The Living Yearbook of East Brunswick High School

EBHS Bear Hub
The Living Yearbook of East Brunswick High School

EBHS Bear Hub
The Living Yearbook of East Brunswick High School

EBHS Bear Hub
Alefiya Presswala

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor

Alefiya Presswala is a senior at East Brunswick High School. She enjoys all forms of writing, specifically creative writing and journalism. Her life goals include publishing a novel and traveling the world. Alefiya plans to study journalism in college and then pursue a career in writing or activism.

All content by Alefiya Presswala
In this painting, I first created a red blotched background to represent the despair and betrayal I was experiencing throughout this dream. Then, of course, I painted the gold bands to represent my so-called friends. In the middle is an example of one of the beaded bracelets (represented by mini pom-poms) I was forced to make in the school/jail.

Dream 4: June 9th, 2022

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 21, 2022
Now, you might be looking at this piece of art and wondering if I’m really that bad at drawing. The answer is yes, but that’s not why Barbie looks like she was drawn by a kindergartener. In my description, I talk about how dolls can be a symbol of wanting to be someone else and escape from reality. Well, another meaning of dolls can be immaturity or youth. For this last visual interpretation, I wanted to draw my dream the way I would’ve in elementary school, which explains the triangle dress, stringy hair, and line grass.

Dream 5: June 10th, 2022

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 21, 2022

Dream Reflections

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 21, 2022
This visual interpretation of my dream is self-explanatory. I depicted the ending of the dream where the weeds pop up from my ground and trap me in my house. The paper collage is a recreation of my actual prom dress.

Dream 1: June 2, 2022

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 21, 2022
Like I mentioned in my description of the dream, parts of it felt dramatic like I was in a sitcom or some type of TV show. I wasn’t sure how to portray a sitcom through artwork, so instead I tried to show the moment where the water balloon breaks in a comic book style (sort of). I don’t think I was really that successful, but there’s still a cool abstract feeling to it.

Dream 2: June 5, 2022

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 14, 2022
This is again pretty self explanatory; I just painted the lizard that steals my jewels. Like I said earlier, I believe this dream was influenced by the ancient Islamic fantasy book I was reading during the day. I wanted my painting to sort of feel like it could’ve been made by a merchant from that time, so I tried to ‘blur’ the background with paint to ‘age’ the canvas paper. I also loosely outlined my paintings of the lizards and jewels as if someone had quickly sketched them out.

Dream 3: June 7th, 2022

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 13, 2022
A Little Bit of Dream History

A Little Bit of Dream History

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 8, 2022
The Dream Scheme

The Dream Scheme

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
June 2, 2022
Mrs. Roman, who just went on maternity leave, is a little nervous but also excited to be a mom. She says: “I just think I'm going to be creative in a different way. I think I'm going to be creative in how I care for my child. Maybe I will be creative through my child in a way, like sharing art and music and inspiring him to create as well.” Here, she is pictured looking back on a past yearbook that she created.

Finding Vulnerability and Forgiveness Through Art: Mrs. Roman’s Creative Process

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 13, 2022
Pictured here is junior Nicole Tomasik, who placed 4th at the Nike Nationals 4x400 relay.

Girls Winter Track

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
April 19, 2022
Take a look at this infographic that shows the results of my survey.

A Study Of Our Self Perception

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
April 1, 2022
(left to right) Keira Marquez (12), Alex Corrallo (12), Sophia Rullo (11), Madison Blaustein (12), and Celia Schmeidler (12) have been transformed from teenage girls living in 2022 to a humble family from the 1800s.

Little Women: What It Takes To Make A Show

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
April 1, 2022
After graduation, sports will still be a large part of senior Gianfranco DeGuida's life. He said: "I plan to attend a 4 year college and major in Finance and Sport Management. Sport Management has caught my eye because it allows me to be around something I love while also getting paid."

High Level Hustle: An Interview with Gianfranco DeGuida

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
February 22, 2022
Senior Reva Bahuguna scours the shelves of Barnes & Nobles, looking for one of the 400 books she plans to read this year.

New Year, New Me: A Guide to Finally Getting Around To Your Resolutions

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
February 22, 2022
Samantha Lederman, 12, flexes her varsity basketball jacket in which she earned her junior year. She also became the captain of the girls basketball team during her junior year.

[Photo] Basketball Star On The Court, Scholar Off The Court: An Interview with Samantha Lederman

Raul Martinez, Bear Hub Staff
February 22, 2022
Barenya Das flashes a smile while proudly wearing her varsity field hockey jacket while holding her concert choir folder.

[Photo] Music and Muscle: An Interview with Barenya Das

Asmee Shitoley, Bear Hub Staff
February 22, 2022
Kaleigh Duffy smiles, showing off her fire helmet, varsity jacket, AND violin, demonstrating her multitude of interests.

A Girl Of Many Talents: An Interview with Kaleigh Duffy

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
February 22, 2022
After graduation, sports will still be a large part of senior Gianfranco DeGuida's life. He said: "I plan to attend a 4 year college and major in Finance and Sport Management. Sport Management has caught my eye because it allows me to be around something I love while also getting paid."

We Have A New Instagram!

We Have A New Instagram!

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
January 29, 2022
Here's The Top 3 Marvel Projects Slated For This Year

Here’s The Top 3 Marvel Projects Slated For This Year

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
January 14, 2022
An Interview with Ms. Blore: The Importance of Special Education

An Interview with Ms. Blore: The Importance of Special Education

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
January 6, 2022

Bear Hub’s Guide to Great Gift-Giving

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 23, 2021

Holiday Traditions are Comin’ To Town

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 7, 2021

Cheerleading 2021 Season Photo Gallery

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 3, 2021
Senior Karina Munoz smiles after showing off her skill on the floor event. The floor event is actually senior Sydney Yu’s favorite event because it is “the event you get to show the most personality since you get floor music and choreography.”

Flooring the Judges: The Gymnastics Team Makes EB History

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 3, 2021
The varsity cheerleading team stands together and gets ready to chant in unison. Senior Marisa Myron (on the very left) says her favorite cheer is “ ‘Go Big Green!’ because it involves crowd interaction and that’s always really fun. You always want everyone else to feel just as excited as you.”

Let’s Go Bears, Let’s Go!

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 3, 2021
(from left to right) Mr. Good and seniors Marco DeBellis, Kelly Grove, Tyler Hilton, Avery Lipkin, Reva Bahuguna, and Avi Jain successfully put together EBHS's very first Coffee House.

Coffee House: A Showcase of EBHS’s Talent

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 1, 2021
Emma Pusung, 12, works on her AP Literature assignment early in the morning during study hall.

Re-establishing Our Routines

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
November 9, 2021
A group of students were so excited about homecoming that they couldn't even stand still for a photo.

The Homecoming Dance: Who’s Ready to Rave?

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
November 3, 2021

Around The World- In The Terminal!

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
November 3, 2021
This group of juniors was very enthusiastic about participating in Pajama Day. Many EBHS students- and teachers- rocked funky, patterned pants and hoodies on Monday to show off their spirit.

Spirit Week: A Peek Into The EBHS Community

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
October 27, 2021

Homecoming: A Chance To Celebrate

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
October 27, 2021
Mrs. Hannum is passionate about teaching in the Special Education department and loves all her students. When asked if there was one thing that could define the Special Ed Department, she told the Hub: “We really care about our kids, you know? Everyone is so different and when the students leave the school, there’s always this sense of hoping and wondering how they’re doing, and if they’re safe.”

Special Connections in Special Education

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
October 27, 2021
Sophomore Nichole Gonzales gets ready to board her bus in the afternoon. She looks forward to listening to music and talking with friends on the ride home.

Don’t Forget Your Mask!

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
September 29, 2021
Sophomores Cristopher Sant’Anna, Jayon Vasquez, Leonardo Ruperto, and Abraham Algerin enjoy hanging out in the auditorium during lunch.

Lunches In the Auditorium: A Unique Sophomore Experience

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
September 29, 2021
Over two decades later, my parents have created a fulfilling life halfway across the globe.

The Love Story of the Century

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 24, 2021

Eid Al-Fitr

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 18, 2021

The Phases of Fasting

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 18, 2021
Ajab Shakir, 11

An EBHS Insight Into Ramadan

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 6, 2021
Chicken Kebabs

Chicken Kebabs

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 4, 2021
Lemon Cookies

Lemon Cookies

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 4, 2021
Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 4, 2021

A Day In The Life Of A Fasting Student

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
May 4, 2021

Ramadan: The Basics

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
April 30, 2021
Ramadan: Everything You Need To Know

Ramadan: Everything You Need To Know

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
April 30, 2021

Short But Sweet: The Girls Winter Track Season

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
April 8, 2021
How The Most Informed Generation Gets Their Information

How The Most Informed Generation Gets Their Information

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
March 17, 2021
Asma Mir is an ambitious senior who plans to do big things in the future.

Asma Mir: Emerging Surgeon

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
March 1, 2021
EBHS junior Maggie Schneider tells the Hub: “Britney Spears was demonized in the public for having a mental health crisis while the people around her who were talking about her business to the media were viewed very differently.”

#FreeBritney: A Movement for Mainstream Media

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
February 26, 2021
Music is very important in senior Annaika Taneja's life.

Annaika Taneja: Making Music AND Machines

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
February 22, 2021
Zach Zebro plans to make a career out of athletics.

Zach Zebro: He Has His Head in the Game

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
February 22, 2021
"The thing that I love about Philosophy is that regardless of whether you’ve spent your life studying philosophy or whether you just woke up and put on your camera, everyone has a take, everyone has an opinion."

The ‘Power’ of Philosophy

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
January 29, 2021
The Acabellas take a break from their virtual rehearsal to smile for a picture. They meet every Tuesday and Sunday to work on their voices.

Choir Concerts Reimagined

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 22, 2020
Coaches Gnatt and Mcquade pose with the varsity field hockey team on picture day. COVID-19 may have affected their season, but it’s only made their connection as a team stronger.

Blood, Sweat, and Field

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
December 4, 2020
Students in Activism: ACLU

Students in Activism: ACLU

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
November 24, 2020
Cheyenne Swiatkowski, 11, patiently waits at the wheel for her mom. She says, “My mom always takes so long, and all I want to do is get on the road.”

Permit or Pandemic?

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
November 16, 2020
A student measures the amount of liquid as part of a science lab [photo taken before COVID-19]

Science Class: COVID-19 Edition

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
October 23, 2020
A Remote Learner Wonders: What Are the Benefits of Hybrid Learning?

A Remote Learner Wonders: What Are the Benefits of Hybrid Learning?

Alefiya Presswala, Bear Hub Editor
October 2, 2020
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