![As a part of her gardening routine, Kwong prunes her plants by cutting them with scissors. Photo courtesy of Bernice Kwong | Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8C3336B3-9D89-4C59-9461-9137FBF5FB9F-906x1200.jpg)
MVHS students and staff find joy in homegrown vegetables
MVHS students and staff discuss how they started growing food and what it means to them
![Senior Iris Shi poses with her violin. Photo courtesy of Iris Shi | Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-24-at-5.28.37 PM-e1732666196266.png)
The musical journey of MVHS senior Iris Shi
The life behind the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra co-concertmaster
![Illustration by Samuel Teo](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2-3-1200x675.png)
The troubles of mandatory military service
Students share their thoughts on having to serve mandatory military service in their home country
![Rongyi Lin and Chiaki Vanasupa hold the Bring Back Japanese poster | Photo by Ethan Eisler](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/JapaneseThumbnail10-1200x900.jpg)
Japanese language students push to keep Japanese class
Students fight to keep Japanese at MVHS in the face of declining enrollment
![Photo given courtesy of Lofn Young | Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed.png)
Vocal Music Director Lofn Young opens up about their name change
Young details the journey and struggles leading up to their name change
![The MVHS community may experience culture shock returning to their home countries, showing contrasting lifestyles and reinforcing cultural connections.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/thumbnail_Untitled-September-22-2024-00.37.20-1200x900.png)
Unaccustomed to customs
MVHS students and parents share their experiences of culture shock traveling to their home country
![Graphic | Erin Liu, Owen Liu, Liz Liu](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/citizenshipwebsiteimage-1200x745.png)
A citizen’s conundrum
MVHS community discusses the challenges and pressures associated with both having and lacking U.S. citizenship
![Students and staff explain their experiences with translating media.](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/A15FD0FF-67BC-4F93-909E-7A72DF9B43A0-1200x991.jpg)
In translation
Exploring the art and impact of translation in the MVHS community
![Graphic of a vintage camera](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-18-at-1.45.48-PM.png)
@shotsby___
Vivek Chidurala shares his journey through photography
![Former El Estoque adviser Michelle Balmeo poses alongside the EE head editors holding the first issue of the 2011-2012 school year. Photo courtesy of Michelle Balmeo | Used with permission](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/295803_10150453632303502_793385817_n.jpg)
Turning the page
Former adviser and editors reflect on their time on El Estoque
![A still from "Before I Forget," a game about the experiences of dementia. | Illustration by Lauren Chuu](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/alans-virus-1200x800.jpg)
Gaming with a purpose
MVHS students play games that spread social awareness and comment on social issues
![TBH...](https://elestoque.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Untitled-design-3-1200x800.png)
TBH…
MVHS students share their texting habits and styles