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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

Oishee Misra

Oishee Misra, Editor-in-chief

Oishee is currently a senior and the co-editor-in-chief for El Estoque. She’s an artist, and the walls of her room are plastered with artwork. She loves listening to music and obsessively creates Spotify playlists and plays the piano. She’s also a total foodie (although her cooking attempts are usually disastrous). She loves reading the Opinion section of New York Times, and hopes to live in New York City and be an NYT columnist someday.

All content by Oishee Misra

Sexual harassment procedures at FUHSD and Bay Area high schools

Examining rape culture and sexual harassment policies, including Title IX, at FUHSD and Bay Area high schools
Michelle Chen and Oishee Misra
June 3, 2021
Snapshots

Snapshots

Seniors share impactful people, moments and lessons learned from high school

Snapshots

Seniors share impactful people, moments, and lessons learned from high school
The Class of 2021

The Class of 2021

Seniors reflect back on their high school experiences
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
Photo courtesy of Jeff Mueller // Used with permission

Jeff Mueller

Business teacher Jeff Mueller retires after 19 years at MVHS
Oishee Misra and Mira Wagner
May 19, 2021
Math teacher Martin Jenning retires after 39 years of teaching, 23 of which were at MVHS

Martin Jennings

Math teacher Martin Jenning retires after 39 years of teaching, 23 of which were at MVHS
Oishee Misra
May 15, 2021
Reflecting on an abnormal senior year and our hopes for an in-person graduation

Dear Class of 2021

Reflecting on an abnormal senior year and our hopes for an in-person graduation
Oishee Misra
April 29, 2021
Students, staff and administrators engage in and promote ways to support survivors after the recent surge in sexual misconduct allegations

The MVHS community works on sexual harassment and assault awareness and prevention initiatives

Students, staff and administrators engage in and promote ways to support survivors after the recent surge in sexual misconduct allegations
Oishee Misra
April 22, 2021
Discovering the myriad of things we learned this year despite claims of a year of "lost learning"

The year we didn’t lose

Discovering the myriad of things we learned this year
Oishee Misra
April 1, 2021
Examining the internalized misogyny behind using “bitch” to denote empowerment

“Bitch”

Examining the internalized misogyny behind using “bitch” to denote empowerment
Oishee Misra and Iman Malik
April 1, 2021
A year of Zoom

A year of Zoom

Exploring how the MVHS community’s feelings toward the pandemic have shifted an entire year later
A column that analyzes why constantly looking toward the future is detrimental

A year of waiting

Analyzing why constantly looking toward the future is detrimental
Oishee Misra
March 23, 2021
Live coverage of MVHS’ shift from distance learning to hybrid, in-person instruction

Live coverage of MVHS’ shift from distance learning to hybrid, in-person instruction

Updates on FUHSD decisions about returning to in-person school
Oishee Misra
March 9, 2021
On March 8, FUHSD hosted a Parent & Community webinar to provide updates about a potential return to in-person school during the 2020-21 school year, in light of recent events at the district, county, state and national levels.

FUHSD panel hosts community webinar to offer distance learning updates

FUHSD community receives information about a potential return to in-person school, including testing, vaccines and safety protocols
Oishee Misra
March 9, 2021
French teacher Sarah Finck received the California Language Teacher Association (CLTA) 2021 Outstanding Teacher Award at a virtual award ceremony called Celebrating the Best of Us on Feb. 28. Photo courtesy of Sarah Finck // Used with permission

French teacher Sarah Finck receives the California Language Teacher Association’s 2021 Outstanding Teacher Award

Examining the impact of Finck’s teaching for her colleagues and students
Oishee Misra
March 6, 2021
Analyzing meaningful forms of anti-racist work and how we can improve

Reflecting on Black History Month

Analyzing meaningful forms of anti-racist work and how we can improve
Oishee Misra
February 27, 2021
A Zoom meeting screenshot of Paly Responsive Inclusive Safe Environment (RISE, @palyrise), a student task force committed to the goals of sexual violence education, prevention and justice, is displayed.

Palo Alto High School community expresses outrage and takes action after alleged sexual assault incidents

Investigating recent alleged Palo Alto High School sexual assaults and the advocacy of the student-run Paly RISE task force and club
Oishee Misra
February 18, 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 14, 2021
Exploring the stories of Cupertino residents, students and teachers

Humans of Cupertino

Discovering the stories that populate Cupertino
Sexual assault

Sexual assault

Examining sexual assault in Bay Area high schools
MVHS cafeteria manager Debbie Herrera is currently working at Cupertino HS to implement the FUHSD Free Meal Policy.

Behind the scenes on the MVHS campus

Investigating how the roles of the cafeteria manager, site technician and day custodian have shifted during a distance learning school year
Oishee Misra
January 24, 2021
The hyperfocus on political correctness among the MVHS community hinders productive discussion.

Intellectual elitism

The hyperfocus on political correctness among the MVHS community hinders productive discussion
Oishee Misra
January 17, 2021
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
Advocating to use more meaningful rhetoric as opposed to inflammatory phrases such as “Kill All Men”

Let’s denounce KAM

Advocating to use more meaningful rhetoric as opposed to inflammatory phrases such as “Kill All Men”
Oishee Misra
December 16, 2020
Yes, she can.

Yes, she can.

Exploring different facets of feminism and how they impact students, staff and alumni
MVHS social science teacher Hilary Barron poses with her two-year-old son in this photo. Photo courtesy of Hilary Barron

Access to childcare in the midst of COVID-19

FUHSD teachers utilize the FUHSD-Action Day partnership and childcare facilities
Oishee Misra
November 25, 2020
Taken in May of 2020, this is Avaneesh Athuluri at the age of 14. Photo used with permission of Murali Athuluri

Remembering Avaneesh Athuluri

Celebrating the life of former MVHS sophomore Avaneesh Athuluri
Oishee Misra
November 16, 2020
What’s at stake: U.S. 2020 presidential election

What’s at stake: U.S. 2020 presidential election

Exploring the contentious issues of November's election
Ritu Atreyas, Krish Dev, Nishat Kazi, Robert Liu, Abdullah Memon, Oishee Misra, Neysa Singh, and Leanna Sun
October 27, 2020
Reproductive rights under threat

Reproductive rights under threat

Examining the declining access and restrictions to reproductive healthcare and instances of misogyny at MVHS
Oishee Misra
October 27, 2020
Alumni Class of 2020 take on college dorms

Alumni Class of 2020 take on college dorms

Exploring the circumstances of living on college campuses in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
Michelle Chen and Oishee Misra
October 26, 2020
College in COVID-19

College in COVID-19

Exploring the various ways the pandemic affects colleges and the application process
A heartfelt letter to the double-edged sword that has been the year 2020.

Dear 2020,

Reflecting on how a bizarre year made me reevaluate my self-worth
Oishee Misra
October 26, 2020
Analyzing the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has led to deteriorating mental health

Confronting mental health

Analyzing the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has led to deteriorating mental health
Oishee Misra
October 16, 2020
This map indicate Spanish-speaking regions of the world, where Spanish is the official language. Graphic credit | Map Handbook

MVHS Spanish and French teachers implement a stereotype unit

Delving into aspects of anti-racist work through Spanish and French 4 Honors curriculum
Oishee Misra
October 5, 2020
The front of the Standard Liquor store located in Los Altos.

Five juvenile females rob Standard Liquor in Los Altos

Examining the actions of LHS and MVHS seniors and teen alcohol usage in our school community
Oishee Misra and Brian Xu
September 26, 2020
The dichotomy of social media activism

The dichotomy of social media activism

Comparing active versus passive forms of activism on social media platforms
Oishee Misra and Sophia Ma
September 24, 2020
Lessons and legacies of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Lessons and legacies of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

We need to embrace the urgency to eliminate today’s rampant cynicism and idealism
Oishee Misra
September 20, 2020
Zoom School: MVHS Edition

Zoom School: MVHS Edition

MVHS community devises ways around the challenges of distance learning
Ritu Atreyas, Nishat Kazi, Robert Liu, Abdullah Memon, Oishee Misra, Neysa Singh, and Leanna Sun
September 17, 2020
Productivity during online distance learning

Productivity during online distance learning

How to fight lower levels of productivity due to Zoom fatigue
Oishee Misra and Nishat Kazi
September 11, 2020
This image from the NASA Earth Observatory demonstrates the extent of California's 2020 wildfires and the burn scars left on the state. Used with permission | NASA

The California wildfires impact the FUHSD community

Students and staff receive evacuation notices due to spreading wildfires
Oishee Misra
August 30, 2020
Photo used with permission | Kristen Hsieh

When life felt normal: MVHS edition

Inspired by The New York Times, MVHS students reminisce on moments before COVID-19 cancellations
Justine Ha and Oishee Misra
June 1, 2020
Graphic by Oishee Misra

Finding balance: Navigating COVID-19 media consumption

How to stay informed during the pandemic without feeling overwhelmed
Oishee Misra
April 30, 2020
Introversion and Extraversion

Introversion and Extraversion

Exploring the different aspects of introversion and extraversion in high school.
Embracing my introversion

Embracing my introversion

Growing out of resenting being an introvert
Oishee Misra
April 10, 2020
Embracing my introversion

Embracing my introversion

Growing out of resenting being an introvert
Oishee Misra
April 10, 2020
Positivity Podcast Ep. 5: Quarantine Edition

Positivity Podcast Ep. 5: Quarantine Edition

Discussing the silver linings of the COVID-19 quarantine
Oishee Misra and Lakshanyaa Ganesh
April 7, 2020
MV Bhangra after performing at Tashan, one of their earlier shows this semester, that took place during February. It will likely be their last show of the season. Photo used with permission of Janani Pandurangan

MV Bhangra deals with numerous cancelled and possibly postponed shows

COVID-19 concerns lead to the cancellation of upcoming dance showcases
Oishee Misra
March 13, 2020
The cover for Lauv's debut album ~how i'm feeling~ featuring Lauv with six miniature Lauvs

How I’m feeling about ~how i’m feeling~

Lauv captures the difficulty of coping with emotions in this era
Oishee Misra
March 9, 2020

Apathy at MVHS

Exploring students' views on the definitions of apathy and what it means to be apathetic.
Oishee Misra and Shuvi Jha
January 29, 2020
Graphic

Expanding definitions of intelligence

Critiquing the MVHS community’s focus on solely academic intelligence
Oishee Misra
January 12, 2020
Lessons From Around the World

Lessons From Around the World

Exploring the differences in policies and systems between the U.S. and foreign countries
Working hard: worth it?

Working hard: worth it?

Refuting my previous belief that hard work doesn’t always equate success
Oishee Misra
December 7, 2019
https://soundcloud.com/user-707923726/positivitypodcastep3

Positivity Podcast Ep. 3: Thanksgiving Edition

Displaying appreciation during the season of giving thanks
Oishee Misra and Lakshanyaa Ganesh
November 22, 2019
Meet the 2020 democratic candidates

Meet the 2020 democratic candidates

Exploring the nuances behind the policies and backgrounds of the five leading democratic candidates
Immigration in the United States: A broken system

Immigration in the United States: A broken system

Reflecting on our experiences with America’s legal immigration system
Lakshanyaa Ganesh and Oishee Misra
October 26, 2019
Imposter Syndrome: Exploring the Nuances

Imposter Syndrome: Exploring the Nuances

Uncovering the different facets of imposter syndrome at MVHS
Positivity Podcast Ep. 2: PG&E Shutdown

Positivity Podcast Ep. 2: PG&E Shutdown

Exploring the positives of the recent scheduled PG&E shutdown
Lakshanyaa Ganesh and Oishee Misra
October 16, 2019
“I thought this Homecoming Rally was better [than the Welcome Back Rally],” freshman Arushi Shah said. “There were more activities, they were more fun, and then it was decorated better. I just thought it was a really nice experience to be a part of.”

Homecoming Rally 2019

Despite scheduling changes the Homecoming Rally successfully kicks off Homecoming Week
Lakshanyaa Ganesh and Oishee Misra
October 13, 2019
During March of 2018, MVHS students hosted a school walk-out in order to protest against gun violence in America.

Meaningful Protesting

Refuting my previous belief that protesting is ineffective
Oishee Misra
September 25, 2019
Graphic | Oishee Misra

Positivity Podcast Ep. 1: Democratic debates

Exploring the positives in the democratic debates
Lakshanyaa Ganesh and Oishee Misra
September 22, 2019
After senior Divya Suresh was treated for her injury, players from both teams commended each other for playing a good game. Photo by Justine Ha

Girls Volleyball: Matadors win against Prospect HS in three sets

Team secures a blowout win, but loses a key player due to injury in the process
Oishee Misra, Justine Ha, and Collin Qian
September 7, 2019
A NASA Earth Observatory image taken in August 2019 that captures the Amazon rainforest's burning fires. Photo Credit: NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS/LANCE and GIBS/Worldview, Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) data from NASA EOSDIS, and data from the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED)

Addressing the sparse media coverage of the Amazon fires

Uncovering the drawbacks of social media activism
Oishee Misra
September 1, 2019
The graduating class of 2020 stands in line during Running of the Bulls. Photo Credit | Lakshanyaa Ganesh

FUHSD projections predict lower enrollment in coming years

MVHS population of 2019-20 is smaller than previous years
Oishee Misra and Lakshanyaa Ganesh
August 22, 2019
Silver linings of the Notre Dame fire

Silver linings of the Notre Dame fire

Combatting our society’s aversion of silver linings
Oishee Misra
May 24, 2019
Shifting perspectives owing to Model UN

Shifting perspectives owing to Model UN

Model UN training officer Nelson Mu shares insights about his past two years in the club
Oishee Misra
May 23, 2019
Constant Change: As I overcame my fear of farewells

Constant Change: As I overcame my fear of farewells

A confession about my reluctance to say goodbye
Oishee Misra
May 23, 2019
Dear Heartbeat Bill

Dear Heartbeat Bill

A hate letter to Alabama’s anti-abortion bill
Oishee Misra
May 16, 2019
Our society’s obsession with labels

Our society’s obsession with labels

The dangers of placing people in boxes
Constant Change: As I discovered a liking for solitude

Constant Change: As I discovered a liking for solitude

Learning how to keep myself company
Oishee Misra
April 28, 2019
Model UN hosts conference at MVHS

Model UN hosts conference at MVHS

Behind the scenes of how South Bay Model UN (SBMUN) came together
Oishee Misra
April 12, 2019
Constant Change: As I look toward the future

Constant Change: As I look toward the future

My struggle with uncertainty about what lies ahead
Oishee Misra
March 30, 2019
Response to New Zealand shooting sets precedent for U.S.

Response to New Zealand shooting sets precedent for U.S.

Our country's inclination towards thoughts and prayers
Oishee Misra and Brian Xu
March 24, 2019
Warming Up: Examining the Consequences of Climate Change

Warming Up: Examining the Consequences of Climate Change

Recent events spark conversations about climate change
Constant Change: As I opposed beauty

Constant Change: As I opposed beauty

Discovering the real meaning of “beautiful”
Oishee Misra
February 28, 2019
The prospects of Middle College

The prospects of Middle College

Applications for Middle College spark discussion about learning environments
Oishee Misra
February 9, 2019
Athlete of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Skylar Ploshay
Oishee Misra
February 8, 2019
Model UN season picks up the pace

Model UN season picks up the pace

The club anticipates large and competitive upcoming tournaments
Oishee Misra
February 5, 2019
Girls basketball: Team overpowers Milpitas HS

Girls basketball: Team overpowers Milpitas HS

Strong all-around performance secures 53-43 win
Roshan Fernandez and Oishee Misra
January 28, 2019
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