Changing the stigma around “bad” grades
Caroline Lobel, Editor in Chief
December 7, 2019
We’ve all experienced the heartbreaking moment when we fall short of our academic goals even when we’ve worked our hardest. It feels bad — but here’s why it shouldn’t. If you’re like me and are below the Dougherty Valley average of straight A’s and taking all weighted classes, don’t wor...
What is the value of a grade?
Daniela Wise, Social Media Editor
December 5, 2019
“Did you see? The test was posted!” Such a phrase is all too common in the hallways of Dougherty. Students stop their conversations with eyes wide open, fumble to unlock their phone, and open School Loop in anticipation. “OMG I got a 90, hallelujah!” exclaims one, while another says, “I got a ...
How feminist marketing benefits the movement
Tessa Galeazzi, Staff Writer
December 4, 2019
The rise of the feminist movement has increased not only awareness but also the stakes of advertising. It’s becoming harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake, as feminist-centered advertising is getting more popular. It doesn’t matter what product companies are selling; it’s the message tha...
The illusion of inclusive marketing
Sraavya Sambara, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2019
Dear Reader, There’s this one store in the San Ramon City Center that I’ve told all of my friends about. It’s this impossibly stylish clothing store, owned by an ex-supermodel, with a meticulously curated designer collection targeting the strata of women who would consider a $1,000 w...
Let’s chat about WeChat
Lauren Chen, News Editor
November 30, 2019
Ask almost anyone in China, 2019; they’ll know WeChat is everywhere. Known in China as Weixin, WeChat was created by the Chinese tech giant Tencent. Boasting over a billion users, WeChat is a combination of a messaging app, mobile payment service and much more. However, China is utilizing the app to k...
Measuring the impact of movements
Kavin Kumaravel, Opinions Editor
November 27, 2019
The current psyche of the protestor is one marred by an appeal to individual ethics and positionality, rather than effective engagement with institutions. It is yelling out into the abyss, hoping for a response, rather than demanding a specific course of action. It is prioritizing the symbolic over ...
Where you go to college does matter, but not for the reason that you think
Rachel Decker, Adviser
November 19, 2019
Yesterday, one of my editor-in-chiefs sighed, exasperated. “I’m tired of people telling me it doesn’t matter where I’ll go to college, that wherever I go, I’ll end up happy! It does matter!” Her defeated look saddened me. I initially disagreed, as I’ve often said that to hundreds of ...
History textbooks tell a skewed story
Sneha Cheenath, Managing Editor
November 6, 2019
History classes have the unique ability to affect the belief systems of an entire nation. They are key in establishing cultural sensitivity and bridging the gap between the past and the present. However, it is impossible for history to be portrayed in an unbiased manner. History is sourced and ...
Sustainability is in fashion
Mahika Arya, Web Manager
October 23, 2019
Despite the current surge of environmentalism, the conflicting concept of fast fashion is beginning to rise. While fast fashion and its users have been criticized, promoters for sustainable fashion must recognize that it’s so inaccessible that it’s virtually unreachable at this point, despite its nece...
Relearning how to learn
Sarah Kim and Michael Han
October 19, 2019
“Will this be graded?” Whenever a teacher distributes an assignment, there’s inevitably one student who will ask. Don’t deny it; even if you aren’t usually the one asking, you’ve totally been that kid who not-so-subtly paused their work to catch the answer. After all, it is a matter of gr...
Overcoming the problems with the American K-12 school system
Shruthi Narayanan, Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 16, 2019
Along with crisp, golden-brown leaves and the final goodbyes to summer comes yet another school year filled with homework, tests, and most of all, lots of lectures with at least 20 other students. While we have used the same school system for decades, we have failed to adapt it with the modern day. ...
Illusions and Ironies: an introduction
Sraavya Sambara, Editor-in-Chief
October 8, 2019
Dear Reader, Sometimes I feel like I’m locked in a room of fun-house mirrors and the only way I can stop dissecting myself is if I close my eyes. I loom out in front of myself in odd proportions and angles, and I psychoanalyze everything I see until I’ve descended into a rabbit ho...
