Zheyu Yang

I am an intenational student ffrom China and a sophmore major in advertising in IU.



Projects by Yang Zheyu

Humraah reaches new heights through friendship and hard work

By Madeline Gray, Dayana Alonso and Zheyu Yang

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

When Kavya Kaushik first joined Humraah last year, she had no idea what it would eventually mean to her. In fact, she only joined in the first place because Humraah’s schedule aligned nicely with her business fraternity. 

“I was like, ‘You know what? Let me just try Humraah,’” Kavya explained. “I had no idea that that would truly impact my college experience and my life.”

Little did Kavya know that not only would Humraah make a sizable mark on her life, but also on the South Asian A Capella circuit nationally, as the past two years have been nothing short of extraordinary for her and Humraah.

Sophomore and Alto Kavya Kaushik sings with Humraah during practice on March 31, 2025. Kavya joined Humraah last year as a freshman and loves how the group feels like a family.

Humraah, a South Asian a capella group at IU, has risen rapidly through the ranks of the South Asian acapella circuit over the past two years, topping the national rankings and preparing to continue their momentum into the end of this year and the years to come. While this ascent seems sudden, the members of Humraah know exactly how it happened – a dedication to hard work and each other.

Humraah started competing last year, and it was clear that they were starting out when compared to other, more established teams. The team was understandably less experienced in mixing songs than teams that had been doing this for years, and their nerves were evident. By the end of the competition season, Humraah was ranked 22nd nationally. 

However, Co-President Dhar Sriram noticed a change in the team and their level of performances this year at Spartan Sitara, an event at Michigan State University featuring teams from across the country, including from Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and The Ohio State University. This event was the first of Humraah’s competition season both years, and the difference in outcome for Humraah was exciting and a sign of greater things to come. While they didn’t place last year, this year, Humraah won it all against stiff competition.

“We really wanted to prove ourselves at a competition that we had already been to,” Dhar explained, “so to go there and see some of the same people and be in the same environment and do exponentially better meant so much to the team.”

Beyond Spartan Sitara, Humraah has also placed first in Gathe Raho at the University of Iowa and at IU Sing, an a capella competition here in Bloomington. They’ve risen through the ranks nationally to become the top ranked team in the South Asian A Capella circuit, and they show no signs of slowing down now. They spend hours each week in Briscoe meticulously practicing and perfecting their craft (although not without breaks to chat and raid the Briscoe C-Store), but what has truly motivated their rise to the top has been the depth of friendship that Humraah has achieved.

Walking into a Humraah practice feels like walking into a meeting between a large group of old friends because of how excited everyone is to see each other. Kavya admitted that the group has separation anxiety and love to be together, which Dhar expanded upon with a story from the day of the interview.

“I’m standing in the lobby of Hodge, and I see two Humraah people, then I see a couple more, and a couple more…” Dhar began. “It’s a group of 9 of us in the middle of the lobby, talking and chatting… we took a picture of us together and sent it to the group chat. Another member said, ‘You’re taking this photo like you don’t see each other everyday,’ which is true!”

Humraah Co-President Dhar Sriram demonstrates a part of Humraah’s choreography during practice on March 31, 2025. Dhar is excited to see the culmination of the group’s hard work at Nationals and beyond.

With all of the group’s success, it would be easy to sit back and allow for a moment of rest. However, Humraah has been busier than ever this past week while preparing for Nationals in San Francisco, which will take place this Saturday. The top eight teams nationally are invited, and the group is excited to prove themselves to the nation and to compete with teams that they’ve excitedly watched for years from afar. 

For Kavya, this moment represents everything that Humraah has worked for and reminds her of why they have put so much work in over the past two years, work that she could’ve never imagined paying off in the manner it has when she joined last year.

“Seeing everything from this year made all the troubles of starting a competition season and being the underdogs last year worth it” Kavya admits. “I’m really proud of everyone, lucky to have everyone, and grateful that we all found each other at the perfect time in life.”

Members of Humraah talk about their experience with the team and their recent success. They credit their newfound rise to the top of the South Asian A Capella circuit to their strong friendships.

 

Apple Unveils Apple Watch: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Connectivity and Fitness

Media Contacts

Maximilian Ichelson

Natalie Anderson

Zheyu Yang

Apple Unveils Apple Watch: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Connectivity and Fitness

Cupertino, CA – September 9, 2014 – Today, Apple unveiled its latest innovation, the Apple Watch, marking the company’s entry into the smartwatch market. Announced by CEO Tim Cook at a special event held at the Flint Center at De Anza College in Cupertino, California, the Apple Watch is designed to revolutionize personal technology by seamlessly integrating connectivity, fitness tracking, and a stylish design in a single wearable device. Featuring a customizable screen, advanced health tracking capabilities, and deep integration with the iPhone, the Apple Watch introduces a new way for users to stay connected, track their wellness, and interact with their digital world. 

The Apple Watch is more than just a timepiece, it is a powerful extension of the iPhone that allows users to stay connected and lead a more active lifestyle. The watch includes a plethora of innovative features and a user-friendly design, making it accessible for both tech enthusiasts and everyday users. Apple Watch introduces an entirely new way to interact with technology. At its core is the Digital Crown, a navigation tool that allows users to scroll and zoom without touching or blocking the screen. This, along with the Taptic Engine, delivers a subtle haptic response for notifications and alerts, creating a more natural and comfortable experience. The watch features a high-resolution Retina display with Force Touch technology, distinguishing between a tap and a press, unlocking new interactions tailored to each user’s needs.

Apple watch allows users to power through work out sessions, staying on top of their fitness goals with the Apple Watch. The watch displays keep their workout metrics visible at a glance throughout the workout.

Apple Watch is designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle with its advanced Activity and Workout apps. Cook states “Apple Watch gives us the ability to motivate people to be more active and healthy.” The device tracks daily movement, monitors heart rate, and provides real-time feedback to help users meet their fitness goals. The built in heart rate sensor, and gyroscope work together to offer accurate activity tracking, ensuring users stay active throughout the day. Apple Watch also features a customizable Fitness app, which helps users set personalized goals, track calories burned, and monitor progress over time. The watch sends gentle reminders to stand up and move around throughout the day, promoting better circulation and reducing dormant behavior.

Staying connected has never been easier. Apple Watch enables users to make calls, send and receive messages, and check notifications right from their wrist, ensuring they remain in touch without needing to reach for their iPhone. The digital touch feature introduces a new way to interact with loved ones. Users can send sketches, taps, or even their heartbeat, offering a uniquely personal touch that enhances communication beyond simple text or voice. Additionally, the built-in microphone and speaker allow for quick voice replies and seamless interaction with Siri, making it easy to set reminders, dictate messages, or get directions on the go. With haptic feedback providing gentle taps for notifications and an intuitive interface designed for quick interactions, Apple Watch redefines convenience, keeping users effortlessly connected to the world around them. Apple Watch integrates innovation into your everyday life, and complements any lifestyle.  

 

While the Apple Watch helps users stay efficient and up to date during busy shifts, you can also stay focused at a busy shift. With Do Not Disturb activated, Jennifer can minimize distractions while working her busy shift.

Apple Watch will be available in early 2015, starting at $349. The Apple Watch has been designed to be worn as an everyday accessory, and is a combination of fashion and functional technology. Cook emphasizes, “It’s incredibly customizable, so you can find one that reflects your personal style and taste.” Customers will be able to choose from a variety of styles, interchangeable bands, and different finishes. The interchangeable bands start at $49, as the bands range from sports bands, fine leather, and stainless steel to accommodate for every occasion. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available for pre-order on September 12 and officially launch on September 19. Apple has been at the forefront of technological innovation since its founding in 1976. With a commitment to cutting-edge design, user-friendly technology, and groundbreaking advancements, Apple continues to redefine industries and enhance lives worldwide.

Apple CEO Tim Cook Introduces the Apple Watch, calling it the most personal device Apple has ever created. Designed for style, innovation, and everyday convenience, the Apple Watch redefines wearable technology.

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