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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

Anushka De

Anushka De, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Anushka De is a senior and a co-editor-in-chief of El Estoque. She loves listening to music, drinking too much coffee and spending time with her friends. She was previously a Features and News Editor and has since learned to parallel park, which she considers to be one of her greatest achievements of all time.

All content by Anushka De
Exploring the effects my mother has had on me

All I am

Tracing the story of my mom and me
Anushka De
May 30, 2022
Seniors reflect on what they've learned in high school

“If I could know one thing…”

Four seniors reflect on one piece of advice they would give their freshman selves
Anushka De
May 30, 2022
Seniors in three S's

Seniors in three S’s

An overview of the Class of 2022 based on a sample of 175 seniors
Anushka De
May 27, 2022
The class of 2022

The class of 2022

Seniors reflect on their experiences and memories at MVHS by answering various questions
University prestige is a crucial selling point for many parents. Why is that the case?

Much ado about prestige

Understanding why parents place weight on the name brand of a university
Anushka De
April 27, 2022
Yang Yang Liu, MVHS alum '07, passed away in a fatal car accident on November 25th. She was a wonderful friend and vibrant member of her community.

The life and legacy of Yang Yang Liu

Friends and family reflect on the impact that the MVHS ‘07 alum had on their lives
Jayanti Jha, Anushka De, and Michelle Chen
April 26, 2022
Charitha Chandran and Simone Ashley star as two of the leading characters on the second season of Birdgerton

“Bridgerton” is another disappointment in Indian representation

Cultural inaccuracies make for a paltry attempt at diversity
Anushka De
April 3, 2022
The state of Critical Race Theory legislature varies across the country

Let’s Talk CRT

Opposition to Critical Race Theory prevents racial equality
Anushka De and Tvisha Gupta
February 16, 2022
Tiny Love Stories

Tiny Love Stories

Our third installment of the quest to find pockets of love within our community
Riya Ravuri and Anushka De
February 15, 2022
Senior Manvi Kottakota blends her business acumen and love of accessorizing into her jewelry business, Kanak

Kanak by Manvi

Anushka De
February 10, 2022
The symphonic band rehearses a piece of music a couple days after receiving it

From the music stand

Listening in on how the symphonic band and Variations learn new pieces
Anushka De
February 9, 2022
Graphic by Justin Kim

‘Tis the season for…’

Delving deeper into this year's winter highlights and memories
There are both benefits and detriments to the practice of gift exchange.

Gifting during the holiday season

Discussing the positives and negatives of traditional gift giving
Anushka De and Aashi Venkat
December 10, 2021
Journalist Jeff Chang coined the name "Golden Era" for the period of rap music produced from 1986 to the late 1990s

The Golden Era and modern rap

How 90s hip-hop artists have shaped the current rap scene
Anushka De
December 8, 2021
An accompanist plays chords on an electric piano while his partner sings “Blackbird” by the Beatles outside of the Le Boulanger Bakery on Main Street in Los Altos

Holiday-themed events invoke community and festive cheer

Reviewing different winter events in the Bay Area
Anushka De and Gauri Manoj
December 8, 2021
Jay Shelton (left) dances with Stacey Cler (right) at colleagues Michelle Balmeo and Andrew Sturgill's wedding.

Remembering Stacey Cler

Celebrating the life of English teacher Stacey Cler
Anushka De, Michelle Chen, and Jayanti Jha
December 7, 2021
As a child, I grew enamored with an executive career, but as I got older, my dreams for the future expanded far beyond a skyscraper.

Opportunity cost: The detriments of astronomical college tuition

It's difficult to take advantage of educational opportunities and manage the burden of higher education tuition
Anushka De, Editor-in-chief
November 9, 2021
Sophomore Ace Chow wearing his football gear | Photo Courtesy of Ace Chow

Preparing for the big game

MV athletes share different ways that help them get ready before their game
Senior Seo Eun Kim and Sophomore Mihret Tesfaye explain that teammates are essential to staying motivated during football games

Cheering from the sidelines

Exploring how the team stays motivated even during a loss
Anushka De
November 2, 2021
Performers hold up the sophomore banner after finishing their skit.

Class of 2024’s Homecoming Performance

Sophomores win 3rd place for their performance during Homecoming week
Team Dasari

Team Dasari

Examining the impact that volleyball has had on the Dasari family
Anushka De
September 23, 2021
Teammates by Chance

Teammates by Chance

Exploring the impacts of playing the same sport as a family member
The Varsity Football Team lost its season opener against Westmont High School 42-0.

Football falls 42-0 to Westmont in first game of the season

The Matadors attribute the loss to inexperienced players and tentative playing
Anushka De and Nika Zamani
August 27, 2021
California wildfires threaten safe air quality levels

Live coverage of California wildfire responses and protocols

Updates on air quality and wildfire safety policies
Anushka De and Jayanti Jha
August 26, 2021
The MVHS and FUHSD communities continue to adapt to a changing landscape of COVID-19 protocols and precautions

Live coverage of COVID-19 responses and protocols

Updates on cases and policies regarding COVID-19 and safety
Anushka De
August 25, 2021
Sophomore Ryan Tang jumps to catch the ball

Boys Water Polo loses to Milpitas HS 13-16

Team loses despite nearly tied scores throughout the first three quarters
Anushka De, Oishee Misra, and Nika Zamani
May 21, 2021
Change.org is a platform that allows users to create online petitions and request leaders to make change

Social change.org

Online petitions, albeit performative, should not be classified as purely apathetic
Anushka De
April 29, 2021
Victorine poses with his family on Halloween

A fraction of time

MVHS community members in different age groups reflect on the pandemic year in the context of their lives
Students use Instagram to spread awareness about their own experiences with the threat of sexual harassment and assault, and how to remedy those issues

“The experience of too many women”

Young women take to Instagram to share their experiences as women and facing the threat of sexual harassment and assault
Anushka De and Prisha Tiwari
March 22, 2021
Investigating the interactions between teachers, unions, districts and communities that shaped the reopening of schools

“Parent bullies” and “teachers who cried wolf”

How disadvantaged students and financial incentives led to schools resuming in-person instruction
Anushka De and Riya Ravuri
March 19, 2021
A group of investors on Reddit tried to best large Wall Street hedge funds by driving up the price of Gamestop stock

Off the market: How Robinhood’s mission to democratize trading highlights a bigger problem of financial illiteracy

Exploring how a lack of financial education affects individuals’ accessibility to financial markets
Anushka De, Features Editor
March 7, 2021
In a spinoff from the New York Times' Tiny Love Stories series, these stories are pockets of love within our community

Tiny Love Stories

Finding pockets of love within our community
Anushka De and Oishee Misra
February 15, 2021
ReTales: Respect

ReTales: Respect

Viewing people with humanity instead of as employees
Anushka De, Features Editor
February 12, 2021
Exploring the stories of Cupertino residents, students and teachers

Humans of Cupertino

Discovering the stories that populate Cupertino

A day in quarantine

Following three students’ daily routines 10 months into the pandemic
Anushka De, Features Editor
February 4, 2021
Junior Ronit Avalani poses while making promotional content for the MV Official Instagram account

School spirit online

Leadership uses novel approaches to engage students during distance learning
Anushka De, Features Editor
January 21, 2021
ReTales: Not so small talk

ReTales: Not so small talk

Finding meaning in five minutes conversations as a cashier
Anushka De
December 17, 2020
Examining how sex education curriculum neglects to discuss female masturbation

Va-MINE-a

Examining how sex education curriculum neglects to discuss female masturbation
Anushka De and Oishee Misra
December 16, 2020
Yes, she can.

Yes, she can.

Exploring different facets of feminism and how they impact students, staff and alumni
Spotify's 2020 wrapped allows students and staff to reflect on their past year in music

All wrapped up

Discovering the stories behind the songs and artists students and teachers listened to most in 2020
Anushka De, Mikaylah Du, and Shivani Verma
December 5, 2020
Permanent Resident: Immigration at MVHS

Permanent Resident: Immigration at MVHS

Following the immigration journeys of MVHS students and parents
ReTales: Independence

ReTales: Independence

The lady who needed an alarm clock
Anushka De, Features Editor
November 9, 2020
 Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B.'s hit single WAP is a boundary breaking anthem of women's sexual liberation

“Respect” to “WAP”: Examining the progress of women’s empowerment

Exploring the dichotomy of women’s sexual liberation presented by songs throughout history
Anushka De, Features Editor
October 12, 2020
Activism

Activism

Exploring the journeys of student, teacher and alumni activists.
The impacts of anti-racism education on both students and staff

FUHSD Institutes Anti-Racism education

Students and staff discuss the motivations behind and impacts of new anti-racism curriculum
Anushka De and Nika Zamani
September 11, 2020
Senior Stories

Senior Stories

A look into the high school experiences of members of the class of 2020
What they would've worn

What they would’ve worn

Seniors dress up in their prom looks despite Senior Ball cancellation
Lakshanyaa Ganesh and Anushka De
May 27, 2020

Senior Memories

A compilation of senior’s best memories from the 2019-2020 school year
Anushka De, News Editor
May 27, 2020
Challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone and take risks

For the first time

Step one in my journey to becoming a braver person
Anushka De, News Editor
May 22, 2020
Searching for my lost passion for soccer

Soccer: a long lost love

Facing the reality of my relationship with soccer
Anushka De, News Editor
May 22, 2020
Auditioning for the MV Bhangra team to face my fear of humiliation

I don’t dance

Facing my fear of humiliating myself through Bhangra
Anushka De, News Editor
May 22, 2020
Forgiving myself when I am unable to meet my own expectations

Being kinder

My journey to being kinder to myself when I am unable to meet my goals
Anushka De, News Editor
May 22, 2020
The Class of 2021 promoted the Zoom Prom on Instagram, and the link to the meeting was put in the 2021 Instagram bio which meant anybody could have access to the meeting

Class of 2021 hosts ‘A Zoom to Remember’

Leadership students handle inappropriate comments made at their online prom
Anushka De and Tina Low
April 16, 2020
COVID-19 news coverage

COVID-19 news coverage

In-depth coverage of COVID-19 at every level
My tendency to overthink has led me to develop a fear of never belonging amongst my friends

Overthinking

Facing my fear of not belonging
Anushka De, News Editor
April 11, 2020
MVRT dances the Macarena.

School events cancelled because of COVID-19

Members of clubs and teams who qualified for international level competitions are unable to attend
Anushka De, News Editor
April 2, 2020
My best friend, Nika Zamani,  who inspires me to be courageous everyday

Courage of the Stars

The story of the bravest person I’ve ever met
Anushka De, News Editor
April 1, 2020
100 things to do when you’re bored while social distancing

100 things to do when you’re bored while social distancing

50 activities to appeal to your normal side and 50 activities for your inner MVHS student
Anushka De and Jai Uparkar
March 22, 2020
Nowruz, or Iranian New Year is one Persian custom that Zamani taught Persian Club members about

Persian Club increases the presence of Iranian Culture in the MVHS community

Students bond with each other through games involving Persian traditions and culture
Anushka De, News Editor
March 12, 2020

[Video] Ritvi Ranka

March 12, 2020
Dream Day: An exploration of fleeting nighttime adventures

Dream Day: An exploration of fleeting nighttime adventures

Three MVHS students recount their most vivid dreams
Anushka De, News Editor
March 12, 2020
Tiny Love Stories

Tiny Love Stories

Five MVHS students and staff share small moments where they felt a lot of love
Anushka De, News Editor
February 28, 2020
An in-depth guide to every course available at MVHS.

MVHS Course Selection Guide

Exploring student perspectives on every course offered at MVHS
Design It: How graphic design and traditional art mediums help with stress relief

Design It: How graphic design and traditional art mediums help with stress relief

Design It officers use various mediums of art to express themselves
Anushka De, News Editor
February 4, 2020
Being Brave: This monthly column explores bravery and this month's topic is facing my fear of contradicting others  and speaking with authority.

Taking inspiration from the saying ‘Well behaved women rarely make history’

My journey to finding the courage to stand by my values and lift my voice
Anushka De, News Editor
February 2, 2020
The rumors of an impending World War III: A breakdown of the situation behind recent US-Iranian Conflicts

The rumors of an impending World War III: A breakdown of the situation behind recent US-Iranian Conflicts

MVHS students and teachers’ respond to the threats of a supposed “WWIII”
Anushka De, News Editor
January 25, 2020
Senior Nate Reyes lies on his seat as he prepares for the procedure while holding on to senior Allison Wu, who smiles at him.

Students participate in annual Stanford Blood Drive

Stanford Blood Center addresses the low number of donors in the past few years
Anushka De, Rachel Jiang, and Andie Liu
January 11, 2020
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visits schools to determine the level of education being provided to students

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

A timeline of events regarding WASC
Anushka De and Andie Liu
January 10, 2020
Demolition begins at Vallco Mall called Demolition Day || From Mercury News

Opposition to the Vallco Plan

Sand Hill Property reinitiates construction in Vallco Shopping Mall after passing of State Bill 35
Anushka De and Devin Gupta
January 10, 2020
Urbanization of Cupertino

Urbanization of Cupertino

In a constant state of change, Cupertino has experienced drastic changes in terms of infrastructure and business from the influx of both workers and residents. Vallco construction has recently been reinitiated after the passage of State Bill 35. The proliferation of chain businesses act as a double edged sword to local businesses. Median house values climb and realtors work to satisfy buyers who prioritize commute times. Read more about each story.
A young Stiver poses for a school picture

Journeys: three roads that crossed at counseling

MVHS’s four counselors share the paths they’ve taken that brought them to the counseling profession
Anushka De, News Editor
January 9, 2020
Design It combats struggling with retaining membership and club engagement

Design It combats struggling with retaining membership and club engagement

DesignIt officers find new ways to promote their club to face the problems posed by low member turnout
Anushka De, News Editor
November 25, 2019

[Video] Women’s Suffrage and the Voter’s Choice Act

The passage of the Voter’s Choice Act makes it easier for Californian voters to cast their ballot
Anushka De and Andie Liu
November 15, 2019
Graphic by Sarah Young

Fighting for Rights

Exploring community members' struggles to assert their rights
Active shooter false alarm at Great America Theme Park

Active shooter false alarm at Great America Theme Park

Mugging incident at Great America leads to rumors of shooter and causes mass hysteria
Anushka De, News Editor
November 13, 2019
Dangers of the Web

Dangers of the Web

Exploring the different facets of cybersecurity

Secondary School Reports: Tips from the Counselors

Counselors share their most valuable advice on how to handle the stress of the SSR process
Anushka De, News Editor
October 12, 2019
The skin we live in

The skin we live in

Students deal with the struggles presented by their skin
Anushka De, News Editor
September 27, 2019
The F-Word: Failure

The F-Word: Failure

Examining the influence of failure in the MVHS community
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