Volume 74, Issue 12

The Highlander

Shortlisted Oscar contenders to midbudget Hollywood hits

Stories unfold at the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.

IAN PALMA, AAKIF IQBAL Radar Editor,

Assistant Radar Editor

A plethora of films were unveiled throughout the city of Palm

FEATURES

Springs as it hosted its 37th annual international film festival. Running from Jan. 2 to Jan. 11, filmmakers were given a chance to show their works to cinema lovers hailing from Palm Springs and beyond. Created in 1989, the festival has gone on to become a premier and extravagant hub for films among the likes of Cannes and Tribeca.

Displaying an eclectic array of films from countries such as France

In the mind of Psi Chi

to South Korea to Saudi Arabia, the festival spanned across different theaters all throughout the area. From dramas to comedies to documentaries, various genres of films were shown to the appeasement of movie-goers.

Calle Málaga

The festival opened with...

UCR’s Psi Chi aims to build the academic repertoire of psychology students.

MATA ELANGOVAN Editor-in-Chief

As the largest major in the College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, Psychology majors take up space on this campus as the future researchers, corporate managers and clinicians that help make communicating with others and ourselves that much easier. For many, a sense of community can be found in the major itself, but also amongst the students.

Psi Chi has been present at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) for a number of decades...

Highlander in the Arena: Hannah Wickstrom’s breakout season powers UCR women’s basketball

Sophomore guard

Hannah Wickstrom is emerging as a star and leads the Big West in scoring.

On Thursday Jan. 1, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s basketball team defeated the University of Hawai’i at Manoa 66-58. Hannah Wickstrom led the way scoring a career-high 36 points, en route to earning her second UC Riverside Athlete of the Week honor and Big West Player of the Week.

Wickstrom is coming off an impressive freshman year where she played in 30 games and was named to the Big West All-Freshman Team. She has continued to improve this season, emerging as an offensive force. Her scoring has jumped from 7.7 to 20.9 points per game, leading the Big West and ranking in the top 15 in NCAA Division I. She’s shooting 47.1% from the field...

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I [did] my undergrad in agriculture in India [from] 2016 to 2020. Then from 2020 to 2022, I [did] my master’s degree in soil science. Then I moved to [the] United States in 2023 where I acquired my second master’s major in plant science at South Dakota State University.

It was a huge transition. I belong to a state in Northern India called Punjab, and it’s an agricultural driven state. It’s [also] a hot and humid state. When I moved to South Dakota, I saw snow [for] the first [time] in my life and it was a surreal experience. I met new people, culture, [the] education system and it was a huge learning experience that built my overall personality.

Now I am doing my PhD here [at] UCR in the Department of Environmental Sciences, where my research focus is on soil physics and soil salinity, and how the salts accumulate into soil and water and how they affect the plants.

My motive is to make [an] impact [on] the ground problems of the farmers. [To get the] chance to work one on one with farmers with their problems related to soil health, soil salinity and how they can boost [their] soil productivity. I will try to [eventually] settle down there. For me, geographical location does not matter, but the impact [I can make] matters. Either in India or in the US, I would be happy to be there for a long time.”

New law strives to relieve tensions between law enforcement and the public

THE “NO SECRET POLICE ACT” LIMITS THE USE OF FACIAL COVERINGS BY FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

KASSANDRA AGUIRRE Staff Writer

Going into the new year, California is implementing new laws approved by Governor Gavin Newsom. Among these is the “No Secret Police Act,” or SB-627, which intends to promote transparency and safety between law enforcement and the public.

The bill was authored primarily by Democrat Senators Scott Wiener, representing San Francisco, and Jesse Arreguin, representing Berkeley. It was written in an effort to respond to distrust between the public and law enforcement, specifically amidst the Trump Administration’s strict immigration enforcement policies.

Wiener’s website elaborated on his intention for authoring the bill by publicizing his statement that “the recent federal operations in California have created an environment of profound terror. If we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police … This bill will ensure that law enforcement are easily identifiable, maintaining that trust and accountability.”

According to the bill, the use of

facial coverings by law enforcement officers is harmful as it increases tensions between themselves and civilians, as they conceal the identity and facial expressions of officers, which can lead to more defensive interactions and increased risk. It also addresses instances of impersonation which have increased tension. The bill calls on law enforcement agencies to hold officers accountable by mandating that they author, publicly post to their websites, and maintain a written policy upholding the bill’s mandates by July 1.

The policy calls for law enforcement agencies to state their commitment to “transparency, accountability and public trust,” as well as the specific provisions in which their agency, in compliance with the law, will implement the limited use of facial coverings and prohibit others. The implied “limited use” applies to translucent face shields or masks “that does not conceal the wearer’s facial identity and is used in compliance with the employing agency’s policy,” among others.

The bill goes on to state that violations may result in an infraction,

ASUCR Senate Meeting

THE SENATE MOVES TO SUPPORT ON CAMPUS INITIATIVES SURROUNDING EQUITY.

KASSANDRA AGUIRRE Staff Writer

The Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside meeting on Jan. 7, 2026 began at 7:00 p.m. and concluded at 7:21 p.m.

All previous meeting minutes were approved and Executive Vice President Mia Tu’ifa announced the Vice President of Finance position’s vacancy and that special elections will occur in coming weeks.

In Committee Reports, Senators passed SR-W26-001 to support the Racial Justice Now University of California Student Associations Campaign’s first-generation workforce development program

to support graduates amidst disproportionate opportunity gaps.

The Senate also passed SBW26-001 which revised the “Campaign Violations Clause of the Elections” code so the Elections Committee would review and make determinations on alleged campaign violations and have the Judicial Branch review verdicts.

Both passed 17-0-0.

The Green Campus Action Plan requested $2,000 to implement their Sip N’ Save program to incentivise students use of reusable cups by offering discounts and gift cards which passed 17-0-0.

misdemeanor or possible civil penalty for officers. If their employing agency has a posted law-abiding policy, they can not also be charged. Both law enforcement agencies and officers stationed in the state as well as those out of state and at the federal level can be charged with violating the law, as long as the violation occurs in California.

Avenues to hold law enforcement agencies and officers accountable are provided to the public. The bill also states that if a civilian, an oversight body or a local governing office finds

a law enforcement agency’s policy to be non-compliant with the law, they may submit a written challenge to its legality to the agency’s head. If no response is received following 90 days of this action, they may have a local court review the policy. Along with this, the bill’s provisions remain severable, meaning that if one aspect of the bill is rendered invalid, the rest of the bill will be preserved. With law enforcement agencies still having over 174 days to write and publish their policies, observable effects of its passing remain pending.

Crime Watch: Third suspect arrested following October shooting

FIDEL ESPARZA WAS ARRESTED ON DEC. 16, THE RESULT OF AN INVESTIGATION SPANNING MULTIPLE MONTHS.

ANDREW HAGLER Staff Writer

The Riverside Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Unit arrested a third suspect involved in a parking lot shooting in 2025.

On Oct 5, 2025, 26-year-old Eduardo Vasquez III was found by law enforcement suffering from multiple gunshot wounds resulting from a shooting on the 3900 block of Main Street. While Vasquez was transported to a local hospital shortly after, he was reported to have succumbed to his injuries on Dec 12.

Following an investigation, Riverside Police were able to arrest 19-year-old suspects Uriel Morales and Benjamin Boshae on Oct 9. Weeks later, they identified a third suspect, 20-year-old Fidel Ezparza, who was located and arrested in Moreno Valley on Dec. 16.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation should contact Detective Ricky Barajas at (951) 353-7213

or EBarajas@RiversideCA.gov or Detective Stanley Hua at (951) 353- or SHua@ RiversideCA.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by using the secure “Send a Message” feature. ■ H

California Senate Bill 19 takes effect

THREATS DIRECTED AT INSTITUTIONS, NOT JUST SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS, ARE CRIMINALIZED.

JIHOON KWON Staff Writer

California Senate Bill 19 (SB 19), also known as the Safe Schools and Places of worship act, took effect Jan. 1, 2026, expanding protections for schools and places of worship against criminal threats.

SB 19, drafted by Senator Susan Rubio and Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel, strengthens California Penal Code Section 422 which criminalizes threats of violence to address the limitation of the existing law. California Penal Code Section 422 states that any form of threat made to another person, regardless of whether the action is carried out or not, is to be considered a threat. SB 19 clarifies that threats made towards institutions, not just to specific persons, are criminalized as well.

In her statement, Senator Rubio argued that recent cases have demonstrated the necessity for SB 19, citing multiple incidents in which the existing law

failed to adequately provide a legal framework for prosecution. A notable example was the case of a 38-year-old man who was accused of sending over 350 emails threatening to commit a mass shooting at an elementary school. His case was initially dismissed as the threats weren’t targeting a specific person. Prosecutors later named the principal as the victim.

SB 19 was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Oct. 11, 2025. Newsom stated he is “proud to give prosecutors the tools necessary so they can stop violence before it starts” and that “California families deserve to feel safe when they drop their kids off at school, go to a doctor’s appointment or practice their religion.”

The bill faced criticism from opposition. According to The Observer, the Black Parallel School Board

shared their concern that SB 19 could be wielded as a weapon to criminalize marginalized students rather than providing a protection. They argued that “factors such as explicit and implicit bias unfairly influence how teachers and administrators interpret student behavior, resulting in disproportionate adverse effects on Black, brown and disabled students.”

According to a report by American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, presence of law enforcement in schools have shown a disproportionately heightened rate of arrest and referrals for students with color and disabilities as “Black students are three times more likely to be referred to law enforcement compared to white students.” Opponents of SB 19 believe that the bill will be used to widen the school-to-prison pipeline.

CAL FIRE firefighter dies while fighting Riverside County house fire

ONE CASUALTY REPORTED: DEATH OF FIRE APPARATUS ENGINEER.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) firefighter Daniel Cook died of an undisclosed medical emergency while fighting a house fire in Riverside County on Dec. 31, 2025, according to an official Facebook post by CAL FIRE and the Riverside County Fire Department.

The Riverside County Fire Department stated, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the line-of-duty death of Fire Apparatus Engineer Daniel ‘Danny’ Cook … Engineer Cook passed away earlier today while engaged in firefighting operations. His service, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgot-

ten.” Cook was transported to the Riverside University Medical Center, where he later died, according to KTLA 5.

In a press release, Governor Newsom’s office stated that Cook was 45 years old and had joined CAL FIRE in June 2006. In honor of Cook, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space were flown at half-staff.

Newsom shared, “Today, Jennifer and I mourn the loss of Engineer Cook who served his community with honor and integrity. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and col-

leagues during this difficult time. May his service and sacrifice never be forgotten.”

According to ABC7 and mynewsLA.com, Cook was among the many engine crews dispatched to a fire in the attached garage of a twostory house in the 31300 block of Marcuchio Road near Hansen Avenue in Nuevo.

The fire department stated that two occupants of the property suffered minor injuries and were transported to the same hospital as Cook and have since recovered. The fire was contained within an hour with no other firefighters injured. The source of the fire is currently under

investigation.

A procession took place on Wednesday afternoon in Moreno Valley, according to CBS News.

A memorial service honoring Cook will be held in Temecula at 1 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the Sunridge Community Church on Winchester Avenue, where family and associates will gather in person. The fire department said that the service is not open to the public and respectfully asks that the family’s privacy be honored during this time. The memorial will be broadcast live on the CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Department YouTube channel, according to mynewsLA.com.

Trump rolls back on National Guard in major cities

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WARNS THEY WILL RETURN HARDER THAN EVER IF CRIME RATES INCREASE.

On Dec. 29, 2025 during his news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President Trump announced he would be dropping his push for National Guard troops in major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, but warned that “we will come back” if crime rates increase. If crime rates increase, Trump warns that he is already considering enacting the Insurrection Act as “We haven’t used [it yet].”. The Insurrection Act empowers the president to “deploy the military domestically.”

The National Guard’s presence in cities first gained public traction when they appeared during the first nationwide “No Kings Day” protest that took place in Los Angeles during June 2025. These were a series of massive protests where the American public demonstrated their discontent with Trump’s actions that were compared to those seen in monarchs.

Recently, Trump has proclaimed that the drop in crime in these cities is a direct response to the National Guard’s presence “and ONLY by that,” despite troops oftentimes not being out on the streets of Portland or Chicago due to opposing legal challenges they were faced with. Back in August of 2025, Illinois’ Governor JB Pritzker said, “I think he might be suffering from some dementia” when asked what his thoughts were on Trump’s first declaration of deploying the National Guard to Chicago.

Gov. Pritzker corrected Trump’s announcement by posting his own statement on X that Trump’s decision to retreat the troops is not because of the troops’ alleged success in lowering crime rates, but rather because he “lost in court when Illinois stood up against his attempt to militarize American cities with the National Guard… [and he has now been]

forced to stand down.”

Following Trump’s announcement regarding the troops’ retreat, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has also expressed his discontent with Trump’s claim and launched his own statement from his office detailing how Portland’s crime rate drop is a result of the “efforts of local police and public safety programs.”

There is not an official date for the retreat of the National Guard in Illinois, California and Oregon, but it has been confirmed that troops will remain in Washington D.C. and there have been hints at these troops having a “prolonged deployment.”

In Los Angeles, there have been reports from an “unauthorized” military official that those troops that were stationed “have been moved to a military facility in the area and are conducting training exercises.”

Hilton Hotels accused of denying service to Department of Homeland Security agents

ANDREW HAGLER Staff Writer

On Jan. 5th, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Hilton Hotels of coordinating an effort to deny service to its agents, sharing screenshots on the social media X. The post showed emails from Hilton associated Hampton Inn Lakeview hotel near Minneapolis, Minnesota, stating that the reservations of DHS agents would be cancelled on the basis of their immigration work.

Additionally, the emails stated that the location would not be allowing any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other immigration agents to stay there. The post also claims that the hotel was making a deliberate effort to impede DHS from enforcing immigration law. While neither the post nor the screenshots

explicitly state whether the agents had booked the rooms on an official capacity, the emails cite a significant increase in government reservations made for the DHS. Moreover, the news comes following a projected increase in immigration law enforcement activity in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. The DHS reported on Jan. 6 that it would be launching what it described as the largest immigration enforcement operation carried out by the agency in history. They expect to deploy 2,000 federal agents and officers to perform immigration and fraud investigations in Minnesota.

While associated with Hilton, the hotel is owned and operated by the group Everpeak Hotels, which initially released a statement that the actions of that location were taken autonomously, and were

“inconsistent” with its policy of “being a welcoming place for all.” Hilton also asserted the hotel was acting independently, and that they were in direct contact with Everpeak, which was working to resolve the issue and provide accommodations to the DHS agents affected.

In spite of this, Hilton would later receive allegations that the hotel was still refusing to serve DHS agents, including a video uploaded to X by an influencer in which an employee of the hotel stated it was the owner’s policy not to serve immigration agents at that time. In response to this, Hilton stated it had not been informed the policy was changed and would be taking action to remove the hotel from its systems.

New California anti-discrimination, antisemitism law poses free speech concerns

EDUCATORS AND TEACHERS ACROSS THE STATE WORRY ABOUT THREATS TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM.

OVI MATHIVANAN Staff Writer

On Jan. 1, 2026, several of the 794 bills signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2025 took effect, with various amending pre-existing state laws. California Assembly Bill 715 (AB 715) has raised concern among educators and political activists for expanding the definitions and language used in state laws governing discriminatory conduct. Its companion measure, Senate Bill 48 (SB 48), further addresses issues of educational equity and discrimination.

Governor Newsom issued a signing message on Oct. 7, 2025, a written statement establishing the legislative intent behind AB 715 and SB 48. Governor Newsom noted the two legislations establish an Office of Civil Rights, under which there will be distinct “discrimination prevention

coordinators.”

He added that “antisemitism is a historic scourge and needs to be addressed aggressively,” reassuring that his administration has “taken steps to ensure that California protects students from all forms of discrimination, including championing legislation to prohibit book bans so that students can learn about and debate different perspectives in our classrooms.”

In a Nov. 3, 2025 Instagram post, the American-Arab AntiDiscrimination Committee (ADC) said it filed a federal lawsuit challenging AB 715, accusing state lawmakers of “ripping apart the First Amendment” and arguing that the bill hands “control of California classrooms to foreign interests.”

The ADC is a community-based organization that advocates for

the civil rights of Arab Americans, including through legal support offered pro bono publico or without charge. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include California teachers and parents.

On Dec. 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Noël Wise denied the injunction in a 22-page ruling,

asserting, “The court does not find the word antisemitism in AB 715 to be vague,” in response to the plaintiffs’ claims that the statue’s wording was unclear and could infringe on constitutionally protected speech in schools and educational institutions across the state.

Independent journalist Nick Shirley accuses Minnesota daycares of fraud

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FREEZES CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES IN MINNESOTA.

ANGELICA BRIANNA ACOSTA Assistant News Editor

On Dec. 31, 2025, the Trump administration announced a $10 billion freeze on child care subsidies for five Democratic states until they provide additional verification and administrative documentation. New York Senator Gillibrand responded to the administration’s action, stating, “Trump must unfreeze our child care funding and stop attacking New York children.” California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the fraud on X claiming that “Donald Trump is a deranged, habitual liar whose relationship with reality ended years ago.”

This decision builds on the $185 million pause already imposed on Minnesota daycare centers. The action followed a viral video posted by right-wing influencer Nick Shirley, accusing Somalirun Minnesota Daycares of fraud. The video was posted on Dec. 26,

2025, in which Shirley accused multiple Somali-owned daycares of not providing child care services despite them receiving federal funding.

Shirley claimed in his video that he uncovered over $110 million in fraud in Minnesota, which has yet to be verified. Vice President JD Vance commended Shirley’s action, saying in a post on X, “This dude has done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 @pulitzercenter prizes.”

The owner of one of the daycares Shirley visited stated, “Shirley came to the facility outside of its regular hours,” while another daycare actively had children being dropped off as CNN conducted an interview with Shirley. This is not the first time Minnesota has been accused of significant fraud. In mid-December, Assistant U.S

Attorney Joe Thompson claimed that $9 billion in federal funds had been stolen.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Cash Patel also claimed in a statement on X, “Even before the public conversation escalated online, the FBI had sent personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs. Fraud that steals from taxpayers and robs vulnerable children will remain a top FBI priority in Minnesota and nationwide.”

The daycares shown in Shirley’s video are currently still under investigation, Tikki Brown, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), said in a press conference, “While we have questions about some of the methods used in the video, we do

take the concerns about fraud very seriously. Each of the facilities mentioned in the video has been visited at least once in the past six months as a part of our typical licensing process.”

The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus released a public letter to DCYF and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The letter had four main points that the Republican Caucus urge: launch an investigation into the accusations made by Shirley, identify patterns of fraud or noncompliance, provide accounting dating back to 2021 for site visits to childcare centers and in-home providers and provide a public response by Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, detailing steps taken to address the issues, as well as preliminary findings from the investigation. DCYF and MDH did not publicly respond to the letter. ■ H

Opinions One dictator replaces the next

TRUMP’S CAPTURE OF MADURO IS MODERN-DAY US IMPERIALISM IN VENEZUELA.

MARIBEL HERNANDEZ Staff Writer

The U.S. has a long-standing history of imperializing Latin America, ranging from the territorial acquisition during the MexicanAmerican War (1846-48) to the failed Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) backed military operation known as the Bay of Pigs (1961).

However, in recent months, President Trump has zeroed in on Latin America by striking down alleged drug trafficking boats, sending immigrants residing in the U.S. to El Salvador’s infamous Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) without a proper trial. Most recently, he also captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a surprise raid with air strikes, resulting in 24 Venezuelan security officers’ deaths and an unknown number of civilian casualties.

While Trump has attempted to convince the American public that this is part of his plan to “Make Venezuela Great Again” and an effort to stop “narco-terrorism,” anybody with an IQ higher than his alleged body mass index (BMI) of “28.0” knows the true reason he’s focused on Venezuela is that it is an oilrich country. His seizure of Maduro is simply a modern-day attempt of reinstating a new era of U.S. imperialism in Latin America.

Trump has labeled Maduro an “outlaw dictator,” which is ironic considering that Trump has forcibly captured Venezuela’s president, taken control over its oil reserves and has established U.S. oversight of Venezuela for years, all without Congress’ approval.

What happened to the separation of powers if the president can kidnap another president without any repercussions? Well, America is living through the answer, and unsurprisingly, Trump is once again not being held accountable. With that being said, it is undeniable to see that Trump has overstepped his power by involving himself in Venezuela’s affairs through Maduro’s abduction. His attempt at justifying this by claiming he is addressing “narco-terrorism” is a poor excuse for covering up his ultimate goal of exploiting Latin American countries’ abundant oil resources.

In fact, Trump has made it clear that he has his sights set on Mexico next, another oil-rich country he claims is ruled by “narcoterrorists.” He has stated that Mexico “needs to get their act together” or else “[the U.S. is] going to have to do something about it.” In other words, Trump is intervening in Mexico’s political affairs by demanding

that the country address its ongoing drug traffickingrelated violence, and if they fail to do so, he insists he will do the same to Mexico as he did to Venezuela.

Once again, this is not an attempt to address Latin America’s political issues but rather a cheap cover story to invade and steal their oil. Trump’s claim that his control over Venezuelan oil will “benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States” is a promise he cannot keep. A similar case was seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country rich in minerals that has turned into “one of the poorest [countries]” as a result of “colonialism, slavery and corruption have turned it into one of the poorest” where international resource extraction industries are the reapers of the benefits of the country’s minerals, rather than its own citizens.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

distrust his reliability to be transparent with the American public. By choosing to report important information about the attack, it made it seem as though this military ambush was casualty-free and by disregarding the innocent lives lost, the civilian deaths can be assumed to be considered an afterthought to the Trump administration.

While Belgian colonialism was largely responsible for invading the DRC, this serves as a warning of what can happen when other countries violate a nation’s sovereignty and exploit its natural resources, often its main source of wealth. Taking control of a country’s resources and managing for the so-called mutual benefit of both countries is an imperialistic strategy where only the colonizer country benefits.

As previously mentioned, there have been multiple civilian casualties as a result of the air strikes and direct ambush that took place during Maduro’s capture. Despite Trump reporting that there were no American deaths during the operation, his failure to mention the multiple Venezuelan citizens’ deaths goes without saying that it is a major missing piece of information and is deceptive.

Frankly, it makes the public further

Yet, this is not his first time lacking transparency with the public, as back in Oct. 2025, Trump ordered an “alleged drug trafficking boat” to be blown up. As it turned out, the deceased passengers of the boat consisted of “a fisherman … living on $100 a month … a career criminal … a former military cadet … and a down-on-his-luck bus driver.” These passengers don’t scream “narco-terrorists” or “cartel members.”

If Trump didn’t care about the civilian casualties, he doesn’t really care about the good of all Venezuelans, as he is promising in his latest interviews. Remembering the history of this country’s imperialism is essential to preventing history from repeating itself, exactly as the public is bearing witness to currently.

Venezuela’s dictator may have been removed from power, but this is not a celebratory event; this is one dictator replacing another.

When volunteering becomes a requirement

SHREYA PATEL Contributing Writer

VOLUNTEERING SHOULD NOT JUST BE DONE FOR YOUR GOLDEN RESUME.

Walking into the weekly Wednesday tabling at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), I have noticed many club representatives marketing their organizations by offering free food, goodies or merchandise to make students join.

However, most students are attracted by one particular perk: opportunities for volunteer hours.

With the large pre-med community that thrives at UCR, most students look at this perk as one that heavily sells an organization to them. While volunteering was once driven by a genuine commitment to serving the community, it is increasingly becoming just a box to check on resumes and applications, losing its true meaning and undermining its significance.

Primarily, institutional pressure plays a large role in this shift. From high school onward, students are encouraged — or outright required — to log volunteer hours.

effort as volunteers only show up for a couple of hours, just to immediately leave at 4 p.m. To pass this time, many even decide to doomscroll instead of actually helping with small tasks like organizing or sanitizing in a medical care setting.

Personally, I have witnessed this at Kaiser Permanente, where a volunteer on a four hour

engagement, as students are making the time and effort to show up and contribute something to the community. The saying often goes, “Help is help, no matter what.”

College applications ask for them. Internships take them into consideration when reviewing applications and medical schools consider it as a requirement for a future doctor, with average student statistics being “400+” hours.

Over time, volunteering becomes less about helping others and more about proving you are well-rounded, committed and productive. When service is framed this way, motivation shifts so that the goal becomes credential and completion, leaving the core human connection of volunteering out of the scene.

This motivational shift doesn’t just affect the volunteers, but also the broader community. The community is left scarce of genuine care and

shift sat completely unbothered with their shoes off, legs up on a chair and their thumbs constantly scrolling through social media.

Not only is this inconvenient for the nurses working in the unit, as no additional help is added to their already busy day, but it also becomes a benchmark image for the volunteer organization that allows such behaviors to continue. Although volunteers may pitch in some help from time to time, short-term and disengaged service can give additional strain on organizations that must constantly retrain new volunteers with little long-term payoff.

However, some argue that unwanted volunteering still results in some community

And it might be true. It could help the organization, in a sense, with one right assignment completed by a volunteer, even if it means the other five are done wrong. Mistakes are allowed in volunteering since most students are there to learn and not master. But this isn’t how volunteering should be. It shouldn’t be obligatory acts, but rather a shared responsibility that one takes for the community. Quality of engagement matters because intrinsic motivations for volunteering are what truly shape the quality of their work. Encouraging passion projects to be initiated for impact building is more important and meaningful than volunteering just for resume building. If volunteering is to regain its meaning, both students and on-campus organizations need to redefine and rethink how it’s valued. Volunteering should focus on selfreflection, where deep engagement is valued by volunteers and students are asked to emphasize the “why” behind participation rather than just hours earned.

This not only helps to see volunteerism as an opportunity to engage with communities, but also develops empathy, accountability and communication, which would naturally add much more to a resume as compared to forced service.

When volunteering becomes just another box to check, everyone loses. Redirecting its purpose begins with recognizing why public service exists in the first place.

Trump’s renewed campaign of annexing Greenland is a warning sign of what’s to come

TRUMP HAS PULLED ALL STOPS ON ACHIEVING HIS DOMESTIC AGENDA, BUT HE IS NOW TRANSITIONING THOSE TACTICS TO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE.

ALAN LOK Staff Writer

From deploying the National Guard into U.S. cities that are largely Democrat-run, with an image being painted that they’re crime-ridden and almost anarchic, to launching an illegal capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro without congressional approval, Trump has now renewed his campaign to annex Greenland, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally. He says it is in the best interests of U.S. national security.

In a move that would shock the nation and test the limits of the executive branch, President Trump in June 2025 had ordered the deployment of California’s National Guard to Los Angeles to ensure the safety of immigration enforcement and federal sites. The deployment was in response to the raging protests against the Trump Administration’s controversial immigration policies and operations, overriding California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Trump’s actions in Los Angeles began a wave and pattern of the White House diverting the National Guard from its more essential duties to be used as a law enforcement unit largely in major “blue” cities with sanctuary city policies, which Trump views as unaligned with the administration’s goals. He has either threatened to or already deployed the guard in cities such as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Portland, Chicago, New York City, Baltimore, San Francisco, Oakland, Memphis and New Orleans.

Trump has actively defied the limits of the executive branch, raising countless legality questions constitutionally. It is an overwhelming show of force in democratic strongholds, with

the use of crime and immigration as loose justifications.

On Jan. 3, in a shocking change of events, the administration with the use of the U.S. Special Forces invaded Venezuela to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the First Lady. Hours later, in a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump stated that the U.S. would run Venezuela for the time being.

This event proved not just to Americans, but to the whole world that the Trump administration is now willing to use brutal force and the military to carry out its agenda on an international stage. Until now, this is something that had only been seen on a domestic level, but it has expanded beyond U.S. borders.

Now he is threatening to annex Greenland yet again, right after his contentious operation. It should be more concerning to all of us that there is a possibility of Trump using militant means to occupy Greenland, but rather that he is threatening to attack a NATO ally, citing broader security issues with its strategic location.

The U.S. relationship with the alliance has been shaky ever since Trump’s return to the White House, but a move on Greenland would completely mean “the end of NATO,” as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen put it. NATO is one of America’s paramount alliances with which it has cooperated since 1949 on key security issues and there is no rationale to his foreign policy other than trying to control other countries, since he is even threatening a historic ally of the U.S.

Simply put, if Trump doesn’t even care about

U.S. citizens or how his actions impact the wellbeing of communities in such U.S. cities, then he won’t care about other countries as long as he gets what he wants.

By threatening to take over Greenland, European leaders and the U.S.’s traditional allies are more skeptical of America’s waning leadership and Trump’s persona as a dealmaker. This persona has been marked by his hardbargaining, power-flaunting style, where he utilizes leverage, making the U.S. more unilateral and transactional with its foreign policy approach. His style has led to mixed consequences for U.S. allies, adversaries and global institutions.

While these stances can lead to gains and concessions for Trump with his “America First” agenda, demonstrating his toughness, it has already risked waning alliances, increasing conflict through coercion and eroding long-term trust in the U.S.

Furthermore, Trump’s actions may embolden countries, namely China, to undertake similar strategies in carrying out their goals, including the recurring issue of Taiwan and its sovereignty, which the Trump administration just demonstrated it can do in South America when they see a belligerent leader.

If Trump goes through with his Greenland plan, it will lead to disastrous consequences that Trump has probably already neglected and the operation in Venezuela should’ve already sent a stark warning of what the Trump White House is capable of in their crusade.

The high cost of the streaming era

STREAMING SERVICES ARE RESHAPING THE MEDIA INDUSTRY IN WAYS THAT ULTIMATELY HURT AUDIENCES.

ELENA VERSAGE Staff Writer

Streaming has changed everything about how we watch TV and movies. Instead of waiting each week for a new episode or rushing to the theater for the latest blockbuster, viewers can now binge entire seasons in a single weekend or scroll through endless films on demand. But with the rise of streaming platforms, higher costs for entertainment and tighter controls on sharing are increasing the cost of TV and movie viewership for audiences.

This convenience comes with its own problems, such as a decrease in movie theater attendance. During the pandemic, people became more comfortable watching movies at home and waiting to see films on streaming services rather than in theaters.

There are seven main media companies and while Netflix is in the process of acquiring Warner Bros’ studios and Home Box Office (HBO), these companies are not only content owners but powerful forces shaping viewer trends and the industry itself. Disney alone runs three major streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. As of Jan. 2026, each one has its own paywall (with bundle options). Additionally, Netflix plans to keep Warner Bros movies in theaters for only two weeks before moving them to streaming. This is essentially speeding up the death of traditional movie theaters.

pening for some time now but is most notable in the latest season of “Stranger Things.” Characters are constantly explaining what is happening through dialogue to other characters, resulting in on-the-nose writing.

Actors who are more than capable of conveying emotion and motivation are reduced to spelling out the plot for the audience. The overexplanation in screenwriting can also lead to little exposition throughout

each. This allows shows to peak and disappear, allowing a new show or movie to appear and trend on the platform. This is all in an effort to profit from short-term spikes in viewership and continue the cycle again and again. However, it comes at the expense of the joy that TV shows used to bring viewers.

It also creates several issues for audiences. For example, spoilers are harder to avoid with social media. If you don’t watch a show right away, you run the risk of having it spoiled while scrolling on TikTok or Instagram. The modern model has larger gaps between seasons, so that TV shows that once took months to get through can now be finished in less than a week. But, this makes the wait for a new season feel significantly longer.

the season or film, making it all fall flat. The pacing and writing style assume partial attention from audiences, which therefore reduces the storyline’s progress.

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However, the average student cannot afford to pay for a bunch of streaming services, especially when each costs between $8 and $25. When a streaming service releases a new popular TV show or movie, those who can’t afford the subscription are left out.

Most frustratingly, networks are now giving writers directives to simplify plots so that audiences can follow along while being on their phones. This is called second-screen viewing, which has been hap-

Binge-watching has also become a common phenomenon due to streaming services. It really took off during the COVID lockdowns, when people had more free time than usual. Now, people can go through the entire series of TV shows or movie franchises in just a few days, erasing traditional episodic structure and long-term story arcs.

Instead of the old model, about 22 episodes at roughly 35 minutes each released over several months, streaming shows often drop a full season at once, usually around eight episodes that are about an hour long

As many students have probably encountered, streaming services have also begun making efforts to prevent password sharing. They do this by setting up a ‘household’ using the main TV and any devices connected to the same internet connection. Streaming platforms monitor IP addresses and device IDs to detect unauthorized account sharing.

When a login occurs from a different location, the system may trigger an alert and redirect the user to a notice stating that the device is not part of the account’s household. The account holder is then prompted to either update the household settings or indicate they are away from home by entering a verification code sent to the email associated with the account. However, this is extremely frustrating for college students away from home, who have to repeat the process every week. Unsurprisingly, this system lets streaming services make more money from people who are willing to subscribe just to avoid the process.

Overall, the focus on profit over creativity by streaming service companies like Netflix and Disney+ means audiences are left with plenty of shows and movies, but not always the ones worth remembering.

Features Scotty-Scopes:

Your Taco Bell zodiac

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22):

The Quesarito layers rice, cheese and meat in a way that keeps every bite balanced. Just like that, you know how to blend different elements smoothly, making sure nothing overpowers the rest and everything works together.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):

Like this burrito, you focus on structure and results, carefully layering each part so the final outcome is solid, reliable and satisfying.

Aries (March 21 – April 19):

Like a Crunchwrap, Aries is built to move fast and get things done. Everything is packed into one decisive move, making it easy to take charge.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22):

Simple and dependable, the Crunchy Taco reflects Cancer’s comfort-first energy. You show up consistently and support others without needing to stand out.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):

Crispy on the outside with depth underneath, the Chalupa matches Scorpio’s intensity. It’s bold, strategic and leaves a lasting impression without saying too much.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):

Crunchwrap Sliders take a classic idea and rework it into something smarter and more flexible. This innovation introduces creative solutions that still hold structure.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20):

This taco is bold and dependable, just like Taurus. It sticks to what works while still delivering impact every time, proving that consistency doesn’t mean playing it safe.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22):

Bold, warm and impossible to ignore. The soft shell wrapped around the crunch mirrors Leo’s mix of confidence and generosity.

TACO BELL KNOWS WHAT YOU’RE DOING RIGHT.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):

You explore new approaches and take calculated risks. Adjust quickly when plans change. Embrace opportunities for growth.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20):

Cinnamon twists may look light, but they’re intentional and well balanced. Pisces moves the same way — observant, thoughtful and emotionally aware.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20):

With multiple layers and textures, this item matches Gemini’s flexible nature. You handle varieties well, switching between priorities without losing the overall balance.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22):

Each component serves a purpose, creating something efficient, balanced and well thought out. Everything is intentional just like you.

In the mind of Psi Chi

UCR’S PSI CHI AIMS TO BUILD THE ACADEMIC REPERTOIRE OF PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS.

As the largest major in the College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, Psychology majors take up space on this campus as the future researchers, corporate managers and clinicians that help make communicating with others and ourselves that much easier. For many, a sense of community can be found in the major itself, but also amongst the students.

Psi Chi has been present at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) for a number of decades, but there came a time period where they were inactive for a bit. In the early to mid 2010’s, a former undergraduate student, Austin Attaway, returned as a professor, and revived Psi Chi, helping to start off some of the programs and large scale events that the organization holds.

Tiffany Chen, president of the organization and a third year psychology major shares that Dr. Attaway helped bring back events like the R’Psych Undergraduate Research Conference. The conference is an annual research event for psychology and neuroscience undergraduates that gives students a chance to showcase their research. Benefits of the event include the opportunity to connect with other faculty members and graduate students in the department. Other notable events that Psi Chi is known for hosting include the Fall Lab Fair and Psychology Winter Camp.

Chen adds on, “One of our pri-

mary goals at Psi Chi is to make research accessible for everyone, because at times, especially as an undergraduate student, the process of navigating research can be a little bit difficult and confusing.”

General meetings and socials that the organization holds are open to anyone to attend. For anyone who has an inkling of an interest in psychology, they’re welcome to show up and learn more about research, professional networking opportunities and take part in the activities that they offer. However, there are some requirements to be an official member of the organization, such as voting for board members or applying for scholarships and grants.

ing someone I could ask questions to. In my second year, I wanted to get more involved in Psi Chi, which is why I decided to join the board as the Director of Events and Outreach. It’s such a warm and welcoming community where you can not only have a great experience, but also make really close relationships and network of other people.”

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Patrick Tor Sriwong, a second year student, was introduced to Psi Chi through his advisor. Entering the university his first year, he shared that he was unsure about the opportunities being provided. While there is no way to officially join Psi Chi as a first year student, Sriwong joined through the First Year Lay-Member Program (FLMP), a mentorship program for first year students who have not yet met the unit requirements, where they can be mentored by an upperclassmen member who will offer them support and guidance.

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Aside from FLMP, Psi Chi also hosts a Mentorship Program (MP) for upperclassmen members where they are connected with an alumni of Psi Chi within UCR’s chapter or a current psychology graduate student at UCR. Phoebe Cheng, a third year psychology major and secretary of Psi Chi explained that the alumni that people are paired up with all have diverse backgrounds that are interested in various fields. She elaborates, “There’s a lot of people that you can potentially get mentored by and that can help you along the way. It’s definitely really helpful, especially when it comes to advice on what to do post-undergrad and applying to grad school.”

great insider knowledge about writ

ing my resumé and interviews and things like that.”

One thing that Psi Chi at UCR emphasizes is the benefits that come with being an official member of the organization. While there exists certain GPA and unit requirements, as well as membership dues, it comes back to benefit the students who join. Some of these benefits are included in the form of scholarships, such as Psi Chi’s annual undergraduate scholarship where eight students have the opportunity to earn $3,000. Other scholarships provide support to students who address topics such as mental health or do community service. Apart from that, they provide research grants meant to help fund research projects such as capstones and even travel grants for those who need help subsidizing costs to attend conferences.

Sharing his experience as a mentee in FLMP, Sriwong states, “I was able to gain a lot of professional experience and learn a lot about classes and labs. It was great hav-

Rabyana Iqbal, a third year psychology major and treasurer, expanded on the diversity of the MP. Drawing from her own experiences as a participant of the program, she shares, “I’m interested in going into industrial organizational psychology, even though I do want to go into academia. The mentor I have been paired with is actually an HR specialist and professional. It’s unique, because I’ve gotten really

Psychology is a field that often has a mixed reputation as being a sort of infinite pivot point for those who choose to study it. Be it human resources, social work or how smartphones affect the neural processing of rats, there are a wide array of opportunities for students to take advantage of. Psi Chi provides a space for students to explore those opportunities with industry leaders and peers, making the road ahead a little less scary.

NORM’S NOOK

SPOTLIGHT

Pierce Lawn

Stretching from Webber Hall to the Bell Tower, Pierce Lawn is a popular hang out spot on a sunny day. Students can be spotted passing frisbees, taking naps, chatting and doing homework on the lush grass. During events like Block Party and Spring Splash, the space has been used to place the main stage, carnival rides, food stands and a variety of entertaining activities.

Clubs and associations gather around the lawn during Welcome

Week to recruit wide-eyed freshmen and some keep doing so on Wednesdays during club tablings. The bright greenery is meticulously taken care of by gardeners who carefully mow the grass weekly. This pop of color at the center of the university has proven to be a very useful shortcut to Life Sciences 1500 and other places on campus. If you choose to take a shortcut, be wary of the morning dew or overnight rain as your shoes and pants may get wet.

CHILDHOOD TV SHOWS

25. iPhone setting for when you’re busy

World Cup cheer

Fired up

Cartoon character with genius older sisters

37. Wertmüller who was the first woman to be nominated for a best-director

38. Greek walkways 39. Super Bowl org. 40. Record company division

41. Slippery swimmers 42. Cartoon Bunny Siblings 44. African menaces

By Staff

46. “The Matrix” hero

47. Word part: Abbr. 48. “___ about time!” 49. Antiquity 51. Summer vacation maxxers

59. Helper

60. Spanish bears 61. Merit

63. Witherspoon of “Legally Blonde”

64. Group with Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Rafael (Abbr.)

65. Nickelodeon explorer

66. Lock of hair

67. Nabisco cookie 68. Counter piracy system

Obamacare, for short

URL starter

Singer Guthrie

Shredded sides

Lead-in following a second point

Slang for butt

Baseball family name

Spongebob’s driving

Serenaded

Relating to a joint

Part of FEMA: Abbr

Pelé’s

Turn at the turntables, for short

Classroom jottings

Wild Asian dog

Narnia lion

Hole in the head

SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM

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TEST YOURSELF!

What kind of TV watcher are you?

Find out what TV watching habit you have with this quiz.

By: Nola Perifel, Assistant Features Editor

1. You usually have trouble:

A. Stopping something when you have already started it.

B. Being alone with your thoughts in a quiet room.

C. Letting go of things.

2. When you watch TV shows, you like to:

A. Watch three or more episodes at a time.

B. Do something else at the same time.

C. Watch something you’ve already seen.

3. What do you usually feel when watching TV shows?

A. Curious … I need to know what will happen next.

B. Distracted but comfortable … I like to multitask.

C. Nostalgic … I love stories whose ending I’ve already seen.

answer key

If you got “A” more often, you are a TV show binge-watcher. You have a curious spirit which can sometimes make it difficult for you to stop watching a TV show, especially one that keeps you on edge. You might be someone who has trouble stopping something when they’ve started it. Because of this, you like to watch episode after episode and usually finish watching an entire show in record time. Many people do this to escape reality because constantly watching a TV show might be comforting. But believe it or not, the dopamine you receive from watching TV shows for long periods is associated with the brain’s reward pathway which is known as the pathway of addiction. Keep that in mind next time you plan to binge watch a series.

If you got “B” more often, you are a background watcher. You like to multitask and you are often used to dividing your attention. You might find yourself watching TV in the background of other activities as a way to keep your mind and body active. You might have a TV show on in the background almost constantly while doing chores and hobbies. Background watching is often used as a source of comfort and a way to make a quiet room feel less empty but people love to do this as it provides an escape from their mind’s inner monologue.

If you got “C” more often, you are a TV show rewatcher. Although you may occasionally watch new TV shows, you prefer to stick to shows you have seen before. You might have trouble letting go of shows you have already seen which can result in rewatching TV series over and over again. Because you know you can’t be disappointed by a show you already know and love, you prefer to turn to comfort and familiarity. This is also a way that people might cope with anxiety.

The worst lecture halls on campus

SOME CLASSES ARE HARD BUT YOU CAN COUNT ON BAD LECTURE HALLS TO MAKE IT EVEN WORSE.

As much as we all know and love the University of California, Riverside (UCR), we or someone we know has been affected by the horrors of a bad lecture hall. Many students fear seeing the name of a bad lecture hall when they open “Instructor/Meeting Times” for their course on the registration website.

I argue that having a bad lecture hall can make you dread a class just as much as having a class with difficult content, a professor that doesn’t align with your learning style or strict rubrics. Here is a list of some lecture halls you can try to avoid if you can help it — or prepare yourself for when you inevitably end up having a class in one.

Life Science 1500

This is the least heinous lecture hall on this list, but that doesn’t mean that it’s good by any means. I have only been inside of here once to take a singular final, but I pity those that have had a lecture here. The seats are so close together, you’re practically rubbing elbows with the people next to you. And don’t get me started on that strange high-pitched whirring sound. I could barely focus for the final — I can’t imagine how it would be having to focus during a lecture

at eight in the morning. Also, one simply cannot feel safe putting down their water bottle in this classroom for fear of it rolling all the way down to the front. I only hope that I can graduate without ever having an actual lecture here.

Physics 2000

In my first ever quarter at UCR, I had a class in this lecture hall. Right away, I knew something was off. At the beginning of the fall quarter, on the warmest days, the hall would be hot. Not warm. Hot. Sweat-drippingly hot. You would think you were in a sauna and many students dozed off because of the extreme warmth. However, at the end of the quarter, on the colder days before winter break, the temperature in the hall would be frigid.

Not to mention, the chairs are a nightmare. No student wants to dig their leg into the chair next to them when they try to get in and out of the seat, but this is the reality when one tries to sit in this lecture hall. The chairs can spin which can be fun and keeps students occupied when they feel antsy, but the fun is completely ruined when they accidentally hit their friend with the recoil of their spinning chair on the way out.

Lastly, and yes, perhaps this is a

gripe I have due to having a shorter torso, but I heavily dislike being level with someone’s toes when I turn around to grab something from my backpack on the floor behind me. There have been too many times where students from the row above me have nearly touched my head with their shoes. It’s absolutely disgusting to be so close to someone’s feet. The only good thing about this lecture hall is the charging port in every row.

Bourns Hall (particularly Rooms B118 and A125)

Oh, Bourns Hall, how I dislike you so. There isn’t a single good lecture hall in Bourns Hall. I had a class in Room B118 during my first year here. And dare I say — the desks are absolutely atrocious. They’re practically falling apart with the cloth on the back and bottom of the chairs ripping at the seams, exposing the dirty cushion underneath. Additionally, there’s never been a desk with a clean underside of the table in this hall. Please, fellow students, let’s have some decorum. I’m sure our lovely custodians on campus have better things to do than scrape every piece of gum off of every Bourns Hall Room B118 desk. Some of the pieces of gum look like they have been stuck there for

years.

Worst of all are the columns in this hall that prevents one from seeing the front of the classroom. If you’re unlucky enough to get a seat behind a column, I recommend getting to class earlier for better seats. Even if you’re late to class, doing the walk of shame to sit in the very front is better than being stuck behind one of those godforsaken columns.

Don’t think that you’re safe, Room A125. The chairs always squeak awkwardly whenever students sit down. I am someone that lacks shame, but I still managed to feel a little embarrassed shifting in my seat at any given moment. The same goes for the door! Paired with the squeakiest chairs are the smallest desks. It is impossible to write anything while trying to fit both a notebook and a water bottle on the tiniest table. Shoutout to all of the engineering students of UCR — one of my best friends included. But I’m so sorry you have sad lecture halls to go with it. Hopefully Bytes makes up for it.

Of course, this article is completely for fun and simply a space I have used to rant. I am eternally grateful for the education I receive at UCR, even if some of the lecture halls leave more room to be desired.

How to make a realistic New Year’s resolution

TRY THESE TIPS TO KEEP IT REAL IN 2026.

SOPHIA UCROS Contributing Writer

It’s a new year so it’s time for a new me ... right? Until the first month of the year comes to an end and you think to yourself, a new me can wait until next year. As you enter 2026, you type into your notes app: “My New Year’s Resolution,” with a long list of things that you’re going to forget about within a week.

As the clock strikes midnight, you ask yourself, did I achieve any of my goals this year? If you find yourself answering no, then it isn’t because you failed to be better, it’s because your goals just weren’t realistic in the first place. This year I’ll show you how to create a New Year’s resolution that is actually achievable.

Make sure your goal is actually attainable for you

Before you set your goal, you should be honest with yourself on how hard you’re willing to work to achieve it. If you want to become healthier, then be willing to go to the gym or change your habits. If you want to get into a relationship this year, be willing to

put yourself out there even if it’s uncomfortable. Setting your goal is the first step, but achieving it is all up to your willingness to continue to move towards it, even when the beginning of year motivation ends.

Be careful with how you word your resolution

The way you word your goal makes a large impact on whether or not you will stick to it. We sometimes like making our goals flashy and over the top, like “I’m going to go to pilates and eat healthy every single day.” If that’s something you’ve never done before, especially consistently, it can very quickly become overwhelming and difficult. Instead try to reword and break down your goal into something smaller, making it more flexible. When your goals feel more manageable you stay motivated for a longer period of time, ensuring you see real progress.

Ask yourself: Is this goal for me or someone else?

It’s easy to get lost on social

media with influencers pushing their 2026 goals. However, when you hop onto trends like this, you’re fulfilling someone else’s needs, not yours. A goal has to come from the heart or you’ll never stick to it. Choose a goal that matters to you, not one made to impress other people. So don’t follow your friends, or your mom’s goals; follow your own.

Don’t forget: It’s never too late to start

Many people avoid setting goals because they believe it’s already too late. “Why should my goal be

to start playing the piano when I’m already so old? My five year old brother can play better than me.” The biggest problem today is comparison. Who cares if you’re starting late?

At the end of the day, there will always be someone out there ahead of you. But if you start at 18, by the time you’re 30 you will have made progress. So while it may seem late now, it’s never too late to start something and what better time to do it than now? Starting late is still starting, so make your resolutions, Highlanders. 2026 will be your year!

January: The longest month to ever exist

BECAUSE RETURNING TO ROUTINES MAKES TIME GO BY SLOWER.

January is the Monday of months. It has a talent for ruining momentum and arrives right after the most indulgent, slow moving stretch of the year. January immediately expects discipline, focus and emotional stability. It follows December the same way Monday follows a weekend: abruptly, unapologetically and fully expecting you to be functional. Like a Monday morning alarm, it does not care how rested you are, how warm your bed feels or how strongly you believe you deserve five more minutes of sleep.

The transition into January is abrupt. December fades out with lights, food, rest and the comforting illusion that time is optional. January barges in with resolutions, calendars, commitments and the sudden requirement to appear on a schedule.

There is no gentle warm-up period. One moment, you’re on break, living in a timeless blur where days are melting together and you are eating dessert for breakfast. Next, you’re expected to read syllabus upon syllabus, remember where your classes are and Canvas notifications multiply overnight. Professors say things like “Let’s jump right in,” and you’re still mentally buffering.

What truly sets January apart, though, is its distorted sense of time. Time moves at a glacial pace. Each week feels stretched beyond reason,

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as if the month personally decided to test how long humans can endure before questioning the passage of time itself. By the second week, exhaustion kicks in. By the third, confusion sets in. You start asking questions like, “How is it still January?” and “Why does it feel like a lifetime?” January is also wildly overconfident. It positions itself as the month of transformation. Suddenly, everyone is supposed to be motivated, organized and glowing with purpose. Planners appear. Resolutions are announced. Routines are “locked in.”

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Meanwhile, you’re just trying to stay awake during lectures and figure out why the sun disappears before dinner. It’s the academic equivalent of a Monday morning where you forgot your charger, your coffee tastes bad and the Wi-Fi is acting up. Expecting peak performance during the coldest, darkest stretch of the year feels like a setup.

And the worst part? January makes you think this is your fault. If you’re tired, unfocused or overwhelmed, it feels like you’re doing the new year incorrectly. But maybe the problem isn’t you. Maybe this month is just designed for low energy, emotional buffering and survival-level functioning. Not every chapter needs growth arcs and glow-ups. Some chapters are just about making it through without combusting.

Mondays don’t exist to inspire joy. They exist to mark the return to responsibility. January operates under the same philosophy. It’s not here to be loved; it’s here to be endured.

So if all you’ve managed to do this month is attend class, keep yourself fed and resist the urge to give up entirely, that counts. That’s success. That’s resilience.

And just like Monday eventually gives way to Friday, January will end.

It always does.

How to juggle long-distance friendships during school

LONG DISTANCE FRIENDSHIPS CAN FLOURISH WHEN NURTURED WITH ATTENTION AND CONSISTENT CARE.

WADE MU Contributing Writer

As I continue to make new friends, I’ve realized friendship is a lot like caring for a plant. A plant needs consistent sunlight, water and attention to survive. Without these essentials, it will slowly shrivel up and die, even if it was once healthy and blooming. Similarly, friendships need attention, care and effort to remain strong. When these things are missing, the connections we have with people can fade away.

Highlanders come from all over California and the world, and so many students have trouble maintaining their friendships back in their hometowns, or even with friends they have met in university who are now more distant. Unlike friendships that are close by, long-distance friendships lack the daily interaction, spontaneous hangouts and day to day conversations that make relationships strong.

But, just as houseplants can thrive with the right care, long-distance friendships can remain strong when people put in the effort to nurture them. Distance does not mean disaster for a friendship, so here are some tips to maintain these long-distance friendships.

Scheduling calls and FaceTimes

One effective way to maintain a long-distance friendship is to schedule a call or video call in advance. By scheduling a time to meet, both people in the friendship can be accommodated. Calls allow the opportunity for friends to share life updates, vent about challenges and celebrate achievements, keeping a sense of closeness. One idea is to schedule a video call during meal time, so both friends can emulate

the experience of eating together.

If you are taking a class and your friend is taking a similar class at a different university, doing a study session via video call can allow for the opportunity for both friends to catch up while being productive. With technology such as Discord, friends can create new shared experiences online. You could set up a time to stream a TV show or play a video game together. Through these calls, friends can create new memories together instead of growing apart.

Staying involved through email, text and social media

Another aspect of maintaining long-distance friendships is making an effort to stay involved in each other’s lives. Simple gestures such as sending a text, sharing pictures and checking in after important events such as exams, job interviews or personal struggles can show a friend you still care about them even if you don’t see them as frequently. Social media apps such as BeReal, Instagram and Snapchat make it easy to share quick updates.

One tip is that after a friend posts, comment on that post or direct message them. These small interactions can turn into larger conversations, which both of you will appreciate. For those that do not use social media, email updates are great ways to maintain friendships, especially for friendships which are also mentor-mentee relationships.

If you are a mentee, a piece of advice is to send an email once every three months to update the mentor about your life and progress on your goals. Small acts like these provide

that crucial connection that reminds your friend that distance has not diminished their importance in your life. Just as how watering plants consistently allows the plant to flourish, consistently checking in to show that you care allows that friendship to remain thriving.

Maximizing break and vacation time

During school breaks, you might have the opportunity to visit a long-distance friend. While you are in the same town, make sure to ask that friend if they want to hang out! These in person meet ups can be wonderful for friendships as it allows friends to reconnect and update each other about life.

Some ideas for in person meetups include going to an amusement park, walking around a mall, visiting a museum or anywhere where you and your friend can take long walks and catch up. While distance has separated friends, it has allowed you and your friend to cultivate many independent stories that you can share with one another, which can create exciting conversations that you all can cherish.

The friendships we make are in large part what makes our lives meaningful. For Highlanders entering new chapters of life, learning to maintain long-distance friendships is essential. Just like how caring for a plant requires consistent watering, sunlight and attention to prosper, friendships from afar can still be successful with enough effort. Distances between friends does not mean the friendship cannot grow. When we continue to water our friendships like we water our plants, they can continue to blossom and remain important parts of our lives.

Comics

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026

Heated Rivalry : More than your typical romance series

HENYA DADEM Marketing Intern

IJACOB TIERNEY’S GRIPPING SERIES IS THE KIND OF ROMANCE PEOPLE NEED MORE OF.

t seems like book adaptations are becoming increasingly common, especially as production companies search for stories with preexisting audiences. Where adaptations once focused on reintroducing classics such as “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” and “The Count of Monte Christo” onto the big screen, recent years have seen a shift towards popular fiction novels with established fanbases.

Romance has emerged as a genre suited for this transition because it allows for storytelling where relationships develop over long periods of time. “Heated Rivalry” is a part of this shift, adapting Rachel Reid’s popular romance series for the screen, appealing to existing readers and drawing in new fans with its slow burn story.

Jacob Tierney’s “Heated Rivalry” is Crave Canada’s latest series adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel of the same name. The show follows Canadian hockey player Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams and Russian hockey player Ilya Rozonav, played by Connor Storie. The pair meet as rivals on opposite hockey teams, but what began as animosity quickly develops into a nearly decade-long relationship hidden from the public. The series follows the evolution of their bond over time, focusing on intimacy, vulnerability, social constraints and the consequences of falling in love in a culture that discourages them from being open about their relationship. What sets “Heated Rivalry” apart

from many other romance adaptations is not just its premise, but how it handles intimacy. The series allows its male leads to be emotionally vulnerable and expressive without framing their feelings as weakness or their conflicts as struggles for control. Because of this, it challenges the frequent depictions of power imbalances typical in heterosexual romances, where the emotional labour disproportionately falls on women. Instead, “Heated Rivalry” showcases a relationship based on mutual accountability, offering an emotionally authentic depiction of love.

It’s easy to forget that this drama unfolds over nearly a decade, considering the time jumps and the show’s six-episode run. One of the most effective ways “Heated Rivalry” communicates the passage of time is through visual cues and technological and cultural markers. The series allows the audience to feel the passage of time through evolving fashion and advancements in technology.

The costuming of the character changes subtly, reflecting both personal growth as well as societal shifts. Ilya’s style, in particular, becomes less and less overtly Slavic as he abandons his v-necks in favor of more Western-assimilated clothing, while still retaining elements of his original identity. The on-screen text message exchanges also change in design to mimic real-world updates in messaging apps which helps to reinforce the specific time periods in which Shane and Ilya communicate

with each other as their relationship progresses. Together, the show uses time as an active storytelling tool.

At its core, “Heated Rivalry” succeeds because of how it depicts its central relationship between Ilya and Shane. The series follows both characters as they are allowed to be emotionally expressive, flawed and accountable without positioning one as dominant or emotionally withholding. Although that might not be obvious because it’s often done with expression and gestures rather than words.

Their conflicts stem largely from societal stigma, fear and professional circumstances over artificial drama. This approach gives their relationship emotional weight and makes their romance feel natural. Watching the show, it becomes clear that its tension comes not from cruelty or power imbalance, but from timing, fear and the pressure of maintaining their public image for their careers.

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One thing observable while watching “Heated Rivalry” is its balance between somberness and heartwarming moments. While many queer-centered stories in film and television are defined by inevitable tragedy, such as “Brokeback Mountain,” “Yellowjackets” and “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” this series frequently makes space for warmth that lasts. Quiet domestic moments and lighthearted conversations are just as important as moments of personal struggles and fragility, giving the show a tone that feels emotionally generous

and hopeful rather than punishing.

One of the series’ strongest elements is Connor Storie’s performance as Ilya Rozanov., particularly in his handling of the Russian accent and language. Storie’s commitment to linguistic authenticity adds credibility to his character which makes his performance that much more realistic and emotional.

His attention to detail makes Ilya feel grounded rather than clichéd. In episode five, Storie delivers a monologue entirely in Russian, and even for viewers who can’t understand what he’s saying, his expressions and delivery carried emotional weight that transcended the barriers of language.

“Heated Rivalry” succeeds as a thoughtful and carefully crafted adaptation. Its attention to character development and cultural context highlights how societal pressures shape their queer identities and the realities of love in a restrictive environment. By portraying Ilya and Shane as complex, emotionally available individuals navigating unique social circumstances and personal rivalries, the show not only offers a compelling slow-burn romance but also challenges common expectations in queer media. Moments of tenderness and domestic warmth balance the tension, making the story both emotionally resonant and ultimately hopeful.

Verdict: Overall, “Heated Rivalry” is an engaging queer story, carefully blending yearning and tenderness to keep viewers invested in every moment of the characters’ journeys. ■ H

Shortlisted Oscar contenders to mid-budget Hollywood hits RadaR

STORIES UNFOLD AT THE 37TH ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

IAN PALMA Radar Editor

A plethora of films were unveiled throughout the city of Palm Springs as it hosted its 37th annual international film festival. Running from Jan. 2 to Jan. 11, filmmakers were given a chance to show their works to cinema lovers hailing from Palm Springs and beyond. Created in 1989, the festival has gone on to become a premier and extravagant hub for films among the likes of Cannes and Tribeca.

Displaying an eclectic array of films from countries such as France to South Korea to Saudi Arabia, the festival spanned across different theaters all throughout the area. From dramas to comedies to documentaries, various genres of films were shown to the appeasement of movie-goers.

Calle Málaga

The festival opened with Maryam Touzani’s “Calle Málaga.” The film follows Maria Angeles, an elderly woman living off the coast of Morocco as her daughter comes to tell her she has sold the house. The movie follows as Maria, played by Carmen Maura from “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” attempts to buy back her house, piece by piece.

While the performances occasionally lack a certain sense of believability, the film really takes off when Maria begins dating the owner of the antique store Abslam. The explorations of existentialism and romance within the world of a Spanish-dominant area in Morocco is something not covered on the silver screen and for that reason, “Calle Málaga” is well worth the watch.

On the Sea

Helen Walsh’s “On the Sea” is a British queer drama. The movie follows a hand raker named Jack as he works on mussel beds off Northern Wales. While being shot with a docu-fiction style, the

realism of the film works well in combination with the naturalistic performances of the actors. Compared to popular modern queer dramas like “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” and “Call Me by Your Name,” “On the Sea” lacks a certain sense of originality that prevents it from being as substantial as the aforementioned classics. However, with all of that in mind, its depiction of realization of one’s identity much later into life is a story worth reminding and continuing to depict. Even if a film like “I Saw the TV Glow” may have done it much better before.

The Testament of Ann Lee

“The Testament of Ann Lee” is a standout film. Not only for the Palm Springs International Film Festival, but for the films of 2025. Amanda Seyfried stars as the titular Ann Lee, based on the life of the real founder of the Shaker movement in the 18th century as she spread her faith and faced pushback from the religious and political institutions around her.

Based on the practices of the shaker faith, the film depicts the traditional dancing and singing the group would partake on. In these moments, in combination with the score by Daniel Blumberg, the film becomes a fullfledged musical, as the camera moves elliptically around the dances. Directed by Mona Fastvold, who recently was nominated alongside her partner as co-writer on “The Brutalist,” the film is singular in its cinematic qualities and acting performances. Though the film may not be everybody’s cup of tea, it is well worth the watch for anybody interested in taking the plunge.

“Hamlet” in the world of the modern United Kingdom. With the majority of the cast being played by South-Asian actors, this interpretation creates an entirely new experience for fans of the original play. While there are many different ways to adapt Shakespeare, this 2025 rendition of “Hamlet” is closest to Baz Luhrmann’s 90s Shakespeare adaptation “Romeo + Juliet,” so for those who are fans of the DiCaprio led film, check out “Hamlet (2025).”

Magellan

Lav Diaz uncompresses time with his historical biopic “Magellan.” Of all the films covered by The Highlander staff at the festival, “Magellan” unquestionably had the most walk outs. The film is a test of endurance, being almost three hours long, with very long stretches without dialogue. Being evocative of the recently deceased Béla Tarr, Diaz directs slowly with a patience for uncovering humanity within unseen places.

Having a background in documentary filmmaking, the presence of this can be felt in the way he directs Gael García Bernal as Ferdinand Magellan. While it is a very slow film in nature, it is an enlightening portrayal of a historical figure from one of cinema’s best.

Franz

man he actually was. With use of crash zooms and electric guitar compositions to underscore the film, it’s a unique work of filmmaking fit for one of literature’s most unique writers.

The Housemaid

While “The Testament of Ann Lee” saw Amanda Seyfried as an opaque yet nuanced political and religious figure, “The Housemaid” is a complete 180 for her. The film follows Sydney Sweeney as Millie, a young girl looking to get reintegrated in society. Though surprising to her, upon interviewing Seyfried’s Nina Winchester, Millie finds herself as the new housemaid of the home.

The movie, in all of its glory, works best with a packed screening of verbally reactive audience members, as was the case at the film festival. Because, while there are many plot twists and quotable moments, its reluctance to be anything more than an entertaining comedic thriller is what separated itself from being something worth remembering more than a couple of days after watching.

It’s undoubtedly a wild ride but unfortunately it is yet another film where Sweeney’s acting holds the movie back from being completely immersive. Closing with a needle drop from Reputation-era Taylor Swift may just be the most fitting part about it.

Hamlet (2025)

Riz Ahmed plays the iconic “Hamlet” in the newest adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play. Directed by frequent collaborator of Ahmed, Aneil Karia, the film reimagines the story of

“Franz” is a post-modern biopic on legendary 20th century author Franz Kafka. While most biopics tell a cradle to the grave story of their protagonist, highlighting major moments throughout their entire lives, this film differs greatly. Being told in a nonlinear fashion, mixing in fourth-wall breaks and surrealist imagery, the film explores the life of the author in the style of the writing he became known for. It is occasionally pretentious, philosophical, sad and funny, just like its protagonist. It does not glorify him as the hu-

The Soundman

“The Soundman” is a romantic comedy-drama packed with wit, quirkiness and color. Set in Belgium during the early 1940s, the film focuses on a young foley artist fascinated by the art of sound. Amidst political and social strife amplified by the incoming German invasion, he strikes up a relationship with a Jewish voice actress in which the two bond over the intricacies of sound and technology. With a warm color palette and atmosphere evocative -

of Wes Anderson films as well as an intimate soundstage setting reminiscent of musical films from the ‘50s, the film emphasizes the importance of noise and communication, especially during a time when silence was the norm.

I Swear

“Billy Elliot,” the film is nothing short of a hilarious, educational and sincere time.

Two Pianos

A biographical comedydrama film, “I Swear” centers around John Davidson, a Scottish man with Tourette’s syndrome. The film follows Davidson as he perseveres throughout life in the ‘80s and ‘90s, a period when Tourette’s was still an unknown and unaccepted condition. Davidson would eventually go on to become an outgoing spokesperson and pioneer for the awareness of the syndrome, going as far as receiving an award from Queen Elizabeth II.

While being blunt when it comes to the depiction of Tourette’s and themes of social awareness, the film leaves room for jokes that are far beyond simple, tasteless mockeries of the condition. The film notably excels in its portrayal of Davidson as a compassionate and sympathetic character in spite of his condition. Having the same feel-good vibes as films such as “Bend It Like Beckham” and

A French drama, “Two Pianos” revolves around Mathias, a talented piano player returning home after a prolonged stint in Japan. Mathias’s life gets upended when he comes across a former lover at a party. Along with other incongruous events, he is forced to confront his past as well as his habit of indecisiveness. Despite its simple premise, the film is propelled by introspective and sometimes funny conversations between its characters. Indecisiveness and being unsure of what to do in one’s adulthood is a motif heavily present in the film which is sure to resonate with some viewers.

Mathias’s revelation of secrets as well as his journey when it comes to figuring out what he wants to do with his life is a slow but rewarding process for viewers made bearable by the meaningful talks he has with his lover, his agent and other characters. With interesting cinematography and a relatable theme, “Two Pianos” is an interesting and entertaining film for those willing to stick with it.

Although many came simply to watch and enjoy films, interactive events were also present throughout the film fest. Directors, actors and members of the film industry were also given the time to talk about their works in Q&A sessions and presentations. An awards ceremony additionally took place during the festival, commemorating various actors and industry professionals for their works.

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Honorees of the award include Timothée Chalamet, Amanda Seyfried and Adam Sandler. Audience members also had the opportunity to immerse themselves with their favorite movies through film-inspired dinners. Closing out after a week of back-to-back screenings, the Palm Springs International Film Festival served as a vibrant cultural hub where stories, sounds and visuals came to life. ■ H

Radar Replay: Album Review: Light-Years by Nas & DJ Premier

THE LONG AWAITED COLLABORATION THAT’S DEDICATED TO HIP-HOP AS A WHOLE.

ANTHONY ASCENCIO-CARVAJAL Contributing Writer

Ever since the kid from the “Bridge” dropped one of the most acclaimed hip-hop albums of all time, “Illmatic,” with the production from Pete Rock, Large Professor, L.E.S., Q-Tip and DJ Premier, a profound legacy bloomed. During an era where West Coast hip-hop was at its peak, artists like Nas revitalized the East Coast hiphop scene, leading an era of talent inspired by “Illmatic” from Jay-Z to Mobb Deep.

DJ Premier, most known for his work within his group “Gang Starr,” alongside the late great “Guru,” has been a notable producer from the East Coast who is foundational to the sound of New York hip-hop during the 90s. From his scratching techniques to designing memorable choruses from short vocal samples to his drum loops, he’s been a major proponent in Boom Bap beats.

The time Nas has spent writing songs with DJ Premier have led to large acclaim, with tracks from “Illmatic” like “N.Y. State of Mind,” “Memory Lane” and “Represent” adding to what made the album legendary status. Songs like “I Gave You Power” from “It Was Written” or “Nas is Like” from the “I am…” album, continued the notoriety that came with having DJ Premier produce for Nas.

would have to wait in silence, while enjoying new songs from the two legends across Nas’ catalogue.

That day finally came when it was announced, the official collaboration would be released this past December. It was the last album released under Mass Appeal’s “Legend’s Has

As to whether this album is to fan’s expectations, the two will still remain timeless as they always have. DJ Premier and Nas are both “light years” ahead of many of their peers, which is why their music, together and separately, has stood the test of time. It’s about how a teen from Queens was able to build

who helped give him his first music contract, but also respects to female hip-hop artists that defined the genre. From the past with Queen Latifah to Lauryn Hill, to contemporary stars like Doechii and Doja Cat and to underground artists like Che Noir.

The track “Pause Tapes” is a call back to an older style of beat making producers relied on, to create the classics that defined the hip-hop genre. “My Story Your Story” features AZ in a lyrical back and forth showdown, where the two MCs trade bars off with each other. “NY State Of Mind Pt. 3” and “3rd Childhood,” are both gritty beat sequels to older tracks worked on between DJ Premier and Nas.

It …” series, in which an array of different hip-hop legends released albums. De La Soul, Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, to posthumously releases from the late great Big L and Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and now finally Nas & DJ Premier for their album “Light-Years.”

a career off one verse, and how an aspiring DJ spun his way to stardom.

“Nasty Esco Nasir” is a cypher between Nas’ different identities from different eras, his teen Nasty Nas self, his mob boss self “Esco” and his real self Nasir. The rest of the tracks continue Nas’s new subject matter, separate from his early years covering the dark experiences lived from his inner city struggles in Queens.

As a result of their renowned work done together, many fans throughout the decades have desired to one day listen to a joint collaboration album between the two hip-hop giants. However, record label issues and scheduling conflicts made this dream more difficult to pull off until recently. Thus, the fans

This album is not what some fans may expect. It is not a collection of “Nas is Like” caliber songs as many would’ve hoped from their incredible collaborations from time to time. This album has a deeper purpose in mind, more than attempting to receive the acclaim this project would’ve yielded decades ago.

On the track “Writers,” DJ Premier lays a dreamy tune out of this world for Nas to rap about the foundational element of hiphop, “Graffiti.” Along with the references to Henry Chalfant’s “Style Wars” documentary about the element, the end of the song follows many shout outs to different graffiti artists from days past to now, in the US and internationally.

The track “Bouquet (To The Ladies),” is not only Nas’ ode to the caring women in his own life, such as Faith Newman

Verdict: This album is a classic. For those nostalgic of the Illmatic days, this is giving us something fresh. It being Nas’ 20th album, shows he continues making great strides within his career. This project is a celebration of the art form that defined lifetimes. Hip-hop wouldn’t be where it is without those who gave every ounce of love they had for it. Nas and DJ Premier are great examples of those who gave their all for the culture we know and love today.

Highlander in the Arena: Hannah Wickstrom’s breakout season powers UCR women’s basketball Sports

On Thursday Jan. 1, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s basketball team defeated the University of Hawai’i at Manoa 66-58. Hannah Wickstrom led the way scoring a career-high 36 points, en route to earning her second UC Riverside Athlete of the Week honor and Big West Player of the Week.

Wickstrom is coming off an impressive freshman year where she played in 30 games and was named to the Big West All-Freshman Team. She has continued to improve this season, emerging as an offensive force. Her scoring has jumped from 7.7 to 20.9 points per game, leading the Big West and ranking in the top 15 in NCAA Division I. She’s shooting 47.1% from the field, hitting 83.8% of her free throws and has recorded multiple 30-point games. She’s also made an impact defensively, averaging 2.8 steals per game.

The sophomore guard spent the offseason working on areas of her game she felt she needed to improve. “I got faster and stronger and added more variety to my game instead of just shooting the three,” said Wickstrom. A major factor in her dedication to offseason preparation was her expanding place in the rotation. “I knew coming into this

year I was going to have a bigger role, not just offensively, but as a leader and returner.”

Wickstrom developed her love of basketball from her dad, who played professionally in Australia. “I was so obsessed [with basketball] growing up … I loved watching basketball,” said Wickstrom, commenting that her fascination with the sport started at a young age. She learned to shoot from her dad, modeling her technique after him, a skill they would often work on together.

She first joined a “dribblers league,” which focused on skills and fundamentals rather than competitive play. At 12, she joined her club team and eventually progressed to the senior program, staying alongside the same group of teammates as they advanced.

In the senior program, she played with athletes who had competed at the collegiate level in the U.S. “ I got to learn from a lot of these professional women … and [was] able to come over [to the U.S.] and use that experience and knowledge from them.”

The UCR standout noted that the biggest difference between playing in Australia and the U.S. was the athleticism of the players. According to Wickstrom, the girls are stronger and faster in the U.S.,

increasing the game’s intensity and pushing her to adjust.

She also discussed living in Southern California, sharing that she’s enjoying the experience and had long hoped to live in the state.

“It’s good energy, I love the weather, the people,” the Melbourne native noted. She didn’t expect there to be an abundance of activities to do.

“SoCal is so cool because there are so many things around you and known worldwide places like Hollywood,” Wickstrom explained. She also mentioned that when she was home in Australia over the summer, she couldn’t wait to come back to California.

A year later, that sense of comfort has given way to a strong connection within the current team.

“We’re all super happy for each other … when we’re all playing together and playing off each other’s strengths, it’s a really cool and fun environment,” explained Wickstrom. She added that the Hawai‘i game was especially enjoyable due to the bench’s high energy.

Despite early-season injuries to key players such as Aaliyah Stanton and Shelley Duchemin, Wickstrom noted that the situation has only strengthened the team’s chemistry: “It just means we have more bench

energy.” She emphasized that every teammate contributes to the team’s success, injured or not.

She expanded on the Hawai‘i game, calling it one of her favorite moments with UCR basketball. Wickstrom was proud of her performance and noted that playing in Hawai‘i is always a great environment. The New Year’s game, she added, is “something [she would] remember for a long time.”

The win marked a historic moment for the Highlanders, as it was their first victory at Hawai‘i since the 2018–19 season and their second consecutive win over the Rainbow Wahine dating back to last season, when UCR defeated Hawai‘i at home to clinch a spot in the Big West playoffs.

Looking ahead, Wickstrom remains focused on team success. A rough start to the season led to injuries that cost the team key pieces in the rotation, forcing adjustments that “allowed other people to take on bigger roles.” Despite the setbacks, the group has remained motivated. “We just want to win this, win the Big West.”

UCR women’s basketball currently sit 3-2 in conference play and occupy the sixth seed in the Big West Conference.

Assistant coach Reuben Williams named to prestigious list

SILVER WAVES MEDIA NAMES WILLIAMS ON ITS ‘100 MOST IMPACTFUL MID MAJOR ASSISTANTS/GM’S.’

IZZY GRAHAM Contributing Writer

During the 2025 offseason, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) men’s basketball team underwent an intensive rebuilding process. One of the new additions to the staff and team was assistant coach Reuben Williams, who was recently announced on the Silver Waves Media “100 Most Impactful: Men’s Mid Major Assistants/ GM’s” list.

“Whenever you’re awarded or acknowledged by your peers, that’s the most respect you can get. But to be acknowledged being at UC Riverside, I’m grateful for [head] coach [Gus] Argenal for giving me this opportunity,” commented Williams.

While still young in his college basketball coaching career, Williams is clearly on the radar,

and he stated, “you have to have a sense of gratitude to be recognized in the list like that with your peers that are more experienced at times.”

Williams has always had a love and passion for basketball. He grew up playing and played at the collegiate level at Willamette University. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton, Williams interned at Adidas as a marketing intern. He emphasized his dedication to building meaningful relationships through the sport. “I was more so interested in connecting with people, mentoring young men, building those relationships and [I] kind of wanted to be the coach that I wanted to have,” explained Williams, making the transition to coaching a very easy

decision.

Intentionality is important to Williams, making it easy to connect with the rest of the coaching staff and the team. “You got to show up every day with consistent energy ready to serve our players … I’m trying to be more intentional about the relationship building process with the players in order to hold them accountable at the end,” he noted.

“Having the opportunity to impact our players, and learn from our staff has been an unbelievable experience,” Williams acknowledged. Going further into detail on how he has developed with the coaching staff and team, he added, “I’m learning a lot from [the team] and I am growing in my profession … It’s been great bouncing ideas off each other.”

Prior to coaching at UCR, Reuben Williams had a very successful two years as an assistant coach at the University of Montana. With this experience, Williams is keen on building up the UCR men’s basketball program.

“We’re trying to build a sustainable program that is consistently at the top of the Big West … and establish an identity and a culture in this competitive Big West Conference,” Williams noted.

The Highlanders are continuing to rebuild under a brand new coaching staff, and they hope to improve their play as they currently sit dead-last in the Big West standings. Their next game is on the road at Long Beach State on Jan. 15.

Women’s Basketball - Jan. 8

Cal State Bakersfield vs. UC Riverside

64-42 W Season high 3-game win streak

UCR Team Leaders: Points: Hannah Wickstrom (24)

Rebounds: Seneca Hackley (7)

Assists: Kaylani Polk (4)

Women’s Basketball - Jan. 10

UC Riverside vs. UC San Diego

70-54 L

UCR Team Leaders: Points: Hannah Wickstrom (19) Rebounds: Hannah Wickstrom, Maya Chocano (7)

Assists: Kaylani Polk (3)

Men’s Basketball - Jan. 8

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UC Riverside vs. Cal State Bakersfield

67-66 L

UCR Team Leaders: Points: Marqui Worthy Jr. (19) Rebounds: BJ Kolly (11) Assists: All starters (2)

Men’s Basketball - Jan. 10

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UC San Diego vs. UC Riverside

69-66 L

UCR Team Leaders: Points: Andrew Henderson (27)

Rebounds: Osiris Grady, Jailen Daniel-Dalton (6) Assists: BJ Kolly (4)

Be zany.

The Highlander Newspaper is a great way to keep up with current events and news around campus. If you are interested in the newspaper’s articles or pictures, we offer opportunities in writing, photography and design. Join us every Monday at 5:15 p.m. in HUB 101 to learn more.