The Renaissance of Digital Art
Digital art first blossomed in the late 90s and early 2000s and while initial forms of it were not as expansive as current apps such as Procreate, these beginning stages opened a new medium into the art world.
Recognizing subtle sexism in advertising
Breaking seams and stereotypes through women’s fashion
From the Lex Oppia (a series of laws under the Roman Republic that restricted female extravagance) 215 B.C.E. ruling that women could not wear more than a half ounce of gold to early American indecency laws, women’s fashion has always been a way for men to stifle and patrol women. In the face of oppression, women have found ways to overcome, and fashion is a central part of this progress for women.
Samo introduces fem-lit course
In its first year at Samo, feminist literature emerged as a standout course among one of the several senior English electives, each with an identity-based focus. The class delves into women's literature and was originally formed by a passionate group of students, which stemmed from the Feminist Literature Club led by Lillian Topp (’23). Topp, along with Halie Matsui (’23), Rosie Haygood (’23), and Kaela Khorsand Mashhadi (’23) shared their vision with the English teacher, Elizabeth Waters, which eventually gained traction among Samo’s English department and SMMUSD administrators. Through much collaboration, they created a curriculum teaching students a nuanced understanding of feminism and the active presence of gender within historical and modern writing.
Fleeting Knowledge: The downsides of summer courses for student retention
In a society so brazenly proud and insistent of its sensitivity to women’s needs, there is a significant area in which we remain unenlightened: medicinal research. Despite major strides in recent years, the advancement of women’s health remains at a disadvantage, hindered by years of exclusion and discrimination in an industry so long dominated by the male perspective. To this day, women continue to suffer from the shortcomings of the pharmaceutical industry, an industry that they are forced to support if they wish to live.
Exploring the gender bias in healthcare
In a society so brazenly proud and insistent of its sensitivity to women’s needs, there is a significant area in which we remain unenlightened: medicinal research. Despite major strides in recent years, the advancement of women’s health remains at a disadvantage, hindered by years of exclusion and discrimination in an industry so long dominated by the male perspective. To this day, women continue to suffer from the shortcomings of the pharmaceutical industry, an industry that they are forced to support if they wish to live.
Reading burnout: Inevitable?
Samo's Varsity Girls' Water Polo closed out their season on Jan. 31 with a game against Culver City. Winning 8-1, the score reflected the effort the team has put into practice throughout the semester.
From well-read, to, well, insufferable
The following books are not for the easily corruptible. If you’ve ever found yourself toeing the line between bearable and completely intolerable, this is a list of novels you should avoid at all costs.
Decking the halls and draining the wallets
Navigating the month of December, from decorations to vacations and gift-giving, can foster a sense of joy and togetherness, but can consequently amplify financial stress. A time of the year intended to bring people together can turn into a very sensitive and divisive time as people struggle to keep up with financial expectations. The pressure to conform to societal norms and create a perfect holiday season causes stress and overshadows the true meaning of the holidays.
A chaotic christmas family tale
I just wanted to sleep through this holiday break….
Chanukkah’s commercial turn in the U.S.
Every December first, many Jewish students at Samo celebrate the Jewish holiday known as Chanukkah. Since I was a little kid, I’ve heard every friend I know say essentially the same thing: “Jew Christmas.” This remark felt and still feels fairly demeaning. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to recognize the sad truth. We — the Jewish American population — are indeed celebrating “Jew Christmas.” Chanukkah has become ultra-commercialized, as children now receive extravagant gifts and corporations market towards a holiday originally rooted in tradition and gratitude.
In-State: Deciding on your college path (Copy)
For any Samo student, not staying in-state would be a waste of the colleges and overall resources available to them. As California residents, Samo students have the privilege of living near an impressive list of state schools that should certainly be considered in their application process.
Out-of-State: Deciding on your college path
During the college application process, many different factors go into choosing where to go such as location, price, and overall academic opportunity. For many, location, and whether to stay in-state or out-of-state can be the deciding factor in their decision. While going to college in-state might seem like the easier option for students heading off to college, leaving the state for college can prove more beneficial.
Israel-Hamas war spurs political controversy on college campuses
College campuses across the U.S. have all witnessed different responses to the Israel-Hamas war since Oct. 7, when the initial bombing of Israel occurred. With there undeniably being multiple sides to the dispute, there has naturally been division among students and the administration.
Examining Biden’s student debt alleviation plan: Hopes and Doubts
In a decisive move to confront the mounting student loan crisis, in the summer of 2023, President Joe Biden announced a plan to alleviate the financial burdens facing current students and recent graduates alike. The student debt crisis has only been compounded in the past decades due to tuition costs outpacing wage increases, leading to more students taking loans and falling deeper into debt. Biden’s plan's focal points include a revamp of income-driven repayment (IDR) programs, an expansion of loan forgiveness initiatives, and a proposal to cap federal student loan interest rates. On Oct.4, Biden also approved nine billion dollars in student debt relief, further pushing to reduce the burden of student debt.
The true value of an Ivy education
To thousands of high school students across America, an Ivy League education is the equivalent of a lucid dream. The aura of its prestige and the alumni revered by each school makes it easier to be drawn towards the East Coast. However, there are mixed opinions today on what an Ivy League education can offer in contrast to what it may have previously.
Around the World (in LA)
From Los Angeles natives to those who have just moved to the city, there are endless unique spots—especially restaurants— to explore. L.A. is a vast and diverse city with an abundance of different cultures present in the food scene. To celebrate the range of cuisines in LA, The Samohi has gathered a list of the best food spots from a variety of cultures!
HOTLB: Favorite L.A Childhood Memories
From the magical American Girl Doll store in #e Grove to Bowlmor Bowling Alley where many Staff Writer birthdays were spent, there are some spots which are quintessential to the classic LA childhood. As high schoolers grow up and mature, certain memories tend to be forgotten while some remain distinctly in their minds.
The Perfect LA Daytrip
With the weekend right around the corner, it’s the perfect time for me to take you out on an LA day trip. Get your bag ready with sunscreen, a book, your wallet, and maybe a portable charger to make sure you have enough battery for all the pictures we’re gonna take. With so much to do in LA, you can trust that it’s going to be a fun time. But, if you still don’t trust me, let me break down the itinerary for you.
Top 6 Markets to Bookmark in LA
One of Los Angeles’ biggest draws is its sunny weather, which allows outdoor markets and events to thrive almost all year long. Whether rain or shine, farmers markets’ line the streets of different neighborhoods weekly, and flea markets pop-up every weekend throughout Los Angeles.