Walk through the halls of Pittsburg High School before the first bell rings, and you’ll see students with earbuds in and playlists ready to go. Music has become a daily routine for many students, helping them wake up in the morning, stay focused during study time, or relax after a long day of classes. From mainstream artists that even your grandma will know, to more low-key artists, the music students listen to reflects both current trends and personal identity.

Transitioning from the morning soundtrack to class playlists, hip-hop and rap remain some of the most popular genres among Pittsburg High School students. Artists like Drake, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Baby frequently appear on students’ playlists. Many students say they enjoy the strong beats and relatable lyrics, especially when they need motivation before a test or practice. Kendrick Lamar’s storytelling and Drake’s mix of rap and melody appeal to students who enjoy both meaningful lyrics and catchy sounds.

Alongside the popularity of hip-hop and rap, pop music is also a major favorite throughout the school. Artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish are commonly discussed among friend groups. Taylor Swift’s storytelling lyrics and Olivia Rodrigo’s emotional songs resonate with students navigating friendships and relationships. These songs often become shared experiences, with students bonding over new album releases or favorite tracks.

For students who prefer a calmer vibe, indie and alternative music plays a big role. Artists like Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys, Clairo, and The Neighbourhood are popular choices for studying or relaxing. Lo-fi beats and softer alternative tracks are especially common during homework sessions, helping students concentrate without distractions.

Cultural influence also shapes music preferences at Pittsburg High School. Many students enjoy Latin artists such as Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma, and Karol G, whose music brings energy and cultural pride. These artists are often played at social gatherings or shared among friends, introducing others to different styles and languages. Meanwhile, students involved in band or choir may listen to artists like Hans Zimmer, Ludovico Einaudi, or classical composers to improve their musical skills and find inspiration.

The music students listen to at Pittsburg High School is a reflection of diversity, creativity, and connection. From Drake and Taylor Swift to Bad Bunny and indie favorites, each artist adds something unique to the school’s soundscape. Music helps students express emotions, manage stress, and connect with one another. No matter the genre or artist, music remains an essential part of student life at Pittsburg High School, creating a shared rhythm that plays throughout the day.

Tymmothy Maya

This year, more teachers are talking about using AI to help students learn. AI means “artificial intelligence.” It’s a kind of computer tool that can answer questions, explain lessons, and give study ideas. AI was only a novelty in 2020, but its development over the course of the past half decade left teachers extremely skeptical. However, nowadays, teachers have embraced students using AI to “cheat”, and instead encourage it to help them complete assignments.

A teacher known to encourage students to use AI is Ms.Bowen, an Economics and U.S. government teacher. She believes that using AI to find sources is a great way to use it as a tool, but she always encourages students to fact check AI, as a large language model is not always correct.

Students are starting to use AI to check their essays, study for tests, and get examples for math problems. Some apps can even quiz you on what you just learned. These are extremely helpful tools that AI serve good functions for, rather than instantaneously answering questions that aren’t actually benefiting the students education.

Teachers say AI can make studying more fun. It can turn lessons into games or help students make flashcards. But they also remind everyone to think for themselves and not copy what AI says word-for-word. There are many faults with AI. Plagiarism is very common, as AI tends to recite what is fed into its language model. Furthermore, it isn’t always correct. AI has a tendency to always correct whatever its doing to the users wishes. This means if you’re looking for a specific answer, the AI will give you that answer, even if it isn’t true.

Using AI can save time and help students feel more confident. When used safely and honestly, it’s another tool for learning just like books, notes, and computers. Its continuous advancement leaves a lot of skeptics. However, teachers are starting to see that AI can be used as a tool for learning, which can free up important time they need to actually give in depth human analysis for their class.