The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
Kalyani Rao

Kalyani Rao, Assistant Opinion Editor

Kalyani Rao is a junior, and this is her second year as a staff member on Eagle Nation Online. Some of her favorite things are writing, bubble tea, cats, and music. Her favorite place in the world is Auckland, New Zealand.

Honors, Experience and Awards:

4 Best of Sno publications.

Honorable mention- Podcast interview, 2021 TAJE Fall Fiesta

UIL Journalist 2020-2021, 2021-2022

1st place in Copy Editing for CENTEX 2021-2022

Quill and Scroll Society member 2021-2022

All content by Kalyani Rao
Above, Kalyani captured the low-light atmosphere of her room while she writes. Recently, shes had a love for taper candles and the old-fashioned vibe that they give to her writing atmosphere. I like journaling, Rao said. Its an easy way to wind down after a long day.

Opinion: Forgotten penpalling hobby brings teenagers across oceans together

January 19, 2022
Above, fruits and vegetables sit in a bowl in the sun. The Grow-your-own-food movement, also known as the Grow Your Own Movement, has always existed, but the COVID-19 pandemic has seen it grow more rapidly than before. Due to product shortages, people are becoming more interested in being self-sustainable and growing their own fruits and veggies.

Opinion: Grow-your-own-food movement increases self-sufficiency for Americans

January 18, 2022
Around the podcast table, seniors Christi Norris, Alyssa Clark, Gabriella Winans and Amanda Hare record Episode 6 of their Over the Popcorn Bowl podcast. In the podcast series, they discuss and review movies. In this episode, they shared their favorite holiday movie and popular holiday movies. (Photos by Kalyani Rao, digitally constructed image by Amanda Hare, icons courtesy of Vectors Market and Pixel Perfect).

[Photo] Over The Popcorn Bowl - Season 1 - Episode 6 - Holiday Special

December 17, 2021
The digitally constructed image above shows the movie trailer for Thappad on a blazing background. Thappad, which means the slap in Hindi, is an Indian drama film that surrounds the decisions of three women after main character Amrita is slapped in the face by her husband at a party. The movie is a very emotional look into the thoughts and feelings of a woman who is wondering whether she deserves to live a life of unhappiness, junior Kalyani Rao said. I felt like I knew these women and their stories intimately by the end of the movie.

Review: ‘Thappad’ portrays how domestic violence shapes lives of women

December 8, 2021
A FujiFilm FinePix digital camera image blends into a photo of the sunset, taken by Kalyani Rao. The camera screen holds a photo taken earlier of stuffed animals and a plant in a vase. I love taking photos of small things, junior Kalyani Rao said. It just makes me happy to capture moments in time.

Column: Photography helps junior view world through rose-colored glasses

December 7, 2021
Driving a toy car, senior Riley Smith heads to second period. Students joined together Nov. 19 for “Bring Anything But A Backpack day, bringing items from shopping carts to toy vehicles. “I thought it would be a fast way to get to class, Smith said. “And, its just fun.

‘Bring Anything But A Backpack’ day sparks creativity in students

November 29, 2021
Pictured next to various flowers are two perfumes, Chanels Gabrielle and Diors Miss Dior, two of Kalyani Raos favorite perfumes. The Gabrielle perfume is one of the first perfumes I ever bought, Rao said. I found out about it all the way back in 2015, when I heard Kristen Stewart had recently become a Chanel ambassador. I loved her, so of course I had to save up and buy the perfume that she was the face of. On the other hand, the mini Miss Dior sample is one of my new favorites. I love the subtle floral scent.

Column: Perfume through ages, self-confidence from scents

November 16, 2021
Due to COVID-19, a few large Diwali festivals were canceled this year. Kalyani Rao, the author of this article, ended up celebrating Diwali inside her house. She created this small portable altar for Lakshmi puja, using a tea light, varieties of garden flowers, a pear and grains of basmati rice as prashadam, aka an offering, for the goddess Lakshmi. The gathering also includes incense sticks and coins. A picture of Lakshmi sitting on her lotus flower rests in front of the offering plate, decorated with flowers at the base.

Column: Diwali – Here’s what to know about Hindu festival of lights

November 5, 2021
A black and white painting of a pelican rests upon a wicker cabinet. Two delicate hand painted clay pots sit beside the painting. This simple room decor is a style typical to the minimalist principles of home decor. Minimalism clears your space and creates an environment where energy can flow through purposefully empty space, writer and junior Kalyani Rao said. its all about using what you have and appreciating the small things in life.

Opinion: Minimalism, benefits of simple living

November 3, 2021
In the photo above, sophomore Christian Alfano holds one of the mini pride flags that was passed out before school, Monday, Oct. 18. Students rallied to protest for LGBTQ+ rights in the face of anti-LGBTQ+ speeches given at recent school board meetings. People should be allowed to feel comfortable with loving other people — it shouldn’t be a crime or something to be embarrassed about, senior Jordyn Leggiere said. Everyone deserves to love.

Students petition for right to display LGBTQ+ flag on school grounds

October 22, 2021
Gold bangles and vivid red paint decorate the hand of half-Indian, half-white junior Kalyani Rao. The words What about us? are written on her palm. The red paint is inspired by Raos memory of practicing a style of Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, as a child, where the hands and feet of the dancers would be painted red before a performance. Indian culture is so incredibly beautiful, Rao said. Im proud of my relatives from coming all the way to the United States from the vibrant country that is India.

Column: South Asian American culture goes from avoided to appropriated

September 29, 2021
From left to right, rose quartz, citrine, lapis lazuli, tigers eye, amethyst and a second rose quartz stone are pictured on junior Kalyani Raos windowsill. All of them were purchased from local crystal shops. I really like having crystals in my room, Rao said. Seeing the sunlight shine through all the tiny facets and imperfections on the stones is just gorgeous. No crystal is exactly the same as another one, and I find that so beautiful.

Opinion: Crystal craze – America’s new interest in metaphysical realm

September 15, 2021

Podcast: LGBT Women Through History: Episode 1

September 1, 2021
As the sun sets on Palacio de Cibeles, junior Kalyani Rao celebrates the end of the yearly Pride parade in Madrid, also known as Orgullo Gay. This summer, she spent one month in Madrid after winning of a scholarship from a study abroad program. I really loved visiting a European city for the first time, Rao said. The old architecture, the food and the Spanish language all came together to form a wonderful first impression of Madrid, and I cant wait to go back.

[Photo] Newspaper staff shares summer photos

August 11, 2021
According to their website, the CVS MinuteClinic® offers services to support mental well-being. These include counseling for life adjustments, depression, stress, anxiety, etc. As of now, these services are only available in Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. “A public health crisis like this has only exposed people’s traumas and anxieties and therapists are needed now more than ever, licensed counselor Stephanie Waitt said. We are validating a lot of people’s struggles right now and giving people permission to be a little messy.”

CVS to offer mental health therapy services in-store

May 17, 2021
This week, Earth Day takes place, as Prosper mother Tracey George waters her plants in her garden. Georges goal is to create a sustainable garden of native plants, with the ultimate aim of helping local wildlife thrive. My mom is always outside gardening or thinking about what she can add to the garden to attract bees, Georges daughter and sophomore Kalyani Rao said. I really think this is what Earth Day should be about- bringing people together who want to care for the planet and create a conscious safe space for our environments animals.

Column: Communities come together, take action to celebrate Earth Day

April 20, 2021
Voice phishing, one of the most common crimes on the internet, allows criminals to hide behind the mask of an anonymous number. According to the University of Michigans safe computing site, Vishing (voice phishing) utilizes fraudulent phone calls to trick people into giving money or revealing personal information. Malicious actors can ‘spoof’ or mask their real number with a number that is not theirs, Chief Technology Officer Fernando De Velasco said. They will frequently choose to spoof their number with a phone number that is local.

Voice phishing increases; spam callers target district faculty, students

March 29, 2021
Illuminated against the night sky, the St. Louis Cathedral stands proudly in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Its known for being the oldest cathedral in the United States. The jewel of the South, New Orleans is known for its live music, great food, and ghostly places to visit, reporter Kalyani Rao said. Its a great destination for those in the South who want to experience a mix of a European and American town all in the United States, with Spanish architecture and original buildings carefully preserved.

Review: Check out top 5 inclusive foodie spots in New Orleans

March 19, 2021
Counselors schedule student course-selection meetings

Counselors schedule student course-selection meetings

March 2, 2021
Two members of Eagle Nation Online, editor-in-chief Grace Williamson and journalist Maddie Moats, talk to each other while wearing masks. Students are used to wearing required face coverings, especially since students are already halfway through the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year. When Ive been wearing a mask for a while I dont even notice it, sophomore Maggie Lair said. Going out with them in public feels like the norm now.

Column: Masks save others, prevent spread of pandemic

February 26, 2021
A screenshot shows the webpage of Prime Psychiatrys new feature, Telepsychiatry. Telepsychiatry is a form of telehealth that allows psychiatrists to video call with patients. Prosper ISD has partnered with Childrens Health to bring telehealth to district students. Telehealth has made it more convenient for me to see my doctor, freshman Sundari Jackson said. My mom works long hours so finding an appointment time was difficult in the past. Now I can go to an appointment on my computer while my mom is at work.

Telehealth: COVID-19 moves medical care to digital platform

January 21, 2021
Against a bright blue sky, the new 7-Eleven on West Frontier Pkwy is being built. The construction is just one of the ongoing projects seen all around Prosper. Gas stations are very convenient when youre in the middle of nowhere, sophomore Gianna Galante said. We need more of them in certain places because its kind of inconvenient not to have any.

Column: Gas station opening increases health risks for Prosper residents

December 18, 2020
In the compiled photos above, a store called The British Emporium is pictured. As well, theres a picture of the writer, Kalyani Rao, mixing the ingredients for a cake. Next to her is the final result. The reason I had come to the British Emporium was to look for a Yule chocolate log cake, consisting of a rolled sponge with a cream filling and ganache frosting, Rao said. My penpal who lives in London recommended it as her favorite dessert in the winter, and I set my heart on trying it for myself.

Column: When baking goes wrong, keep trying

December 10, 2020
Organizing the cart in the clinic, Shanelle Stewart demonstrates just one of her tasks as the high school nurse. Because of the uniqueness of this year with the coronavirus, Stewart has had to constantly check for changing policies of how to manage COVID-19 cases at the highschool. “As of this week, CDC changed their guidelines for close contact exposure,” Ms. Stewart said. “It used to be a 14 day restriction, but now the CDC is saying the incubation period is shorter than before, so you’ll see it between 7-10 days, and so the 7-10 day restriction should be in place here in a few days.”

Analysis: Schools, stores, medics adapt to evolving COVID-19 measures

December 7, 2020
In the collage above, female students of color are pictured, friends of columnist Kalyani, with her in the bottom right. I made this collage to show who is being immediately impacted by Kamala Harriss election, Kalyani said. She represents the very real progress being made for women of color in the United States.

Column: Kamala Harris overcomes hurdles for women of color

November 13, 2020
Sweet trinkets and figurines are presented neatly on this sellers table. Sunlight reflects off of the glass mirror that some of the items are placed on. I think the classic vintage style of the figurings is so adorable, Kalyani Rao said. I wanted to capture the sereneness of the young boy.

Texans flock to Canton Flea Market, biggest market in nation

November 9, 2020
In the image above, ghosts linger behind a red backyard fence. Ghost hunters are so cool, Kalyani Rao said. Even just in the short time I spent with JJ Jensen, I could tell she worked so hard to do she loves, which is hunting ghosts.

[Video] Backyard Ghosts podcast explores the paranormal

October 29, 2020
In the sketched drawing above, Scott and Ramona, the two main characters of Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, lean against the wall at a party during the memorable scene where Scott talks to Ramona for the first time, and rambles about the origins of PacMan. Ramona is such a powerful character, Kalyani Rao said. Not only is she gorgeous, she leaves you wanting to learn more about her. Thats the coolest part — Ramona is full of secrets. (Drawing provided by Max Hoffschwelle)

Review: ‘Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World’ celebrates 10 years since release

October 15, 2020
Above, Pre-AP and AP Spanish teacher Francisco Salas points to the requirements for what students in Pre-AP Spanish 3 are learning on that day. Mr. Salas holds a Masters of Arts in Spanish Linguistics and Literature, as well as a BBA in Accounting and a BA in Spanish. I love how every day in Spanish 3 we learn something new. Kalyani Rao said. Señor Salas explains grammar concepts in ways that are easy to grasp for us. Every class unit we get closer to becoming fluent.

Editorial: Learning 2nd language vital to teenage development

October 2, 2020
As part of his regular duties, Chief of police Chad Vessels visits Prosper High. Vessels has been a part of PISD since 2012. “it is our plan and belief that a K-12 student in PISD would have 500 positive interactions with an officer, Vessels said. Until I retire, my focus will always be to help those in need, and to always spread a positive message about law enforcement.

Q & A: Police Chief Chad Vessels provides insider view of PISD department

September 18, 2020
The two butterfly species are pictured in this graphic with an abstract background. I love this graphic because it uses cooler colors to show the docile nature of the butterflies. Kalyani Rao said. Julia Chung really did a great job portraying the beauty of the butterflies in their natural habitat. Graphic used with permission from creator Julia Chung.

Column: Butterfly species face extinction from climate change

September 14, 2020
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