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The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

Alena Zhang

Alena Zhang, Eastside Editor-In-Chief

Whether Alena is chasing a story or talking to a friend, she asks thought-provoking queries in hopes of sparking meaningful conversations. She finds joy in spring day walks, the “Aha!” moment of cracking a problem and viola concertos. When Alena isn’t busy adding story ideas and writing to her Notes app or in the midst of a cafe study session, she can be found styling her friends or curling up with a long book. A self-professed chef, she often concocts dishes and shares them with her friends, family, and dog Teddy.

All content by Alena Zhang
How can the average person protect themselves?

How can the average person protect themselves?

Alena Zhang, Eastside Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2023

It may get overwhelming at times when attempting to implement various cybersecurity measures. Below are a few ways to protect yourself, so that your systems, networks and devices are fully secure. Create strong passwords. Longer passwords (at least...

China’s Gaokao

Ella Hampton and Alena Zhang
November 22, 2022

“One month before I took the Gaokao, I lost about 12 pounds….my hair on the back of my head… half of [it] got gray.” “I still have nightmares that…I could not finish the test, even now after ten years.” The Gaokao, the only college...

Image of Quantum Entanglemt

The 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics: Quantum Entanglement

Alena Zhang, Editor-In-Chief
November 15, 2022

On October 4, Alain Aspect, John Clauser and Anton Zeilinger were awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. This award marks a major breakthrough in paving the way for technology that is based on quantum information...

What is your biggest regret?

What is your biggest regret?

Alena Zhang, Eastside Editor in Chief
October 27, 2022

“I don’t take time for more people. All the time, I keep away…When you come from another country, another culture, another religion, sometimes I feel afraid that people don’t want to talk with me because I come from another country. And now, I...

What is your biggest fear?

What is your biggest fear?

Alena Zhang, Eastside Editor in Chief
October 27, 2022

“My mom is cheating on someone. I can only talk with my friends but I can’t tell my dad…because if I do tell my dad, I would feel like I'm the person who broke up my family.” - 20, female “Show [that] I’m weak. Sometimes I cry. [My biggest...

Takeaways

Alena Zhang, Eastside Editor in Chief
October 27, 2022

If you only choose to ask, to take the first step in approaching others, you will find daring outcomes of human connection and vulnerability. As I listened to the raw responses, a faint outline of the essentials of human existence—love, regret, fear...

What is your life purpose?

What is your life purpose?

Alena Zhang, Eastside Editor in Chief
October 27, 2022

“To help people…I think a lot of people struggle, and I try my best to lighten their struggles…My brother struggled a lot with drugs, so I’d like to help him and anyone that he…took a toll on…the domino effect of drugs pretty much.” - 27,...

Have you ever fallen in love?

Have you ever fallen in love?

Alena Zhang, Eastside Editor in Chief
October 27, 2022

When I asked this question, I braced myself for blunt answers, of a simple “yes” or “no.” What I received was far more vulnerable and hopeful than I could imagine. As one person said, “You lose track of everything—time, space. It’s a...

Burnout remains a prominent issue at Cherry Hill East.

Student burnout remains a prevalent issue

Sophia Liu and Alena Zhang
June 8, 2022

“It’s difficult to deal with the disappointment I have for myself because I feel like I can do better.” “People tend to flaunt the fact that they have multiple honors classes…To feel like I was smart and fit in, I took almost all honors classes...

The concept of digital fashion presents an avant-garde and more sustainable of experimenting with new looks and trends.

Designing fashion in a digital age

Alena Zhang, Eastside Features Editor
April 12, 2022

When you peruse clothing stores, what do you think of? Perhaps an image of rows of clothing, each one with different colors and materials for every occasion, comes to mind. However, a fresh take on fashion has revitalized this scene. Digital clothing,...

Racism and Anti-Semitism

Gia Gupta, Aiden Rood, and Alena Zhang
January 21, 2022

“I’ve been called a terrorist... as a Muslim woman.” “[I’m] constantly [called] ch**k, ling ling, [and I have had people] stretch eyelids at me.” “[I] got called [the] n-word with a hard r.” These experiences are not merely isolated...

Conclusions

Gia Gupta, Aiden Rood, and Alena Zhang
January 21, 2022

When asked to respond to various aspects of Eastside’s findings about Cherry Hill East’s environment, Perry repeatedly expressed concern. “Concerning,” “sad,” “upsetting,” “terrible,” and “very troubling,” were among the adjectives...

Homophobia

Gia Gupta, Aiden Rood, and Alena Zhang
January 21, 2022

“Boys on my bus use the word ‘fa****’ every day.” “Gay [is] used as an insult.” “There would be guys who were like, ‘Don’t get near the lesbian.’” “Nobody ever… tries to put a stop to it.” A small sampling of...

Sexism

Gia Gupta, Aiden Rood, and Alena Zhang
January 21, 2022

“Two guys [were] walking by my SGA campaign poster, and [one] was saying not to vote for me because I was a slut.” “Boys sports teams are favored more [than girls’]teams at East.” “There was a male student that said females in STEM deserve...

The homeless across the country struggle to stay safe amidst the pandemic.

An unlikely home

Alena Zhang, Eastside Features Editor
October 28, 2021

Tony Henderson is standing casually on the driveway of Jessie Huang’s house, hands in the pockets of his butterfly-decal jeans, wearing a loose sweatshirt and a soft smile. One can not possibly tell from his appearance that six years ago, Henderson...

Want more sleep? Students for Later Start Times is in action

Want more sleep? Students for Later Start Times is in action

Alena Zhang, Eastside Features Editor
July 5, 2021

Imagine this: you, a student, crawl into bed, exhausted after hours of strenuous class and a mind-numbing combination of extracurriculars and homework. In what feels like the blink of an eye, you hear the sharp pierce of an alarm, which cuts into your...

Pros of Censorship

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
June 4, 2021

Throughout history, we can trace specific events of censorship. Perhaps the most controversial may be the recent censorship of former President Donald Trump’s Twitter account. Now, the question remains: does a private company have the right to censor...

My journey of discovering the beauty of my culture

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
February 22, 2021

Hi, my name is Alena Zhang. I am Chinese. I used to be ashamed of my culture. Everyday, my mom lovingly packed me different lunches: dumplings, fried rice, onion pancakes, and every Chinese food imaginable. I loved my lunches. During break-time, I...

Comparing educations between generations

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
February 20, 2021

Across counties, states, and countries, school systems vary in terms of grading scales, homework loads, and environments. These gaps, as well as generational differences, may lead to assumptions about how taxing school may be, including misconceptions...

How COVID-19 has affected Asians

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
February 4, 2021

Not only has the coronavirus brought a slew of at home concerns and health issues, it has also triggered the onslaught of racism towards Asians. With China being the origin of COVID-19, it has sparked an increased amount of racist actions. While stereotypes...

Women in Business is a brand new club at Cherry Hill East.

Women in Business

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
February 1, 2021

Google Classroom Code: e7gjli2 Instagram: @chewomeninbusiness Email: [email protected] The Women in Business Club fosters a safe community for women in business to share their thoughts and expand their leadership skills. With motivational...

Abby Yu (‘23) decorates a gingerbread house for the holidays.

PHOTOS: East students decorate during the holidays

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
January 4, 2021

The winter season has come in full swing, and students are celebrating this break in many different ways. From opening presents underneath a decorated tree, to baking intricate and delicious desserts, winter break has allowed us to destress and relax....

There are many fun holiday DIY activities.  One of these activities is creating paper snowflakes.

DIY Holiday Decorations

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editors
December 24, 2020

Waking up to the aroma of sugar cookies baking and gentle snowflakes landing on my windowsill are some of the most magical childhood memories I have. The holiday spirit allows many to experience the whimsical nature of winter break and view twinkling...

How to make maple syrup snow candy

How to make maple syrup snow candy

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
December 23, 2020

Perhaps the most magical moment of winter is when the first snow comes. Not only is the sight of snow covering everything in a serene blanket a beautiful sight, but it also promises a simple and frosty one ingredient treat with it. My childhood has been...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg at her Supreme Court hearing in 1993.

Feminist Icon

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
October 16, 2020

With her cool intelligence, diligent work, and perseverance, Ginsburg continues to inspire feminists in America. Her passion for dismantling sexism and fighting for women’s rights coined her the nickname, Notorious RBG. Ruth Bader Ginsburg had been...

Alena Zhang ('23), ages 1 and 5, experiencing the different street and restaurant food in China.

My journey of discovering the beauty of my culture

Alena Zhang, Eastside Community Editor
July 11, 2020

Hi, my name is Alena Zhang. I am Chinese. I used to be ashamed of my culture. Everyday, my mom lovingly packed me different lunches: dumplings, fried rice, onion pancakes, and every Chinese food imaginable. I loved my lunches. During break-time, I...

Many East students and staff try intermittent fasting.

East students and staff try intermittent fasting

Alena Zhang, Eastside Staff
April 13, 2020

Intermittent fasting is the new diet trend that is taking students and celebrities alike by storm. The health effects are said to be amazing. As a matter of fact, for the last two decades, extensive research on the diet has been conducted on both animals...

Philly's Roller Derby Team circles up before a match.

Roller Derby Makes Strong Comeback in Philly

Alena Zhang, Eastside staff
February 26, 2020

Featured in Eastside 2020 Issue Chances are, if you asked your grandma what roller derby is, she might have watched it on a Saturday evening television program. Now, roller derby is resurfacing as a full-contact, competitive sport–without the frills...