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The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

Arpita Das

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor

Arpita is a senior entering her third and final year as a staff writer on The Central Trend. She has been a part of the Science Olympiad team since the 7th grade but made the tough decision choice to step down this year. However, Arpita still keeps herself busy working once a week with kids on Thursdays and being a part of clubs such as Model UN and DECA. When Arpita isn't writing, you will often find her rewatching The Flash on Netflix, playing the piano, doing press on nails, going on walks, studying at the library, and visiting new coffee shops. Despite the fact that it's her last year of high school, she is so excited to see what senior year has in store for her and is curious to see what pieces of writing she will produce.

Car: A black Volvo SUV that goes by the name of Ali whom Arpita adores.

Favorite food and color: The Fettuccine Alfredo from Olive Garden and Navy Blue

Favorite class: Advanced Writing for Publication and Honors Model UN

Favorite actor from The Flash: Grand Gustin, also known as Barry Allen

Does she have an unhealthy obsession with The Flash? Yes, yes she does, and she always will!

 

All content by Arpita Das
The Central Trend is nothing without you Mr.George and you will be missed, but we wish you the best at Hope.

Dear Present me: where it all began

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor May 2, 2024

Dear Present me,  April 12th, 2024,  Where it all ends.  It was the first time I had ever seen him shed tears, and for the first time in forever, time had stopped, but not in that room, not...

My senior photos that I took back in November.

Dear Present me: You’re on your own, Arpita—you always have been

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor May 1, 2024

Dear present me,  It’s officially a week before your high school graduation, the day you dress up in that forest green wrinkly cap and gown with the white stole and walk across the stage in front...

The University of Toledo, the school I knew I would always come back to.

Dear present me: in the midst of the known

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor April 19, 2024

Dear present me,  She always knew that was the school, but she didn’t quite know how to confirm it. At the time when she first discovered the school, college wasn’t even something that she was...

It's so ironic how we got our graduation gowns the same day four years ago when covid shut down, March 13th!

To be ready or not to be

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor March 18, 2024

Dear Present me,  I think I’m in a state of contradiction regarding how quickly things are changing—it’s like all my peers around me are racing toward the future, and I just want to stay in the...

It was on this day that I had driven to the wrong Starbucks to go meet up with a friend.

Dear present me: The thing about being a teenager

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 29, 2024

Dear present me,  Here’s the thing about being a teenager: sometimes, it’s not always “the best years of your life.”  Sometimes it’s the worst, or sometimes it’s just in between the...

What AI thinks "work from home" can look like.

Here are some websites that can help simulate a productive work environment from home

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 26, 2024

For as long as I can remember, I have been a homebody. Pretty much anyone close to me can figure that out about me within seconds. I love staying at home; anything and everything I want to do can easily...

Zariah is excited for what college she is going to choose and aside from music knows how to play soccer.

Zariah Knuff has immersed herself through the realm of music that surrounds her

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 22, 2024

Senior Zariah Knuff will never forget the first time she made her first large purchase of a monumental piece of music.  “This massive [collector's edition album] is the one I spent $300 on,” Zariah...

The car that I drive who's named Ollie.

Dear present me: to all the adventures, Ollie

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 20, 2024

Dear Present me,  To all the adventures, Ollie,  You’re the best car I’ve ever been able to drive—and also the safest—so thank you for all the excursions.  At first, I wasn’t very...

The cover for the High School Course Description guide on the school website.

The FHC Scheduling Showcase has provided students with the opportunity to choose classes unique to themselves

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 14, 2024

The scheduling showcase can mean a plethora of things for high school students. For some, it means choosing courses designated towards a course of study in college while for others, it means fulfilling...

Atomic Habits is a book written by American writer and public speaker, James Clear.

There is science to building effective habits

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 12, 2024

 It’s natural for humans to be creatures of habit, and I for one fall into this demographic of people.  I can’t speak for everyone but being a ‘creature of habit’  for me can look like only...

Trystan hopes to attend Grand Rapids Community College and major in Business.

Trystan Tilton has found his passion through the bonds that he shares with his family

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 12, 2024

The first notable memory that comes to mind when senior Trystan Tilton thinks about golf—his all-time favorite sport—is the time he got drenched working at a golf club.  “There's a hill where...

Arpita Das has found her way through high school through various activities

Dear present me: if my senior year were a person

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor February 1, 2024

Dear present me, Sentimental. Miniscule. Brisk. If my senior year was a person, these would be the words to best describe it. Four years ago, I didn't think I would make it through high...

One of the colleges I attended a college visit for.

Dear present me: in the midst of the unknown

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor January 22, 2024

Dear present me, I am in the midst of the unknown. Senior year has a convoluted way of tricking me into a plethora of decision-making moments, but perhaps the biggest one is where I want to spend...

The 'New Year, New Me' mindset isn't for everyone and that's okay.

The “New Year, new me” mindset isn’t for everyone

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor January 17, 2024

A research study conducted by professor & chair of Psychology at the University of Scranton, John C. Norcross from 1978-2020 states the following about New Year's resolutions. After one week, 75%...

The hues of blue and orange in this photo represent the changes I will celebrate in 2024 as they come.

Dear Present me: 2024 is your year

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor January 12, 2024

Dear Present me,  2024 is your year.  144 days ago you officially became a part of the eldest grade in the school and embraced your last first day of high school.  116 days ago you went on...

Hannah Kelly is a senior in high school this year.

Hannah Kelly has grown a fondness for teaching through the bond she shares with her baby sisters

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor December 22, 2023

For most people, it’s a preconceived notion when friends find out their peers have siblings. However—for senior Hannah Kelly—most people are shocked to find out that she has not one, but two baby...

A small snapshot that I so wish could be bigger of a plethora of things that I am grateful for in my life right now.

Dear present me: Gratitude is the best gift

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor December 12, 2023

Dear present me,  What’s the best gift in life?  The gift of gratitude.  The gift of gratitude is the best in life because it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s renewable, replenishable,...

The picture where I got this image was from an article titled "What Every Teacher Should Know About the Science of Learning."

These are my personal takes on the learning platforms we utilize at school

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor December 7, 2023

For as long as time can tell, learning has never been something that I enjoyed. It feels tedious, and at times, it can feel like it’s constantly the one thing that brings me the most joy but also mentally...

Learn more about how learning can be more fun in an article by WIRED titled "Covid Has Created a Virtual Renaissance for Life Drawing."

Here are some ways to bring your learning to life

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor December 5, 2023

As I have grown up, I’ve learned. As I’ve learned, I’ve come to the realization that the concepts and topics that we are taught in school aren’t always the ones we will be able to apply to our...

I'm in my senior year of high school.

Dear present me: and so begins chapter 12

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 28, 2023

I used to dislike having black hair growing up. Whenever I would look at my friends, I longed for the days I could have highlights.  But now, I adore the way my hair looks because so many people have...

Senior Arpita Das.

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2023: Arpita Das

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 21, 2023

There's a lot that I am thankful for this year, and although I could go on and on about all the people in my life that I am thankful for—I have decided to pay thanks to these special people in my life. Thank...

Inspiration is all around us.

These are the places where I get the best sources of inspiration – Part two

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 14, 2023

When it comes to entertainment, it doesn't take a lot to amuse me. I've never really been picky when it comes to how I utilize my free time. However—from time to time—I do find myself making the continual...

The piano that sits so peacefully on my desk just waiting to be played.

Dear Present Me: Your peace is within the piano

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 7, 2023

Dear Present me, Why do you play? There's a lot you don't know about me, and there's so much left for you to discover. Some aspects of my life will either remain hidden forever, like the president's...

The cover for the So Far So Good podcast which definitely gives off Jess and Gabriel vibes.

The So Far, So Good podcast was more than just good

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 2, 2023

Over the past few years of my life, I have become accustomed to encompassing social media into my life. In one way or another, it finds some way to fiddle with my life. Even though technology isn't...

A picture of Senior Joey Sitarski.

Joey Sitarski creates a connection with his siblings through the extracurriculars he participates in.

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 1, 2023

From the beginning of senior Joey Sitarski’s life, the importance of having a close-knit relationship with his family has always been a constant.  From being the youngest in the family to having...

A collage of where I get my inspiration from.

These are the places where I get the best sources of inspiration

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 1, 2023

I have always been one of those kids who spent a copious amount of time on the internet. This consists of being a consistent fan of influencers’ lives on YouTube, grabbing cheesy life quotes from Instagram,...

The place where I work.

Dear present me: what if? – part two

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor October 26, 2023

Dear Present me,  Why is my life the way it is?  Why does it feel like I’m running on the seven seas, yet when I want to reach the highs and lows, I still can't stop? It feels like the highs...

If interested, learn more about Wall Street Journal's article titled "Generation Z’s 7 Lessons for Surviving in Our Tech-Obsessed World."

Phrases are on a never ending cycle of being taken out of context

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor October 17, 2023

As the world continues to spin on its invisible yet important axis, we are continually being brought to tomorrow's future today.  No matter what generation someone was born into, where their origin...

My wallpaper that's currently on my home screen right now.

Dear Present me: The Flash through my lens

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor October 10, 2023

Dear Present me, You have been and always will be a massive Fan of The Flash. I don’t think there will ever be any show that I won’t have an emotional connection to after watching. Whether I’m...

Homecoming Court Q&A’s 2023

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor October 8, 2023

 c1) What was your reaction when you found out you were nominated? 2) Why do you think you got nominated for court? 3) What’s your favorite breakfast food?  4) What are you most excited for...

If Taylor Swift was the only course I was taking, I'd never have to worry about falling asleep in class.

Taylor Swift is migrating into the realm of literature

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor October 6, 2023

Ever since I've removed myself from what is probably the most popular app at our school—TikTok—I have found myself relying on another source of entertainment, Instagram Reels. Although I wish my habit...

Puppy Love officially aired on August 18th of this year on Amazon Prime.

Puppy Love is a friendly film for anyone

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor October 4, 2023

If I had to pick just one celebrity out of all the ones in the universe, it would be Grant Gustin. It's not only because he's in my favorite TV show, but also because he's just an all-around impeccable...

Improv Central 2023 Q&A’s

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 26, 2023

Photo Gallery: 2023 Community Tailgate

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 28, 2023

A picture of me moments before visiting a college I would never apply to in Boston.

Dear Present me: don’t forget the outliers

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 26, 2023

Dear present me,  What about the outliers? Senior year:  The twelfth grade is a student's fourth and final year of high school education. The year and the student are both referred to as senior.  This...

Paige Hallock, our newest Health and Fit for Life teacher.

New Health teacher Paige Hallock immerses herself into the uplifting environment that FHC has to offer

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 21, 2023

The new Health and Fit for Life teacher Paige Hallock was shocked when students didn’t recognize her from relatives who previously attended FHC, and, as a result, she has gravitated toward the environment...

The Newest Staff members of FHC

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 19, 2023

The Flash movie officially released in theatres June 16th 2023, and is available to watch on certain streaming platforms.

The Flash movie was fragmented for any fervent fan of the film

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 19, 2023

After making the decision to finally finish The Flash TV series this summer, I got the word that there was a The Flash movie coming out; my excitement doubled over the amount that was already there.  Prior...

Photos of stories that I've written over the past two years.

Dear Present me: This is why I write

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 12, 2023

Dear Present me,  Why do you write? A girl once asked me, “Where do you get the ideas to write your stories?”  I responded with, “I write about the current events that envelop my life...

Iris-West Allen played by Candice Patton in The Flash.

These are my thoughts on the most underrated moments of the Flash

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 7, 2023

When I’m, sad I write. When I’m happy, I write. When I want to word vomit, I write. Whatever I’m feeling at the moment; I will write about it. Yet whenever I’m feeling tranquil, words just never...

The S.T.A.R labs logo which is also on my hoodie

My personal takes on unpopular opinions about The Flash

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 5, 2023

This summer, I decided to run back in time and rewatch one of my all-time favorite shows, The Flash, which is a show about Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), a 25-year-old forensic scientist who gets struck by...

A picture of me my first day of senior year.

Dear Present me: Senior year, right now, in this moment

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor August 29, 2023

Yes, it’s finally here: my senior year. It’s hard to believe the words “my” and “senior year” are in the same sentence. But, for some reason, whenever I think about senior year all that...

A picture of my middle school art project 2 months after school shut down.

Life as she knew it

Arpita Das, Staff Writer June 1, 2023

She thought she would go to school on Friday. That one day of the week, she was ecstatic to attend school for two reasons: the day before, she was nominated for student of the month, and the next day was...

Some of the many senior tiles that have been been painted in room 139.

Out with the old, in with the new

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 31, 2023

I never thought that I would be here writing this, but the time has now come when the school parts with the seniors and prepares itself to welcome the freshman; in with the new, out with the old.  Before...

What the UVM campus looks like at night and a picture I never would've captured if I had turned down the oppurtunity to attend such a memorable conference.

What if?

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 25, 2023

What if I had gone in-person freshman year?  What if I had never taken APUSH sophomore year? What if I had never joined The Central Trend? What if I had never tested out of Algebra 1?  What...

My belongings and what most of my days are spent thinking about; school on repeat

Little did she know

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 18, 2023

It happened—exactly what happened, do you ask? That one event that every writer dreads to experience: writer's block. Don’t get me wrong—it’s not that I’ve lost a passion for writing; it’s...

Senior Bernice Sam who is set on majoring in Pre-med at Calvin College.

Bernice Sam has found the little joys in life through discovering her passion for dermatology

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 4, 2023

Ever since senior Bernice Sam was a little girl, she has always had this everlasting dream of becoming some sort of doctor, but it wasn’t until high school that her passion for becoming one really started...

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Audrey Kind

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Audrey Kind

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 4, 2023

What was your reaction to the court announcement? "Initially I didn't know because people were cheering for their friends so I didn't hear my name [called]. I left 5th hour and went to class [but] I...

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Thomas Carano

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Thomas Carano

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 4, 2023

What was your reaction to the court announcement? "To be completely frank, it was the most random thing in the world. I was not expecting it whatsoever. It was fifth hour [and] I was in [AP] Statistics...

The bullet journal/planner I literally use for anything and everything.

At the end of the day, we’re human

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 4, 2023

My planner sits empty like a blank canvas that has something to say but is silenced by the pens and pencils that just aren’t willing to dance. Pages and pages are filled with endless tasks just waiting...

A picture of senior Kyle Friar.

Kyle Friar soaks up the last few moments of his high school career

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 2, 2023

Everyone’s experiences with senior year can vary, but for senior Kyle Friar, although he is enthusiastic for what college will have to offer, he will definitely miss all the memories that he has made...

"Fight or Flight," is a coping mechanism.

What is the “fight-or-flight” response, and how does it affect the body?

Arpita Das, Staff Writer April 27, 2023

Whether we’re aware of it or not, coping mechanisms are a common apparatus utilized by people. Whether this be fidgeting with your fingers, lightly tapping your foot, or even continuously clicking a...

This plan was created by Joseph Califano.

Do you know what the “504 Plan” is?

Arpita Das, Staff Writer April 25, 2023

It has always been a preconceived idea for me that every single student got the same amount of time on tests. Everyone would walk into the classroom, start the test, and then all finish the assessment...

It’s not goodbye; it’s see you later

Arpita Das, Staff Writer April 16, 2023

Dear Diya K., I am in awe over the fact that we’ve had a friendship for almost a decade now. Although it’s been almost a year since I’ve seen you, I still recall when you first moved here. The...

A picture of me at the age of one years old.

The coincidences that make up my life

Arpita Das, Staff Writer March 23, 2023

Coincidences intrigue me until they scare me; a ghost from my treacherous past I continue to bury the more I move away from it. It’s interesting how coincidences happen, but the irony that occurs within...

Youtubers, Dhar Mann and Brent Rivera.

Lately, the media has cultivated a cancel culture of its own

Arpita Das, Staff Writer March 15, 2023

Opinions expressed in editorials on The Central Trend are the view of the individual writer and are not the opinion of the entire staff of The Central Trend or the Forest Hills Central staff or administration. A...

A picture of a group of students that attend the ASL field trips.

School trips give students the chance to embark on an adventure with endless opportunities

Arpita Das, Staff Writer March 13, 2023

Field trips in high school can have a plethora of interpretations, but for American Sign Language teacher Kimberly Anderson, they are eye-opening opportunities for students to bond.  “I think it's...

January 30th, 2022, the day after my 2nd Science Olympiad Competition.

My photographs have created a timeline that I’m not even fully aware of

Arpita Das, Staff Writer March 13, 2023

I seem to remember everything nowadays, except for the important stuff. For example, when to wake up or when certain assignments or assessments need to be completed. Regardless of what I can keep track...

One of many shows I've watched within my life to sit back and relax.

TV shows have continually become a source of contentment for me

Arpita Das, Staff Writer March 1, 2023

I know that I’m not a robot, but sometimes I feel like one because of the facial expressions that I make. Usually, when I’m upset, the first feature to convey that to you is my face, and I can’t...

A picture of current AP seminar students that are presenting.

The second semester AP Seminar exam presents students with the ability to improve vital skills

Arpita Das, Staff Writer February 28, 2023

For any college-level course, it’s expected that there’s an exam to follow, but the elements of each exam can vary from class to class. For AP Seminar teacher Morgan Beckett, the fundamentals are what's...

Me second semester of 10th grade attending brunch with a friend when I should have been doing homework.

Asking others “How are you?” can have more of an impact than you think

Arpita Das, Staff Writer February 22, 2023

These months of the year can either go one of two ways for me: stressful or joyful. It’s the start of a new year, and that’s exciting for me, but it either goes down one path or another. This time...

The center of the sweater that I wore on valentines day.

The fourteen special valentines in my life

Arpita Das, Staff Writer February 20, 2023

I dislike Valentine's Day, but that could just be because I spend it alone every year. I like the concept behind it, but It starts to get old the more I see the infinite string of stories of couples posting...

I always find myself taking the form of a baby when I go to bed.

What your sleeping position says about your persona

Arpita Das, Staff Writer February 8, 2023

Earth is a miraculous planet, but it’s hard to find appreciation in things when you don’t stop to pause and take in everything around you. This is something I have been trying to do more lately.  Being...

Senior exemption gives students a chance to be excused from their final high school exams.

Senior Exemption presents students with the oppurtunity to be excused from their final exams

Arpita Das, Staff Writer February 7, 2023

When history teacher Kyle Carhart first heard about senior exemption, he was unsure as to what it entailed for students, simply because it was never a policy that was enacted when he was a high school...

A picture of one of many press on nails that I've applied on my hands.

Here are my personal favorite purchases from Amazon

Arpita Das, Staff Writer February 2, 2023

I loathe shopping. Just kidding, I adore it, but only if it’s online. For some reason, going inside stores has never really been my forte. I’ve always been someone who loves to purchase items from...

A picture I took during the awards ceremony.

My first Model UN Conference was better than I expected

Arpita Das, Staff Writer January 24, 2023

If I had to describe myself in one word from the perspective of someone who just met me, it would be "shy." I am a very shy person. In fact, I’m shy to the point that when you talk to me, we won’t...

A picture of some of the former smile squad members, from left to right (Afomia, Markian).

Smile Squad brings the universe together one chuckle at a time

Arpita Das, Staff Writer January 18, 2023

Entertainment; that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word "break." Whether that be watching shows on Netflix, short videos on TikTok, or even people’s lives on YouTube, this...

A picture of the symbol that represents the icon for our AP World History class.

Why we should stay up-to-date on the world around us

Arpita Das, Staff Writer January 11, 2023

Before I started high school, I never really considered myself someone who liked to be affiliated with history. It was always a monotonous subject for me. I always thought that you had to be constantly...

A picture of me my first semester of junior year before attending homecoming.

If my junior year were a person

Arpita Das, Staff Writer January 8, 2023

Dear junior year, I’m going to be completely honest, I am not loving junior year, and it’s weird for me to even say those words that are coming out of my mouth right now. It’s nothing like I thought...

A combination of some of the many social media platforms that we use today.

Social media can be used as more than just a way to connect with friends

Arpita Das, Staff Writer December 12, 2022

Tiktok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and so on. I’m sure we’ve all heard of these words before, right? But what’s the one thing that comes to mind when you think about these platforms?...

Senior Sammy Deridder with one of her many pets.

Sammy DeRidder finds her passion for veterinary school that is animals.

Arpita Das, Staff Writer December 12, 2022

For many people, owning pets can mean as little as one or two animals, but for senior Sammy Deridder, this means 35. Since she lives on a farm, she is constantly surrounded by animals; these creatures...

Me on my birthday, the same day as black friday and when our school went to state championships.

And so begins chapter 17

Arpita Das, Staff Writer November 28, 2022

A couple of days ago, I turned 17, and although it’s never really been a special number, I knew that my birthday would feel a little different this year. Whenever I think of birthdays, I don’t think...

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