The Spectrum
  • Home
  • Mainspread
  • Bits
  • News
  • Op-Ed
    • Off-Topic
  • MORE
    • Past Issues
    • About
  • Search
  • New Page

Youth

Generation Z: Revolutionizing the Workplace
​
BY CATHERINE LITCHFIELD '23
Before we know it, our generation will be dominating the workplace. Here’s how we will shape our professions as we know it.
Is NewJeans Too New to Debut?
​
BY JULIA XIAO '24
Being a K-pop idol encompasses many elements. From singing, rapping, and dancing, to attending activities like TV appearances and concerts, their responsibilities are never-ending.
Youth Voices in Voting
BY AVNI MISHRA '23
Millennial and Gen-Z voter turnout is on the rise, and with it, the possibility of a new era of American politics. 
The Pressure on Our Youth Today
​
BY BEATRICE MAXWELL '25
A look into how pressures on youth have been exacerbated in the 21st century
The Maturation of Modern Youth
​
BY DHRUVIKA DEEKONDA '24
Do you remember buying those $3 giant erasers at Scholastic Book Fairs? No? Well, kids are growing up faster these days... 
US Political Stagnation
​
BY NATHANAEL GREEN '25
Red, white, blue, and…green? Something’s awry with American politics... 

Legacy 2022

Court Ruling Roe vs. Wade: A Modern Handmaid's Tale?
BY TORI BELL '26
Daily life may seem mundane, but when thinking about our society as a whole, how bad can an issue be? Is it possible for the depictions from a dystopia to be a reality?
Admit One for $: College
BY SAHASRA CHAVALI '26
The air cools our cheeks, frost bites at our fingers, and a new graduating class experiences an age-old rite of passage: college admissions season.
The Legacies of Historical Figures
BY MRUNAL DEORE '24
In our constantly changing world, it’s crucial to set examples for the generations to come. This begs the question: who deserves to be recognized in a society that is constantly progressing?
Dreams Come True: Disney Remakes Represent
BY KÉRA MATTHEWS '24
It’s completely valid to feel nostalgic over your comfort movies. But what happens when that nostalgia is masking your prejudice?

Back-To- School 2022

Handy Advice for Back-to-School
BY JULIA LIU '23
Coming back to or into school as an underclassmen? Learn all the tips and tricks for surviving high school right here!
Don't Miss These Items This Year
BY AMY MENG '25
Not sure what to bring to school this year? We've got you covered! Check out this ultimate list of Back-to-School essentials, newly updated for 2022–2023.



​​
How to Make the Most Out of Your School Year
BY EMILY XU '23

Whether you’re a freshman, a seasoned upperclassman, a senior new to AB, or anyone in between, here are some steps to make the most out of your school year. ​​
Exciting Clubs at AB
BY ADI RAMAN '23 
At ABRHS, specifically, the start of school offers a chance to explore the 65+ clubs available to join—a number that is only growing. With such a wide variety of activities to participate in, it can be overwhelming to find a club you’ll love. That being said, let’s take a closer look at three clubs that are worth taking a second look at!




Picture

Graduation 2022

Graduation Caps Off; Cash Out?
BY JULIA XIAO '24
Black caps fill the sky as hundreds of high school seniors toss them into the air. This anticipated moment, along with the ceremonies, senior trips, and parties are all events that celebrate senior graduation
On Staying Partial, not Impartial: A Reflection
BY REBECCA ZHANG '22
I tiptoed into The Spectrum as a wee little frosh, terrified of news—and the EICs. Four years later, I’m proud to announce: I no longer tremble at the sight of a stray Jasmine. News writing, on the other hand, required much more convincing.​
Some Groovy Graduation Anthems
BY THERESA NINTZEL '24
It’s that time of year again! Summer is just around the corner, and we’re getting ready to say goodbye to late-night cramming sessions and overdue English essays . Whether you’re an underclassman taking your next step into the realm of high school or a senior feeling nostalgic about your past, we could all use some music to celebrate the milestone that is graduation
Advice From '28 to '22
BY GRACE CHAI ’23, N. RAZBAN '23, & EMILY XU '23 
Advice from the wisest and experienced

Adaptations 2022

Everyday Evolution
BY MEGHAN LAWSON ’23
We can see evolution all around us all the time. But have you ever considered how you have evolved into the world?
Picture
Pressure of Cultural Assimilation 
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI ’24
​The assimilation to cultural norms is a topic that is often heard, yet the consequences and ways to improve this aren’t discussed as often, making it crucial to understand where this stems from and what each individual can do to better their community in a different way.
Pandemic Tech Stress
BY EMILY XU ’23
How online resources have created a culture of never-ending schoolwork.
The Need for Language Adaptation
BY AVA WONG ’23

​
We cannot “erase hate” because it is not scrawled in pencil but rather carved into our values as a community.
Adaptating Habits: Good and Bad
BY ADI RAMAN '23
How can we fight habits when they are all we know?



Fast Fashion: We Should Be Furious About it
BY ALICIA GU ’23
​In our ever-changing social climate, the average consumer’s world of fashion has undergone a drastic transformation in the last couple of years. The explosion of the fast fashion industry has had major consequences on the environment, workers, and consumers—what can we do to lessen these effects while still looking chic and saving our wallets?
Picture

Boundaries 2021

Letter from the EICs
BY JASMINE WU '22 & REBECCA ZHANG '22
Snow days, hot cocoa, and turtlenecks—oh my! Whether you’re curling up beneath blankets or bounding into a huge pile of snow...
The Gen Z Intergenerational Clash
BY ADI RAMAN '23

The true intentions behind a generation’s online jokes.
Saying “No” is a Skill
BY JOY WANG '23
Let’s talk about the implications of using “no” and why it should be more integrated in your vocabulary.

Boundaries in Education are Becoming Too Defining
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24
STEM or humanities? What about…both?

How to Start Your Own Country
BY AVA WONG '23

As everything as we know it shifts in the US, our future as a generation and as individuals hangs in the balance. If you feel like your country doesn’t work for you - here’s how to start your own.
Picture
Wall Street is Too White and Too Male
BY EMMA XIANG ‘23
It’s time to pop Wall Street’s bubble of rich, white male executives.

​


Normalcy 2021

Heteronormativity: Bending Straight Norms
BY AVNI MISHRA '23
The fight for LGBTQ+ acceptance has been an uphill battle. While the community has come a long way from where it once stood in history, there is still much to do in creating accepting communities for queer individuals. Heteronormativity is one such struggle that is less talked about.
The New Normal: The Normalization of Climate Change
BY MAYENLI COMFORT-MARYAM '23
As weather patterns change and climate disasters become more frequent, it seems people, especially those of us in the developed world, have become hesitant to commit to creating change and are rather content to live oblivious to the realities of the climate crisis.
Letter From the EICS
BY JASMINE WU '22 & REBECCA ZHANG '22
​
A message from our overlords.
How Does Mobile Gaming Affect Our Reliance on Technology?
BY EDDY ZHAO '25

Mobile gaming is becoming the norm and it may affect more than just the gaming industry.
Conforming to Beauty Standards
BY VAISHNAVI MURTHY '24
New beauty trends are all the rage on social media, but what are the consequences?
Picture
How Will the Pandemic End?
BY AMY MENG '25
Will COVID go, or is it here to stay?
Lack of Geographical Knowledge in the United States
BY DHRUVIKA DEEKONDA '24
Are you part of the twenty-percent of Americans with a strong grasp on geography?
Should Acton-Boxborough High School Redefine Grades?
BY MRUNAL DEORE '24
Have you ever studied diligently for a test and still been disappointed at your score? 
Social Media and its Contribution to Normalized Stan Culture 
BY AVNI MISHRA '23
From Barbz to Arianators to Blinks, stan communities have begun to exist for just about every mainstream artist. Chances are you’ve run into a few while browsing the Instagram explore page or looking through Twitter replies. But how has the age of social media contributed to normalizing these communities and their toxic traits? 
Raising Awareness: The Growing Normalization of Hate Crimes
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24

Recently, an increasing amount of awareness regarding hate crimes has been making the news. However, each social media post and conversation held about such hate crimes seems to be factoring into the growing desensitization of them. It is important to understand how such normalization can be avoided and what the next steps should be.

Back-To-School 2021

Looking Forward and Looking Back: Senior Reflections
BY CHRISTINE YUAN ‘22

Awkward senior contemplates high school while making bad jokes.
Conquer Back-To-School 2021 with Main Character Energy!
BY GRACE CHAI ‘23
Own Back-To-School like the main character you are with these tips.
Letter from the EICs
BY JASMINE WU '22 & REBECCA ZHANG '22
After the chaos of the past two years, we leaped into summer, hoping that our senior year would bring...
Guide to Getting Things Done
BY TINGHAN WANG ‘24

No more lazing about, school has started. Never fear, disorganized procrastinators: I’ve got you! 

Picture
Advice to Underclassmen
BY SYDNEY PASCAL ’22

Realistic advice from a senior to underclassmen for a successful school year.

Back-To-School Bops 
BY N. RAZBAN ‘23
Your Back-To-School experience but make it ~spicy~ tunes. 

Graduation 2021

Letter from the Old EICs
​BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
June 3rd rapidly approaches in the eyes of us seniors. On one hand, it signifies the day we’ve been looking forward to since freshman year, but on the other, it is the date of our official farewell to The Spectrum...
Letter from the New EICS
​BY JASMINE WU '22 & REBECCA ZHANG '22
Howdy friends, 
It’s Jasmine and Rebecca here! Fun fact: the second we found out we would become the new EICs, Jasmine called me (Rebecca) and just absolutely cackled, and neither... 

Picture
Advice From a Graduating Senior
BY ANUSHKA WANI '21
Hey everyone! Greetings from a graduating senior 😎! You’re probably wondering, “Anushka, how the hell did you make it through four years of high school?” To be completely honest, I’m wondering the same thing, but I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way. Read ahead at your own risk...
Taking a Gap Year
BY SAHANA PRABHU '23
​
What is a gap year? Simply put, it is a break, typically the duration of an academic year, that students can take off from college or high school to pursue other passions and relax from the stress of academics. With many students taking gap years due to the ongoing...
The Quirkiest Moments of Our Year: Favorite Memories and Superlatives
BY THE SPECTRUM STAFF
“Writing a whole article on lowering expectations for Biden's vaccine rollout and then watching vaccinations exceed expectations by more than double.” — George Ji ’23

“Once in a breakout room, Rebecca (as mainspread section editor) and I (as op-ed editor) were giving feedback to a writer on their article! All was well until someone started using a leaf blower outside my house, so I had to (kindly and encouragingly) yell over some very loud yard work. And before I even finished talking, the breakout rooms closed, and it was just very chaotic! I think that is my favorite part of The Spectrum, that it is chaotically productive.” — Jasmine Wu ’22
Senior Map
BY EMILY XU '23
A map of where our seniors are headed...
Senior Send-Off
BY THE SPECTRUM STAFF
A fond farewell to our upperclassmen...
Internship Opportunities
BY DIVYASHRI PRASATH '23
Have you ever wondered how you can make the best of your summer by improving your skills in a real-world environment? Well, internships may be just what you’re looking for! Student internships provide hands-on experience and an in-depth exploration of specific career paths. Preparedness is crucial in life, and engaging in an internship can help you develop the key expertise needed for any future career. From internships, you can gain confidence, learn networking skills, and refine current skills by putting them to use under realistic conditions, such as the busy life in an office...

Picture
Standardized Tests: The Optional Future
BY SYDNEY PASCAL '22

While students and school systems cope with the pandemic's repercussions, colleges modified the requirement that once haunted aspiring college students: standardized testing. Although it was originally implemented as...
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Students' Workload?
BY MAY HONG '23 & SIVAPRIYA MARIMUTHU '23
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected students. Even with new tools such as Zoom, Kami, and Google Classroom dominating education, technology has never adequately replaced in-person learning. COVID-19’s influence on school structure and family life has increased the difficulty of completing assignments. Meanwhile, even with some schools cutting curriculum, most schools experienced no major changes in workload size. Though one may assume that completing assignments would be easier online, the contrary is true...

Spring 2021: Expectations

Letter from the EICs
BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
This month marks the anniversary of several major events: our publication going fully online, our remote school situation, and, of course, Dr. Fauci’s rise to fame. And as we all know, we have COVID to thank. 
High vs. Low Expectations in School
BY N. RAZBAN '23
High expectations mean high results. This is the mindset with which we’ve been raised. Media constantly bombards us with articles and books telling us why high expectations lead to success. Our teachers always tell us to aim high and expect a lot from ourselves. Our parents tell us to “shoot for the stars.” The ultimate goal is success, or what society defines as success for youth: good grades and achievements. Our culture is obsessed with pushing ourselves students harder and keeping our expectations as high as possible. However, to what extent are high expectations favorable, and when do they begin to work against us? ...
Biden's First 100 Days: Lowering Expectations for the New Administration
BY GEORGE JI '23
It's hard not to be optimistic about 2021. There's a new president, COVID-19 vaccinations are steadily increasing, and this is the year you can finally get that A+ you’ve been working for! As exciting as it is to set high expectations for the new year, it's equally important not to set yourself up for disappointment. The reality is, 2021 is probably going to be more like 2020 than 2022, the year we finally make contact with aliens. Currently, COVID-19 vaccinations are still failing to meet demand. Biden’s agenda outlines a promising first 100 days, but automatically assuming his success would be unrealistic to say the least...
Picture
The Expectations We Hold for Our Country
BY ERIN TOBIN '23
On January 6th, 2021, an act of domestic terrorism occurred in our nation's Capitol building, resulting in horrific violence, arrests, deaths, and trauma. Ultimately, though, Joe Biden was confirmed as the next president of the United States. Later that night, Trump was banned from several social media platforms, including Twitter, and many of his Cabinet members resigned. Just a week later, House Democrats and ten Republicans voted to impeach Trump. Finally, President Biden’s inauguration on January 20th proceeded without calamity, and our country's once chaotic situation seemed to de-escalate. However, this new sense of hope does not prevent other similar incidents from happening: the attack on the Capitol was not random or unexplainable; rather, it was rooted deeply in the worsening expectations we hold for our country...
The Model Minority Myth Only Benefits White America
BY EMMA XIANG '23 
In 2011, Amy Chua published Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, documenting her strict method of  “Chinese” parenting. Chua dubbed herself a “tiger mom”: a mother focused on preparing her children for success through extensive math practice, rigorous piano sessions, and a no-tolerance policy. The novel concept of tiger parenting buzzed among American parents while reinforcing the model minority myth, which labels certain...
Let's Talk Representation.
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24
Picture this: you're lying in bed on a normal Saturday night, and a movie marathon is calling your name. As you scroll through your options, you come across a film starring your favorite person of color (POC). You kick back, relax, and enjoy. Unbeknownst to you, that movie will change your life forever. This seemingly dramatized phenomena actually occurs often. Media can easily...
How Society Forced Women To Unite and Initiate Change
BY NOSARA MAXWELL '23

Throughout history, women have maintained limited rights—often only being valued for their ability to birth and care for children. Until recently, women could not hold any positions of power, which prevented them from advancing their role in society. Men controlled the narrative of civilization around the world, and women’s contributions rarely merited a footnote in this male-dominated history. Though expectations created by men continue to demote women in many realms, in the United States, women have gradually seized power by uniting across both racial and socio-economic lines. During the 18th century, colonial women—restricted to traditional feminine roles as mothers and wives—had very few rights but many responsibilities. As mothers, they followed Republican motherhood: the idea that a woman’s duty is to teach America’s next...
Picture
Influencers and Expectations: How Cancel Culture affects our Mental Well-being
BY AVNI MISHRA '23

During the pandemic, most of Gen Z lives their lives through the internet. When we aren’t forcing ourselves to stay awake in Zoom classes, we’re scrolling through our favorite (or most addictive) social media feed. Whether it be TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, it’s not a stretch to say that this generation’s culture has largely been shaped by our online interactions. While social media fundamentally serves as a form of communication between friends and family, these sites have grown to host content creators with unique talents and skills. YouTube, with its two billion users, is the most recognizable video-sharing network, but over the years...
Our Expectations Are Skewed by Internet Algorithms
BY SYDNEY PASCAL '22
With more news, social interactions, and opinions dominating the internet, we must evaluate the validity of the information we see now more than ever. While the importance of recognizing fake news is undeniable, most internet users are blind to the iron grip of algorithms, which analyze users’ clicks and time consumption to dictate what they see. Internet algorithms skew our expectations of people and ideas by supplying users with content that they already agree with, creating echo chambers and rooting out different opinions necessary for combating bias. Most internet users are satisfied with an algorithm that presents content they enjoy, but what are the implications of this algorithm, and is it helping or hurting us? Today’s social media algorithms refine what a user sees by analyzing their viewing history to garner further activity...
What to Expect From the COVID-19 Vaccine
BY DIVYASHRI PRASATH '23
As the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine concludes, we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Recently, vaccine distributors have picked up the pace, but the general public’s expectations for the vaccine timeline do not match that reality of the situation. Even under the best circumstances, the process of vaccinating more people will face some difficulties and take time—likely much longer...
Are Our Expectations Causing Media Bias?
BY ANDONI ZERVOGLOS '22
The existence of media bias is a well-known fact, and in today's world, it's almost expected. The most popular news networks show blatant political biases, either right-leaning, like Fox, or left-leaning, like MSNBC. In fact, according to Deadline, no large centrist broadcasting service even breaks the ten most-watched network list. Our own prejudices contribute to this trend. We ourselves are partisan, and as an unsurprising...
Picture
Lessons of Expectation Management from Pixar's Soul
BY MILENA ZHU '22
This past Christmas, with nothing to do, I watched the new Pixar movie, Soul. While it did not elicit an embarrassing breakdown like Coco did, its characters were relatable, authentic, and much more mature than those of a typical Pixar movie. Through its realistic characters and moving plot, Soul teaches us that fixating on a dream can overshadow life’s simple joys, and with COVID-19 still ravaging the world, we are reminded to live day-to-day rather than chase the unfeasible dream of a miraculous cure. Soul was the perfect movie for the end of 2020 because it showed us that in trying times, the key to happiness is to balance our expectations. For those who do not want to pirate or support the ruthless capitalism of dear old Walt...

Winter 2020: Transitions

Letter from the EICs
BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
As we leave behind the train-wreck that was 2020, we’re eager for a fresh start. Though we know January 1st doesn’t magically hit a reset button and erase our health, political, and social justice struggles, we see the new year as an opportunity to transition into less turbulent times. 
The Forgotten Freshmen
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24

Dozens of kids crowd the hallways, trying to find their way to their next class. Their faces are half-covered, and the lines crawl slowly. That is how the first day of high school felt for many freshmen: a blur of masks and confusion. Though usually exciting, the transition from middle to high school has been complicated by the pandemic...
​Fossil Fuels to Renewables
BY BELLE HU '22
Halloween’s definitely cancelled now. On October 30th, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School students woke up to two feet of snow, a snowy expanse engulfing unsuspecting skeleton and pumpkin decorations all around town. A few weeks later, the semester gave way to a humid Thanksgiving break; the air hung moist and the temperature...
Picture
The Depreciating Effect of a Teenage Girl’s Love:
​Why Society Doesn’t Let Girls Be Girls

BY MILENA ZHU '22

When boy bands like the Beatles and One Direction are compared today, they could not seem more different. One Direction is perceived as a passing—or passed—fad while the Beatles are known as one of the most legendary musical acts. However, at the height of their popularity, the Beatles were in fact quite similar to One Direction, largely due to their teenage girl fanbase. Despite the modern praise they receive, when the Beatles were popular with teenage girls, they were held in much lower...
The 2020 Hurricane Season: A Glimpse Into Future Weather Conditions
BY DIVYA PRASATH '23​
As climate change progresses at an alarming rate, so does the severity of hurricanes. In 2020 alone, there were a total of thirty named tropical storms and six major hurricanes, breaking records and marking the year as one of the most active and catastrophic hurricane seasons yet. Although research predicts that we will see increasingly intense hurricane season
s largely due to  global warming, there are still those who ignore these impending fatalities...

Fall 2020: Duality

Picture
Social Media’s Effect on BLM
BY AVA WONG '23
The hashtag "#BlackLivesMatter" skyrocketed, appearing in just thousands of posts to 8.8 million posts in the days following George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020. In the nationwide cry for racial equality, hashtags became a popular method of projecting information to millions of people in a single caption. Today, hashtags such as #InDefenseOfBlackLives, #DefundThePolice, and #BlackLivesMatter (#BLM) are
...
The Portland Protests
BY BELLE HU '22
“Feds stay clear! The moms are here!”
chanted a crowd of women, linked arm-to-arm, in sunshine yellow graphic t-shirts. Frustrated by the kidnappings and teargas that plagued Black Lives Matter protests, women across all age groups and ethnicities called for peace while handing out sunflowers. What started with a few dozen moms has transformed into a unified movement across several states, though one...
Political Polarization
BY SOPHIE ZHANG '22
When we were kids, our parents taught us to be kind unconditionally. 
"Take the high road" and "treat others how you want to be treated," they said. However, in our increasingly polarized culture, let’s just say, “It’s complicated.” On October 9, 2019, Ellen Degeneres was caught laughing with George W. Bush at a football game. The internet became outraged. To many, Bush ran a disastrous administration and disrespected...
Hybrid vs. Remote
BY RIBKA SHEIKH '21
School has been in session for more than two months now, and it seems that most people have slowly adjusted to their designated track for the school year. Some are happy with their choice while others aren’t. The two programs differ widely, with hybrid students attending school in-person twice a week and remote students attending Zoom classes from home. Both schedules do their best to provide a holistic school year, but the greatest challenge for each one is effective collaboration. 
The hybrid track yields itself as the more “normal” of the two since students go to school as usual. It feels like a regular school day, minus the social distancing and one-way halls. Learning in-person specifically benefits the students who prefer group work and a designated space for learning. Because the hybrid program requires students to attend school in-person, there’s more opportunity to connect with friends and interact with teachers. In fact, some special-needs children depend on in-person instruction to adequately learn the curriculum, and adding the myriad of online communication difficulties only complicates things further. Hybrid students still have Wednesday Zoom classes so that janitors can properly sanitize the school. However, even with these precautions, this type of schedule still poses a risk to students’ health, which limits their collaboration...​
WAP: Women Are Powerful or Wet uh…
BY REBECCA ZHANG '22
The first time I watched “WAP” was for this article. So, yes, I’m blaming YOU for the permanent scarring this music video has caused. Before my own enlightenment, of course, Cardi B’s “WAP” stormed in and demanded attention from anyone who would listen. 
My friends sang it, my dance teacher played it in class, and even the media took a break from COVID-19 and politics to discuss this risqué wonder.While many praise Cardi B for (loudly) promoting body ownership and female power, 'WAP' sparked its fair share of controversies among conservatives and parents alike. Among all the animal print, the dancing in splits, and the skin-tight clothing, the question remains: is “WAP” oversexualizing or empowering women? If you somehow have not heard about “WAP,” let me bless you with some very PG-13...
Duality of Cancel Culture
BY RIYA SHAH '22
As a kid, I found a home in JK Rowling’s legendary fantasy series, 
Harry Potter. Whether it was the fascinating spells or lovable friendships, the one-of-a-kind series captured so many of us and built an enormous audience. So when I heard that Rowling was #cancelled, I was shocked. Though I had heard some controversy over Rowling’s statements revealing Dumbledore and other characters’ sexuality, I dismissed it as a case of performance activism and didn’t think much of it. But more recently, Rowling’s fans have truly said evanesco (vanishing spell!)after she posted a series of transphobic tweets. Of course, I was glad to see Rowling held accountable for actions that promoted a highly discriminatory mindset to her vast platform. But on the other hand, I wondered how such a passionate fanbase could...
Picture
Assimilation vs. Cultural Pride
BY MAYENLI COMFORT '23
Say you were in a foreign country and someone asked, “Where are you from?” Most people would reply, “America,” and that would be the end of the story. But for first and second-generation immigrant kids, it’s never that easy. We start to overthink, and it goes something a little like, “Umm… I was born in America, but my parents are from ___, so I’m kinda ____ but not really.” Fueled by an intrinsic need to belong, first and second-generation kids often face identity crises as they try to balance their family’s culture and mainstream American culture. This inability to define ourselves begins in childhood, where we struggle to be “normal,” and continues as we mature and cannot fully identify with either culture. 
The U.S Census Bureau describes first-generation immigrants as the people living in America but born overseas, and the...
Picture
Good vs. Evil
BY PRANAV AKSHATH '24
School has been in session for more than two months now, and it seems that most people have slowly adjusted to their designated track for the school year. Some are happy with their choice while others aren’t. The two programs, remote and hybrid, differ widely, with hybrid students attending school in-person twice a week and remote students attending live classes several times a week from home. Both schedules do their best to provide a holistic school year, but the greatest challenge for either program is effective collaboration. 
The hybrid track yields itself as the more “normal” of the two, as students go to school as usual. It feels like a regular school day, minus the social distancing and one-way halls. Learning in-person specifically benefits the students who prefer group work and a designated space for learning. Because the hybrid...

​Back-to-School 2020

Time Management Advice 
BY N. RAZBAN '23

As a sophomore, I can confidently say that time management was not my forte last year. I struggled to finish long term projects, was constantly stressed by homework, and failed to turn in my best work. The mere thought of writing a paper would bring so much disquietude that I couldn’t even start, leading to a last-minute cram session, in which I would blast study playlists and frantically type away. As the clock...
Picture
​​Motivation for Standardized Tests
BY DIVYASRI KRISHNAN '21
It’s that time of year again.  Well, sort of. Nothing this year’s been on time, per se, and this article may be irrelevant considering that many colleges are going test optional, but for those of you who are taking the SAT or ACT, it’s that time of year again. 
The weeks before your exams are a special sort of hell, somehow preparing for a test that may have a not-so-insignificant effect on your future. Believe me, I understand. I’ve been there...
Letter from the EICs
BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
What is school?... No, really—we’re genuinely asking. With the long days of online classes blending into the even longer days of summer vacation, we haven’t walked the hallowed halls of ABRHS in six months. As...
What is The Spectrum? 
BY SYDNEY PASCAL '22
It may be difficult to find the perfect club to join, but look no further! ABRHS’ student-run newspaper The Spectrum welcomes all students to contribute
 their thoughts. From writing opinion pieces to working...
Possible Changes in Covid-19
BY PRIYANKA CHIDAMBARAM '23
Back in March, none of us expected quarantine to last longer than a week. This pandemic, unfortunately, is still spreading like wildfire, even as people resume their “normal” lives. With September quickly...

Graduation 2020

Letter from the Old EICs
BY SERENA HAN '20, KIRTANA KRISHNAKUMAR '20, & ANJALI RAMAN '20​
We’d like to begin with a story. It all began last year, when our predecessors bid us farewell. As the first EIC trio, we so insightfully decided in our first letter that two is a party, but three isn’t a crowd—just a really big party. And we’ve certainly partied together over the last year. We partied during the 2019 Graduation Issue Mishap, through late...
Picture
Letter from the New EICs
BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21​
This isn’t how we wanted to start our story at all. When we got the email saying that we would be the new EICs, we cheered and looked forward to hoarding Ms. Hammond’s snacks, chilling with our staff, and improving The Spectrum to reach new heights. Suddenly we were hit with 2020...
The End of Year Survey: Looking Back Through the Year​
BY THE SPECTRUM STAFF​
“I loved how every week, everyone could just sit down and work on their articles while eating store-bought cookies and pretzels, simultaneously working on their articles. The members of The Spectrum were all really welcoming..." — Belle Hu ’22


“Every time Jasmine squawks over her unfinished (*ahem* unstarted) article” — Rebecca Zhang ’22

“The time I brought a cake to layout week (I think for winter issue) and we (not so secretly) munched on it in the Mac lab 0_0. 'Twas the peak of salutary neglect and all things sweet at the venerated Spectrum snack table.” — Olivia Hu ’22
Seniors "What I'll Miss the Most"
BY GRADUATING SENIORS '20​
Serena Han, Graduating co-Editor-in-Chief
It’s hard to fathom life without our weekly Thursday meetings—where we shout out announcements and then make the rounds, ambling up and down rows to chat with the Staff about the latest news while munching on Ms. Hammond’s Trader Joe’s snacks. It’s hard to fathom life without our weekly Monday meetings either—the Chief Staff gathering around one table to edit a promising article together until we inevitably get off track; then, we discuss Amber and Emily’s latest whiteboard cartoon caricatures with a similar fervor...
Valedictorians and Student Rankings
BY KIRTANA KRISHNAKUMAR '20​
The sun shines brightly, glinting off pearly white chairs dotting the grassy field. Parents, teachers, and students look on as a girl steps up to the mahogany podium. She straightens her cap, clears her throat, and begins, smiling down at the expectant faces. Laughs reverberate as she recounts her graduating class’s memories; the audience applauds while she honors her peers’ hard work; and after ending with advice for the future, everyone stands to clap and cheer. As the holder of the highest GPA, this girl is the school’s pride. She is the valedictorian, a word that has come to mean the epitome of excellence. Interestingly, the word itself—of the Latin root vale dicere—has nothing to do with achievement; it simply means “to say farewell.” And certainly, valedictorians were once only known for their final address to a graduating class. However, over time, the term has come to signify far more: it is now a symbol of student ranking and a rather contentious practice. Though valedictorians have been a long-held tradition in...
Graduating High School Seniors
BY RIBKA SHEIKH '21
With Australia’s wildfires, the passing of NBA star Kobe Bryant, and the coronavirus, 2020 has already hit us worse than 2019. As we all know, the virus has had many consequences, one of the most notable being a hindrance to students’ education. Millions of students globally have been out of school since the pandemic hit. In fact, as of May, fourty-eight states in the US recommended or mandated school closures...
​Gap Years
BY PRIYANKA CHIDAMBARAM '23
Even as the world pauses due to COVID-19, schools have tried to continue graduation celebrations, either through virtual means or postponement. As a momentous occasion for seniors, graduation marks a significant turning point in life. While the traditional student continues to college, others decide to take a sabbatical year before proceeding to higher education. Gap years supposedly give students time to further...
Farewell to Seniors
BY THE SPECTRUM STAFF​
A letter to our upperclassmen...
Frat Houses
​BY SIVAPRIYA MARIMUTHU '23
Greek life plays a vital role in the college experience for countless students across the United States. Fraternities were originally established by John Heath in 1776 as a mechanism to unite college students with similar interests. Heath’s Phi Beta Kappa, the first Greek-letter society, created a world of secrecy and rituals which are still preserved by modern fraternities today. These social groups rapidly dominated the college community, helping individuals establish friendships and partake in...
Unity at Graduation
BY REBECCA ZHANG '22​
Side by side, shoulder to shoulder, they march forward. The cadence of thunderous applause carries them to their seats, blue robes swinging rhythmically around their feet. A sea of navy, cap-shaped silhouettes ripple across the field; glistening tassels—gold and white—chase after them. Twelve seemingly endless and grueling years escalate to this final moment as over four hundred individuals become one, united by a newfound anticipation for the future, distinguished only by fond memories of...
Effects of No MCAS on AB Students
BY ADI RAMAN '23
It is safe to say that 2020 has not been the best year. With the catastrophic COVID-19 outbreak, many flaws within the societal and governmental system of the United States have become even more apparent. In fact, the pandemic has been so disastrous that it has caused schools in Massachusetts and across the country to close down for the remainder of the school year. This subsequently forced Governor Charlie Baker to cancel all 2020 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing.
​While students may be relieved that they don’t have to worry about the test this year, this cancellation raises questions about how useful MCAS truly is... 
Picture

RETURN TO TOP
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Mainspread
  • Bits
  • News
  • Op-Ed
    • Off-Topic
  • MORE
    • Past Issues
    • About
  • Search
  • New Page