian Pankowski retell the history of Hill House, frozen to show one of the deaths of its inhabitants.

A NIGHT OF TERROR (From L to R) Sophomore Olivia Klipstine and senior April Cho look to each other during a night in Hill House, preparing for what horror is to come.

A PIECE OF HISTORY (From L to R) Senior Deven Martinez, senior April Cho, junior Chris Ruiz and sophomore Olivia Klipstine lean over a scrapbook created by High Crain, the creator of Hill House.

FOR THE MIRROR KEVIN MATOZO

THE MIRROR KEVIN MATOZO

THE MIRROR KEVIN MATOZO

THE MIRROR KEVIN MATOZO

and, as doctors do, talked a lot.

“The workload for a lead is miles different than the ensemble,” they commented. “Line memorization has been a big struggle, but it has also been my favorite part. Through learning lines, I’ve been able to do great characterization.”

Yet the cast believes despite this, “The Haunting of Hill House” has been one of the least stressful productions.

“As with every show, this production had its stressful moments,” Senior Kayla Balikyan-Davis, the shows Production Stage Manager, said. “But overall it was a generally relaxed and fun time.”

After the success of “Sweeney Todd” in March 2024, the budget for the entire theater department has increased, allowing “The Haunting of Hill House” to be performed to live up to its full potential.

With a bigger budget, the more ambitions the department can fulfill.

“The extra money that we made from ‘Sweeny

Todd’ was great; it helped us with our current budget,” said director Mr. Justin Baldridge. “Still, I’m gonna make it complicated with moving set pieces and walls that flip! And that obviously affects our budget.”

However, the difference in the show is not just from the budget, it’s from the genre as well.

“It’s a dramatic play,” senior April Cho, who played Theodora, said. “I feel like a lot of the shows we’ve done are very fun and very over the top, so audiences are seeing something new.”

The world of “The Haunting of Hill House” is frightening and different from the many plays and musicals the department has done before.

This seemingly worked in the department’s favor, with audience numbers shooting through the roof.

“I told myself that I’d only audition if it sounded cool,” Ruiz said. “And I saw it, looked it up, saw it was scary and signed up.”

In addition to the story itself, the sound effects and lighting added to the overall mystery and fear

of the production.

“Working with the lighting designer, coming up with different colors for different scenes, different textures that can go on the walls, to make it more ‘spooky’ was super amazing,” senior Cameron Struble, who worked the light board said. “Watching it all come to life from this perspective is always so fun, and really allows me to be creative.”

Creativity is just as prevalent behind the curtain.

“I like to do the painting of the set and all of the making of the little crafty stuff,” sophomore Lucy Tallman, Head of Props, said.

The closing of “The Haunting of Hill House,” on Oct. 27 marked another successful prodction in the books for the WolfPack Theatre Company.

With its haunting aesthetic and hard working cast amd crew members created a beautiful show.

“With such good material and such an interesting story, the play just reels you in,” Steinberg said. “It’s so suspenseful, and you have no idea where it’s going to go.”

ITS ALL IN YOUR MIND Senior Deven Martinez (far left) glances onto sophomore Olivia Klipstine, unaware of the voices and ghosts haunting her chracter.

FAR PAST IMAGINATION

(From L to R) Sophmore Amelia Probst, junior Brianne Tolentino, sophomore Oliver Barrett, senior Sophia Hillstead, and senior Julian Pankowski work to showcase the horror of the house, displaying how Hill House can warp a persons mind before they even realize it.

FROM THE BEYOND (From L to R) Junior Dilan Patton and senior DJ Martinez bend over papers, detailing an encounter with a spirit of Hill House.

FOR THE MIRROR KEVIN MATOZO

FOR THE MIRROR KEVIN MATOZO

FOR THE MIRROR KEVIN MATOZO

BY JASMINE LUKENBILL THE MIRROR STAFF

The line between admiration and obsession is thin and in today’s celebrity-driven culture, it often gets crossed.

Taylor Swift, one of the world’s most beloved pop stars, has faced not just fans, but stalkers, who have gone to terrifying lengths in their obsessions.

These extreme behaviors reflect a broader issue where fandom turns dangerous. When admiration crosses into harassment, it becomes a threat — not just to the celebrities, but to societal norms and personal safety.

Swift has a disturbing history of fans crossing into stalker territory.

Mitchell Taebel, an alleged stalker, was arrested for his actions in 2023. Taebel faced charges of stalking, intimidation and invasion of privacy.

In 2018 and 2019, another superfan, Roger Alvarado, allegedly waited for Swift in her bed and took a shower in her home.

Fans today often become overly personal with the celebrities they idolize, crossing boundaries that should be respected.

American rapper Zane Steckler, known as Sematary,

The hidden threat of stalker culture Fan or foe?

has a notoriously loyal fanbase. His fans mimic his iconic style, wearing similar brands in the same way he does. His fans, without altering the style to make it their own, adopt Steckler’s look as their entire persona.

Some fans travel to multiple cities to see an artist’s tour and can even be considered groupies.

Groupies follow musicians around, hoping to form personal connections, though the artists might not even know their names.

This behavior can lead to dangerous situations, like mosh pits forming during concerts.

Mosh pits form in general admission sections, with fans kicking and jumping to get close to their idol. These chaotic scenes often involve people toppling over each, kicking, shoving and enduring harsh conditions.

One notable incident is “The Astroworld Incident,” where Travis Scott hosted a festival that ended in chaos and tragedy. Fans were crushed, leading to ten deaths and hundreds of other injuries, highlighting the extreme lengths people will go to see their favorite artist perform.

Yet new pop-icon Chappell Roan faces some of the most intense fan behavior.

Roan, a pop star who gained fame from opening for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts World Tour” earlier this year, has recently expressed her concerns about her superfans.

According to the “Hollywood Reporter,” she demanded that fans “stop touching her” and “stop stalking her.”

Her most well known stalker followed her around her hometown, watched her family home and even monitored her hotel room, leaving Roan feeling unsafe and reconsidering her career.

These dangerous and illegal activities are almost normalized as fan behavior, but artists and celebrities view them as stalker behavior.

Being a fan is great for showing love and adoration for an artist, show or topic and for meeting like-minded individuals.

However, when admiration crosses into stalking, it becomes a crime.

Strung along: Adjusting to changes in the Music Department

BY ALYSSA PONTINES

THE MIRROR STAFF

For Ms. Jennifer Bellusci’s students, this school year was supposed to be an inspiring journey through music, until the strings broke.

But it wasn’t the instruments’ strings that snapped.

The Music Department faced an unexpected challenge when Ms. Bellusci was suddenly displaced four weeks into the school year due to low enrollment, leaving her students stunned as they got handed over to a new music teacher.

Faced with the news of their teacher’s unexpected departure, students in the music department have had to grapple with more than just new music sheets. They’ve had to adapt to a whole new environment.

With nowhere else to go, the ukulele, guitar and beginning orchestra students headed over to Room 426 to be brought under the wing of Mr. Robert Eisenhart, the brass teacher.

The sudden change of classes completely threw off those involved. The brass

students, already in Mr. Eisenhart’s class, were squeezed in with Ms. Bellusci’s string students, tripling the number of people in the room.

More importantly, Mr. Eisenhart could not replace Ms. Bellusci’s teaching methods in her own elective classes.

In addition, Ms. Bellusci’s students caused turbulence in the overall skill set of each class’ roster. With the varying levels of instrumental experience in his classes, Mr. Eisenhart had to assess all his students. The mixture of beginning and advanced students proved to be troublesome.

“We already had plans for all the classes,” Eisenhart said. “Things were going off in a really great way. It’s great they’re here, and we’re gonna make it work but it would’ve been so much better if it was at the beginning of the year.”

Despite the new students, Mr. Eisenhart took up the challenge, adapting to the changes in his classes’ rosters.

“What I do is music,” he said. “When a difficult thing happens, I just go back to the basics. I’m here to get people inspired about

music, and I’m here to get people to build music into their life after high school.”

To adapt to the circumstances and accommodate both new and old students, Mr. Eisenhart has implemented vertical differentiation into his teaching curriculum.

“Vertical differentiation is, as a student’s skills advance, they go higher on that vertical line of knowledge,” he said. “What differentiation means is that we need to meet the needs of the students who are in the room. If we have beginning students, we need to meet the needs of those beginning students. If we have advanced students, we have to meet the needs of those advancing students.”

As a teacher, Mr. Eisenhart had to evaluate the needs of his students while considering their differing musical experience.

“Our most advanced students take on responsibilities to help guide the younger students,” he said. “They help rehearse a section of music or compose a piece for another group of students.”

Nevertheless, instruments are still difficult to learn. Despite that, Mr. Eisenhart encourages every one of his students to “embrace the struggle” of playing music, rather than give up because of its difficulty.

“It takes a long time to really develop a musical skill,” he said. “It’s a struggle. But students should embrace the struggle.”

CARRYING ON Suddenly, over 200 hundred students across the music department have been forced to come together, pushing the music department forward.

THE MIRROR RAFFERTY YOWLER

SWIFT: CREATIVE COMMONS EVA RINALDI

His journey from trapped writer to thriving teacher

Digital Media

teacher and adviser decided to change trajectory to film instructor

BY AIDYN KINCHEN THE MIRROR STAFF

To be known is to be understood and for Mr. Thomas McCluskey, there was no one who really knew him.

A current film teacher at Van Nuys High School, Mr. McCluskey started his career as a writer and producer, most notably for “Casper: Spirited Beginning,” and stayed on that path for seven years.

“The first two years that I was teaching, I was also writing,” Mr. McCluskey said. “I thought of myself as writing either police action movies or comedies.”

While it was satisfying for Mr. McCluskey to indulge in the art form he loved and put his University of Southern California film degree to use, he felt trapped by the films he was asked to write as they promoted an unstable financial lifestyle.

“I didn’t really like always being in limbo waiting for the next project to start and the next paycheck to roll in,” he said. “I found out several years later that I preferred a more normal everyday interaction with society.”

Now, Mr. McCluskey, moving from the world of screenwriting to teaching high school, finds himself venturing into different parts of filmmaking.

“I learn every year,” he said. “Things are always changing. The technology changes, the work flows change and we all — even at the school level — have to be adaptable to when things change.”

He is always willing to learn for his students.

“When I started teaching full-time film, I found that I was able to marry together two things that I really liked, which was teaching and the creative process,” he said.

Beyond that, Mr. McCluskey found that students themselves drew his interest to the school, seeing how their creative process changed from when he was their age.

“The students in the digital media program at VNHS, using the equipment they have access, are able to make films that are professional caliber,” he said. “I don’t think there’s much holding them back.”

Mr. McCluskey’s journey is that of triumph and dedication to an art form. He has risen above the trials and forged his own path while paving a new path for students to follow suit, reminding his students that careers are not set in stone, and having a toolbox of skills is needed in fields like film.

The costume queen

From the tops of the heads to the tips of the toes, Isabel Rodriguez has designed it all

BY BRIAN BATRES & ANTHONY CASTANEDA THE MIRROR STAFF

Batman is nothing without his bat suit, Superman is nothing without his red underwear, Harry Potter is nothing without his signature robe and Michael Myers is nothing without his white mask.

These iconic pieces are all made by the ones behind the scenes, the costume designers.

At Van Nuys High School, Isabel Rodriguez is the creative force crafting memorable looks.

Her love for costume design started eight years ago, and while she describes it as “completely by accident,” it seems that this path was almost made for her.

“As part of the theater program you’re required to take directing class, stage management class, costume class, light design, etc. so I took a costume class and enjoyed it,” she explained.

Reflecting on her own Van Nuys High School experience, Rodriguez explained that she transferred during her sophomore year after facing challenges at her previous school. The move proved pivotal for her as the Theater Department provided her with a fresh start and a sense of belonging.

“Coming to Van Nuys ended up being really special and vital to my life,” she said.

Rodriguez then enrolled at California State University Northridge (CSUN), pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theater.

“I started as an actor,” she said. “I wanted to perform.”

But it was during one of her mandatory tech classes that Rodriguez discovered her true passion, costume design.

Rodriguez credits her mentor, CSUN Professor Paula Higgins, for guiding her into the world of costume design. Paula gave Rodriguez her first major opportunity as an assistant costume designer for an opera, which

was a pivotal moment in her career.

“She made me feel like I was capable and confident,” said Rodriguez.

Despite her passion for costume design Rodriguez is no stranger to the challenges that come with being in the theater industry.

“Burnout is real and it’s something that I really struggle with,” Rodriguez said.

To fight this Rodriguez has learned to prioritize her mental and emotional well being.

“Making time for friends and family is very big, as well as setting boundaries,” Rodriguez states.

Additionally, Rodriguez realizes the challenges faced by women of color in the entertainment industry.

“It’s important that we, as people of color, and me, as a woman, take up space,” she said.

With this, she emphasizes the importance of selfcare and boundaries, especially learning to say no.

“Learning that NO is a full sentence, goes for a lot of things,” she said.

By taking care of herself, Rodriguez ensures that she remains passionate and creative in her work.

She began her journey at Van Nuys as a student, and now she volunteers her time and expertise at the school aiding with the theatre department.

“I remember how important it was to have an adult who mentored and encouraged me to pursue my dreams,” she explained. “If I can be that person for even one person, it’s worth it.”

“The Haunting of Hill House” will be the ninth show she has designed for the WolfPack Theatre Company.

Through her work she inspires students to explore their passions and pursue their dreams within theater, just as she was encouraged to do.

“I couldn’t be more proud watching the growth and the journey of the students,” she said.

Her path, which consists of hard work, creativity and a deep love for the arts, serves as a testament to the power of mentorship and community in shaping an artist’s path.

In a world and an industry that often overlooks the contributions of costume designers Isabel Rodriguez’s passion and dedication ensures that the characters she helps create are memorable and impactful.

As she continues to evolve as a designer and mentor for students there’s no doubt that Rodriguez will leave a lasting legacy, not only at Van Nuys but in the world of theater and beyond.

“I’m very proud of myself, my start and Van Nuys,” she said. “Still getting to be a part of it is, and always will be, so special.”

BACK AGAIN Alumni Isabel Rodriguez continues to help the Performing Arts department with costumes even after college.

THE MIRROR BRIAN BATRES

HE KNOWS IT ALL Mr. Thomas McCluskey prides himself on learning all the new equipment that finds its way into the classroom.

THE MIRROR GIANMARCO RAZURI

From sparkly bows to dark blows

Jojo Siwa spirals toward the bottom

BY ALYSON CERNA

THE MIRROR STAFF

Joelle Joanie Siwa, more famously known as Jojo Siwa, burst onto the entertainment scene with vibrant colors and dazzled accessories, quickly captivating audiences with her unique presence.

Introduced on the show “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition,” in 2013, Siwa became season two’s youngest contestant at nine years old.

Her talent would be further explored on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms,” where both Siwa and her mother navigated the intense world of competitive dance on live television.

Young girls across the nation were captivated by Siwa’s vibrant outfits and excessive bow usage, propelling her into stardom at just 11.

After increasing interest, Siwa began her own YouTube channel, posting music, slime tutorials and vlogs—checking off every 2016 tween interest.

“When I was a little girl, I would blast ‘Boomerang’ in my living room at six a.m while my parents slept,” Youtuber Stargachq said. “Jojo Siwa’s music made me so happy when I was little.”

For years Siwa maintained her eccentric personality and creative acts with little controversy.

However, by early 2024, her career trajectory shifted dramatically.

With the release of her single “Karma” in April 2024, Siwa faced significant online backlash.

With “Karma’s,” release, Siwa abandoned her kidfriendly lyrics for more mature themes, leaving her fans puzzled, provoking online criticism.

Despite years in the spotlight and wat dance practice, her attempt to rebrand harmed her reputation as allegations of copying other artists surfaced.

Siwa faced allegations of plagarizing “Karma” from artists Miley Cyrus and Brit Smith.

Created in the past decade by both Cyrus and Smith, “Karma,” which was originally a demo, became unused. Obsessed with the track, Siwa took matters into her own hands by rerecording the demo and releasing it as her own.

Having been ten years since her debut, many of her old viewers, whether they be from “Dance Moms” or YouTube, have slowly swayed away from her content.

Although the hatred was contained, many criticized the young adult for maintaining her childish facade.

In January 2021, Siwa surprised fans by coming out as queer on Twitter, joining the LGBTQ+ community.

Around this time, fan Jack Remmington shared his support and admiration towards Siwa coming out on the platform X.

“JoJo Siwa coming out on her own terms so publicly and with such joy is so significant,” Remmington said.

‘‘Siwa faced allegations of plagarizing “Karma” from artists Miley Cyrus and Brit Smith.

“She is an international sensation with young fans all over the world who will see themselves in her, many of whom will be queer.”

Siwa would go on to publicly display her affection for her then-girlfriend, Kylie Prew, and make history on the ABC show “Dancing with the Stars” by becoming the first female contestant with a female partner.

She received massive support from new and old fans, congratulating her for coming out and embracing her sexuality.

Throughout this three-year period, Siwa would be found as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2022, seen with influencer Katie Mills in 2021 and dating influencer Avery Cyrus from Sept. 2022 to Dec. 2022.

In an attempt to shed her sweet girl image, Siwa has alienated many fans.

“I believe Jojo has the potential to make better music, but music has so many purposes and I feel like it shouldn’t constantly be based on the same thing,” Stargachq continued. “Personal experiences make great songs, so maybe what happened in her childhood affected her. I just wish she didn’t make her music so explicit, as kids who watched ‘Boomerang’ in the past can

Revamping the stage Transforming the Theatre Department

BY MELISSA OCEGUEDA THE MIRROR STAFF

After years of existence, the VNHS Drama Club has rebranded as the Wolf Pack Theatre Company.

The present board has three new members, senior Madison Thacker as Secretary/Activities Coordinator, sophomore Ellie Steinberg as Treasurer and sophomore Amelia Probst as Marketing Director/Historian.

The two returning board members are seniors Julian Pankowski and Kayla BalikyanDavis as President and Vice President.

“Last year as a freshman a lot of the older, more experienced students were scary,” said Steinberg. “I thought getting more involved in theatre would help me become more open, which would enable the people who are younger than me to join the club.”

The ultimate reason for the mass change was that the board felt that having a weekly club was unorganized and pointless.

“If people go to our meetings and see that it’s not well organized, then they’re going to automatically assume that the performances we put on are also not well organized,” said Probst.

Still, the council meets alone once a week to discuss any roadblocks or achievements, without an audience.

Mr. Justin Baldridge, the sponsor of the club and the director of the theatre department sees the stigma of theatre kids and the separation of the departments as well. He understands how the department is shrinking because of the stigma.

Something that may be causing it, is the connotation of drama.

When people hear Drama Club, people think of a club about gossip and drama, when in reality it’s a club about theatre and acting. Theatre Club is a more accurate representation of the club’s purpose.

“The word drama insinuates fighting and petty drama between students, it’s more of a negative connotation of the theatre department,” said Mr. Baldridge. “Theatre itself gives it more clout, it treats the subject matter with a more professionalism. Theatre is learning how to perform properly, including directing, producing and designing; the whole aspect of it.”

In addition to helping remove the theatre kid stigma, the Wolf Pack Theatre Company board is a big help to the productions, helping with advertising the shows, and with theatre classes, acting as representatives.

The board is also creating more opportunities for people to get involved as well. They are doing this through the creation of committees for each individual board member.

“You can help plan events, take pictures or help with fundraisers,” said Thacker. “We can keep people involved in the department even though we’re not meeting every week.”

As they look forward to the school year and spring semester, the club is looking to expand their community, trying to help remove the stigma of theater kids, as well as provide opportunities for those scared to perform.

“We want this company to feel like a home away from home,” Probst said.

THE BIGGEST CHANGE OF OUR GENERATION Jojo Siwa, once famous for her child-like innocence has suddenly turned into an R-rated pop singer, going from sparkly bows to dramatic eyeliner.

SCREENSHOT KARMA OFFICIAL VIDEO

Top rival

Identifying a team nemesis is tough. Is it Reseda, Kennedy or San Fernando?

Falling apart

The school’s sports infrastructure was once state of the art, but now neglected

Cheerleading pushes for Olympic recognition

BY ISABEL VALLES THE MIRROR SPORTS EDITOR

E

very four years the world unites in celebration for the Olympic games, showcasing the top athletes from around the globe.

The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece over 3,000 years ago and were revived in the late 1800s. Today, athletes from over 200 countries compete for gold in a myriad of sports.

This past summer, junior Ruchikan Phonnithithananan watched from her hometown in Thailand as athletes from around the world competed in the Olympics, each representing their nation with dedication and pride.

As she watched events like tennis, basketball, track and field, Phonnithithananan noticed something missing: cheerleading.

This was the first time Phonnithithananan had noticed the lack of representation in the sport that she competes in.

Phonnithithananan was captivated by cheerleading from the first time she saw her mom perform professionally. Now, she’s on the varsity cheerleading squad, constantly working to whip up the crowd and motivate the players at sporting events and pep rallies.

“Cheer is my passion,” Phonnithithananan said. “I have always been a cheerleader and a dancer. It’s what I love to do and I will continue to do it with all I have.”

Despite her dedication, Phonnithithananan struggles with the reality that cheerleading isn’t an Olympic possibility.

“Seeing that my sport isn’t in the Olympics makes me feel like I will never be able to accomplish my dream of being an Olympic athlete,” she said. “Cheerleading is

the only sport I’m passionate about.”

The exclusion of cheerleading from the Olympics is often attributed to the belief that cheer is more art than sport.

However, cheerleaders perform complex athletic feats that often go unnoticed.

“Just like any other athlete in any other sport we have to be physically and mentally strong to be able to do the types of stunts we do,” Phonnithithananan said.

“Some people believe that cheer is not a sport because they think cheer is just dancing, but it’s way more than that.”

Freshman Stephany Hernandez believes that cheerleading needs to be considered a sport because of the amount of physical activity involved.

“The amount of flexibility, coordination and conditioning that we have to do in order to do lifts and tumbling is remarkable,” Hernandez said. “Cheer practice is almost

the same practice that someone would have to do for other sports, so it should be in the same category.”

According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, a sport involves competition, a criterion that cheerleading teams not only meet but exceed with year round seasons and end-of-the-year competitions.

Despite fitting the definition of a sport, cheerleading’s Olympic debut is hindered by its complex scoring system and limited global popularity.

The scoring system for cheerleading is based on the degree of difficulty of the routine, percent of team participation, combination of skills and the pace of the skills performed.

This intricate scoring system can be challenging for non-participants to grasp, potentially reducing viewership and impacting popularity.

FROM THE TEAMCOACHES

BY ISABEL VALLES

Football Coach Kenneth Osorio

We try to teach a lot of the life lessons that are going to be important for students in the real world and we try to use that to help them in the game of football. A winning team culture is developed by players. If the players themselves believe in our program and our program is solid, then you’re going to have a culture that is run by players. Once you have that, the culture kind of takes on itself and starts spreading to other teams–build-

Water polo

Coach George Davancens

I don’t focus on winning, I focus on playing the game, learning the skills and having fun. Winning is a fortunate outcome at times, but not always. As long as they are having fun and improving, I am happy. My number one goal with the kids is for them to understand that they are student athletes, with the student part coming first.

Baseball Andres Sepulveda

The best thing a coach can do is understand the players and make sure to keep the mood and the vibe honest and fun, because you don’t want to get to a point where practice seems almost like a job. If that does happen, you’re gonna start to lose players. Team bonding is the best way to keep the team together, whether it’s having a movie night or if they go out for a fundraiser, cracking jokes, wear costumes for practice or we do things like a Christmas theme practice or secret Santa.

Girls volleyball

Coach Alejandro Becerra

I believe that we can succeed as a team and not as a single player. Each player knows what to do on the court and if they execute their job well then everybody is going to succeed which will help win the game. Before playing or practicing I gather them together and we do restorative justice circles where everybody expresses how they are feeling and frustrations to figure out what we can do to address these issues.

STUCK BEHIND THE BLEACHERS Cheerleaders often struggle to find a place as professional sport, often percived as nothing more than a sport for high school students.

Battle lines drawn

Who are the school’s fiercest competitors?

BY ADAMARIS CHEVEZ THE MIRROR STAFF

Some schools dominate a single sport, while others excel across the board, leaving a lasting mark on the competitive landscape.

Other schools struggle to secure victories, earning reputations instead for their losing streaks.

Van Nuys doesn’t fit neatly into either category, standing as a competitive yet accessible opponent for many schools.

Much like the Chiefs versus the Raiders or the Dodgers against the Giants, Van Nuys grapples with identifying their true rival.

“It’s hard to say, but maybe San Fernando or Kennedy,” girls tennis captain senior Loc Handke suggested about choosing the perfect rival. “They’re about our level so it’s always tough whenever we play them.”

With teams often matched, pinpointing a definitive rival in the league becomes challenging.

“As a school I would like to say Kennedy,” football wide receiver senior Nicholas Phuong said.

Clashes with Kennedy are unforgettable, cementing the Wolves and Golden Cougars as natural rivals.

“I would say that our biggest rival would either be Kennedy or Reseda,” girls volleyball outside hitter and defensive specialist senior Joanie Idisro said.

Reseda emerges as a contender for rivalry, a status driven by more personal motivations.

“I know that Kennedy is also our rival for other sports, but for Reseda I think it’s a more personal thing,” Isidro said. “We used to have affiliations with the coach there so we just kinda like to play our best against him and show out.”

Facing a former coach’s new team can spark animosity, fueling a rivalry that drives players to showcase their progress. Personal matters play a huge part in rivalry.

The girls volleyball team played the team of a former coach who used to coach for them. Seeing the coach with the rival team ignited hostile feelings and resulted in the girls trying their absolute best.

“A couple of times we’ve gotten in a couple fights with Kennedy,” Phuong said.

On-field tensions flare, with physical sports often sparking foul play and heated exchanges.

‘‘

Due to their athleticism and history, I would consider Kennedy the hardest game we’ll face during the season,”

Abraham Ceja, Varsity Football middle linebacker

Sharing a division fuels competitive fires, pushing players to assert dominance in every encounter.

In football, school rivals assert dominance by intimidating the other team, unable to stay composed or stay focused on scoring and getting their job done.

Kennedy’s competitive spirit and athletic prowess intensify the tension, making every match a high-stakes affair.

The fierce home-and-away matchups between Van Nuys and Kennedy have fostered a long-standing rivalry

rooted in mutual respect.

“They’re a strong foe, they have good players,” boys water polo wing and sprinter junior Wyatt Lee said.

Athletes at Van Nuys see Kennedy as the “final boss,” marking their matchups as highlights of the sports calendar.

“Due to their athleticism and history, I would consider Kennedy the hardest game we’ll face during the season,” football middle linebacker junior Abraham Ceja said.

Across all sports, Kennedy stands as a formidable adversary challenging Van Nuys athletes to elevate their game.

Triumphing over Kennedy is a celebrated achievement, marking a significant milestone for Van Nuys athletes and coaches.

“It makes it more intense and knowing that that’s our rival helps us strive to play perfect and drives us to want to win and execute our job,” Ceja said.

The teams at Van Nuys High School make it important to win games, especially against the Kennedy Golden Cougars.

Each clash with the Cougars is unpredictable, a testament to the fierce rivalry. This year, the Wolves are poised to seize their chance to prove their football mettle against Kennedy.

“It’s a lot of a mindset thing, when us as a team come together, we can do anything,” said Ceja.

DONT MESS WITH THE WOLF While Van Nuys isn’t known for having a single rival, battles against Kennedy and Canoga Park High Schol are often filled with the most competition.

THE MIRROR DAVID VAZQUEZ

Enhanced Games

A revolutionary platform to push human limits

BY ALBERT HERNANDEZ THE MIRROR STAFF

The Enhanced Games mirror the Olympics, but with a pivotal twist: athletes have the freedom to use performance-enhancing drugs during the competitions.

Believing that using sports enhancement unlocks human potential, D’souza founded the Enhanced Games to explore the limits of the human body.

The first games will be held in late 2025 with thousands of athletes participating.

One of the main concerns of this project is the safety of the athletes, but the organization is making well-being their top priority.

Dr. Dan Turner, the Director of Athlete Safety for the games, mandates comprehensive health screening, including cardiac and brain checks, along with genomic sequencing. These thorough tests ensure that athletes are fit to safely compete.

As with any sport, injury risks persist, but organizers are prepared to address any incidents swiftly.

While controversial, the Enhanced Games emphasize athlete health through rigorous screenings, contrasting with the Olympics’ focus on drug testing.

Dr. D’souza bans the use of drugs that cause irreversible body changes, as well as drugs that are addictive, ensuring controlled enhancement methods.

“We encourage the use of performance enhancements, under the appropriate medical safeguards,” Dr. D’souza said. “This is our opportunity to evolve humanity, by demonstrating what the human body is truly capable of.”

Financial incentives also set the Enhanced Games apart, with all participants paid, unlike the Olympics, where only medalists earn rewards.

The Enhanced Games backed by investors like venture capitalist Peter Thiel, Christian Angermayer and Balaji Srinivasan, allowing them to pay all competitors.

Yet many students at Van Nuys disagree with the concept of the Enhanced Games, viewing them as unnecessary and potentially harmful.

“I think that the Enhanced Games is just really stupid,” junior softball and basketball player Angelina Volpe said. “You should never just ruin your body for a sport.”

Furthermore, nature may give certain athletes an advantage, skewing the outcomes.

“Some athletes who participate in these games would benefit from the use of drugs more than others because of genetics,” junior baseball player Benjamin Rumball said. “It would give some people a better chance at winning because they may have more strength and speed than others.”

Former pro tapped to guide girls soccer

BY ISABEL VALLES THE MIRROR SPORTS EDITOR

Last season, the varsity girls soccer team had an overall record of six wins, nine losses and one tie.

The team was led by Coach Jenny Castro, who decided to leave the team due to personal issues.

The girls were left coachless for several months, until professional coach Joao Lopez stepped up and became the new head coach for the girls soccer team.

Growing up, Lopez always saw his father have a great passion for soccer, and when he turned five, he began playing in the San Fernando Valley with his love for the sport growing with him.

He continued to play soccer, even playing professionally for the El Salvador National under 17 and 20 team, Nejapa FC located in El Salvador and for the USL Lancaster Rattlers.

“After four years of playing professionally, I decided to stay loyal to the game and seek out my career in coaching,” Lopez said.

Lopez began his coaching career after being approached by the owner of the semi-professional team North Valley FC. They asked Lopez to train their team, a proposition which was gladly accepted, leading to a future of coaching.

“I’ve developed a strong network of coaches that have recommended me different opportunities throughout Los Angeles,” Lopez said. “These opportunities included many different California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) City and Southern Section schools.”

He knew he wanted to continue his coaching career, but he specifically chose Van Nuys because of the amazing history of the school.

“Ultimately, I chose to apply for Van Nuys

the San Fernando Valley,” Lopez said. “Van Nuys being the second oldest school in the San Fernando Valley, means it carries a lot of history in both sports and academics.”

Lopez believes that he is the perfect fit for the team because of the firm grasp he has of the sport.

“Over my years of playing and coaching, I have gained an abundance of knowledge and experience in the games,” Lopez explained. “I strive to not only show my players how great they can be but also help them become great athletes. I am here to build a winning culture.”

His coaching philosophy includes teaching the younger generation how to reach their soccer goals.

“My coaching style includes a positive environment, that shows and teaches players that their hard work can help them reach their goals,” Lopez said

Lopez’s goals for the team are to have an amazing season, reach the Division I playoffs and make a statement to the school.

“I want to put the Van Nuys High School girls soccer team on the map,” Lopez said.

To make a winning team Lopez hopes to implement, discipline, hard work and dedication.

“I hope to help improve my athletes by providing positive feedback, reiterating goals set at the beginning of the season and keeping a mindset that stays focused on the present and future,” Lopez said.

Currently, the girls soccer team is in their off season, but coach Lopez is having his varsity team practice Monday through Friday at seven in the morning in preparation.

He encourages students to try out for his team, ensuring a welcoming environment.

“I welcome anyone that wants to try out,” he said.

“The players on the team will certainly make you feel

HARD AT WORK Coach Joao Lopez, the new girls soccer coach, has his team hard at work, beginning daily practice at 7 a.m.

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PUMPED Dr. Aron D’Souza, president of the Enhanced Games (L), and Christian Angermayer (R), co-founder search for superhuman athletes. PUMPED:

Behind the bench: Team managers are unsung heroes

BY ADAMARIS CHEVEZ THE MIRROR STAFF

On the day of a sports game, the crowd cheers on the players and applauds the coaches.

Yet the one unsung hero could be the most important on the team.

Behind every sports team are team managers. They set up equipment, assist athletes in improving their skills, provide water and necessary supplies and are integral to the team Managers provide instruction, motivation and support while making themselves useful to the team and the coaches before games and at practice.

Not only do team managers physically help out, they also help out mentally by encouraging players to get in a positive mindset for an upcoming game and help lessen any stress they may be dealing with.

“I basically help around, help pick up around the team, help them get their mindset for the next games and just keep them motivated,” boy’s football team manager, Natalie Herrera said.

Despite their many tasks and responsibilities, team managers get to know each player individually, building bonds that often flourish into friendships.

“Being a team manager is so fun,” girls volleyball team manager Angelique Chavez said. “You get to talk to a lot of new people and make a lot of friends.”

Experience isn’t required to manage, but it is

highly recommended to have some knowledge in the sport.

“I grew up playing volleyball and used to play at Van Nuys, but I got cut off because of my health,” Chavez said. “So the opportunity to become a manager and help out the girls was really amazing,”

Any students can manage their schools’ athletics teams if they meet the GPA requirements, regardless of gender.

With the right attitude, mindset and experience anyone is more than capable of helping out.

“Being a manager is just less drama and less of a mess,” Herrera said.

Managing a team of the opposite gender can be nerve racking, as managers might not know what to expect. However, assumptions about disrespect are often unfounded.

“The boys football team always treats me with respect,” Herrera said.

Being a team manager is no easy job. Team managers are expected and responsible for having a good attitude and keeping up their grades to be in their position. They make a great effort to be there for the team when needed.

Team managers are necessary for a good sports program, and though it might be tough sometimes, in the words of girl flag football manager Angela Lopez, it’s always worth it at the end of the day.

“Team managers can really bring down the team or really help a team and so that’s why I try my hardest to do my job right as a manager,” she said.

Game over: Retired student athletes find new passions

BY ISABEL VALLES THE MIRROR SPORTS EDITOR

Roaring cheers filled Van Nuys High School’s football field during the last home junior varsity football game of the 2022 season as Nataly Martinez tackled her male opponent. Stepping off the field elated, she was greeted with supporting messages from her teammates.

After the season ended, Athletic Director Dion Coley announced to the school that a girls flag football team would start the following year.

Martinez immediately seized the opportunity and retired from the football team.

Athletes retire from sports for various reasons, whether switching to another sport or stepping away altogether.

Senior Nataly Martinez started playing football in her sophomore year of high school.

“I wanted to show to other girls that playing football is not only for men or a manly sport,” Martinez said.

Leaving football was a hard decision for her, but she knew that she wanted to join her new team with a new goal in mind.

“For me, joining football was a step forward to motivate other girls,” Martinez said.

Junior Camila Guzman-Alvarez decided to retire from the cheerleading team due to her health.

“I just felt really bad in general during cheer practice,” Guzman-Alvarez said. “I felt like fainting and throwing up.”

She is still unaware of why her body was refusing to let her practice, but she knew that continuing to practice would cause her more pain, so she ultimately made the decision to retire.

Salazar retired from the volleyball team due to an overload of stress.

“It’s junior year, so I started taking a lot of harder courses,” she said. “Due to this, I started to have a stomach problem, a stress induced gastro.”

Regardless of the struggles that led up to all of these athletes’ retirements, all three have found joy in what came after.

Martinez found joy in spending time with her female teammates on the flag football team.

“I have found flag football to be the most fun thing I have ever done in my life,” Martinez said.

Guzman-Alvarez finds joy in being able to support her old teammates.

“I love the cheer team,” she says. “Even if I’m not there anymore, I will always find myself supporting them.”

Salazar finds joy in having less stress then she used to have.

“Obviously with school I’m still stressed, but I felt like it would have been doubled if I had a sport on top,” she said.

Retiring from a sport can be frightening, but if

SIDELINE SCOREKEEPER Each sports team on campus houses at least one team manager, with some teams, like girls flag football, housing three.

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Race against time The school’s sports infrastructure is falling apart

BY ISABEL VALLES THE MIRROR SPORTS EDITOR

Van Nuys High School is one of the three original high schools in the San Fernando Valley, alongside Canoga Park and San Fernando High School.

The school was originally built in 1914, but after the deadly Long Beach Earthquake in 1933, several original buildings were demolished and rebuilt to comply with California’s newly-adopted earthquake standards.

During this time the football field and track were built, and as time went on, more sports facilities, including the baseball field, big and small gyms for volleyball and basketball, tennis courts and softball field, were built.

These facilities were state-of-the art for their time, however, as the years have passed, the facilities have become outdated and neglected.

This has caused significant disruption for sports teams, with games and practices often postponed or canceled due to the substandard conditions.

The track and field teams with their bumpy dirt track, volleyball with their faulty air conditioning and the softball and baseball teams not having a scoreboard, nor a proper field, all cause issues the entire season.

of practice time due to the conditions of the track,” girls track member junior Mia Ramirez said. “Whenever it rains the track gets flooded and we have to wait multiple days before we are able to use it again. Then our coach himself has to go and even out the track and re-line it. During track season, the team has to work together to fix the runaways for our sand pits and the school does nothing to help us.”

The baseball and softball teams face similar issues.

“If we had the right type of soil on the softball and baseball field, it would be water resistant or drain properly, and practice would not be disrupted,” Sepulveda said. “This would mean that the athletics program would increase in terms of their talent, their amount of practice and skills that they’re going to get. That means that we can actually compete with teams like San Fernando, Sylmar and Kennedy, who are rising right now.”

‘‘ Whenever it rains the track gets flooded and we have to wait days before we are able to use it again.”

Mia Ramirez, girls track and field

“When it rains, all outdoor sports teams practices get disrupted,” head coach of the baseball team, Mr. Andres Sepulveda said. “So then students fall behind, they get deconditioned and they start to get out of shape. It’s unfortunate.”

Although poor weather is out of the schools control, it remains a problem because of the time it takes for the dirt field to dry.

“The track team has missed out on a lot

The best solution would be to replace the dirt track with an all weather track.

An all weather track is a rubberized artificial surface that accommodates all weather conditions, meaning that when it rains, the drains on the track open up and drain out the water, making the track usable as soon as the next day.

“I understand that an all weather track is expensive but even just getting a draining system inputted into the track would be a huge help,” Ramirez said. “Then we wouldn’t have to miss out on so much practice during the rainy season.”

For a period of time the air conditioner in the big gym broke down, causing a safety hazard for the girls volleyball team, with heat exhaustion being frequent for the athletes.

“It gets hot on days we are running or doing a bunch of other activities,” senior varsity volleyball libero Camilia Santiago said. “It’s just a danger.”

Additionally the school currently offers a water polo and swim team, but has never had a pool for the athletes.

Due to the teams not having a proper facility, the athletes need to wake up early for five a.m. practices at Panorama High School, then hold games at other schools that have the privilege of building their own pool.

“It is annoying to have our home pool located at a different school,” girls varsity water polo goalkeeper Lenna Gonzales said.

This also results in the team lacking support, as all their games are held at different schools.

“Mainly parents show up to support their kids, but since our pool is located away from home, nobody is able to come and watch us play compared to other sports games,” Gonzales said.

These facilities are important to the students because many athletes rely on their sport as a break from school.

“Kids want to break from academics,”

Sepulveda said. “They want something to take pride in and have fun at. Students can’t have fun at practice if they don’t have the right equipment and the right facilities.”

The main problem of the poor facilities is the limited funding that the school receives from the district. It is up to the district to identify the importance of higher funding.

“We have to literally beg and cry and really push for ordering equipment,” Sepulveda said. “Whether it’s ordering baseballs, ordering pads for football or ordering equipment for the weight room. These are just basic essentials, just to have a functioning program for athletics, and we practically can’t get them.”

Coaches at Van Nuys are tired of the poor facilities and promises that never met by the district.

“I hope that the admin is sending out the pictures of how bad our facilities are so we can at least talk to somebody, and they can give us an answer of when the facilities are going to be upgraded,” Sepulveda said. “We don’t want any of this push and shove where broken promises are made and people sweep Van Nuys under the rug. They’ve been working on it for almost 20 years, and nothing has been done.”

The admin and district must acknowledge how unpleasant the facilities are and make a change at Van Nuys.

“I don’t blame the school for the lack of funding in sports,” Ramirez said. “They are only given a certain amount from the district to allocate to the many sports Van Nuys has, and there’s only so much that they can do. At the end of the day, I think it is up to the district to recognize how important sports are to schools and give more money to sports programs.”

DISREPAIR The schools unpaved track along with its outdated infrastructure causes setbacks for the school’s sports teams. Athletes find it difficult to practice when it rains due to the amount of time it takes for the track to dry. But unlike our school, other schools have updated their tracks to all weather tracks.

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Grit & growth: A quarterback’s gridiron journey

BY ENNIO ALONZO MUHI THE MIRROR STAFF

Being a quarterback is no easy feat.

The role demands leadership, a strong work ethic and an unbreakable mentality.

Junior Carlos Herrera plays as the starting quarterback for the school’s varsity football team, but taking the team’s reins was never a walk in the park.

“I was nervous the moment I found out I was quarterback,” Herrera said. “Knowing that the team would be relying on me to control the offense was scary.”

Herrera’s work ethic is evident in the extra hours he spends practicing and attend-

ing football camps. However, his journey wasn’t always clear.

When he joined the junior varsity as a freshman, he never envisioned himself as a quarterback.

It was Assistant Coach Jorge Garcia who recognized that Herrera possessed the qualities expected from a quarterback, including the ability to execute precise throws and read defenses.

“He’s a natural athlete, but he was also very smart,” head coach Mr. Ken Osorio said. “He was willing to try new things and become better as a student and an athlete.”

His performance against Sylmar last year, throwing for three touchdowns and 217 yards, earned praise from his coaches

and teammates.

“Carlos demonstrated his skill as a quarterback and helped the team score,” former defensive lineman Javier Arias said.

The game solidified his role and earned him respect as a promising quarterback.

Leading the team to the playoffs last year was challenging, but his steadfast determination kept him focused.

“A lot of nerves and communication went into winning,” he said. “It was really hard on my body.”

Herrera’s performance and teamwork continues to inspire his teammates as they face upcoming challenges.

With a bright future and a growing team, Herrera is a quarterback to watch.

All in the family

Soccer coach father and team captain son are a unified force on the field

BY ALYSON CERNA THE MIRROR NEWS AND FEATURES EDITOR

Beyond the soccer field, a powerful bond exists between Varsity Captain Leelen Castro and his father, Coach Jose Castro, united by their shared passion for the game.

When he was three, Leelen began displaying an interest in soccer. He was further inspired by watching his favorite player, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, so he approached his father about playing.

Over a decade later, the father-son duo led the boy’s varsity soccer team to the Division III 2024 CIF LA City Quarterfinals.

Before coaching boys varsity soccer, Coach Castro was a former player, reach ing as far as college-level soccer. Despite having never coached, he knew he wanted to help student-athletes, so following the departure of Leelen’s recreational soccer team coach, Coach Castro stepped into the position.

One of Leelen’s greatest challenges this season surrounded his relationship with the coach. The decision to make Leelen a captain garnered mixed reactions from those on and off the field, developing skepticism about whether his position was rightfully earned or simply another case of nepotism.

Rather than letting the criticism dam age him, Leelen set out to demonstrate his credibility and worth by repurpos ing the negativity into fuel.

“Some people say, ‘Oh, you’re just captain or on varsity because your dad is the coach,’ but no,” Leelen explained. “I’ve worked hard to get my position. It sucks that they don’t

see the work that I’m putting in. But they’ll see it in the future. I always liked being a leader. I think that a team without a leader is not a team at all.”

Despite allegations of nepotism from students around campus, both coaches and players alike agree on one thing, Leelen earned his position as boy’s varsity soccer captain.

Even as a freshman on the varsity team last school year, his talent was evident, despite limited playing time. As time progressed, his leadership skills and personality, matched with on-field performance, earned him the title of ‘captain’.

“Being able to socialize, communicate and carry out what has been planned when the coach is not present are all traits I look for in a captain,” Coach Castro said. “Nobody on the team has ever questioned my decision to make Leelen a captain. He was a role model and did what was expected of

nepotism allegations.

“Just because he’s my son does not mean we expect any less from him,” Coach Castro said. “The expectation standard needs to meet those specific qualities of a coach so the other players can replicate that and do better than him.”

The season as a whole has brought many learning opportunities to Leelen both on and off the field.

“I’ve learned that being captain is not just being a leader on the field,” Leelen said. “You have to be a leader off the field as well. Especially when you’re in real-life situations.”

Balancing academics and sports is crucial. Leelen excels, maintaining his GPA and participating in various extracurriculars..

“He pretty much has no time,” Coach Castro said. “Seven a.m. track and field, academics, sixth-period track and field, soccer club practice, SkillsUSA,

His accomplishments have brought the coach tremendous pride and inspiration.

“I’m proud of the way he carries himself, the way he approaches his daily routines and the fact that he follows his parent’s guidance and listens to us,” Coach Castro explained.

Likewise, having his father as his coach has taught Leelen many lessons and inspired him in unimaginable ways.

“He’s taught me to always be responsible, be respectful and never bring anyone down — especially your teammates,” Leelen said. “He also inspires me by being a role model to me and an overall great person. I want to be like him and be a role model to upcoming ninth graders, so that when I leave the team, I can leave standards.”

Though privileged to have his father as coach, Leelen continues to prove his worth through dedication and hard work, inspiring teammates and setting a high stan-

LUCKY SEVEN Junior Carlos Herrera attends every game, practice and conditioning event he can, training both himself and his team to be winners.