Senior editors from The Gamut address Oxford’s questions, concerns, and philosophical quandaries. 

How do you deal with group mates that don’t contribute to the work?

I think you can be more forceful when dealing with rebelling groupmates. It’s very rare you can’t convince them into doing work after a bit of negotiating. Telling the teacher can honestly be hard, because you don’t want to seem like a rat, but an easier alternative might be leaving their name off the project.

All the Best,

Theo Melgar

Digital Content Editor 

How do I balance my extracurriculars and the homework here at Oxford, while also trying not to procrastinate?

Try your best to stay organized. Use an agenda or a journal to keep track of all of your tasks. Make sure that you plan out your days — allocate time for each of your activities and follow a routine. Do assignments as soon as they’re assigned, and get rid of all of your distractions. You’ve got this!

Sincerely,

Lavanya Shyamsundar

Managing Editor 

What is a book recommendation you have?

“Know My Name” by Chanel Miller is the best memoir I’ve ever read. It does deal with mature topics, so I’d recommend this to high schoolers. Through the way Miller eloquently articulates her experiences and her powerful insights about resilience, this is the type of book that stays with you long after. 

Cheers,

Trisha Phan

Editor in Chief 

Do you think it is more important to love or to be loved?

It is better to love than to be loved in this world full of hate. Society nowadays is filled with anger and indifference for others, with people always putting themselves first before anyone else. This hyper individualism is what strains relationships and creates a culture of lonely individuals. Showing love is an extension of loving yourself, and if you don’t radiate you can’t feel. 

Love,

Zoharys Jaen

Lifestyle Editor

Is it worth it to delay your pathway class to 10th grade and do a second elective in 9th?

It depends on which elective you want to take. You’ll have the opportunity to take multiple electives in 11th and 12th grade, so for VAPAs it might be better to wait a year or two, saving yourself the pain of taking your pathway with underclassmen. But if you are looking to take a 4-year elective (like The Gamut!), deferring your pathway might be the right choice for you.

Thanks,

Michelle Choy

News Editor 

How do you cure IBS?

This is really concerning! As with any medical concern, professional consultation won’t hurt.

Please go see a doctor or Oxford’s local school nurse, Mrs. Barela, who is in the main office.  

From your dearest

and most trustworthy sports editor, 

Eshmom Haque

If you could tell the 7th graders one thing, what would you say?

Seventh grade doesn’t matter as much as you think. I’m not saying you shouldn’t try in your classes (you definitely want to build good habits early). But if you struggle acclimating to Oxford, that’s okay! You still have a lot of time to make close friends and experience what the school truly has to offer, so don’t be discouraged.   

Best,

Rowan Lee

Art & Layout Editor