The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot
Sidra Asif

Sidra Asif, Backpage Editor

Sidra Asif is the Back Page Editor and Social Media Manager for her third year on the Pilot. Outside of creating content for the newspaper, you can find her hanging out with her clingy cat named Frog, watching excessive amounts of T.V. (Twilight movie marathons every fall/winter!)

All content by Sidra Asif
Seniors Madyson Chung-Lee and Shefali Sinha perform a cover of “Slipping Through my Fingers” by ABBA during Irvine Talks’ sixth annual event at Woodbridge High on April 15. “Our performance had a lot to do with us being able to tell our story of how we were this group of vulnerable freshmen who didn't know what we were doing,” Chung-Lee said. “And now, we've grown into seniors who now have found their passion and love of things together.”

Irvine Talks Celebrates ‘Becoming’ Through Sixth Chapter of Student Voices

Sidra Asif and Celine Lee | May 1, 2023
Senior David Kim, alumna Abby Kwon, social studies department chair Jon Resendez, and alumni Amar Malik and Anne Wu gather at the Department of Education in Sacramento on March 10, 2022.

Senior David Kim Leads Policy-Influencing Student Advocates to Sacramento

Sidra Asif, Back Page Editor | March 7, 2023
Those who expect “That ‘90s Show” to be similar to “That ‘70s Show” may be disappointed due to their stark differences in casting and filming style.

Does ‘That ‘90s Show’ Live up to its Potential? As If!

Sidra Asif, Back Page Editor | January 26, 2023
Gift giving is an endearing method to share love and show thoughtfulness. “It shows not only do I listen to you, but I also care about you,” junior Sarah Alkatib said. “I'm going to take the time to get a gift for you.’”

[Photo] Gift Giving Gives More Satisfaction than Receiving

Jana Malek, Staff Writer | December 15, 2022
Giselle (Amy Adams) and Malvina (Maya Rudolph) see each other eye to eye as villainess opponents in Disney’s new “Disenchanted” film, the sequel to “Enchanted.”

‘Disenchanted’ Takes a Detour from Being Enchanting

Sidra Asif and Claire Chan | December 1, 2022
President and junior Injila Adil helps members during a workshop on coding with consideration of syntax. “It's my first year doing this club, and so far I think it's a great experience,” sophomore Shriya Ravipati said. “I don't know coding that well, so the others are helping me learn. I feel like coding is just a good skill to have.”

Girls Who Code Club Get in the ‘Algo-rhythm’ of Inspiring and Teaching

Sidra Asif, Backpage Editor | November 18, 2022
The first season of the show “Gilmore Girls” and the films “Good Will Hunting” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” are all set during the autumn season.

Grab a Blanket and a Pumpkin Latte: Listing the Best Fall Comfort Entertainment

Sidra Asif, Back Page Editor | October 24, 2022
The Black Student Union club puts up a booth during club kickoff on Sept. 21. “When I first came to Portola, I was looking for clubs to join, and I looked at the club list to be a part of something and have a group of people to relate to,” club secretary and senior Jesulayomi Bello said. “I heard they were starting a Black Student Union, and I thought that it would be a lovely way for me to be a part of it.”

First Black Student Union Club on Campus Represents Black Joy and Perseverance

Sidra Asif and Claire Chan | October 20, 2022
Quiz: Which Kardashian Are You?

Quiz: Which Kardashian Are You?

Sidra Asif and Ryan Jung | May 19, 2022

[Video] Mukbanging these Ramen Noodles

Sidra Asif, Ryne Dunman, and Celine Lee | May 17, 2022
Senior Mia Zappala’s painting titled “Parasocial'' was one of six art pieces selected to receive recognition at the Irvine Fine Arts Center Gallery. “It's about how a lot of teens these days use parasocial relationships with people online or influencers to cope with their own relationships in real life and how that can be very unhealthy,” Zappala said

Bulldog-made Art Receives Spotlight in City of Irvine Art Gallery

Sidra Asif, Back Page Editor | May 9, 2022
Since the “Keeping up with the Kardashains” debut nearly 15 years ago, a new series will continue the legacy to feed the anticipation from impatient fans: “The Kardashians” airs every Thursday on Hulu.

The Kardashians Return in Stylish New Series

Sidra Asif and Kayla Moshayedi | May 6, 2022
Juniors Alex Richmond and Janice Kim compete at the prelims 100m race. Kim finished at 14.05 seconds, and Richmond finished at 12.45 seconds, D1 timing, according to live.athletic.net

Track and Field Athletes Stride to Success at Pacific Coast League Preliminary Meet

Sidra Asif and Michelle Kim | May 5, 2022
Simon Hilton, owner of Simon International at Orange County Great Park Farmers Market, talks to customers about his various designs and styles of rings on March 27. The farmers market features items like jewelry and clothes in addition to food items.

A Taste of OC: Exploring the Local Farmers Market

Sidra Asif and Clara Ferreira Lopes | April 22, 2022
True crime is not for everyone. “Most forms of true crime media portray the criminal as the monster and paint a picture of what the victims experienced,” senior Garance Ha said. “There is nothing they can really change. I believe that it’s up to the audience to take the signs and the little warnings as a sign to remain cautious and vigilant.”

[Photo] Hollywood is Blinded by Money — The Rise of True Crime

Kayla Moshayedi, Media Director | April 13, 2022
The news concerning the University of California, Berkeley's enrollment introduced many seniors to the impact colleges can have on their immediate communities, according to senior Madeleine Young. “I think that the situation with Berkeley really opened a lot of our eyes about the issues of not just housing but environmental impacts, impacts on homeless people, as well as the neighborhoods around college towns,” Young said.

Gov. Newsom Signs Legislation Reversing UC Berkeley’s Enrollment Freeze

Sidra Asif | March 23, 2022
Tilly the Tilapia’s Descent into Cannibalism

Tilly the Tilapia’s Descent into Cannibalism

Sidra Asif and Ryne Dunman | March 16, 2022
S2 Episode 03: Senioritis: An Expert's Guide on Identification and Prevention

S2 Episode 03: Senioritis: An Expert’s Guide on Identification and Prevention

Sidra Asif and Ryan Jung | March 9, 2022
Senior Mehar Gulati is seen helping in a local food drive as a form of seva. Seva refers to the act of selfless service for altruistic purposes on behalf of the betterment of the community. This is an important practice which many Sikhs, like Gulati.

The Saddening Reality of Sikh Representation

Dheeksha Bhima Reddy and Sidra Asif | March 2, 2022
Who Your Valentine Should be Depending on Your Love Language

Who Your Valentine Should be Depending on Your Love Language

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | February 14, 2022
Apart from immersing students in the world of imagination, reading can also prepare students for real-world situations. “You take away certain themes and lessons from books, and even if they’re not kids’ moral books, they help you prepare for certain things in life,” senior Aarushi Shankar said. “I get a lot more lessons from books than I do from other places.”

A Novel Idea: ‘Reading Days’ Could Give Students Chance to Disconnect

Sidra Asif and Justin Tang | February 8, 2022
Jeanne Jelnick, a retired teacher and beloved member of the Portola High community, reminisces on her time at Portola High while shifting focus to writing and theatre.

[Photo] Momma J: Where is She Now?

Zara Shirwany and Michelle Kim | January 7, 2022
Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?

Quiz: What Christmas Movie Should You Watch?

Sidra Asif and Clara Ferreira Lopes | December 14, 2021
The proposed map for the California Senate district splits Irvine between its northern and southern regions. This redistricting drawing plan is one of the most drastic of the proposed changes to the California Assembly and the federal Senate.

[Photo] Irvine Faces Redistricting as 2020 Census Data Nears

Michelle Kim, Business Manager | November 29, 2021
Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?

Quiz: What Thanksgiving Food Are You?

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | November 23, 2021
An FBI spy attended meetings and prayers at the Islamic Center of Irvine to identify potential terrorists, according to ABC News. “I can still confidently walk into a mosque and still confidently pray,” Muslim Student Association co-vice president and senior Abdallah Fares said. “Knowing that in the end we can protect ourselves, whether it's through the legal system, whether simply just through our own confidence or our own pride in our religion.”

Orange County Muslim Americans Ask the Supreme Court to Allow Lawsuit Against The FBI

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | November 16, 2021
Literary and language arts teacher Vinny Rico performs a calisthenic move called lunge jumps. Although Rico mainly instructs yoga, he has also taught a variety of other fitness classes, such as pilates, spin and bar. “One thing I for sure love is I get to spend time with my friends and people that I enjoy being around, and I think that the best thing about teaching yoga is the community,” Rico said. “The people who go to yoga are just very positive, grateful and good energy.”

Literary and Language Arts Teacher Vinny Rico ‘Maintains Balance’ in the Yoga Studio and the Classroom

Celine Lee and Sidra Asif | November 1, 2021
Lift Your Spooky Spirits With These Nostalgic Halloween Films

Lift Your Spooky Spirits With These Nostalgic Halloween Films

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | October 28, 2021
Senior Kristen Fong sings and plays the guitar to “Vienna” by American singer and songwriter Billy Joel. “I was less nervous than I thought I was going to be, but then I got on stage, and then I was like, ‘Okay, keep going, alright,’ and then I immediately forgot the lyrics in the middle of the song,” Fong said. “But I think my recovery was alright.”

First Ever Talent Show Features Diverse Student Talents

Sidra Asif and Celine Lee | October 8, 2021
Junior Nicole Wang works on her next art piece, a pencil sketch. Although her commissions are usually digital drawings, Wang prefers to work on paper. “ I like how it looks when it's in a sketch form,” Wang said. “I put more hard work into that.”

Nicole Wang Draws for Emotions

Sidra Asif and Bia Shok | September 29, 2021
As of Sept. 15, The top five songs on Billboard’s “The Hot 100” were all from Drake’s newest album, “Certified Lover Boy.” Rock band The Beatles are the only other musicians with this record, according to Billboard.com.

Drake’s New Album Is Certifiably Lovable

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | September 17, 2021
Celebrating 51 Years of Pride Month

Celebrating 51 Years of Pride Month

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | May 17, 2021
Like many other clubs, the newly added Scientia Club had to adapt its interactive activities to be virtual and hosted weekly Zoom meetings during which club members collaborated to create their first magazine issue, pictured above.

Scientia Journal Club Explores Fusion of Science and Writing

Sidra Asif and Naila Talib | May 12, 2021
Online classes do not offer social interaction for students who may need it for a better high school experience.

Students Should Consider The Benefits of Traditional Instruction Model

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | April 27, 2021
YAT staff members, teen summit committee members and juniors Alex Zhang and Ethan Zhang promote the event around campus by talking to students and showing them promotional posters. High attendance numbers depend on student-led promotion, social media and word of mouth being two examples.

YAT Hosts 27th Teen Summit

Naila Talib and Sidra Asif | April 15, 2021

Companies with Racist Logos and Mascots Should be Boycotted

Sidra Asif | March 24, 2021

Teachers Answer Students’ Questions

Sidra Asif and Celine Lee | March 22, 2021
Social studies teacher Wind Ralston, Spanish teacher Caroline Aldemir and choir director Adrian Rangel-Sanchez all received their vaccinations at Families Together of OC on Feb. 24.

Teachers Receive First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | March 16, 2021
Portola's Girl Scout Cookie Favorites

Portola’s Girl Scout Cookie Favorites

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | February 24, 2021
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for distribution, many myths are circulating about what vaccine, some are going as far as to say that the COVID-19 vaccine could cause potential harm. In a world devastated by the pandemic, what information is accurate?

COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | February 3, 2021
“Soul” breaks ground in Pixar Animation history by being the first film to feature an African-American protagonist. Behind the scenes, Pixar also defies expectations in representation by including one of the most diverse voice casts, which has a majority of Black voice actors.

Pixar Pours Heart and ‘Soul’ into Existential Animated Film

Sidra Asif, Grace Baek, and Claudia Lin | January 22, 2021
Released on Nov. 27, Cyrus’ seventh album “Plastic Hearts” has climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.

Miley Cyrus’ New Genre-Bending Album Rocks the Music Industry

Ava Caleca and Sidra Asif | December 15, 2020
Over the last few centuries, industrialization and population growth have resulted in increased carbon emissions, thus increasing global temperatures. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and improve the Earth’s environmental condition by adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle, which may include using sustainable alternatives, buying less, eating less meat and recycling more.

An Environmental Responsibility for Humanity

Sidra Asif and Naila Talib | November 20, 2020
Corduroy pants: Junior Natalie Ho sports a thrifted pair of tan corduroy pants. Popularized in the 1970s for their distinct, vertical ribbing, corduroy pants are a soft and comfy piece perfect for the fall season.

Generation Z’s Guide to Fall Fashion

Sidra Asif and Celine Lee | November 17, 2020
Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?

Art, Student Expression and Connection: What Inspires You?

Sidra Asif and Nate Taylor | November 5, 2020
Students are required to be 6 feet apart from each other during all school activities. At lunch, however, students must be extra careful as not wearing masks makes them extra vulnerable.

Students Must Physically Distance During Breaks

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | October 29, 2020
On April 25, Travis Scott held a virtual concert in the popular video game “Fortnite,” which over 12 million people attended from all over the world, according to Rolling Stone.

Musicians Explore the New World of Virtual Concerts

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | October 8, 2020
A Swedish Doctor injects the Coronavirus vaccine into an AstraZeneca volunteer. The many stages of vaccine development depend on the success of previous trials.

Potential COVID-19 Vaccine is in Development

Sidra Asif, Staff Writer | September 21, 2020
Playing the first Black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, late actor Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa in Black Panther is a milestone for the Black community.

Remembering Chadwick Boseman: The Loss of a Superhero

Kelthie Truong and Sidra Asif | September 10, 2020
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Sidra Asif