The Megaphone

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  • Bay Area Residents Reflect as Super Bowl LX Brings NFL’s Biggest Game to Santa Clara

    Author: Tim Wu SAN JOSE – For Bay Area football fans, the Super Bowl hit a little closer to home. On February 8th, the Super Bowl LX took place right in Santa Clara, at Levi’s Stadium, a local landmark and hotspot. Millions across the country tuned into the game, seeing the Seattle Seahawks defeat the…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Dialogue Club

    Author: Grace Li Dialogue Club is a youth-led literary magazine dedicated to encouraging thoughtful and open-minded discussions for youth. In this installment of Megaphone’s Student Spotlight Series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ruisi, the founder of Dialogue Club. Q1. Please introduce yourself and the mission of Dialogue Club. Hello, I’m Ruisi Li, the founder…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Operation HER

    Author: Grace Li Operation HER is an organization focused on increasing access to reproductive education amongst youth. In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with the leadership behind Operation HER on their motivations and goals in leading change for reproductive education. Q1. Was there a specific moment, experience, or gap in reproductive education…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Tree Ring Literary

    Author: Bryson Huang In this installment of Megaphone’s Student Spotlight Series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Tree Ring Literary, a youth-led magazine built on trust and authenticity. With me is Medha, a founder of Tree Ring Literary. Q1. Tree Ring Literary is described as a youth-led magazine founded by former Savoir Revue staff, built…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Heart Health Initiative

    Author: Grace Li Heart Health Initiative is an organization focused on spreading heart health awareness. In this installment of the Student Spotlight Series, we interview Heart Health Initiative’s founder on motivations, programs, and future plans. Q1. Please introduce yourself and the mission of Heart Health Initiative. I’m a 15 year old student in Year 11,…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Shadia Literary Magazine

    Author: Grace Li In this installment of the Student Spotlight Series, we speak with Shadia Literary Magazine, a group dedicated to highlighting marginalized creatives and their voices. Q1. How do you define the mission of Shadia Literary Magazine, and what voices are you aiming to uplift through this project? We aim to celebrate arts and…

  • Student Spotlight Series: MentorArc

    Author: Grace Li In this interview, we speak with Jane, the founder and CEO of MentorArc, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on increasing access to education through peer mentorship, fundraising for school supplies, and community partnerships. Q1. Please introduce yourself and the mission of MentorArc. Hello! My name is Jane Oh and I am currently a…

  • Student Spotlight Series: LEXI Bookstore

    Author: Grace Li In this Student Spotlight Series installment, we interviewed Victoria, the founder of LEXI Bookstore, a youth-led business dedicated to making reading more accessible, personal, and free. By curating personalized book recommendations, LEXI Bookstore hopes to make reading a healthier alternative to screens, for youth. Q1. Please introduce yourself and the mission of LEXI Bookstore.…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Bridge to English

    Author: Grace Li In this installment of the Student Spotlight Series, we are interviewing Hayley and Dorothy, the founders of Bridge to English. Q1. Please introduce yourself and the mission of Bridge to English. Hi, we’re Hayley and Dorothy, Form 2 students from Diocesan Girls’ School and founders of Bridge to English, a youth-led NGO…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Lawpedia

    Author: Grace Li We are so excited to speak with Alicia Leung, the founder of Lawpedia, in this interview, to discuss how her organization works toward legal education as a means of change and empowerment. Q1. Please introduce yourself and Lawpedia! I’m Alicia, a sophomore from Hong Kong who’s a student passionate about making legal…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Maiwand Speaks

    Author: Grace Li We are happy to announce Maiwand Speaks as our next interviewee in the Student Spotlight Series. Q1. Please introduce yourself and your mission. Hi, I’m Maiwand, a passionate youth speaker and advocate for positive change through public speaking and healthcare. My mission is to inspire and educate young people and help them…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Youth Impact Collective

    Author: Grace Li In this installment of our Student Spotlight Series, we are excited to have Youth Impact Collective with us! In this interview, we cover everything, from motivations to impact, as a group dedicated to connecting youth with leadership and extracurricular opportunities. Q1. Please introduce yourself and the mission of the Youth Impact Collective.…

  • Student Spotlight Series: The Kairos Review

    Author: Grace Li In this interview, we are joined by Arya Meshram, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Kairos Review, to discuss motivations, whimsy, creativity, and unconventionality, when leading a magazine for young creatives. Q1: Please introduce yourself and the mission of The Kairos Review! Hello, this is Arya Meshram, the founder and editor-in-chief of…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Maharlika Press(ed) Magazine

    Author: Grace Li We are excited to be joined by Maharlika Press(ed) Magazine, a youth-led magazine dedicated to activism and making political events in the Philippines more accessible to youth. In monthly issues, they breakdown key political events, provide thoughtful reflection and commentary, discuss how national issues affect Filipino youth. Q1: Please introduce yourself and…

  • Student Spotlight Series: STEM the Flow

    Author: Grace Li How do we increase period equity for people who menstruate in STEM spaces? In this interview, we speak with Monica, the founder of STEM the Flow, who works to tackle this issue through advocacy and awareness campaigns to create more inclusive and supportive STEM environments. Q1: Please introduce yourself and the mission…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Press Theory

    Author: Grace Li We are so happy to have Shanelle, the founder of Press Theory, in this interview as a part of our Student Spotlight Series. Press Theory is a student-led organization that applies theories from the humanities and social sciences to local and world events. Q1: Please introduce yourself and the mission of Press…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Wings of Youth

    Author: Grace Li We are excited to have interviewed Wings of Youth, a youth-led magazine, in this installment of the Student Spotlight Series! Q1: Please introduce yourself and the mission of Wings of Youth. Hi, we’re Wings of Youth a youth-led, international, Multimedia Magazine with academic influence committed to creating a vibrant community of teens…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Bhavati

    Author: Grace Li In this installment of our Student Spotlight Series, we are excited to be interviewing Bhavati, a youth-led organization for empowerment through legal aid and advocacy. In this interview, we speak with Ananya, the founder of Bhavati, on how she approaches advocacy, and the impact Bhavati will create. Q1: Please introduce yourself and…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Musing Spirit

    Authors: Grace Li and Vrinda Iyengar We are pleased to share our interview with Musing Spirit as the next installment of our Student Spotlight Series! Q1: Please introduce yourself and Musing Spirit. I’m El Batoul, the EIC and founder of the Musing Spirit blog. My blog is a place for all thoughts. It leads with…

  • Interview with Artist Seaomnde (Part Two: Art Walkthrough)

    Author: Nicole Tan Now, we will move onto the art walkthrough portion of this interview, where we will be hearing from Seaomnde, and will be learning more about her artistic process and explanations of specific pieces she has produced. Piece 1: DTIYS (Draw This In Your Style) for @miyurains 13k For this art piece, I…

  • Interview with Artist Seaomnde (Part One)

    Author: Nicole Tan Thank you to the artist Seaomnde for joining me today for this interview! She is an artist on Instagram, who does both digital and traditional art. Q1: Please introduce yourself! Hi, I’m Seaomnde. I’m a secondary school student, and love drawing for an online community and for family and friends. I started…

  • Interview with Artist Seaomnde (Full Interview)

    Author: Nicole Tan Thank you to the artist Seaomnde for joining me today for this interview! She is an artist on Instagram, who does both digital and traditional art. Q1: Please introduce yourself! Hi, I’m Seaomnde. I’m a secondary school student, and love drawing for an online community and for family and friends. I started…

  • Interview with James Chin, on the Correlation Between LinkedIn Post Rhetoric and Youth-Engagement (Part One: Motivations)

    Author: Bryson Huang I’m excited to interview James Chin today, on his study of the correlation between LinkedIn post rhetoric and youth-engagement! In this interview, we cover everything, from his motivations to his results, to future plans to further his work. Q1: Please introduce yourself and your project. Hi, I’m James Chin, and I’m a…

  • Interview with James Chin, on the Correlation Between LinkedIn Post Rhetoric and Youth-Engagement (Part Two: Methods and Results)

    Author: Bryson Huang Q5: Can you now give an in-depth explanation of your first procedure, where you compared the engagement of two LinkedIn accounts? Yes! So, I created I created two LinkedIn accounts of the same person, “James Chin”.  They have identical LinkedIn profiles except their high school, to avoid others noticing that the accounts…

  • Interview with James Chin, on the Correlation Between LinkedIn Post Rhetoric and Youth-Engagement (Full Article)

    Author: Bryson Huang I’m excited to interview James Chin today, on his study of the correlation between LinkedIn post rhetoric and youth-engagement! In this interview, we cover everything, from his motivations to his results, to future plans to further his work. Q1: Please introduce yourself and your project. Hi, I’m James Chin, and I’m a…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Playlists for a Change San Jose (Part 2)

    Author: Jenny Lee Q5: Your social media posts are deeply ingrained with arts and design: how do you find that art and music merge, and how do you apply this intersection to broadcast a message? I think music and visual arts entwine beautifully, a big part due to the fact that they are both creative…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Playlists for a Change San Jose (Part 1)

    Author: Jenny Lee In the newest installment of your Student Spotlight Series, we’re joined by Playlists for a Change San Jose! They are the San Jose Chapter of Playlists for a Change, an organization created for sharing stories and creating change through music. Q1: Please introduce yourself and the mission of Playlists for a Change…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Playlists for a Change San Jose (Full Interview)

    Author: Jenny Lee In the newest installment of your Student Spotlight Series, we’re joined by Playlists for a Change San Jose! They are the San Jose Chapter of Playlists for a Change, an organization created for sharing stories and creating change through music. Q1: Please introduce yourself and the mission of Playlists for a Change…

  • Interview with a High School Senior, On Everything: from Senioritis to College Applications

    Author: Jenny Lee Jenny: In this interview, we are joined by Vivian, a current high school senior. Thank you so much for having this interview with me! Vivian: No problem at all! I’m glad to be here. Jenny: Well, let’s start with a burning question that many high schoolers may have: how bad really is…

  • Student Spotlight Series: The Green Mindset Project

    Author: Grace Li We are so happy to welcome Raya, the President of The Green Mindset Project, on this installment of the Student Spotlight Series! In this interview, we discuss how youth are raising awareness for overlooked climate and political issues. Q1: Please introduce yourself and The Green Mindset Project. Hello! My name is Raya…

  • Huntington’s Disease

    Author: Jen Johnson Huntington’s Disease Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to gradually break down and die. This disorder mainly attacks parts of the brain that control voluntary movement. Those with Huntington’s disease typically display uncontrollable movement, and also face a decline in reasoning abilities. These symptoms of…

  • Aging, Disease, and Genetics

    Author: Jen Johnson Introduction: Our lives are significantly impacted by the relationship between genetics and environmental factors. Although genetics serves as a main determiner for our traits, environmental factors such as diet heavily influence how our traits are expressed or alter our genetic code. Genes can be activated or suppressed through environmental factors, and this…

  • Santa Clara University

    Author: Grace Li All photos taken by Grace Li. Santa Clara University is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. It was founded in 1851 by Jesuit priests as Santa Clara College, as part of Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Jesuit founder Father John Nobili transformed the mission into a boys’ preparatory institution,…

  • Funny Moments in the Bay Area

    Author: Eshwar Cherkuri As I’ve explored the Bay Area, I’ve collected some funny photos to share here.

  • Surreal Imagery in the Bay Area

    Author: Arnav Gupta Together, we will be going through 3 different collections of photos that feel surreal. All photos were taken by me. Number One: The Fountain The grainy effect, extreme highlights, and pixel-like flow of the fountain water makes it feel as though we are transported into a video game. However, this scene was…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Downtown San Jose

    Author: Eshwar Cherkuri I recently visited Downtown San Jose with my friends, and documented my experience through photography. Experience Downtown San Jose with me with the photos below:

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Boba Tea

    Author: Jenny Lee In the Bay Area, there are boba tea shops EVERYWHERE. I love boba tea, so this works out amazingly for me. In this article, you will find a plethora of these shops. Try to recognize as many as you shops as you can, and write their names in the comment section!

  • Yummy Spicy, Doraville, Georgia

    Author: Bryson Huang I’m back with another restaurant review! This time, it’s Yummy Spicy, at Doraville, Georgia. Yummy Spicy delivers absolutely delicious, impeccable, Sichuan dishes. When I stepped in, I was immediately greeted with a vibrant and welcoming interior, and music for karaoke. We ordered the classics: twice-cooked pork (回鍋肉 – hui guo rou), Sichuan…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Yin Literary

    Author: Grace Li I’m excited to share the next installment of our Student Spotlight Series, with the Yin Literary! We are joined by Sophia Pan, the Editor-in-Chief of Yin Literary, to discuss the intersection between East-Asian identity and writing. Q1. Please introduce yourself and the Yin Literary. Hi! My name is Sophia Pan, and I…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Interview with a miRcore Student Leader

    Author: Grace Li miRcore is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization with a vision of global, multilateral collaboration toward treating individuals based on their unique genetic profiles and environmental circumstances, and democratizing genetics research for all. I am joined with a high school student leader within this organization, to discuss their role, and how they make…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: SenTea

    Author: Grace Pei SenTea is a boba shop located in Downtown San Jose, at 140 Paseo de San Antonio. It hosts some beautiful paintings on its walls, including a Darth Vader against the backdrop of the U.S. flag, and a boat docked at a pier. Beyond the art they display on their walls, they sell…

  • Italian Brainrot

    Author: James Chin At first, I was on board. Tung tung sahur and ballerina cappucina were fun and cute. However, the onslaught of random fake Italian words mashed together to create characters was too much to keep track of.  While talking to a student aged around 9 or 10, I distinctly remember every word coming…

  • Cancel Culture

    Author: Nicole Tan Cancel culture is becoming significant in our society today, affecting many who use the Internet. Many people are ‘cancelled’ for simply expressing their opinions, which can lead to suppression of opinions and cause someone to be scared to speak up.  The definition of cancel culture is widely disputed among different people. Some…

  • Metro Manila Youth Lead Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness

    Author: Nicole Tan In recent months, young Filipinos in Metro Manila are stepping to take charge of conversations around health and wellbeing, especially topics surrounded by stigma. A new initiative, Adolescent Peer Champions for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), is empowering teens to create and share digital content that promotes accurate information about sexual…

  • Introducing The Megaphone: Metro Manila Chapter

    Author: Nicole Tan The Megaphone is proud to introduce its new chapter in Metro Manila, Philippines, founded by Nicole Tan. This new chapter expands The Megaphone’s mission of amplifying youth voices and highlighting community stories in one of the most vibrant and complex urban regions in the world. The Megaphone is a youth-led newspaper dedicated…

  • Emirates Airline

    Author: L. Mohamed, Dubai Chapter Emirates Airline is a world renowned and recognized International carrier based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was founded in 1985 started with only two aircraft and has grown rapidly to have over 250 aircraft. Some notable aircraft are the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. Emirates has over 150 destinations…

  • UAE Tour Women 2026

    Author: L. Mohamed, Dubai Chapter The UAE Tour Women is set to occur between February 5th and February 8th this year. It is a professional road cycling stage race held in the UAE and is a part of the UCI Women’s World Tour, the top level of women’s professional cycling. The tour features numerous days…

  • Dubai’s First Autonomous RT6 Taxis

    Author: Lamar M. Awad On February 6th, Dubai formally launched the operational phase of RT6 taxi vehicles. The launch of these AI-powered autonomous cars was led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He travelled to the World Government Summit at Madinat Jumeirah in one of these taxis.  The RT6 cars are equipped…

  • Interview with Behavioral Technician at Healthy Minds

    Author: Hamza El Baraky Today, I am joined by a behavioral technician working at Health Minds, to discuss everything: from tips to daily routines, to learnings and takeaways. Q1: Please introduce yourself and your role as a Behavioral Health Technician at Healthy Minds. I am a Behavioral Health Technician at Healthy Minds. To do this…

  • Student Spotlight Series: SpeakLit

    Authors: Grace Li and Vrinda Iyengar We’re pleased to have interviewed SpeakLit for this installment of our Student Spotlight Series, where we discussed their mission expanding legal awareness, advocacy, and youth empowerment! Q1: Please introduce yourself and describe your organization.Hi! My name is Manu Gamage, and I’m a Year 12 student with a huge interest…

  • Student Spotlight Series: HealthReach Inc

    Author: Grace Li I’m pleased to announce our next installment of our Student Spotlight Series, with HealthReach Inc! In this interview, we discuss health literacy and equity, and how they lead change in their community. Q1: Can you briefly introduce HealthReach Inc and your mission? HealthReach Inc is a student-founded organization focused on improving health…

  • Student Spotlight Series: WE_Society

    Author: Grace Li I’m excited to share this interview with WE_Society, or Women Empowerment Society, in this installment of our Student Spotlight Series, where we discuss women’s empowerment, and how WE_Society creates discourse that sparks change! Q1: Please introduce your organization and your mission! Hello!! WE_Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Little Lab Coats

    Author: Grace Li and Vrinda Iyengar I had the pleasure of interviewing Little Lab Coats as part of our Student Spotlight Series! We are joined by its founder, Felicity, to discuss their mission and how they make STEM more accessible for all.  Q1: Please introduce yourself and Little Lab Coats! My name is Felicity, and…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Athenian EmpowHer

    Authors: Grace Li and Vrinda Iyengar I had the pleasure of interviewing Athenian EmpowHer in this installment of our Student Spotlight Series. We are joined by Siri Kelshikar, Isabella Semis, and Natasha Sinha, leaders of Athenian EmpowHer, to discuss women’s empowerment and how they create change within their community.  Q1: Please introduce yourself/your team and…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Evergreen Village Duck Pond

    Author: B. Huang A serene pond I visited while meeting my friend, I was awe of the breathtaking view I was met with, and loved the wildlife that I encountered. Here are some images.

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Graffiti

    Author: B. Huang Graffiti is illegal. But is it art or a crime? I believe that it is both, and that graffiti is important. In a world where our voices are lost in a sea of fake video content, graffiti is a powerful form of public self-expression and social commentary, giving a voice to marginalized…

  • Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Cary, NC

    Author: Joyce Wang I recently visited the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Cary, North Carolina. I loved the wide selection of books, toys, and stationary. Not only did they have classics, they had young adult fiction, mangas, Pusheen, and other items. I really liked my time there.

  • Asheville Taco Bell

    Author: Joyce Wang Asheville Taco Bell is located at 67 Tunnel Road in North Carolina. I was surprised by how delicious the food was at this Taco Bell, so I felt a need to document my experience here. If you ever pass by this area, I highly recommend dining here. Without further ado, here are…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Raising Cane’s Evergreen Place

    Author: Bryson Huang The Raising Cane’s at Evergreen Place was the first opened in San Jose, and I was fortunate enough to go to the fast food restaurant on its opening day. The line was miles long, but we secured a spot and were able to try Raising Cane’s for the first time, and see…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Myungrang Hot Dog

    Author: Bryson Huang I am back with another article about food. This time, we have Myungrang Hot Dog, located at Main Street Cupertino. I tried three flavors: the Original Hot Dog, the Mozzarella and Sausage, and the Potato Hot Dog. Made fresh, the hot dogs were piping hot and crispy, wonderfully flavorful, and the Mozzarella…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Boba Bar

    Author: Bryson Huang The Boba Bar is located in Downtown San José, and is home to a wide selection of tea, lemonades, salads, smoothies, and eats. They serve Asian Fusion foods, coffee and tea, wings, noodles, salads, and smoothies and juices. I have high praise for their popcorn chicken and garlic fries, both delectable, and…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Robert Adobe & Suñol House

    Author: Bryson Huang At 770 Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen, San José, lies the the Roberto Adobe & Suñol House, among the oldest and most historically significant homes in Santa Clara County. The adobe was built in 1836 by Native American Roberto Balermino, and Antonio Suñol adjoined the adobe when he built the brick Suñol…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Noodle Dynasty

    Author: Bryson Huang 一碗面, or Noodle Dynasty, is a Chinese noodle restaurant located in Berkeley, California. Its sublime House Special Beef Rib is entrenched within a rich, slow-cooked broth, and its crispy jiao zi are a punch of flavor. Noodle Dynasty is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Chinese noodle cuisine, founded with…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Bouchon Bakery

    Author: G. Li Bouchon Bakery is a french bread and dessert shop located in Yountville, California. Started by Chef Thomas Keller in 2003, the bakery is inspired by Chef Keller’s memories of life in France, featuring a wide selection of artisanal breads and classic desserts reminiscent of that of a French boulangerie. In a quaint,…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Monopoly in the Park

    Author: G. Li In the middle of Downtown San Jose, there is an anomaly. A giant, larger than life, version of the world’s most popular board game: Monopoly. Monopoly in the Park is a 930 square foot custom granite Monopoly game board, and Guiness Book World Records holder for “Largest Permanent Monopoly Board”, dedicated in…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Mitsuwa Marketplace, San Jose

    Author: E. Hou Mitsuwa Marketplace is a supermarket chain offering Japanese groceries, cosmetics, appliances & housewares. In this article, we will not be focusing on the grocery store aspect of Mitsuwa Marketplace – no, we will be focusing on their bookstore, housing an extensive collection of mangas and manhwas and even stationary and toys. Enjoy…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Miramar Beach Restaurant

    Author: G. Li Right next to Vallejo Beach is a lovely seaside restaurant, Miramar Beach Restaurant. This restaurant has been open since 1918, originally designed to be a Prohibition speakeasy, with secret compartments hiding illegal liquor from “G-Men.” While my family did not partake in the bar at this restaurant, we were accompanied by stunning…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Vallejo Beach

    Author: G. Li One of the best qualities of California is its proximity to the ocean, and one of the best things about living in the Bay Area is its proximity to the coast, and by proxy, to beaches. I recently drove to Vallejo Beach, and enjoyed the beautiful foliage and the sound of waves…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Apples

    Author: Vihaan Kalra I was at a grocery store and stumbled upon the most beautiful apples I had witnessed in my life. So I knew I had to document the apples I encountered at different stores. Enjoy this montage of Bay Area supermarket apples, and comment your own apple images below.

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Ume Tea, Palo Alto

    Author: Evelyn Tang I love Ume Tea. This is in no way an overexaggeration, because they have both the best drinks and snacks of all the boba tea stores I’ve been to. But don’t trust just my word, look through these, albeit somewhat blurry, photos, and decide yourself – you’ll realize, like I have, that…

  • Oregon State University

    Author: Douglas Bettinerg Oregon State University is home to a dynamic community of 38,460 students, and is ranked the #1 college town on the West Coast. With 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 11 experimental stations, and nearly 200 degree programs, Oregon State University strives to support all students on campus, the “dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers”.…

  • Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Seattle

    Author: August Ember Last summer I had the chance to go to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle, before it permanently closed down a few months ago. For those who were unable to go to this location, I would like to share my experience. The roastery was an immersive experience for coffee-lovers, just nine blocks…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Neurodiversity and Psychiatry Association, NY

    Author: Grace Li In this installation of the Student Spotlight Series, I had the opportunity to interview a founding member of the New York chapter of the Neurodiversity and Psychiatry Association (NPA). NPA is a youth-led organization dedicated to spreading mental health and neurodiversity awareness! Learn more about them below: Q1: Please introduce NPA and…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Bhashalaya Literary Magazine

    Author: Vrinda Iyengar For this interview, I had the pleasure of hearing from the current Editor-in-Chief of and one of the founding members of the Bhashalaya Literary Magazine, a South-Asia-based independent literary magazine focused on exploring culture and identity through literature. Read about this magazine from it’s leader themself below! Q: Please introduce yourself and…

  • Student Spotlight Series: Angela Tuazon

    Author: Vrinda Iyengar As misinformation, especially health-related misinformation continues to spread and veers a growing number of people towards making un- and incorrectly-informed decisions about their health, the importance proper, accessible health education grows increasingly apparent. In this article, we interviewed Angela Tuazon, a young student and founder of Better Health and Science, an organization…

  • Albion College

    Author: G. Li Albion College is a private liberal arts college in Albion, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1835, the college welcomes an undergraduate class of around 1,500 students, and the Brits are their mascot. I had the pleasure of staying at Albion College this summer, and their Science Complex was definitely my favorite spot!…

  • University of Michigan Museum of Art

    Author: G. Li I was fortunate enough to visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) this summer as a part of a summer program I attended. The exhibits reflect an inextricable linkage between art and history, and I particularly appreciated their exhibit, “Unsettling Histories: Legacies of Slavery and Colonialism”, which examines the legacy…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Park

    Author: Vrinda IyengarFantasy of Lights is an annual holiday light event held at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos, presented by Santa Clara County Parks. It features a 1.5‑mile drive‑thru and walk‑thru experience filled with over 50 large animated holiday light displays and festive scenes such as erupting volcanoes, penguins, Santa, and tunnels of…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Oracle Park

    Author: Vrinda IyengarOracle Park is a baseball stadium located in San Francisco, California, and it serves as the home of the San Francisco Giants, a Major League Baseball team. Opened in 2000, the ballpark is known for its scenic views of San Francisco Bay, including McCovey Cove beyond the right-field wall. It features modern amenities,…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Hiking Trails of Cupertino Pt. 2

    Author: Eshwar Cherkuri The first part could not fully encapsulate the beauty of Cupertino’s trails, so I had to make a second one. Enjoy even more pictures below! Blurb from Part 1: To the rest of the world, Cupertino is known for home of the multi-billion dollar company, Apple. Less known, however, is how beautiful…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Hiking Trails of Cupertino Pt. 1

    Author: Eshwar Cherkuri To the rest of the world, Cupertino is known for home of the multi-billion dollar company, Apple. Less known, however, is how beautiful the hiking trails in Cupertino are. If you are ever nearby, make sure to schedule some time to hike! See some pictures on the trails below!

  • The Bay Area in Photos: Flowers of Silicon Valley

    Author: Vrinda Iyengar Known for its technological superiority and vast network of software startups, many forget that the Silicon Valley is still located in California, a state that boasts some of the most diverse flora in the country. See some pictures of flowers below!

  • The Bay Area in Photos: The Winchester Mystery House

    The Winchester Mystery House was built by Sarah Winchester, who began to suffer from paranoia following the losses of her husband and daughter, from 1886 to 1922. With doors that lead to nowhere and the smallest stairs you will ever walk on, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is a must-see if you are…

  • Unique Halloween DIY costumes 

    Author: Grace Li Spooky season is coming up, and you may be wondering: “What will I dress up as for Halloween?” Well, I’m here to give you some easy Halloween costume ideas that you can put together from items likely already in your closet.  Saja Boys from K-Pop Demon Hunters (Soda Pop Outfits) Here are…

  • Nepal Appoints First Female Prime Minister After Days of Deadly Protests

    Author: Vrinda Iyengar This past week, years of poor economic conditions for young people in Nepal culminated in an almost 4-day long protest, led mostly by the Gen-Z population of Nepal, taking the entire country by storm.  The immediate cause of the protests was a “social media ban” imposed on September 4th, 2025, which banned…

  • The Bay Area in Photos: San Jose Downtown pt.2

    Author: Grace Li This is the second part of the San Jose Downtown series. Check out our first part if you haven’t seen it! 

  • The Bay Area in Photos: San Jose Downtown pt.1

    Author: Grace Li Downtown San Jose is a vibrant urban area, offering a diverse mix of tech, culture, history, and dining. It hosts San Jose State University and colorful murals around every corner, representing the rich art scene in San Jose. I recently visited Downtown San Jose, and have collected some photos documenting the area. 

  • Opinion: We Should Welcome (Certain) GMOs

    Author: Eshwar Cherkuri Imagine a world where crops could withstand droughts, resist pests, and even provide enhanced nutrition. In today’s quest for sustainable agriculture, this vision isn’t far-fetched, thanks to the marvels of Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs. GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This manipulation allows scientists…

  • The Link Between Technology and Our Brains

    Author: Mia Yu “Technology is both a tool for helping humans and destroying them. This is the paradox of our times which we’re compelled to face.” This quote was written by Frank Herbert, an American author who wrote the renowned novel, Dune. In his book, The Maker of Dune, he mentions the blessing and curse…

  • Interview with an SSP ’25 admit– How to get into a top Summer Program

    Author: Vrinda Iyengar As this school year settles in, high school students in the Bay area, namely high school juniors are beginning to decide on which summer programs they will and won’t be applying to. To take some pressure off of our readers, we sat down with a student who was admitted to the Summer…

  • The Bay Area in Photos- Legion of Honor

    Author/Photographer: Vrinda Iyengar From Rodin’s sculptures to Monet’s paintings, the Legion of Honor, located in our very own San Francisco is a great spot for art lovers, history enthusiasts and everyone else! The 22 pictures in this article represent a very small insight into the amazing art that can be viewed when visiting this museum.

  • Public History in the Bay Area, w/ Nicole Meldahl

    Author: G. Li, Silicon Valley Chapter Public history in the Bay Area is a rich field, supplemented by a wide variety of museums, historical societies, parks, and archives that tell the story of our location through exhibits, educational programs, and preservation efforts. We are joined by Nicole Meldahl, the Executive Director of the Western Neighborhoods…

  • Silicon Valley Pride 50th Anniversary

    Author: V. Iyengar, Silicon Valley Chapter This Labor Day weekend, San Jose’s Caesar Chavez Park was transformed into a hub of celebration and inclusion as Silicon Valley Pride marked its 50th anniversary.  The celebrations extend over two days. On Saturday evening, the night festival took place, which had Snow tha Product, Mexican-American Grammy-award nominated rapper…

  • A Brief History of Protest Music in the Bay Area

    Author: V. Iyengar, Silicon Valley Chapter The history of the Bay Area has always had strong ties to protest movements. Most well-known of these include the 1960s free-speech and anti-war protests, the Black Power movement of the Civil Rights Era, AIDS activism in the 1980s, and more. One of the most effective and widespread mediums…

  • UCSF x UCD Cancer Study in Cats Yields Promising Results

    Author: V. Iyengar, Silicon Valley Chapter A collaborative study between scientists at the University of California, San Francisco and the University of California, Davis, saw the completion of its first clinical trial, and the results are promising.  This study tests the efficacy of a new drug targeting one of the most aggressive cancers in cats…

  • The Road Less Taken: Transferring from a Community College

    Authors: V. Iyengar, G. Li, Silicon Valley Chapter In our area, which is so obsessed with rankings and prestige, attending a community college after high school before transferring to a traditional four-year university is often an option that doesn’t receive much consideration. So, to gain some insights into this route, we interviewed a student who…

  • Self Care Tips to Deal with Stress

    Author: G. Li, Silicon Valley Chapter With the start of school for many in the U.S., students may be starting to feel stress due to coursework, social life, or extenuating scenarios. Regardless of what is plaguing your mind, we’re here to provide you five simple tips to deal with stress this September.  Hopefully these tips…

  • Rosanna Pansino Deserves an Apology

    Author: G. Li, Silicon Valley Chapter Three years ago, a controversy arose after Rosanna Pansino spoke out against Mr. Beast following the Hide and Seek video he posted on December 18, 2021. Although a bit of old news now, I would like to compile my thoughts on this situation and how unfairly Rosanna Pansino was…

  • How to get your Driver’s License while under 18 (in California): A Complete Guide

    Author; V. Iyengar, Silicon Valley Chapter Ages 15.5-17.5 While in this age group, you are considered a minor and must go through the provisional licensing process.  Step 1: Complete the Driver’s Education Requirement You must complete a DMV-approved driver’s education course (online, in-person, or at school), which will teach you information like the rules of…

  • August 20th: National Radio Day

    Author: G. Li, Silicon Valley Chapter In honor of National Radio Day, on August 20th, I will be reviewing two radios local to the San Francisco Bay Area: 99.7 NOW and 96.5 KOIT.  99.7 NOW – Overall, a great choice if you’re craving the pop hits of present day. It gives you a steady supply…