Why are teachers quitting? 

by Selah Dorn (’25)| March 22, 2024 My TikTok feed is a mixture of music recommendations, political commentary, consumer culture, and week after week, teachers throwing their hands up in surrender and leaving teaching altogether. Other fads come and go, but this feeling of hopelessness and defeat seems constant. Teachers complain of rowdy, undisciplined classrooms,…

Beyond breakouts: is acne only skin deep?

by Mollie Jones (’27) | March 22, 2024 Many claim acne as one of the most commonly stigmatized skin conditions in the world, stereotyping those with it to be unhealthy, unattractive, unapproachable, and unkempt. People with the condition are often offered unsolicited advice, told misinformation, and are shunned in professional environments. In fact, an international…

Why doesn’t anyone read anymore?

by Myra Malhotra (’26) | March 22, 2024 In an age where digital distractions abound and the demands of daily life seem ever-increasing, the simple act of reading has become a challenge for many. Experiences like that of returning unread library books echo a broader societal trend: a decline in the time devoted to reading.…

People Problem: how ableist language perpetuates discrimination

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | March 22, 2024 The power of language often goes unnoticed in our daily lives, especially in casual conversations with our friends and family. Unfortunately, many words and phrases commonly used in colloquial exchanges carry harmful histories, ranging from the racial to the ableist. For instance, using the words “dumb” or…

The People Problem: crude comments about curly hair

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | March 1, 2024 Growing up, I absolutely hated the idea of going to get my hair cut. No matter how many times my mother tried to explain the importance of cutting off dead ends or keeping my hair healthy, I remained staunch in my decision. The thought of sitting in…

The dying art of hobbies

by Semira Arora (’25) | March 1, 2024 My eyes began to droop as the dull glow from my phone fried the last shred of my brain power, but I could not resist. There was no way I would just fall asleep so early, but what else could I possibly do to pass such a…

Debunking white feminism and Taylor Swift

Kylie Chen (’24) and Kiana Allard (’24) | March 1, 2024 Over the past year, Taylor Swift has experienced a meteoric rise in fame, performing over one hundred shows and earning over one billion dollars in the past year as part of her global Eras Tour. Her latest album Midnights also made history, earning her…

How Russia changed from a enemy to an ally: changing political beliefs in conservative politics

by Rithvik Chavali (’24) | March 1, 2024 The Republican Party. The Grand Old Party. Since the Reagan Era, the conservative party of the United States has represented the quintessential “American Party.” Once staunchly opposing Russia, the Republican Party has now seen a change in course, one that portrays Russia in a sympathetic light. Why?…

The People Problem: the “rustic” charm of farmers’ markets

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | February 2, 2024 In the heart of Berkeley, California, Alice Waters’ world-renowned restaurant, Chez Panisse, has attracted various customers since its opening in 1971. Waters, an award-winning chef, is mainly known for pioneering the farm-to-table movement, a more sustainable approach to farming and harvesting. Farmers’ markets began to pop up…

On Ayodhya

by Sarav Desai (’24) | February 2nd, 2024 Let’s talk about Ayodhya. Ayodhya, for those unaware, is regarded as the birthplace of Ram, an immensely important figure in Hinduism and the famous protagonist of the Ramayana, an epic poem which is foundational to the religion.  It’s generally believed that a Hindu temple used to exist on…

Hair bows: embracing femininity

by Mollie Jones (’27) | February 2, 2024 Hair bows, a popular twenty-first-century symbol of femininity, have not always been associated with sophistication and youth. Bows have existed for much of human history, dating back to the Early Dynastic Illa, when Sumerian men and women wore gilded ribbons to keep their hair back; the Metropolitan…

Puerto Rico’s increasing number of C-sections sparks concerns over healthcare

by Jasmine Salgado (’26) | February 2, 2024 Puerto Rico’s alarming healthcare statistics show firsthand the dangers of life in poverty. Considering that Puerto Rico is poorer than Mississippi (the most impoverished state in the US), the need for improvement on the island comes as no surprise. That need grew only larger with the havoc…

Connections: the best NYT game

by Katherine Winton (’25) | November 17, 2023 As one of the most popular news sites in the United States, The New York Times is well known not only for its daily coverage of global topics but also for its well-loved selection of games. From the classic New York Times Crossword to modern games, like…

Why can’t we stop mass shootings?

by Sarav Desai (’24) | November 17, 2023 On October 25, a gunman in Lewiston, Maine killed 18 people and injured 13 more, resulting in yet another mass shooting in America. After a roughly 48-hour manhunt, the shooter was found dead due to a self-inflicted wound. He is one of the newest in a shockingly…

McCarthy’s ousting unpacked

by Claire Marcellini (’26) | November 17, 2023 In an unprecedented move in early October, the House of Representatives made a historic decision, voting to remove a Speaker of the House as Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a close tally of 216-210 votes in a campaign led by fellow Republican Representative Matt Gaetz. Gaetz…

College admissions on the limb: the affirmative action ruling

by Thanisha Kapur (’25) | November 17, 2023 College admissions season is in full swing, and no one is more stressed than the seniors who are finishing their applications and stacking their resumés before sending them off to their dream schools. Unfortunately, for many teenagers, being a dedicated student, a selfless individual, and a charismatic…

The People Problem: the harms of collateral damage in war

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | November 17, 2023 As news headlines flood with recountings of battles fought across the world, the term “collateral damage” seems to keep popping up—specifically in reference to lives lost in war. The word “war” itself can be a battlefield, as words often conceal the grim realities they attempt to describe.…

The “girl-ification” of TikTok trends

by Thanisha Kapur (’25) | October 6, 2023 The rise of social media platforms has had enormous impacts on daily lives, especially for teenagers who spend most of their time scrolling endlessly on TikTok, X, (formerly known as Twitter) and other popular sites. Lately, many people, specifically women, have been romanticizing mundane errands or hobbies…

Exploring controversies in Disney’s upcoming Snow White remake

by Myra Malhotra (’26) | October 6, 2023 Disney, a global entertainment giant, has a history of creating cinematic classics cherished by generations. Currently, the company is at the forefront of the trend of reimagining beloved animated movies through live-action adaptations. One of the most highly anticipated remakes is Snow White; however, the new release…

Smoky shutdowns: school closures in the face of fire

by Selah Dorn (’25) | October 6, 2023 Bright orange skies, the sun blazing through an omnipresent gray haze, the overwhelming smell of campfire. Unfortunately, this visual seems to be an increasingly frequent scene in California, as smoke is blown across the state by yearly wildfires. Every fall, there’s a new tragedy, and the smoke…

The People Problem: social impacts of antihomeless infrastructure

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | October 6, 2023 Casual remarks made in passing can have profound effects on how we view the world, and they simultaneously speak volumes about our privilege. Based on the rising homelessness rate, many feel tempted to blame the people themselves. However, taking a deep dive into anti-homeless infrastructure and policies…

Trend Z: modern celebrity culture

by Semira Arora (’25) | March 31, 2023 Nowadays, when scrolling through Instagram, it’s becoming more difficult to differentiate who is a celebrity and who is an influencer. With the rise of social media, traditional celebrities are not the only ones with a platform to share their message. Unlike in the past where there was…

On the Frontlines: Unveiling the hegemon’s toolbox

by Alexander Chang (’23) | March 31, 2023 This final edition of On the Frontlines deviates from its traditional format to illustrate a broader geopolitical situation that has only grown more and more prevalent in recent years—exploiting instability for leverage. Each of the following attempted or successful coups highlights one of many reasons that powerful nations…

Breaking down the Silicon Valley Bank collapse

by Kasper Halevy (’24) | March 31, 2023 One million dollars a second. That is how fast clients of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) withdrew deposits on March 10, causing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to take over the failed bank by midday. This was the second-largest bank collapse in United States history since the demise…

Rethinking diversity training

by Sarav Desai (‘24) and Semira Arora (’25) | March 31, 2023 Recently, terms like “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are populating 9-5 company culture. Although the terms within diversity training may sound like buzzwords, they intend to facilitate group interaction between people of various populations as a means to reduce prejudice and discrimination. From seminars…

Hope for the high-speed rail

by April Beyersdorf (’24) | March 31, 2023 Commuting from the Bay Area to Los Angeles either means a very long drive or a very short flight. The highways and airports are both a hassle, and few Californians regularly travel between the two regions. However, in the San Joaquin Valley, a third travel option is…

The prognosticator’s prediction: true or false?

by Claire Marcellini (’26) | March 10, 2023 Art by Megan Wang (’25) Every February 2, the faithful enthusiasts of groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, also known as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, gather around a particular Pennsylvania hole to see if Phil will emerge. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow, he will retreat back into…

Loving your life: the romanticization of the everyday

by Smriti Vijay (’25) | March 10, 2023 romanticize: to deal with or describe in an idealized or unrealistic fashion; to make (something) seem better or more appealing than it really is In a society that seems to prioritize productivity and quantitative achievement in all settings, the call to “romanticize your life” advertises the beautification of everyday…

Why the earthquake should be the end of Erdogan

by Sarav Desai (’24) | March 10, 2023 On February 5th, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Southern Turkey and Northern Syria; it was followed by two massive aftershocks, bringing further destruction to the area. As of late February, the death toll passed 50,000. The considerable amount of rubble to be searched and bodies to…

Trend Z: perception vs. peace

by Semira Arora (’25) | March 10, 2023 Congratulations! Your personality type is…exactly what you filled out for ninety questions. With the rise of personality questionnaires like the Myers-Briggs sixteen personalities test or the Enneagram test, many people find themselves mentioning different acronyms or numbers as introductions when meeting new people. While these tests may…

On the Frontlines: The story behind the DRC’s two decades of war

by Alexander Chang (’23) | March 10, 2023 On November 4, 2022, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced the establishment of military recruitment centers across the nation’s twenty-six provinces. The communiqué came at a time of significant uncertainty and instability in the DRC’s eastern region of Kivu, which has…

If Republicans truly care about “fair” elections, they should expel George Santos

by Nikhil Dewitt (’24) | February 3, 2023 In a year where Democrats managed to largely stave off a massive Republican wave during the midterm elections, New York stood out as a glaring exception; a surprising amount of voters supported Republicans in a state dominated by liberal New York City’s population. One of the beneficiaries…

You’re toxic, I’m slipping under (the alt-right pipeline)

by Claire Marcellini (’26) and Elsa Ying (’23) | February 3, 2023 In recent years, the term “toxic masculinity” has entered public consciousness. The concept was first introduced by the American Psychological Association’s 2019 Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Boys and Men, wherein they presented their research and conclusion that the stoicism, aggressiveness, and competitiveness…

McCarthy strikes a deal for Speaker

by Sarav Desai (’24) | February 3, 2023 Early on the morning of Saturday, January 7, Kevin McCarthy breathed a sigh of relief, as he was finally elected to be the fifty-fifth Speaker of the House of Representatives. Five days of chaos, fanfare, near violence on the House floor, and unexpected votes turned what was…

Trend Z: the evolution of self-care

by Semira Arora (’25) | February 3, 2023 As the cold, flabby sheet mask marinated my skin, I sat with my own thoughts for fifteen minutes. While staring at the ceiling, I came to a realization that I hated to admit. The face mask was in fact not solving my life problems. Nor was it…

Lights, camera, no action: examining award show culture

by Jasmine Salgado (’26) | February 3, 2023 The list of award shows seems endless: Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, Golden Globes, and, more. Most see award shows as a momentous occasion for actors, filmmakers, and musicians alike to join together in the hopes of going home with joy in their hearts and a trophy in their…

On the Frontlines: A nation in the pocket of twenty-four families

by Alexander Chang (’23) | February 3, 2023 Weighed down by the ashes of the Korean War, the largely agrarian South Korean economy entering the 1960s was anything but successful. Nearly eighty percent of the Korean populace lived below the poverty line, and literacy barely reached twenty-two percent.  But after the ironically anti-democratic May 16th…

Franny Flu: Why is everyone getting sick?

by Selah Dorn (’25) | November 18, 2022 My religion class normally has around twenty-five kids. Yet these past couple of weeks, barely half of them were here at the same time. This holds true not just for my classes; everyone is getting sick. Many have blamed it on the homecoming dance and the “Halloweekend”…

A red wave… more like a red ripple

by Nikhil Dewitt (’24) | November 18, 2022 Over the past few weeks, news channels began emphasizing the red wave that would occur on election day. Republicans would take back the House and Senate, and Joe Biden would essentially be a lame-duck president. Shockingly, that red wave never materialized; the Senate has retained a Democratic…

Affirming or denying: Supreme Court’s affirmative action cases

by Anika Bastin (’23) | November 18, 2022 The Supreme Court has become an increasingly controversial body in the last couple of years. The current Court demonstrated its boldness in its recent case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that upended the nearly fifty-year-old precedent of the landmark Roe v. Wade. The next major issue…

On the Frontlines: how social media decided a Philippine election

by Alexander Chang (’23) | November 21, 2022 On May 9th, 2022, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) won a landslide victory in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, securing roughly fifty-nine percent of the votes. However, the success of his candidacy only speaks to the ever-increasing illiberalism of the political leadership in the Philippines.  The Marcos…

Post-pandemic life: Gen-Z concert culture

by Jasmine Salgado (’26) | November 18, 2022 A year and a half of pandemic-related anxiety and isolation has left society hungry for forms of entertainment that used to be commonplace in a pre-COVID world, such as concerts. As COVID-19 no longer dominates every aspect of day-to-day life, the younger generation is now being exposed…

Trend Z: authenticity on social media

by Semira Arora (’25) | November 18, 2022 In the past six months, the app BeReal has achieved virality and become one of the most popular apps for Gen Z. Alexis Barreyat and Kevin Perreau founded BeReal in December 2019 with the goal to be the “anti-social media”: a platform where users post an unedited…

Hectic Halloween: Moving the festivities to Saturdays

by Hadley Fay (’26) | October 7, 2022 Ghouls, ghosts, and pumpkins galore. Staying up late. Laughing with friends while devouring buckets full of candy. Halloween is inarguably one of the best nights of the year, but usually it lands on a night when school looms the next day. But what if it didn’t? There…

The unsustainability of TikTok trend cycles

by Anika Bastin (’23) | October 7, 2022 Social media has been omnipresent since the Internet itself emerged. Starting with more casual forms of communication, like MySpace, social media has now grown into a massive industry dominated by corporate superpowers like Facebook and Snapchat. In 2016, TikTok completely disrupted the market. With its quick, flashy…

Trend Z: the dark sides of dark academia

by Semira Arora (’25) | October 7, 2022 The romanticization of education is certainly not a new niche within media. Entertainment gave us Dead Poets Society as early as 1989 and more recently, Hermione from Harry Potter and other icons to emulate. This notion of aestheticizing studying and learning stems from an internet trend called…

On the Frontlines: LGBTQ+ Erasure in Uganda

by Alexander Chang (’23) | October 7, 2022 On August 7, 2022, Ugandan officials shut down the Sexual Minorities Uganda Group (SMUG), claiming that the group had failed to register with the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations. This decision comes at a concerning time, as government crackdowns have led to the ban of over a…

Why we need accountability after Mar-a-Lago

by Nikhil Dewitt (’24) | October 7, 2022 In the midst of the chaotic transition of power between Donald Trump and Joe Biden after the deadly insurrection on January 6, many Americans looked to Biden’s inauguration as a return to normalcy. However, few paid much attention to Trump as he boarded his plane to return…

Media coverage of Ukraine-Russia conflict highlights double standard

By Rohan Sinha (’23) | April 8, 2022 When Russian forces began their invasion of Ukraine in late February, the international community hastened to demonstrate solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The day after Russia began its invasion, Paris’s Eiffel Tower was lit with Ukraine’s national colors. Protesters around the world, from Buenos Aires to Istanbul,…

Unprecedented: closing reflections from the Class of 2022

by Melissa Paz-Flores (’22) | April 8, 2022 Dear Class of 2022, A word I’d use to describe our grade’s experience as a collective is unprecedented. Yes, unprecedented is making a comeback. While we have not received our High School Musical or Clueless experience, there are still small pockets of joy we can look back…

The case for a four-day work week

by Tanvi Rao (’22) | April 8, 2022 During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of companies adopted a “four-day work week” that allowed their employees to have a more productive and flexible work experience. The success that came with this new system prompted organizations and lawmakers across the globe to push for the four-day week…

The Policy Proposition: saving America’s only universal healthcare program

by Alexander Chang (’23) | April 8, 2022 President Richard Nixon signed the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program into law on July 1, 1973 to cover some ten thousand patients who lacked access to proper dialysis treatment. Fifty years later, more than five hundred thousand Americans out of an estimated thirty-seven million Americans currently suffering…

Wheels vs. doors: a once insignificant debate now sparking social media outrage

by Semira Arora (’25) and Anusha Jain (’25) | April 8, 2022 In addition to debates on many viral phenomena such as the audio of Laurel and Yanny or the infamous black and blue dress, social media is sparking yet another trend. The question at hand is: are there more wheels or doors in this…

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s SCOTUS nomination sparks hope for a more representative America

by Elsa Ying (’23) | March 21, 2022 On January 27, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his plans to retire at the beginning of the court’s summer recess, thus leaving one seat on the Supreme Court open for an appointment by President Joe Biden. During his campaign, Biden had previously pledged to nominate the…

The Policy Proposition: reforming political partisanship

by Alexander Chang (’23) | March 21, 2022 In an age of fervently partisan politics, polarization has made its way into all aspects of American life. Today’s hyperfixation on the latest partisan battle, however, hinders us from taking a step back and evaluating a core pillar of democracy: the judicial branch. The primary source of…

The divisive nature of Olympics doping scandals

by Melissa Paz-Flores (’22) | March 21, 2022 The Winter Olympics may have ended over three weeks ago, but the uncertainty surrounding the ethics of the event’s banned substances and doping policies lingers. This controversy reignites every four years, with a new slew of Olympians and top athletes under fire for using banned substances. The…

Will any sanctions sway Russia toward peace?

by Kasper Halevy (’24) | March 21, 2022 As the Russian military continues its relentless assault on Ukrainian civilians, the West has also been deploying myriad responses aimed at crippling the Russian economy. Russia’s access to SWIFT financial services (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) has been blocked. Assets are currently suspended worldwide, and the…

Returning to “normalcy”: masking as the mandates lift?

by Kylie Chen (’24) | March 21, 2022 Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the debate over mask-wearing has been heavily politicized, and unfortunately so. Instead of focusing on mask-wearing as a way of promoting public health, many Americans saw (and still see) mask-wearing as a threat to personal freedom—a viewpoint that has been…

The Policy Proposition: putting charter schools to the test

by Alexander Chang (’23) | February 14th, 2022 Charter schools have come a long way since City Academy, the first publicly funded, privately run institution in the United States, opened its doors in 1992. Just three decades later, more than 7500 charter schools across the country provide instruction for nearly three and a half million…

Look on the bright side: becoming an optimist

by Lauren Kelly (’25) | February 14, 2022 The difference between optimists and pessimists lies in how they cope with difficulty. Glass half full or half empty? After a setback, is there potential for growth or only chance of failure? Luckily, optimism is a trait that can easily be learned. Dr. Arpana Iyer, an American…

What affirmative action means for BIPOC scholars in the 21st century

by Melissa Paz-Flores (’22) | February 14th, 2022 “She only got into Saint Francis because she was Latina” were the hurtful words I heard from a white classmate during my middle school graduation. It didn’t hit me until years later that in the spheres of education, work, and beyond, some people brush past accomplishments or…

eSAT: a new era of standardized testing?

by Thanisha Kapur (’25) | February 14th, 2022 The latter half of high school is often associated with one word: stress. But on top of the overwhelming number of AP and honors courses that upperclassmen take, there is one major test they not only dread but spend hours upon hours studying for. It’s the SAT—a…

Who’s to blame for the crisis at the EU-Belarus border?

by Rohan Sinha (’23) | February 14, 2022 Last July, a crisis emerged at the border between Belarus and the European Union (EU), when thousands of migrants, many from the Middle East, sought to arrive in the EU by crossing from Belarus into three EU member states—Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. Polish border guards used tear…

The Policy Proposition: the gritty reality behind America’s opioid crisis

By Alexander Chang (’23) | November 19, 2021 Last October, Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of the highly addictive opioid OxyContin, faced a public lawsuit and settled for eight billion dollars. OxyContin played a key role in the ongoing opioid crisis and will face complete dissolution within upcoming months. While the sun may be setting on…

Personality, equity, and comfort: thoughts on the Lancer dress code

By Katherine Winton (’25), Anusha Jain (’25), and Da Hee Yang (’23) | November 19, 2021 The Saint Francis dress code is the focal point of countless campus debates among teachers and students alike. Everyone has a unique ideal dress code, so inevitably, there are always discrepancies in opinion. Some students feel that it is…

Tyrannized by the Taliban: women’s rights in Afghanistan in jeopardy once again

by Marissa Chao (’25) and Eliana Shin (’22) | November 19, 2021 On August 15, the Taliban seized Kabul and took control of the Afghan government. Despite their pledges to respect women and their rights, many doubt that the Taliban will act on these promises. The recent takeover has induced immense fear for the women…

How Texas’ abortion law opens the door to extensive citizen enforcement

By Eliana Shin (’22) and Aanya Mittu (’25) | November 19, 2021 In May, Texas passed a law ending access to abortions after six weeks into pregnancy. This restrictive ban shocked many people from its first appearance, given its discrepancy with Supreme Court precedent. The 1973 case of Roe v. Wade ruled that pregnant women…

Avoid cultural appropriation, pursue cultural appreciation

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | November 19, 2021 From Halloween costumes to “authentic” food, cultural appropriation pervades every aspect of people’s lives. Adopting certain elements of other cultures, even with the best of intentions, can be harmful when these elements are distorted or lost through appropriation. It is also important to recognize that dominant cultures…

The Met Gala: fundraiser or celebrity fashion show?

by Melissa Paz-Flores (’22) | October 11, 2021 Camp: Notes on Fashion. China: Through The Looking Glass. Man and the Horse. All of these are past themes from New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual benefit gala, popularly known as “the Met.” Established in 1948, the Met Gala was a private, invitation-only dinner at…

The Policy Proposition: our failure to provide for the elderly

by Alexander Chang (’23) | October 11, 2021 Two million Americans currently reside in long-term care facilities, and that number is set to skyrocket as our population ages. Yet our current support systems for the elderly have failed to protect them from harm. The pandemic has only exacerbated these shortcomings with long-term care facilities making…

The sensationalization of media: news or entertainment?

by Matthew Tran (’23) | October 11, 2021 We are witnessing the creation of a modern precedent in journalism: entertainment programming marketed as cable news. Flashy headlines flood social media, increasing readership yet driving integrity into the ground. The prophetic 1976 motion picture Network revolves around a ratings-hungry television network that capitalizes on the outrageous…

Fast fashion, slow down

by Semira Arora (’25) | October 11, 2021 From matching tie-dye sets to cropped cardigans, fashion trends come and go. While some may impulsively buy this season’s trend, it is important to think about what happens behind the scenes for every item one “adds to cart.” Why are countless clothing items thrown out at the…

Assessing the benefits of the return to in-person school

by Tanvi Rao (’22)| May 10, 2021 As spring break began, the Lancer community received exciting news. With the recent change in CDC guidelines, Saint Francis would be able to welcome its students back on campus for all four days of the school week. Teachers and students alike were elated that they would soon be…

Game Changers: accountability, not justice

by Anika Jain (’22) | May 10, 2021 On April 20, 2021, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty for unintentional second degree murder, third degree murder, and second degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Last year on Memorial Day, Floyd’s death incited worldwide protests for police reform, police abolition, equity,…

Major’s misdemeanors: a minor mishap

by Kasper Halevy (’24) | May 10, 2021 The “indoguration” party celebrating Major’s journey from a pup shelter to the White House marked a milestone for rescue dogs. Since the First Dogs of the United States, Champ (12) and Major (3), moved into the White House on January 24, Major has been displaying some aggressive…

It’s time to “cancel” cancel culture

by Melissa Paz-Flores (’22) | May 10, 2021 Trisha Paytas. James Charles. Azealia Banks. What do these people have in common? They have all been “canceled” multiple times. To “cancel” someone is to withdraw support for or boycott celebrities and companies after they have done something controversial or derogatory. Cancel culture can generally be found…

Making amends: the American fascination with the Second Amendment

by Alexander Chang (’23) | May 10, 2021 As the country slowly returns to normalcy, many aspects of American life have been welcomed back with open arms after their rather abrupt hiatus. However, a reality of our everyday lives has reared its ugly head once more: rampant gun violence. From the Indianapolis FedEx shooting on…

Game Changers: Western imperialism strikes again

by Anika Jain (’22) | March 29, 2021 On the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 quarantine, the World Trade Organization (WTO) failed again to approve the relinquishment of intellectual property rights for the COVID vaccine. The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, also known as the TRIPS Agreement, is an international legal agreement between…

America is no stranger to anti-Asian discrimination

by Eliana Shin (’22)| March 29, 2021 “Elderly man pushed to the ground.” “Local business robbed and vandalized.” “Woman left in critical condition after the attack.” I read countless headlines just like these in the last two months alone, all describing acts targeting Asian-Americans. The recent mass shooting in Atlanta killed eight people, six of…

Lancers reflect on a year of quarantine

by Tanvi Rao (’22)| March 29, 2021 Wednesday, March 11, 2020. A schoolwide email goes out to the students of Saint Francis, announcing that the entire campus will be closed until March 30 in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. I recall reading the message while crouched over some chemistry homework, stressed about an upcoming…

Mourning the loss of morning collabs: ways to move forward

by Elsa Ying (’23)| March 29, 2021 On February 18th, after months of planning and coordination, the Saint Francis student body returned to campus for a full day of instruction. While students and faculty alike rejoiced at this semblance of normality, an unfortunate casualty in these new developments was the loss of morning collaborations. Collaboration,…

Why our nation is so behind on COVID-19

by Jewel Merriman (’22) | March 29, 2021 On January 21, 2020, the CDC confirmed the first coronavirus case in the United States. On January 21, 2021, exactly one year later, there were 190,138 new COVID cases reported in the nation. In March 2021, as we reach the one-year anniversary of quarantine, there have been…

Sleep is not for the weak: tips to improve your sleep

by Melissa Paz-Flores (’22) | March 29, 2021 Okay, let’s face it. We’ve all had those rushed moments—having to stay up until past midnight to finish an assignment. And then we say we’ll sleep in on Saturday to make up for the lost hours. When that happens, we wake up on Saturday with a raging…

COVID-19 and college admissions: how fair is the system?

by Melissa Paz-Flores (’22) | March 1, 2021 In the midst of a global health crisis and social unrest, securing that acceptance letter into your dream school may be tougher than ever before. It is becoming easier to apply to college, but consequently, harder to gain admission. Take Harvard, for example. It saw a 57%…

“The Hill We Climb”: Amanda Gorman’s rise to the top

by Amélia Ávila (’24) | March 1, 2021 “You can do anything you put your mind to.” I’d heard that phrase many times but had always been skeptical until Inauguration Day, when I learned about Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate. Gorman recited her new poem, “The Hill We Climb,” with emotion and…

2020-2021 first semester review: what went well and what didn’t

by Brinly Richards (’22) | March 1, 2021 This past first semester was a wild new experience for Saint Francis students, parents, and teachers alike. Many aspects of the learning experience were different due to COVID-19, but we all worked together to navigate a semester online.  Numerous students loved the flexibility of our weekly schedule…

Game Changers: a review of President Biden’s first month in office

by Anika Jain (’22) | March 1, 2021 Last January, President Joe Biden was officially inaugurated. This presidential election has been incontrovertibly momentous with historical anomalies such as the riots on the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and President Trump’s second impeachment trial in mid-February. Not only has political polarization intensified between Democrats and Republicans,…

How to reverse Trump’s effects on political polarization

by Alexander Chang (’23) | March 1, 2021 Four years of the Trump Administration have flown by without a hitch. That is, of course, excluding the inconclusive border wall, futile trade war, economic crisis, and pandemic among other things, but nevertheless, it went by as smoothly as sandpaper. However, the political and economic consequences of…

Settling the debate: paper books or eBooks?

By Tanvi Rao (’22) | March 1, 2021 Nothing is better than a good book in your hands. The feel of the soft, velvet pages against your fingertips, the delicate paper smell that tickles your nose, the world it transports you to from the ordinariness of reality—all this wonder is encased in a bundle of…

Game Changers: Prop 16 and the benefits of reinstating affirmative action

by Anika Jain (’22) | November 16, 2020 This year, there was a large dispute over racial justice on the California ballot. California currently stands as one of only eight states that have banned affirmative action, a practice which refers to policies benefiting minority populations that were previously discriminated against in legislation. The purpose of…

The “United” States: a nation fighting against itself

by Eliana Shin (’22) | November 16, 2020 With the 2020 presidential election over, we’re seeing a trend on the rise. Political polarization is twisting partisanship into an ugly rift between fellow Americans.  Of course, there are the inevitable disagreements as to what is best for the country, or what should be prioritized in government.…

Congrats! It’s a… gender-neutral baby!

by Hannah Valencia (’22) | November 16, 2020 As I scrolled through my TikTok feed, a video from creator Melissa (@theartofmothering) appeared, her soft voice echoing radical ideas of gender neutrality. Her account focuses on gender-neutral parenting, and in this particular video, she explains how her son prefers swimming in a pink one-piece bathing suit.…

The rise of Among Us

by Tanvi Rao (’22) | November 16, 2020 Among Us, the “modern-day mafia simulator,” has taken the world by storm. Originally released in 2018, this online multiplayer game seems to have become popular almost overnight. One of the many reasons for its sudden fame may be its engaging and interactive online environment, allowing those in…

Not all votes are created equal: the Electoral College’s built-in bias

by Jewel Merriman (’22) | November 16, 2020 One person should equal one vote. Sounds simple, right? Especially since an inherent feature of democracy is to reflect the will of the masses. However, our president is determined by the electoral college, which is an outdated system that heavily favors one party and gives individuals more…

Do celebrity political endorsements matter?

by Zane Patel (’24) | November 16, 2020 Politicians passionately garner celebrity endorsements throughout their campaigns. In turn, society values them. But as valued as they seem to be, do they really sway voters’ decisions? And do Americans really think that the opinion of a celebrity should influence their vote? In this age of political…

Game Changers: RBG’s legacy and what her death means for America

by Anika Jain | October 5, 2020 This summer has been extremely eventful, from the pandemic to the horrific acts of racial violence to the fires engulfing the West Coast. But the cherry on top of this quasi-apocalypse is undoubtedly the death of the Notorious RBG—Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We lost Justice Ginsburg…

Why is the U.S. the leading nation in COVID cases?

by Tanvi Rao | October 5, 2020 COVID-19 has raged through the United States since March, spreading like a wildfire and infecting an astounding 7,000,000 people and counting. Since there is no definitive timeline for when we can expect a cure, many states have implemented important policies to ensure the safety of the public. For…

The world on fire: thanks, climate change

by Amélia Ávila | October 5, 2020 About 35 deaths and counting. Air quality indices easily in the two hundreds. Thousands of structures destroyed. Hundreds of thousands evacuated. Millions of acres burned down. No end in sight. Undoubtedly, you all have been following news about the dangerous, devastating wildfires burning all over the West Coast.…

What a 1600 means in 2020: SAT cancellations

by Hannah Valencia | October 5, 2020 My SAT book sat in the corner of my room, gathering dust on its glossy paperback cover. The voice of my mother echoed in my head, as her constant reminders and concerns about the SAT had been engraved in my mind. In truth, I was intimidated and terrified…

Cutting the hashtag from #BLM

by Eliana Shin | October 5, 2020 Flashback to early June: summer is officially here, I turn sixteen, and the Black Lives Matter Movement is reignited following the death of George Floyd. I open Instagram and scroll through black square after black square. Confused, I closed the app and returned a couple hours later to…

Virtual learning: what’s hot and what’s not

by Melissa Paz-Flores | October 5, 2020 Long gone are the days when we would wake up at 6 A.M., roll out of bed, rush to get ready for school, and leave the house before 7:30. Now, we can wake up on our own time, eat at our own convenience, and have a bit more…

Perplexity, paranoia, and prejudice: social issues caused by the coronavirus outbreak

by Elsa Ying | April 6, 2020 In the past few months, the recent news of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has incited many instances of racism around the world. Ever since the first outbreak of the virus in Wuhan, the capital of the Chinese province of Hubei, people began to associate…

Coronavirus and climate change

by Carolyn Zhao | April 6, 2020 Right now, you are probably, and should be, reading this from the safety of your home. Out of curiosity, maybe, or perhaps out of boredom. After all, there is a lot of time to fill each day in your state-sanctioned quarantine. But how did we get here in…

Trump’s failure with the coronavirus outbreak

by Will Li (’23) | April 6, 2020 The spread of the coronavirus has undoubtedly dramatically altered this country. Although America’s current executive branch seems to be trying to combat the disease, it is evident that it has been horribly mishandling the coronavirus pandemic. The Trump administration has repeatedly demonstrated inconsistency and promoted misleading communication…

A Walk Down Castro Street: Phở To Chau 999

by Kylie Chen (’24), Sophia Tran (’24), Valerie Wong (’24), and Amélia Ávila (’24) Tucked within a rather secluded street rests Phở To Chau 999, a small Vietnamese restaurant squashed between a myriad of other Asian food hotspots. This quaint destination started our journey down Castro Street strong with its classic Viet dishes. Upon arrival,…