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Should Self-Driving Cars Take Over?1/4/2026 A new era of transportation is upon us, and it is rapidly growing. Companies such as Waymo, Cruise, and Zoox have begun to use self-driving vehicles in order to enhance safety and improve efficiency. Waymo, for example, has launched several cars at a smaller scale throughout San Francisco and Los Angeles, gaining the attention of the everyday users of Uber and Lyft.
As these autonomous vehicles become more visible in major cities, they raise an unavoidable question: should self-driving cars replace human drivers altogether? Many argue that autonomous vehicles have the potential to dramatically reduce accidents, lower congestion, and create a more efficient transportation system. Others, however, point to technological limitations and job losses. One of the strongest arguments in favor of self-driving cars is the safety they provide. Human error is responsible for the vast majority of accidents, often caused by distraction, fatigue, or reckless driving. However, autonomous vehicles rely on sensors, cameras, and algorithms that work nearly flawlessly and, of course, do not get tired or distracted. On paper, removing the human element from driving could significantly reduce collisions and save thousands of lives each year. Waymo emphasizes this potential, frequently showcasing its vehicles’ ability to react faster than a human driver. In addition to safety, efficiency is another major advantage. Self-driving cars can communicate with one another, optimize routes based on data they receive in real-time, and reduce traffic congestion. Implementing these cars leads to shorter commute times and lower fuel consumption, an important factor when considering the world’s continuous effort to combat climate change. Despite these benefits, significant concerns remain. Autonomous technology is not flawless yet, and even rare system failures can have serious consequences. Accidents involving self-driving vehicles have raised serious questions about accountability: when a crash occurs, who is responsible? The passenger, the company, or the software itself? Also, these systems must navigate the unpredictability of the world. These systems don’t understand that the world isn’t perfect, such as a person jaywalking. There is also the common issue of job losses. Millions of people worldwide have driving-related jobs, including taxi drivers, truck drivers, and delivery workers. While new jobs may emerge in AI technology and vehicle maintenance, the transition would still be disruptive. In the end, self-driving cars clearly have the potential to change how we move, but whether they should fully take over is a question of time, thoughtful implementation, and balance of innovation and responsibility.
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Dinner with Zaza Pachulia12/23/2025 Walking into a family friend’s house, I expected a normal party. What I did not expect was to meet Zaza Pachulia. The first thing that strikes you is obvious: he is huge. As a former NBA center and a real seven-footer, Zaza quite literally fills the room. Even knowing his height on paper does not prepare you for the reality. He has a presence that feels more like a mountain casually taking a seat at the dinner table.
What surprised me just as much was his family. His son Saba, who is my age and also in 10th grade, was equally impressive in height and character. Standing at 6’5”, he was kind, grounded, and focused. He trains with his dad and older brother, working toward the goal of playing in the NBA one day. Despite the brutality of that path, there was nothing flashy or ego-driven about him. The entire family carried themselves with modesty. As the night went on, talking with Zaza made one thing very clear: people we see as famous are still just people at the end of the day. They have families, routines, and values, just like anyone else. The difference is that the world watches them more closely. Zaza was a true gentle giant: calm and genuinely kind. There was no sense that he wanted to be treated like a celebrity, and that was the key lesson. It reminded me how important it is to approach everyone with respect, regardless of status. Being a fan is one thing, but treating someone like a human being always comes first. Sometimes the most meaningful lessons do not come from speeches or achievements, but from conversations at a dinner table with people who remind you that humility is the greatest measure of success. Our Thanksgiving trip to Mexico City began around 5:00 a.m., exhausted from the flight. We were immediately reminded that Mexico City sits high above sea level. The altitude hit us quickly, causing a few minor medical issues and forcing us to slow down even further. Still, after some much needed rest, we pushed forward.
Once ready, we headed out to a nearby local market. It was our first real snapshot of the city, and it couldn’t have been a better introduction. The small businesses were thriving: vendors selling handmade jewelry, souvenirs, and everyday goods with their own touches to them. We made a point to support them, picking up a few rings. Something was grounding about starting the trip this way. It provided us with a local welcoming, commerce, and community. Lunch that day introduced us to what became the central theme of the trip: simplicity. We tried traditional tacos that were just the essentials: tortillas, meat, salsa, and nothing else. At first, it felt almost underwhelming, but by the end of the trip, we realized that this simplicity was intentional. When ingredients are fresh, complexity is unnecessary. That night confirmed what we would soon accept as fact: the food was the highlight of the entire trip. We went to a well-rated Mexican restaurant serving Sinaloan-style dishes for dinner. The guacamole was a hit–fresh, simple, and perfectly balanced. It set the tone for most of the meals that followed. The next morning began with a simple yet hearty hotel breakfast before we headed to the center of Polanco, one of Mexico City’s most upscale neighborhoods. The streets were full of luxury brands, local startups, and more traditional restaurants. We spent hours wandering, embracing the blend of polished storefronts and vibrant street life. Throughout the area, small murals appeared, reflecting the rich culture of Mexico had to present. Later that day, we visited an archaeological site near the Presidential Palace, where a guide walked us through the history of the ancient pyramids located there. Standing in the middle of a modern capital while learning about civilizations built centuries earlier taught us loads of history we would have never known. That evening brought the best meal of the trip: dinner at Raiza. Small, quiet, and Michelin-recommended, the restaurant served contemporary Mexican cuisine that felt repetitive, but still had our expectations high. The tacos were exceptional, confirming a claim we had been slowly forming—this is a city built around tacos. Burritos, surprisingly, were almost nonexistent. In Mexico City, tacos are the heart and soul of food. Dessert was equally memorable: a fig cake with cottage cheese that balanced sweetness with savory. It was one-of-a-kind, flavorful, and perfectly executed. The third day was less “perfect”. We planned to visit the Anthropology Museum, but struggled to find an English-speaking guide due to it being a Sunday. The tour we eventually joined had a guide who was difficult to understand, which made the experience disappointing. Lunch that day—a very small, ultra-traditional taco shop—was also underwhelming. When served stacked tortillas with grilled chicken and nothing else, we understood that sometimes a touch of complexity is necessary to elevate a dish. After four days, we left Mexico City with mixed feelings about the city itself. It wasn’t our favorite urban environment, primarily due to the high levels of pollution. However, the history, food, and culture were the richest we’ve experienced, hands down. Mexico City may not impress at first glance, but if you pay attention, especially at the table, the words don’t lie. Pinewood School: The New Renovations11/2/2025 Pinewood School is gearing up for the biggest transformation in its history: a $65 million Upper Campus renovation. The project is expected to begin in the summer of 2027 and end in the summer of 2029, and the majority of construction is scheduled to take place when students are off campus. Pinewood administrators are still discussing whether students and teachers will be moved offsite during renovations or whether classes will be held during construction. Plans include a new student hub, a refurbished performing arts center, and expanded athletic facilities, among other things. “The student experience will be enhanced with the upgraded facilities, including the new quad, student hub, and upgraded equipment, making sure that students and teachers have access to the most up-to-date resources,” said President of Pinewood School Scott Riches. The new performing arts center will seat up to 250 people in a tiered arrangement and will provide students with space to develop their performing skills in a professional environment. “I feel the new facilities will show what Pinewood is all about: culture and spirit,” Riches said. Another campus addition will be a student hub, designed as a study and collaborative space where students can work before and after school. Plans also include a maker space for students to harness their engineering skills and use brand new technology. “We wanted the campus to reflect all of our amazing programs we have: the performing arts, athletics, and robotics,” said Eve Kulbieda, Head of Upper Campus. Outdoor spaces will be spiffed up as well. The field will be resurfaced and expanded by laying a new pavement that allows for many uses. At the heart of campus, Pinewood will build a new quad, which will have open seating, shaded areas, and pathways that connect the junior high to high school. Day 1: We left Tofino by seaplane for a one-hour flight, which offered breathtaking aerial views of the scattered islands. At one point, we even spotted an active wildfire in the distance, a sad yet fascinating sight to see from above. After landing, we checked into our hotel in Coal Harbour but immediately set out for lunch. A ramen spot within walking distance proved to be the best way to set the tone for the day. Later in the afternoon, we rented bikes and explored Stanley Park, which was extremely convenient for bikers and pedestrians. Dinner that evening, however, was unremarkable and failed to leave an impression. The highly rated Asian restaurant, Mott 32, left us disappointed with the hefty price tag in exchange for the food, which lacked in unique flavors.
Day 2: We rented a car and drove the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, a route that more than lives up to its reputation. The sheer number of mountain bikers on the trails was surprising, but the real highlight was completely random. While hiking a trail, we encountered a wild black bear! The sight drew lots of attention, and it quickly became the most memorable part of the trip. Without question, Whistler was the high point of our Vancouver stay. Day 3: The morning began with rain, but that did not deter us. After a visit to Tim Hortons, we headed to a shopping mall about thirty minutes from downtown. The mall was quite old and had limited options in terms of seasonal collections. It was too long until we headed out and saw my mom’s cousin's sister for dinner. Day 3 was quieter, which balanced out the more activity-filled ones. Day 4: The last day of our trip had arrived. After packing and checking out, we took some time to explore downtown once more before returning the car and heading to the airport. The trip closed with a bittersweet ending: four days in Vancouver sealed a journey that had been both memorable and filled with activities from start to finish. Tofino felt like a town pulled straight from a postcard. Surfers, bikers, and breathtaking scenery. The way the ocean meets the forest here is unlike anywhere we have ever seen.
Getting there was no small feat: a five-hour drive from Victoria, broken up with a one-night stop in Cowichan Bay. But the reward was worth it for sure. Tofino greeted us with perfect weather and the chill vibes of a coastal town that knows it’s special. Dinner that first evening was at a sushi restaurant—decent overall, but boasting some of the freshest fish we’d had on the trip. The next morning began with adventure. My dad, my brother, and I set out on a two-hour fishing expedition with a local guide named Flo. Just a couple of miles out into the open ocean, we dropped our lines for salmon. Within minutes, the first catch came, a ten-pounder that set the bar high. Not long after, it was my turn, and after a five-minute battle, I reeled in another ten-pounder of my own. Through the whole two hours, we caught 3 fish! On the way back, Flo pointed out a bald eagle’s nest perched high in the trees, something we had been wanting to see for the whole trip. That afternoon, we laced up our shoes and hiked the Pacific Rim Trail. The path carried us from the parking lot into the forest, only to open onto a beach. The transition from shaded greenery to shoreline left us speechless. It was one of the most scenic hikes we’ve ever experienced: simple yet unforgettable. We ended the day at The Shed, a local favorite that delivered in full. Their fish curry was rich, flavorful, and the perfect ending to our time in Tofino. Next stop: Vancouver. Our crossing into British Columbia began with a very short 30 minute flight from Seattle to Victoria. Barely enough time for a sip of water, and suddenly we were stepping into Vancouver Island’s capital.
We wasted no time heading downtown, where we browsed through stalls filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and homemade ice cream. After a bit of shopping, lunch called our name. We found ourselves at Fin’s, where the menu was, of course, seafood. Fish and chips were served golden and crispy, while a steaming plate of clams reminded us why coastal cities have the best of the best when it comes to freshness. The highlight of the day, however, was just outside the city: Butchart Gardens. About a half-hour’s drive through windy roads led us to what can only be described as a hidden gem. Spread across the grounds were four distinct gardens: Japanese, Italian, Rose, and Sunken, each of which had its own personality. The Japanese garden was calm and quiet, while the Italian one was elegant. The rose garden was uniform and had fountains at all angles. But the Sunken Garden turned out to be the family favorite. Every color seemed to work in harmony, creating a kind of living painting you could walk through. As if that weren’t enough, the evening closed with a firework show that lit up the dark sky. Victoria was the best welcome to Canada we could’ve asked for. Next stop: Tofino. The trip began in Seattle, which greeted us with the hum of street performers as well as the aroma of fresh coffee and seafood. Pike Place Market was our very first stop, and within minutes, it was clear why this place was considered a Seattle must-see. Birds flew through the air, strangers sampled fruit, and the crowd seemed to carry us forward in the tight alleyways of the market. Was it overwhelming? For sure, but in the best way possible.
From there, we wandered into Capitol Hill, where we stumbled into a Malaysian restaurant that served some authentic, tasty flavors. One standout was the roti jala, a checkered roti with simple spices in the sauce. It was nice to try a cuisine I have never had before in a new place. After a filling lunch, we headed north to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, where the noise of the market was replaced by the best glass art I have ever seen. Towering sculptures, shimmering chandeliers, and rooms filled with blown glass in every shape and color felt surreal. It was also important to see how much someone can do when they put their mind to it and have a passion. Seattle gave us one night, three neighborhoods, and a culinary experience we would never forget. Next stop: Victoria. Earlier this weekend, I had the opportunity to shadow a learning session with an autistic student, Aaron, and the experience left me with an important lesson. From first impressions alone, I could tell right away that he was uncomfortable. He was incredibly shy, since I was a stranger interrupting his structured routine. He avoided eye contact and seemed unsure of how to interact with me, which made me realize how challenging even simple social interactions were for Aaron.
Our session focused on practicing a real-life scenario: ordering at Starbucks. I played the barista, and he played the customer, rehearsing how he’d walk up to the counter, place his order, and respond to questions such as the size of the cup and the name of the order. We occasionally had to prompt him, but over time, we backed off, giving him the space to take control. It was powerful to watch him slowly build up the courage to order on his own. By the end, he was speaking clearly and with twice the confidence he started with. To practice, we went to a nearby Starbucks and observed how he did. Surprisingly, he spoke well and perfectly ordered with no stutters. What struck me most was how much potential students like Aaron have, yet how often they’re expected to simply "figure it out" in a world that wasn’t built for them. Their lives are full of rules, routines, and commands, most of which don’t leave much room for exploration or independence. But when given the right support, even a simple skit can help the students have one less problem to worry about. This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern as a teacher’s assistant at Peninsula Bridge, a five-week program hosted at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton. Peninsula Bridge offers enrichment and mentorship to middle school students from low-income communities who are motivated to pursue a path to success. From day one, the energy on campus was bold. Students enjoyed activities like ping pong, foosball, and soccer, which gave some competition that would last the whole 5 weeks.
The program itself mixed academics with hands-on creativity, which made the experience enjoyable for everyone. Each day followed a straightforward schedule: we began with advisory to share announcements and start the morning on a positive note, followed by first and second period, with a quick snack break in between. Students rotated between ELA and math during these periods. Around noon, we headed for lunch, and the day finished with an hour and a half of enrichment, where students would do a randomly chosen activity for the week. This part usually ended up being the best part of the day for everyone. For classes, I was placed in class 7B, a 7th grade math class, to help them strengthen and build on their existing knowledge of fractions and ratios. The TA’s job was to make sure that whenever a student needed some assistance with a problem or just wanted to get on the right path, a TA would always be prepared. To my surprise, the students needed little to no help with concept checks, and more double-checking to make sure they got the answer right. During enrichments, I worked mostly in outdoor play through the program; a simple yet effective way to get the students on their feet and stay active. Some of the activities included games of soccer, ping pong, or even mini games on the field, like “duck duck goose”. In the last couple of weeks, I was assigned to help students code and build robots using VEX kits. Watching their faces light up when their robot moved or followed the code they spent hours working on was one of the most rewarding parts of the enrichment. And of course, Fun Fridays were a highlight for everyone. These were the days we all were waiting for. Some of my favorite memories include: S'mores making, where we set up solar ovens and roasted marshmallows to perfection, and waffle stations, where students got creative with toppings like whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate chips. Slime labs were also a hit for many kids. This was all their first time making it, and their reactions were priceless. In just five weeks, I got to be a mentor, tech helper, and even waffle chef. But more than anything, I was a learner. I learned patience and how to build trust with students. Without programs like Peninsula Bridge, I would have never known how powerful it is when young people are given the tools and space to succeed. Ruhan ChhaparwalMy research, trips, and perspectives are shared on this page! |
