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The official student news site of Westview High School

The Nexus

The official student news site of Westview High School

The Nexus

The official student news site of Westview High School

The Nexus

Jillian Sinder

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief

Jillian Sinder (12) is in her third year as a part of the Nexus. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, spending time with friends, and listening to music. Her favorite classes in school are Spanish and, of course, Journalism II.

All content by Jillian Sinder
Summer camp taught me lifelong skills

Summer camp taught me lifelong skills

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief May 31, 2024

My parents never snuck vegetables into my brownies when I was a kid. I thought they would never trick me like that. But, as it turns out, they tricked me in a different way: they sent me off to summer...

Here’s where we’re headed…

Jillian Sinder and Grace Tseng May 31, 2024

American University Jillian Sinder Haven Teudt Arizona State University Nicholas Buchanan Ashley Carr Natalie Danzig Zahabiya Esmail Michael Friedman Matthew Hines Marissa Kanoya Aaditya Kulkarni Estella...

Letter to Freshman Self: Jillian

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief May 31, 2024

Jillian,  While there may be things I regret in these past four years, I don’t want to tell you what they are. I want you to choose how you walk through life for yourself. No one gets to tell you...

Wolverines Abroad

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief April 5, 2024

As seniors settle into their final few months of high school, Alexa Thomason (12) is taking a different path to graduation: one that involves 90-degree weather, plentiful beaches, and weekend ziplining...

Knott, Underwood pursue lifelong Irish dance passion

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief March 15, 2024

Jenna Knott (11) and Emily Underwood (12) will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the same way they have for 10 and 12 years respectively: by Irish dancing in San Diego’s St. Patrick’s Day parade...

Junior AVID students visit University of California Riverside, University of Redlands

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief February 16, 2024

AVID 5-6 teacher David Ramos traveled with junior AVID students from his class to the University of California Riverside and the University of Redlands, Feb. 2.  “We had guided tours from actual...

New science gives hope to Ferguson while living life with cystic fibrosis

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief January 26, 2024

Lola Ferguson (12) takes 20 pills every day. Having done so from a young age, she said that over time, she’s gotten used to the process and can swallow up to 15 at once.  “Every meal, I have to...

Tiny resolutions leave big impacts

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief December 22, 2023

On New Year’s Day, I will have a glass bowl full of 365 tiny pieces of paper sitting on a shelf in my bedroom. Each of these 365 pieces of paper will have a  singular sentence: something that made me...

Students share their voices in Equity Advisory Committee

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief December 22, 2023

Westview held its first Student Equity Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting, Nov. 29. This meeting allowed students from a variety of backgrounds to speak with faculty about their experiences with discrimination...

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[Photo] Xmas Express

Ella Jiang, Features Editor December 22, 2023

Theatre company introduces Mission IMPROVsible tonight

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief November 17, 2023

The improv team will be hosting its first performance of the year tonight, with the theme Mission IMPROVsable. This spy-themed show will be the grand debut of seven new improv performance team members,...

Donna Mahmoudi (12) and Aleyna Pala (12) construct inspirational posters out of magazines, newspapers, and paints in their Spanish 9-10 class, Nov. 7. The posters will be used to decorate the classroom, each student's art contributing.

[Photo] Fun engages Spanish 9-10 students

Rosemary Cabanban, Sports Editor November 17, 2023

Donna Mahmoudi (12) and Aleyna Pala (12) construct inspirational posters out of magazines, newspapers, and paints in their Spanish 9-10 class, Nov. 7. The posters will be used to decorate the classroom,...

Mahmoudi assists nurses at Labor and Delivery unit

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 26, 2023

While most high school seniors spend their weekend mornings sleeping in, Donna Mahmoudi (12) wakes up early once each weekend, puts on a polo shirt that says “Volunteer,” a badge, and scrubs pants,...

Kane, Tang build their decade-long friendship

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 6, 2023

Around every other week, Amelia Kane (12) takes her friend and Best Buddy Joanne Tang (12) to get ice cream at Golden Spoon. While the outing can seem like a basic thing, small interactions like this are...

Payne readjusts to Westview after foreign exchange

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief September 15, 2023

The first time Kelsey Payne (12) woke up in her own bedroom after a year of living abroad in Germany, it took her a few moments to recognize where she was.  “The weirdest thing was waking up in my...

Townsend leads new musical theatre class, replaces choir

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief August 25, 2023

After former choir director Daniel Moyer left Westview at the end of last school year, the arts department had to pivot. With the discontinuation of both the Chamber Choir and Concert Choir classes at...

Westview staff supports IEP policy changes

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief August 25, 2023

According to Westview Program Specialist Michelle Jilly, the law requires that all students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) have the opportunity to be educated in general education classes. However,...

Staff grapples with excess instructional minutes

Grace Tseng and Jillian Sinder June 2, 2023

Due to an excess of approximately 1,311 instructional minutes, Westview has accumulated this past school year, we will be having minimum days on Monday and Tuesday. Annually, California high schools are...

AVID prepares seniors for future plans

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief June 2, 2023

During her senior year in AVID, Emma LoPresti (12) did a group project as a culmination of the research she had completed throughout six years of the program. Each group was assigned one college to research,...

Saishankar twins use lifelong singing experience, grow social media presence

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief May 5, 2023

At two years old, Kiran (’17) and Nivi Saishankar (’17) weren’t speaking or making sounds, like children their age usually are. Concerned with their slow verbal development, their parents took them...

Jelly beans bring me joy

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief May 5, 2023

Since I was very young, there has always been a clear plastic canister of Jelly Belly jelly beans in the same spot on the bottom shelf of my pantry at home. When one canister runs out, we buy another....

Asking questions does not make you seem less smart

Asking questions does not make you seem less smart

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief March 17, 2023

It’s in our nature as humans to wonder about things. In fact, Google processes 8.5 billion searches per day. That’s 8.5 billion things that humans around the world wondered about and decided to actively...

Ryan forms Pizza and Peace Christian club

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief March 17, 2023

Elizabeth Ryan (12) stood at the front of room G-115 and in big letters wrote “GOD’S LOVE” on the whiteboard in blue expo marker. Over the course of the following 30 minutes, Ryan spoke about her...

I always choose indecision

I always choose indecision

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief February 10, 2023

Front-of-school traffic poses hazard

Front-of-school traffic poses hazard

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief January 26, 2023

In the past few years, students have seen an increase in traffic congestion outside of Westview during arrival and departure times.  According to Principal Ernest Remillard, the addition of new housing...

Trader Joe's has my heart

Trader Joe’s has my heart

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief December 16, 2022

There’s no doubt that Trader Joe’s has a cult-like following of loyal customers, one of whom is me. I have always marveled at their unquestionable charm. But, curious about their unique business model,...

Introducing ASB 2023 Exec

Introducing ASB 2023 Exec

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief December 16, 2022

Art by Phoebe Vo.

The original Mister Rogers Neighborhood is far superior to the animated remake

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief November 18, 2022

Mister Rogers walks through the front door of his house into a homey room with curtained windows and colorful walls. He begins to sing the intro song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” as he takes off his...

PTSA hosts activities at lunch, advocates wellness

PTSA hosts activities at lunch, advocates wellness

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief November 18, 2022

The PTSA Mental Health and Wellness Committee hosted an Activity Game Day, Oct. 28, giving Westview students the opportunity to play games like cornhole and Jenga in the plaza.  Christi Papworth is...

Student endorsement: Tony Thurmond for State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief November 2, 2022

Throughout the early days of the pandemic, I frequently watched the mid-day news updates with the California governor. While the conferences featured a variety of guests, one that I recall listening to...

Q&A with San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk candidates Barbara Bry and Jordan Marks

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief November 2, 2022

The main role of the San Diego Assessor/Recorder/Clerk is to manage legal document records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, taxes, and death records in San Diego County. This year, there...

PUSD introduces Global Language and Culture Program across district

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 14, 2022

PUSD  recently received a $1 million grant to expand the new Global Languages and Culture Program to all elementary schools throughout the district.  According to PUSD’s Director of Global Languages...

Antiques create a connection to our history

Antiques create a connection to our history

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 14, 2022

My favorite thing in my bedroom is a little antique lamp that sits on my dresser, with its ornately decorated, cut glass base and cream-colored fabric lampshade, yellowing at the edges of its pleats....

News Stand for Oct. 14

News Stand for Oct. 14

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 14, 2022

GOLD prepares for Poway Rotary Parade

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief September 16, 2022

Due to a forecast for rain, Westview GOLD ultimately made the decision to not perform in Saturday’s Poway Rotary Parade. In class the day before, the band directors had still not made a decision on...

News Stand for Sept. 16

News Stand for Sept. 16

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief September 16, 2022

Daines hits play

Daines hits play

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief August 26, 2022

Abigail Daines (11) attended the first football game of the year last week, but even though she was fully engaged in the action, she was not sitting in the stands. She was not cheering in the Black...

Dance Troupe hosts Spring show

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief June 3, 2022

Dance Troupe is hosting its final performance of the year tonight. The annual Spring show celebrates the end of the season and says goodbye to the eight graduating seniors. To show the dancers’...

What’s the scoop on your personality?

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief June 3, 2022

While doing an ice breaker at summer camp a few years back, a counselor asked us each what ice cream flavor best represents our personality. Since then, I’ve come to believe that each individual’s...

Spanish teachers Andrea Ford and Carolyn Swaney took 40 students to Perú April 9-19. While there, the
students visited Macchu Pichu, volunteered at a community project, and hiked in the Amazon rainforest.

Shah creates memories, matures in Perú

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief May 6, 2022

Roshan Shah (11) lay on his back in a wood pavilion. The cool breeze of the Amazon rainforest blew through the open-sided hut. Hammocks hung from the ceiling and as Shah lay there, surrounded by his...

Reality TV is fine art, not guilty pleasure

Reality TV is fine art, not guilty pleasure

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief April 8, 2022

I like reality TV. There, I said it. Maybe it’s hard to believe, and I know that because of the misconceptions surrounding reality TV you’re all expecting me to hide this part of myself deep inside,...

Dailard, Adams find female role models in maternal absence

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief April 8, 2022

When Julia Dailard (12) opened her first college acceptance letter, she was thrilled to continue on with this next chapter in her life. But, unlike most other students getting into college, Dailard did...

Winter Guard blooms in competition

Winter Guard blooms in competition

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief March 18, 2022

Team captain Ella Cuevas (12) stood in a circle with her teammates, hands interlocked. As they waited anxiously to hear themselves called up to go on stage, the entire group inhaled together, then...

BSU facilitates Black History Month events

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief February 18, 2022

In celebration of Black History Month, Black Student Union (BSU) and ASB teamed up to plan unique events based on three themes: music, art, and fashion. Throughout the first two weeks of February, BSU...

Body-Mind

Body-Mind

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief January 28, 2022

Alexa Litchev (11) constantly felt like she wasn’t good enough. She believed that social media, movies, the fashion industry, and most everything around her screamed she wasn’t skinny enough, wasn’t...

Ligi shoots for cheerleading stars

Ligi shoots for cheerleading stars

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief December 17, 2021

As a child, Gina Ligi, an NFL cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys, often watched the TV show, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, a show that focused on the auditioning process for the Cowboys...

Girls tennis progresses against sexist uniforms

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief November 19, 2021

When Kendall Fillat (12) walks onto the field, ready to play a game of field hockey, there’s one thing she says is stopping her from playing to her full potential: her uniform.  Fillat is a defender...

iPhones contaminate society with their clear disfunctionality

iPhones contaminate society with their clear disfunctionality

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 29, 2021

Every time someone tells me they have an iPhone, I can’t help but jump back in horror.  “You have an iPhone?” I say in disbelief, my hand on my chest and my mouth agape.   I simply don’t...

Westview enforces rule, requires ID upon entry

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 29, 2021

Judy Kang (10) walked from her house to school on Oct. 11, ready to conquer the day, or so she thought. After getting halfway to school, she realized a grave truth: She had forgotten her ID.  “I...

School on Jewish holidays defies district commitment to inclusivity

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 8, 2021

No one should ever have to choose between religion and school, yet this is what Jewish students throughout the district must deal with every year. For example, two of the most important holidays in Judaism...

Employee shortages alter bus schedules

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief October 8, 2021

Shira Ehrlich (10) arrived at her bus stop at 7:25 last month in preparation for her bus to come at 7:30. She waited and waited for the bus to come, but it never did. “We're thinking, ‘What’s happening?...

Finding a Way Out of the Maze

Finding a Way Out of the Maze

Jillian Sinder, Editor-in-Chief September 17, 2021

Munazil Abdullahi (10) walked out to lunch on the first day of school feeling frazzled. She searched desperately for one of her few friends, but felt overwhelmed with the large campus, crowds of people,...

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