Vol 2 Issue 1

THE WING

Take off

CONTENTS

Written by: Dori Zubkoff

Edited by: Kavya Gurunath, Emmaryn Stones, Akshara Madabushi

Art by:

Layout by: Beckham Arias

sdusd class highlights (APes) - 8

Written by: Stephanie Le

Edited by: Jeewon Kim-Ka, Abby Hyde, Elise Pendoley

Art by: Taylor Diosa

Layout by: Emily Le

Top 10 social justice books - 10

Written by: Sydney Haggler, Adelina Ramirez

Edited by: Dori Zubkoff, Jeewon Kim-Ka

Art by: Thejo Tattala

Layout by: Angela Bautista

How academics enhance activism - 12

by: Elise Pendoley

Edited by: Angela Bautista, Thejo Tattala, Kavya Gurunath

Art by: Maggie Sackett

Layout by: Elena Fritz

Local Political Organizations

T h a t

YOU

Can Get Involved In!

Alliance San Diego advocates for working class families, people of color, immigrants and refugees by providing legal assistance, fighting for policy change, and empowering communities to take action. Go to the ‘get involved’ section of their website (alliancesd.org) to find volunteer opportunities! There are different volunteer teams with varying schedule flexibility, virtual and in-person opportunities, and ranging volunteer work, so check it out to decide which volunteer option works best for you. Alliance San Diego also offers paid internships and career opportunities. Check their website for new opportunities! Good luck!

San Diego 350 combats climate change by making policy change, organizing walkouts, and educating and empowering others to join them in making change. If you go to their website (sandiego350.org), and click on the ‘Teams’ section and then click ‘Youth4Climate’, you will be taken to a page with their youth volunteering opportunities. This includes Youth v. Oil; Youth v. Oil advocates for California to phase out oil extraction. They place an emphasis on Environmental Justice communities - usually low-income, BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) communities - who, largely due to a history of redlining, face disproportionate consequences of climate change. Volunteers at Youth v. Oil collaborate to advocate for resolutions, organize outreach events, work with elected officials, and empower and spread awareness to fellow

Cesar Chavez Service Clubs

youth. Additionally, I would recommend checking out the Eco Club Coalition and, for adult readers, the Youth for Climate Adult Team (both found in the same section of the website as Youth v. Oil).

Founded by Carlos and Linda LeGerrette, who fought for farm workers rights with Cesar Chavez, the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs are in elementary, middle and high schools all throughout San Diego. Within the school clubs, members (also known as Chavistas!) participate in/lead efforts such as drives, volunteering, and creative projects to give back to the community. Within these clubs, officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and historian) are voted into office. These officers make up the Chavista Congress, and attend additional Chavista Congress meetings. Something special about the congress is how wide the age range is - it is a unique opportunity for elementary, middle, and high schoolers to collaborate and make meaningful change together. Past and current projects of the Chavista Congress include organizing and leading town halls, advocating at city hall, collaborating with local political organizations, such as the Environmental Justice Coalition, and working on projects making empowering change. To join the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs, find out if your school currently has a Cesar Chavez Service club and if so, join it! If you are interested in joining the Chavista Congress, talk to your club manager and run for an officer position at your school's club. Si se puede!

San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention advocates for responsible gun safety laws, educates on gun violence, as well as distributes resources for gun violence prevention. Many of these resources are education tools found on their website, so if you are looking to get involved, I recommend checking those out! Attending events on their website calendar which includes listening sessions, webinars, team meetings, and more, is also a great way to participate in their organization. These team meetings include teams such as the Legislation & Advocacy team, the Outreach & Events team, the Education team, and more. Want to join one? On their website, go to their ‘About’ section and then click on the ‘Join us’ option. You’ve got this!

This one is not an organization, but become an intern for a politician! This can give you valuable insight, experience and connections. Some examples of local politicians to intern for could be Mayor Todd Gloria, one of the city council members, local members of congress, members of California legislature, and more. You can find a list of local politicians, their contact information, and tips for contacting them on the San Diego County Democratic Party website (sddemocrats.org) if you go to the ‘Get Involved’ section and click on ‘Contact Your Representatives’ (and more opportunities to get politically active on their website!). To find out if a politician is looking for interns, call their office and/or check out their website.

AP Environmental Science SDUSD Class Highlights

AP Environmental Science educates students to become aware of what occurs in our environment and what it has to offer It reveals the bottom line of how the environment affects life on Earth. The course discusses important confounding variables that make up our current world. From subjects like types of ecosystems, biodiversity, ecology, the atmosphere, agriculture, population, conservation, resource consumption, land use, and pollution, AP Environmental Science covers it all. Hands-on labs and fieldwork as part of the curriculum give students a deeper understanding of environmental concepts and systems, and leverage creative thinking skills that help students analyze environmental issues.

The lab work closely imitates real-life scenarios that demonstrate and teach the learning idea. One of them was the cookie mining simulation to briefly examine the economics of mining and its effect on the environment. Another was working with different types of soils and learning about their characteristics as to how they fit in the environment. Outdoor activities were also part of the experience such as going to fields to sample grass populations and going to the quad to measure trees. The class offered opportunities for students to interact with the environment and students as well, through shared presentations and projects for students to learn from. Additionally, lab work was done with a partner or in groups.

How does environmental science relate to social justice?

Humans have the greatest impact on the environment in a way that is harmful to communities, and individuals on Earth. Humans are the greatest contributors to climate change due to excessive resource consumption and pollution For example, burning fuels pollutes the air with harmful gasses that trap heat in the atmosphere (greenhouse gasses). Extreme weather events happen more frequently, the land becomes dryer, and ocean temperatures and levels are rising. Some communities have limited access to resources like water and oil due to social and economic disadvantages. Because of this, they are more vulnerable to weather events and the effects of climate change. The three main types of pollution air, water, and land impact how livable the environment is as the conditions weaken in quality.

With the worsening environmental state due to the sum of our decisions and actions over time, justice for our planet is a pressing issue that still needs to be combatted. AP Environmental Science leaves students more knowledgeable regarding this issue. The education that this class offers helps arm students with tools to understand and advocate for climate justice.

Looking for Your Next Read?

Check Out Our Top 10 Social Justice Books!

1.The Hate You Give - Angie ThomasSixteen-year-old Starr Carter doesn’t have an easy life. Especially since she lives in Garden Heights, the poorer side of town, and goes to a suburban prep school on the richer side. Suddenly, the uneasy balance between her two lives gets even harder when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of law enforcement.

2. On The Come Up - Angie Thomas: Bri, a sixteen-year-old rapper, lost her father to gun violence at a young age. To fulfill his legacy, she hopes to “make it” as an underground hip-hop legend. After posting a rap hit, Bri becomes an internet sensation overnight. However, her rap causes controversy and challenges her to battle conflict with herself when achieving her dreams.

3. Hearts Unbroken - Cynthia Leitich Smith: Hearts Unbroken is a story about racism in small-town America. Louise, who helps write her school’s newspaper, and her

younger brother Hughie, who earns the role of the Tin Man in his school play, find themselves trapped at the center of a controversy over inclusive casting.

4. Girl Rising - Tanya Lee Stone: Tanya Lee Stone examines serious topics, including early child marriage and childbearing, slavery, gender discrimination, poverty, and more. She illustrates how removing these barriers can not only create a better life for these girls, but how it can enhance safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities.

5. Glimmer of Hope - by the founders of the March for Our Lives: A Glimmer of Hope illustrates how a group of adolescents channeled their rage and sorrow after the 2018 Parkland High School shooting into action and created one of the largest and most inspiring youth-led movements in history.

6. You Sound Like a White Girl- Julissa Arce: After once considering the phrase “you sound like a White girl” as a compliment, Arce dives into the political and personal meaning of the phrase. By doing this, she explains why those words lead to eurocentric assimilation, rather than cultural appreciation. Throughout the book, Arce dismantles the myth that assimilation leads to a

Social justice-themed books not only illustrate underrepresented stories, but they can also provide a mirror to your own experiences in an unbalanced society. Here’s a list of the Top 10 Social Justice Books, created by students for students!

sense of belonging, emphasizing that assimilation is systematically designed to limit the potential success of marginalized communities.

7. Poet X- Elizabeth Acevedo: Fifteen Year-old Xiomara Batista lives in the center of culturally rich Harlem, New York, where she navigates her discovery of slam poetry as a mode of artistic expression. After struggling to be heard and respected in her community, Xiomara pours her anguish and frustration into journals that quickly turn into a passion for poetry.

8. Just Mercy- Bryan Stevenson: In a call to end the mass incarceration of people of color, Bryan Stevenson founded the Equal Justice Initiative and dedicated himself to providing equitable legal representation to the wrongly incarcerated. His non-profit, Just Mercy follows the journey of wrongfully condemned Walter McMillian, a young Black man who was young White woman. A murder he did not commit. While the film adaptation highlights McMillian’s story, it further proves that the justice system favors the rich and guilty rather than the poor and innocent.

9. The Spirit of Chicano Park- Beatrice Zamora: Created for a younger audience yet informative to all, this book written by local author Beatrice Zamora perfectly aligns with this month’s edition of The

Wing: Art and Activism. This book explores the significance of Chicano Park, a local symbol of cultural self, determination, and Mexican American pride. The murals are used as a visual resource of activism to transmit the history, culture, and perseverance of Mexican-Americans and Chicanos. Paired with colorful illustrations, the book describes the park's murals addressing themes such as immigration, women’s rights and historical and civil rights leaders.

10. This Time Will Be Different- Misa Sugiura: This book follows 17 year old CJ on a journey of self discovery of her Japanese American identity after struggling with the pressure of cultural success and achievement. After spending the majority of her life helping her aunt at the family’s flower shop, CJ’s mom decides to sell the shop to the same family who lured her grandparents into Japanese internment camps in the height of World War II. The sudden shift sends shocks into the family and her community, giving CJ a cause to fight for.

how academics E n h a n c e A c t i v i s m

When it comes to activism, there are many impactful ways to get your message across. One of the highly effective ways to promote a message is through the wide world of academics. Academia plays a bigger role in activism than one would assume, especially in our current academic circle as high school students. It is one of the most influential and motivating ways to learn and educate others about issues we, as a community of youth, find essential, ranging from climate change to voting, to equality and beyond. Academics not only tend to include activism in their curriculum but also act as an influence.

Academics, school, and activism come hand in hand and are seen more together in the classroom as the years pass The school curriculum is continuously progressing by instating topics of activism, most often seen in our English classes. From personal experience, as a 10th grader at San Diego High School, my schoolmates and I were given a project in an English class to research and present Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs), which are

goals created by the United Nations to improve our world. These SDGs are designed to become an outlet for spreading awareness about 17 different global humanitarian issues, ranging from topics about inequality to health, and to global warming. Spreading awareness on worldwide issues is one of the most important actions of seeking change that an activist can contribute to. While this is already a great step forward, the activism-related discussions in schools do not stop there: science classes can also be included. Science classes often incorporate a unit on climate change, since it is such an essential and prevalent topic. Such courses include biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and beyond.

This is a great improvement to see in classrooms. Adding activist topics to the curriculum informs general youth about global issues, which is crucial since the students of today are the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow. Young individuals need this kind of education as it is what truly prepares us for our future real-world interactions.

Classroom activism, or as I like to call it, is igniting discussions about inequality, health, rights, and so much more; topics which we see every day, and will continue to come up for the rest of our lives.

Academic influence on activism is not only present in educational lessons. The influence carries outside of school as well, with the student-based foundations that students participate in, like activism clubs (Climate Club, Caesar Chavez Club, etc.) and student unions (Jewish, Latin, Asian/Pacific Islander, Gender & Sexuality Alliance, etc.). Not only are these extracurriculars excellent opportunities to spread the word, but they are active displays of activism at work. The global climate walkout earlier this year is an example of direct activism where so many students across the globe, including here in San Diego, participated!

These academics are a major way in which youth discover and discuss their surrounding world, targeting young adults to begin striving for what they believe in. Academics are such a large part of our lives right now as students, so it is extremely important, especially in an ever-changing society like ours, to learn all about activism and how to voice our knowledge and our powerful opinions.

falcon way

CONTENTS

Activism and mental health - 16

Written by: Jaiden Wick, David Brin

Edited by: Abby Hyde, Adelina Ramirez, Elise Pendoley

Art by: Jennifer Le

Layout by: Nathan Pe

ways to destress from stressful news

by: Angela Bautista, Eljen Lacibal

Edited by: Sydney Hagler, Dori Zubkoff, Elise Pendoley

Art by: Hannah Monzon

Layout by: Sahithi Lingampalli

coping with climate anxiety - 20

Written by: Akshara Madabushi

Edited

by:

Jaiden Wick, Eljen Lacibal, Kavya Gurunath

Art by: Hannah Monzon

Layout by: Elena Fritz

Activism And Mental health

Everyone should have a mental health strategy. Even though we know our readers like to WING it, mental health is just as important as physical health. I know what you might be thinking, what FalCAN you do to help? Well, you can lay the eggs of change- for yourself and others ;)

We had the opportunity to interview mental health leaders in our community about their activism and their county-wide impact. One student, who you’ll learn more about throughout the article, talks about her involvement in Student Wellness And Education Resources, or SWEAR. “I became a member of SWEAR by presenting my association with mental health issues and using them to help the district battle such issues in its student body.” She explains how the student-initiated group collaborated with community leaders, schools, and other organizations in order to destigmatize mental health issues and empower youth activists. The two SWEAR representatives of Scripps Ranch High School went to Marshall Middle School to educate the student body on available resources and essential mental health information In order to get accurate information, she tells us, “I partnered with the JED Foundation and Rady Children’s Hospital ” The activist explains 1 in 5 teenagers have or will have a mental illness The far-spread impact of mental health is why she worked with district board members to widen her support for the cause.

We got the opportunity to interview an SDUSD student board member, one of our very own, Lea Nepomuceno. As a board member, Lea represents students in many decisions that affect the district. She calls for change and talks directly to leaders in our district to pass resolutions. Lea stresses the importance of supporting the mental health of the staff that run our schools along with the students. Talking about an SDUSD wellness day, she says, “It was really great to see all the staff gather together in a commitment to community health and wellness.” Nepomuceno continues to inspire students to take action and make a positive

The two activ ps Ranch High School students, rallying for a change in our community. Both Lea, and the other activist, one of the authors of this article, supported a district-wide resolution recognizing student mental health and well-being on January 26th, 2021. The district now formally supports Senate Bill 14 which allows for mental health excused absences and calls for staff training to aid in mental health crises. The resolution was monumental in breaking the stigma and supporting student well-being. Remember that mental health day we all got? That was because of this resolution and the persistent advocacy of SWEAR and student activists across the district. Students have created momentum in inspiring vital changes for mental health policy and education, so let's keep the wings of change flapping

Educating yourself and others

Reaching out and letting them know

Asking those who are struggling ho

Helping them access mental health

Being mindful of your words

Never invalidating anyone's feelings

Treating them with respect as you w Most WING members (including the advocacy and you can too

WellnessStrategies--Do Set Boundaries:

Realize you do not have to please ev

Accept the things you can control a

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Acknowledge all the hard work you

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Make sure to get 8 hours of sleep

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AuthorsNote:

Yes, we are emphasizing destigmatizing a reminder to not sacrifice your own me all boats, just like helping yourself helps change for other people and their overa

ways to destress from

Everyone experiences stress in their daily lives, whether that be in school or with family and friends. So, what is stress? Stress is our body’s response to pressure and being overwhelmed. This can be due to other people’s expectations,or,your own. Though it’s a universal feeling amongst all, we tend to forget the toll it can take on us when we don’t focus on how to relieve stress. There are 3 main steps we can take to destress: accepting the circumstance, taking on acts to avoid stress, and taking breaks for your mental health!

We tend to avoid harsh situations due to the negative feelings they come with. However, by trusting it will all be okay and reaching out to loved ones about your feelings, it will help cater to the betterment of a healthier mindset. Though acceptance is the first step when dealing with stress, it is the hardest and most important step. As highschool students, we understand the experience of change all the time as we try to balance school life and social/home life. With that comes situations that may disrupt the peace, such as dealing with an unwanted grade and social drama at the same time However, when we learn to balance and accept those struggles, we are able to create better routines for ourselves. Change brings more opportunity and gateways to new perspectives. We tend to clench up and isolate ourselves when faced with unwanted news. However, reaching out to people - whether you want advice, an understanding ear, or a

shoulder to lean on - is a great way to ease our tension. Accepting change and sharing our troubles is necessary for self growth and sets the foundation when facing hard challenges in the future.

There are so many ways to avoid stress, such as planning your days, taking breaks when needed, asking people for help, and being kind to yourself. To start off, plan out what you have to do the whole day, the tasks you need to complete, and always remember that planning is no good if you do not organize your responsibilities.Plan out how long and what time you’re going to study, and then complete your assignments. Make sure that your plan includes breaks!. Taking breaks when needed can help prevent draining yourself and your brain. Taking breaks can prevent people from losing their motivation. Even if it is a quick ten minute break. Just make sure that you give yourself enough to reorganize your thoughts and refocus. Furthermore, asking people for help from time to time can avoid stress as well. It is very challenging to be on top of everything, especially when balancing life, work and school Whenever there are answers you cannot answer, try asking a friend, classmate or other adults to help you. Lastly, be kind to yourself, and always remind yourself that it is okay to take breaks and that you are doing great!

Though there are many ways to avoid stressful situations, stress is inevitable and uncontrollable. So, it's important to

stressful news.

take action and put yourself first. You can do this by spending time with people you love and spending time with yourself. People can cope in multiple ways, and one of those ways is hanging out with friends! People tend to rely on each other seeking comfort, whether in search of affection or entertainment. Psychology professors of USC, Dr. Sreenivasan and Dr. Weinberger, explain how loneliness during harsh times cannot benefit anyone psychologically for “emotional connectivity remains a core part of being a human ” Taking this with consideration supports how crucially humans need each other when struggling under pressure. With all the stress, It’s important not to forget what you used to do without all the stress. For example, doing your favorite hobby, whether it be inside the house like cooking, reading, watching, and listening to music, or outside the house such as gardening, playing sports or playing with your pets. Do not overwhelm yourself, having one day off from everything could be great for you and your mental health.

As we are still understanding our lives and figuring out our futures, stress will always be a part of it. However, we can lessen our stress through educating ourselves on how to accept everything, shun stress, and prioritize mental health.

Copingwith climateanxiety.

As we grow older, our planet grows with us. The Earth will continue to become polluted, and soon, climate change will become irreversible. This leads to climate anxiety, which is stress related to climate change and anxiety about the future state of our planet. To be honest, I didn’t know about climate anxiety before researching for this article. Now that I know more about it, I can definitely say that I also experience climate anxiety. So today, I am going to give you some tips to help cope with climate anxiety, from one environmental advocate to another.

When you think of growth, it usually has a positive connotation. However, the state and health of our Earth is continuously declining. As the oil industries grow, and more unnatural sources, such fossil fuels, are needed, we end up terminating the chances of protecting our Earth. While this is very scary and cultivates fear about the future health of our planet, here are some ways to cope with it.

There is always something you can do to help the planet, whether that’s through recycling properly, joining organizations focused on climate change, or even participating in clean-ups at the beach or at the park. Overall, it is important to know that there is always something you can do to make a change.

The best thing to tell yourself is that even a collection of small steps allow for a large earth-saving impact to be made. In addition, I find that talking about your stresses with other people, such as peers or teachers, always helps. Sometimes, all it takes is encouragement and support from somebody else in order to assure you that you are not alone in this fight against climate change. Talking to someone, or even journaling in a notebook, can be very helpful and remind you that this problem is being recognized by many around the world.

While climate change and global warming can’t be solved in a day, there are many things you can do to help restore our planet. Getting involved in the community, joining clubs around school, and building relationships with others who have the same passions is something that really helps remind me that tons of people in our society care about protecting our planet. Some climate change centered clubs around Scripps that you can join include Spotless Shore, The Beach Cleanup Club, and California Scholarship Federation (CSF), which encourages you to volunteer around the community and help the Earth become healthier. I highly recommend joining a club or an organization that lets you discuss with others how to restore the beautiful planet we have and act to protect it.

Coping with climate anxiety is hard, since you never know if the Earth will ever revert back to its natural, healthy state Yet, it is important to remember that there are many bright-minded, dedicated individuals who are interested in preventing global warming from becoming worse. Let this be a reminder that you are not the only one scared for the future of our planet, and that there are numerous people who are willing to help the Earth. We have a

To wrap things up, here are some things you should know when coping with climate anxiety: small actions will make a big impact, talking with people who share similar passions is very helpful, being involved in the community and making decisions for our environment is very important, and never giving up on our planet.

There are many individuals, such as you and me, who won’t stop fighting until our planet is beautiful and protected again. Next time you are at the beach, remember to stop and listen to our ecosystem, clean up the environment, and know there is a solution to climate change and global warming. It just needs the power of a community to help.

driving force that will succeed in the end because of all the perseverance, determination, and passion rooted in our community.

THE QUAD

Importance of making change on the county level - 24

Written by: Thejo Tattala

Edited by: Akshara Madabushi, Emmaryn Stones

Art by: Thejo

Tattala

Layout by: Sahithi

Lingampalli

Hood Feminism, the exclusivity of gender equality - 26

Written by: Abby Hyde

Edited by: Adelina Ramirez, Angela Bautista

Art by: Sahithi

Lingampalli

Layout by: Elena Fritz

CONTENTS

interview with a student activist - 28

Written by: Mia Young, Jeewon Kim-Ka

Edited by: Eljen Lacibal, Jaiden Wick, Kavya Gurunath

Art by: Taylor Diosa

Layout by: Jennifer Le

what is a student board member? interview with lea and Zachary - 30

Written by: Akshara Madabushi

Edited

by: Mia Young, Sydney Hagler

Art by: Sahithi Lingampalli

Layout by: Jennifer Le

black student union - 32

Written by: Dori Zubkoff

Edited by: Thejo Tattala, Stephanie

Art by:

Layout by: Beckham Arias

Le, Elise Pendoley

Painting change - art in activism - 34

Written by: Emmaryn Stones

Edited by: Mia Young, Stephanie Le, Elise Pendoley

Art by: Maggie Sackett

Layout by: Nathan Pe

what is activism?

Activism is defined as “the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change”. As students, our version of advocacy is making sure that our voice is represented in the matters that concern us, and our communities. We want to be heard on issues regarding our education, mental health, and well-being. Student involvement is essential on all educational levels, whether it be the school, the district, or the county. Students know best about the facts and the faults of the system in place, which is why we are the best proponents for change in our county.

Once a problem is identified, the next stage is research. Ask as many questions as possible. Who is responsible for that particular topic? What are their goals? Is there room for improvement? Who can help in these situations? Thoroughly investigating these questions leads to a well-developed solution, the final and most crucial part of making change. Are there organizations that help combat this issue? If so, is there an opportunity to provide your input and that of your peers? If not, start an organization, club, or initiative that can solve this problem

Take for instance, GenUp, a student-led organization dedicated to advocating for education and racial equality. One of their campaigns promotes Ethnic Studies across San Diego school districts. As part of this campaign, organize educational webinars about the significance of ethnic studies. They received positive feedback from many students expressing their gratitude towards the sessions and their true impact on the community. In addition, GenUp is working to expand awareness about the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE), which promotes civic engagement among high school students The SSCE is offered

Change, whether at the county level or beyond, starts with identifying a problem. Observe your surroundings, your friends, and your fellow students. What is the difficulty they face? What are areas of improvement that you see?

upon completion of a certain set of activities. In order to promote SSCE, GenUp works to encourage civic engagement and student advocacy by eliminating fear Through their efforts within the education and social environments of the county, GenUp has been able to initiate change while empowering many students and adults across the community.

While student organizations like GenUp have had significant impact on the county level, there are several ways to make change. Change can start with something as small as identifying a problem in the community. With proper research and collaboration, one initiative is enough to transform your community. Change isn’t an unconquerable obstacle; it’s an opportunity Change starts with one person.

I m p o r t a n c e o f m a k i n g c h a n g e o n t h e c o u n t y l e v e l .

Hood Feminism the exclusivity of gender equality

The two words Hood and Feminism sounds a bit funny together and may cause you to ponder what they mean when combined. The book, Hood Feminism, by Mikki Kendall, uncovers the major blind spot in the feminist movement where women of color, women of the LGBTQIA+ community, and underprivileged women are underrepresented. As the subtitle of the book “Notes From the Women That a Movement Forgot” suggests, Hood Feminism reveals how feminism has failed to address intersectionality and include the breadth of the issues women face daily. In simpler words, it addresses how feminism excludes the issues from “the hood” that women of marginalized communities experience. Hood Feminism is an eyeopening, informative perspective that illustrates how the feminist movement’s goals of equality have been distorted.

To further understand the complexity of how issues overlap and affect different women from different populations, intersectionality must be taken into account Feminism typically pertains to the injustices white women face and excludes the different obstacles that women of other ethnic backgrounds face. Intersectionality, however, is a stronger technique in ensuring that advocating and the opposition to oppression is effectively implicated and creates justice on an equal scale.

Intersectionality acknowledges the different levels of obstacles that women can face and how they may overlap, or intersect. An immigrant woman’s experience can be very different from one that was born a natural citizen. A heterosexual female’s experiences will differ from that of a homosexual female. Socio-economics play a role on how women experience inequality as well Women experience the intersection between race, gender, class, and ethnicity. However, this is often overlooked in feminist movements. Feminism often falls under a white woman’s narrative which fails to recognize the complexity of issues with the inequality that women of different backgrounds experience. The acknowledgment of intersectionality within feminism can better tackle the gender inequality that women face and tailor solutions to specifically help women of all backgrounds.

Mikki Kendall’s essays throughout Hood Feminism dives into overlooked intersecting issues and how education, poverty, hunger, housing, gun violence, and reproductive justice all fall under the banner of feminism. She challenges and derails harmful stereotypes that further obstruct the path to justice. An example of this is the stereotype, “Black Girls Don’t Have Eating Disorders” is misleading and prevents women from getting the help they need and support

for their health. Sayings like these further racial and socio-economic and class-based prejudiced sentiments. Kendall highlights experiences of women from marginalized communities and confronts how the feminist movement includes exactly what it is meant to stand against; the oppression of women. Within the movement, some women oppress others, which is a concept that is also not often acknowledged. Kendall states, “[W]hite women can oppress women of color, straight women can oppress lesbian women, cis women can oppress trans women, and so on." The feminist movement needs to protect women across all lines and be willing to stand up for women of different communities, not just one’s own.

As women receiving an education in the diverse environment of San Diego High School, we can draw on our own experiences with intersectionality and apply what is advocated for throughout Hood Feminism. San Diego High School is rich with culture and people of different ethnicities and backgrounds with many clubs that welcome and celebrate the specific communities that make up the greater community which is the school. Each woman attending SDHS may have a very different experience from the next because of intersecting qualities that make up her identity. With a curriculum that teaches about intersectionality and gender equality, students become the future change of the feminist movement With education on these issues, the single story of the white woman’s feminist narrative can evolve into a movement that encompasses every background and intersection to promote gender equality at all levels. Education is the strongest

tool that young women can utilize and as the future generation, they can incite an inclusive change for women. Books like Hood Feminism and “woke” school curriculum create real progress for change and equality for women of all backgrounds and female students of all communities.

Interview With a Student Activist Interview With a Student Activist

What is your name, grade, and school you attend?

“Zoë Geller-Alford (she/her), 12th grade, Point Loma High School.”

What issues do you focus on in activism?

“I have experience with reproductive rights, gun control, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and youth advocacy.”

How did you first get involved in activism? / When did you start getting involved?

“I grew up exposed to climate science since my father is an oceanographer, but I remember feeling truly scared about the climate crisis for the first time in 6th grade, when we surpassed 400 ppm (CO2 composition in our atmosphere). That was seen as a real tipping point, because it takes so long to impact that number. I went to my first youth climate summit through Youth4Climate as a freshman. That was my jumping-off point into climate activism, and everything else was a domino effect from there.”

How long have you been involved in this activism?

“I really got started in 2020, after the pandemic hit. My first exposure was that aforementioned Youth4Climate summit in 2019! Since that first summit, I realized how much of a domino effect my efforts have been, with one leading me to the next.”

Do you want to continue your work in activism throughout college and your career?

“Absolutely, I will always be in activism. I am going into environmental engineering because I hope to contribute a hand in mitigating the climate crisis. I think on a selfish level, I’m involved because I wouldn’t be able to stand all the awful news headlines without feeling like I’m trying to do something I also hope humanity can be about stepping outside of ourselves for the good of one another. I hope what I’m trying to do is along those lines.”

What organizations do you work with?

“I’ve helped with the Eco Club Coalition planning committee, the Youth v. Oil campaign, and my own campaign educating about climate finance and Chase Bank, the biggest funder of fossil fuels! I then connected with Future Coalition and put on my first sololed protest outside of our downtown Chase Bank.

In my school district, I got involved with climate justice through Student Equity Ambassadors, a group locating and remedying areas of injustice. I started by working on the composting system in 2020, and then became co-chair of the Gender Empowerment division. I drafted a genderneutral dress code policy, helped the implementation of AB-367 mandating free period products in school bathrooms, and partnered with a local organization to reduce period stigma in schools. When a student at my school was assaulted and received no support, I helped organize a protest of survivors sharing their stories. I used the district connections I’d formed as an Equity Ambassador to get a meeting with the Superintendent about changing our sexual harassment policy. I founded the Unite Coalition at my school, a group dedicated to resources and system reform to eradicate rape culture. Our Sexual Misconduct Awareness Week hosted guest speakers and focused on our school-wide presentations on terminology, resources, and how to stop being a bystander.”

lost the drive that kept me fighting. Yet, I’ve met the most powerful, inspiring people through my work. It reminds me of good in the world, of how we keep hope in face of setbacks, and the power of community I’ve developed such a sense of power and selfadvocacy through what we do. Though it’s a constant reminder of everything that needs fixing in the world, it’s also what keeps me going.”

What is your advice for students who are interested in participating in activism?

“Take advantage of your age!! You have such a unique position as a young person – utilize that. Start at school. What could be made better? What resources do students deserve? There are systems in place that can help you advocate for change at that initial level, and then work your way up to the district for widespread change. This is a perfect way to start, especially since you see tangible change at a school-level. Take your time, don’t overload yourself, and make sure to prioritize your own wellbeing and joy throughout the process. That sounds intuitive, but I overlooked it and it left me so burned out and bitter about everything. You have such power and passion as an individual, and allowing that to thrive should always be the priority.”

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being an activist?

“Sometimes it feels like everything is working towards a goal, and sometimes it feels like putting pressure on a bleeding wound, trying to do anything to make it better. This past summer the strings holding my will together frayed apart and I

What is a student board member?

interview with Lea and zachary

Aksha: "This week, I interviewed two very important people who make vital decisions that affect our daily lives as students. Lea Nepomuceno and Zachary Patterson, a current Student Board Member and former Student Board member who created the position itself Throughout this interview, I explored the life of a Student Board Member, their roles and responsibilities, along with their advice for students just like you. Below are some of the questions that I asked them, along with their fascinating answers. "

What are goals you personally have and what do you want to achieve this year?

Lea: “Campus police reform. This looks like the establishment of the Police Youth Advisory Committee, uniform changes, and ultimately cultivating a more welcoming police stance on campus. The second main focus that I have is menstrual product accessibility. AB-367 recently passed (which mandated that period products are available in all of California schools), and we've successfully been able to roll them out to high schools across the district. The third focus is to uplift student voice. I have toured about 7-8 schools so far, which has been an integral process of being a student board member. I was able to get to know the students, experience different campuses, and learn about how amazing the communities are that make up San Diego Unified.”

adviceforpeopletryingto getinvolvedinthecommunity?

What is your

Lea: “Passion without purpose yields the worst results,” Lea says. “By first identifying the purpose of your advocacy, you cultivate a much more focused path to make a difference in your community and beyond."

How did you apply to this position?

Lea: “Before I was a Student Board Member, I was the Student Chair of the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee on Racial Justice and Equity. Through my time on the Committee, I had the amazing opportunity to meet student activists such as Zachary Patterson who introduced me to the role of a Student Board Member. I got my 200 signatures, filled out the application, and started my campaign! I had the privilege of being elected alongside San Diego High School's very own Matthew Quitoriano."

What is the role of a Student Board Member?

Zachary: “A Student Board Member is a student that serves on the governing board of their school district, their role is to not only represent students but also serve as a regular member of the Board of Education and participate in activities. Their primary constituency is the students, and their role entails going to all board meetings, making sure all the students' concerns are heard and are supported. This means visiting schools and coming up with policy proposals to better understand the school district. It's really important to understand that our school district is racially diverse and socioeconomically diverse and that the Student Board members can effectively represent all students.

Why is this position important to have?

Zachary: “Students are the center of the education system. There is no education if there are no students. We all want to make an impact on the next generation because education can change lives. Education is an equalizer. Students can share their experiences and help create policy based on lived experience. Members of the Board have not been in the education system for multiple decades. Students on the School Board have the unique ability to speak on behalf of what students need and to improve education at large. As a student board member you have the unique opportunity to create transformational change, since students' voices do matter and belong in the education system.”

Why did you start this position:

Zachary: “When I was in 7th grade I recognized disconnect; students are 100% of those being served by the education system, and 0% making decisions. I had a bad interaction with a counselor and after that moment I remember thinking, the issues that my friends and I talk about, are the same issues, year after year. If the customer of a system isn't satisfied with the product then the product needs to be changed. This is the main reason for the Student Board member, we care about your voice so much that we want you to be a part of making it better.”

WHATDOESITMEANTOBE ASTUDENTUNIONLEADER? Interview with Ania Appleton

“My name’s Ania Appleton. I’m in 11th grade, and I’m a co-president of the Black Student Union at San Diego High School."

What are some of your favorite parts of Black culture?

“OOH! I love the diversity. A lot of African-Americans make their own kind of culture because they don’t know where they originated from from Africa, so they have their own culture. But there’s also different ethnicities within black culture, like the countries in Africa. We can be Senegalese, or Nigerian, or Ghanian, and seeing everybody have their own kind of cultural traditions and still being like, you know, black and everything. I’m Jamaican myself so that’s from the Caribbean but black people are everywhere and I love that. I love our music. Love music! I could not live without black music. Like rap, jazz, especially R&B, stuff I love. Yeah, I think that [diversity and music] are my two favorite things about black culture.”

How do you, as a student union, hope to lift up your fellow black students?

“Let me make something really really clear - we’re always supporters of black joy. Which is something you don't see in the media a lot. And if you look at specifically the news, if you see a black person there, it’s usually because someone has died and they were either murdered or shot because of gang violence or something like that. I think summer of 2020 was a very very big time like that, where we saw George Floyd and there were protests and while that is so very important, it can take a toll on our souls, our mental health and our wellbeing when all we see is black trauma, all we see is people dying, or people getting treated terribly. So we are always focusing on black joy, black achievements, black success [...] we’re gonna try to do internship/career fests. We’re always looking to uplift our members because we feel like there’s just not enough of that in our lives especially on social media. So, [we are] always advocates for black joy and black uplifting.”

How do you hope for non-Black students to participate in/support the Black Student Union?

“I think our broadest goal is to educate. I feel like I say this all the time but you’d be surprised by how ignorant people can be. Maybe due to lack of care, or a lot of times it’s just lack of learning, really. So we’re trying to teach people to learn how to navigate friendships or relationships with black people, or really people of color in general. It’s so important taking a step back and trying to see or even feel the world from a black person's lens. When dealing with conflict of race or stuff like that it makes a huge impact. It can mean so much to black people to see their friends, families, spouses, or whatever, try to understand how they’re feeling in times of need. So we’re always trying to educate non-black people [...] like, for example, if you had walked up to a black woman and said, ‘can I touch your hair?’. It's kind of a no-no. But some people don’t understand that, so I feel like Black Student Union is a place where they can ask those questions like, ‘why can’t I touch a black person's hair?’, ‘why can’t I post this online?’ [...] we want to help people learn [...] that’s our goal, really.”

How do you hope for the SDHS Black Student Union to use activism and advocacy?

“So we understand that the best way to reach people now is through social media. So we’re moving forward, we’re going to try to post more educational stuff on our instagram [...] we [also] are trying to do a couple public speeches. We’re not sure how that would work, but we’re going to look into that. But activism can be something so small. Even creating the Black Student Union and running it is a form of activism.”

Is there anyone who inspired you to have an active role in your student union?

“Yes, my family does, Arsema [previous co-president of the SDHS BSU] does, my co-president does, my officers do. My love of black people exceeds, so I’m happy to put it into something like the club and advocate for the people!”

Painting Change

Art in Activism Art in Activism

In a world full of injustice and inhumanity, it’s easy to feel powerless in the grand scheme of change. As a student, especially underage, how can you possibly be loud enough to institute any real progress? Activism in a fast moving world can be tricky, but you may have more capability than you realize.

Activism

Activism. What is it? I interviewed Evangelina “Eva” Amato, President of San Diego High School’s Climate Action Club, for some experienced insight:

How would you define activism?

“I’d define activism as a creative [form of] problem-solving, because you’re using the resources you have to solve political or societal issues. It’s really a beautiful thing, because these are issues that normally only politicians or rich people have leverage on. So, activism is important to democracy, really.”

What qualities do you consider essential in a student activist?

“I think that the essential qualities for a student activist are mostly determination and will-power. It’s because I am really passionate about the climate, and I have taken much more than possible on my plate, that I have been able to do so much in such a short time. If you don’t think you can do it… I mean, it’s just going to happen. If you are really passionate about something, it’s going to work out. So honestly, just get over that fear and get started.

Eva said it all. Activism is a way of raising awareness and changing minds by connecting with others, a form of persuasion. But for students, the question remains - how can I magnify my ideas in an accessible way to induce change?

Art

What better way to provoke thought in an audience than through art? Like Eva said, activism is a demonstration of passion and determination. Art is the ultimate form of expression and passion, a way to sculpt our ideas into physical forms with which others can connect, interpret, and interact. Art is powerful in every form, it can push an individual out of their comfort zone, and make them feel something.

Here are a few things to remember when using your art to inspire awareness:

All forms of art are fair game!

This might be obvious, but get creative! Whether it be painting, sculpting, dancing, or creating music, use the form of art most relevant to you. Think about the different ways to express yourself and choose the one you think would be most effective in getting your point across. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others.

Plan meaningfully

Think about your audience. Who is this art meant to reach? What effect do you want it to have on them? Is your art meant as a call to arms, or to change the minds of opposing viewers? Think about how your art will convince an audience.

Use social media to your advantage.

Don’t be afraid to post your work- you could even create a separate account for your art. Since millions of people worldwide use these platforms, sharing art through social media is a super effective way of creating wide-spread, global reach!

Eva’s Tips for Student Activists (Plus an Update on SDHS Climate Action Club)

At the end of our interview, I asked Eva for three tips for students hoping to become more active in change and in opening dialogue around passionate issues within their community. Here’s her response:

Find the Community

“Find the community, obviously, whether that be friends or a non-profit organization, whatever it might be. That’s where you’ll find resources and support.”

Take Every Opportunity

“Follow every opportunity. I have a list of climate organizations and different pathways I could take, because you never know which one is going to work out the best. (...) Say yes to everything.”

Get Started

“Get started. It’s going to work out no matter what. Be mindful of your impact. It’s all going to work out, and you’re going to learn from it.”

Interested in supporting San Diego High School’s Climate Action Club? Follow the SDHS Climate Club on instagram and stay on the look out for the Climate Club newsletter, coming soon!

contributors

leadership staff writers

Lea Nepomuceno, Editor in Chief

Sahithi Lingampalli, Editor in Chief

Beckham Arias, Jr Editor in Chief

Dori Zubkoff

Stephanie Le

Sydney Hagler

Adelina Ramirez

Elise Pendoley

Jaiden Wick

Angela Bautista

Eljen Lacibal

Akshara Madabushi

Thejo Tattala

Abby Hyde

Mia Young

Jeewon Kim-Ka

Lea Nepomuceno

Emmaryn Stones

artists

Taylor Diosa

Sahithi Lingampalli

Maggie Sackett

Jennifer Le

Hannah Monzon

Thejo Tattala

layout designers

Emily Le

Angela Bautista

Elena Fritz

Nathan Pe

Sahithi Lingampalli

Jennifer Le

Cover art by Sahithi Lingampalli

chapter staff

Scripps Ranch High School

Lea Nepomuceno, Co-President

Sahithi Lingampalli, Co-President

Stephanie Le, Vice President

Fanna Seman, Treasurer

Uday Lingampalli, Secretary

Kavya Gurunath, Writing Director

Vivian Wang, Writing Director

Thejo Tattala, Art Director

Elena Fritz, Layout Director

Jennifer Le, Layout Director

San Diego High School

Beckham Arias, President

Tahlia Burnett, Vice President

Emmaryn Stones, Treasurer

Mia Young, Secretary

Dori Zubkoff, Student Relations Director

Elise Pendoley, Writing Director

Mira Mesa High School

Angela Bautista, President

Eljen Lacibal, Vice President

Nathan Pe, Treasurer

Hannah Monzon, Secretary

Editor's Note

Scripps Ranch San Diego Mira Mesa Wherever you are, welcome home!

Just a year ago, we took flight with our vision of a printed student-led magazine at Scripps Ranch High School We've since spread our wings: getting out the vote with Safer CA's Voter Jam, welcoming Cavers and Marauders alike to our team, and doing it all while advocating for a better San Diego.

Whether its challenging others' perspectives, questioning the status quo, or pushing forth meaningful legislative action art and activism share many of the same underlying motives. Here, we explore and celebrate that intersection. From interviews with student activists including student union leaders to essays such as "Hood Feminism" exploring the exclusivity within the gender equality movement, this issue presents a uniquely student-driven lens that empowers the voices of all.

Because together, we fly high!

Your Editors In Chief

Lea Nepomuceno ‘23

Sahithi Lingampalli ‘23

It was an honor to serve as the Junior Editor-in-Chief for this extraordinary magazine. Not only will this help SDUSD students do better in school, but it will also provide them with a space to share their talents, and other accomplishments and news around the district. The Wing Magazine is composed of a talented, enthusiastic, intelligent group of students, and it was truly a pleasure working with everyone; at Scripps Ranch High, Mira Mesa High, and especially with my classmates at San Diego High School.

I’d like to thank Elise Pendoley for her strenuous efforts to make the magazine the best we can, Mia Young for her continued support, and Taylor Kinoshita for her teacher advisory. And thank you Mom and Dad, hope you enjoyed the magazine.

Your Junior Editor-in-Chief Beckham Arias '25