Whether you know it now or not, Westridge will always have a place in our hearts—no matter whether you’ve been a Tiger since fourth grade, are midway through your first year of high school, or are someone attending for just a semester.

Even though the days seem long, Westridge is one of the few constants in our lives, our home away from home. Yes, there are tests, homework assignments, projects, and presentations, but there are also students who start nonprofits, organize protests, and volunteer.

It’s easy to understand how students feel spread thin between academics, passions, and countless extracurricular opportunities—so thin that we forget to spread our love throughout the school. 

Love and support, as much as it may seem so, are not a zero-sum game. We can support one another and our own community without detriment to ourselves. In fact, showing up for others, even in small ways, can help you feel more connected and fulfilled. The minor sacrifices in time or effort are worth the greater effects of uplifting your community and, in turn, uplifting yourself. 

Though we all care deeply about our school and community, here’s something to think about: how can we show our love through action?

Change can feel difficult to inspire in both national and global settings. Still, we are at a place where change is possible—and happening. Students at Westridge are engaged in bringing awareness to many large-scale issues, even recently organizing a walkout to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles. We as a student body have such a diverse range of interests and passions, from student athletes and speech and debaters to volunteers and artists. We have a duty to return these talents to the community we gained them from—Westridge. 

We all care about Westridge as a place to further our own passions, but what about lifting up the rest of this amazing community?

In the past few years, we seem to have lost a little bit of what makes our school special by being selective with our caring, causing us to lose sight of some important things. Sports games lack student attendance. We struggle with a culture of competitive suffering instead of supporting one another. While students once campaigned tirelessly to get metal utensils to boost our sustainability efforts, they now often end up in trash cans.

Westridge is our foundation for starting change. But, we can’t make change outside of our school unless we look inwards. 

This Valentine’s Day, let’s think about how we can support our community in manageable ways. We’re not asking for millions towards the Westridge Fund, but something personal. Instead of leaving your dishes on the ground, put them in a bin. If you see someone having a tough day, ask them if they want to talk. If your friend is playing in a sports game, attend! 

Even though your passions may differ from those of your peers, we’re all here to learn and grow, so let’s do just that—let’s lean into the close-knit and supportive community we all need.

Love,

The Spyglass Editorial Board