The Monarch: December 2018

INSIDE:

Coffee Addiction Page 5

Serving the Archbishop Mitty Community

Volume 28 Number 2

December 2018

Fearless Embodying Mitty’s Fearless Spirit

By Jenna Mollerus, Kristie Park, Malavika Ramarao, & Kayla Riggs News Editors

Andrew Lopez

Dr. Cooper

Tatum Korb

Being fearless is often associated with something heroic, with something grand and altruistic. But fearlessness is not just an utter lack of fear, or doubt, or insecurity––rather, it refers to the courage that it takes for one to act in spite of negativity. It includes taking fear and transforming it into an opportunity instead of an impediment, which entails a special type of bravery that senior Andrew Lopez embodied in order to overcome the “biggest hardship I have had to endure in my life.”

Before transferring to Mitty, Andrew attended a relatively small high school comprised of roughly 200 students.

Moving to AMHS, a college preparatory campus with a population of nearly 2,000 students, Andrew only knew around three or four people. To say the least, the transition was an overwhelming one. Thus, for Andrew, “settling in an environment as large as Mitty and having to make new friends was a big concern. [He] felt alone surrounded by strangers everyday.”

During Andrew’s first year at Mitty––his sophomore year––finding the courage and motivation to become involved in school was extremely difficult. He reflects, “I hardly attended any Mitty activities and rarely put myself out there socially, and made hardly any new friends.” With his family, Andrew suppressed this anxiety, pretending that everything was fine when in reality he was distressed. By the time summer vacation had approached, he was “in a very dark place,” lacking self-confidence, fearful that if he attempted to branch out, he would not be accepted.

Despite his insecurities, Andrew decided to step outside of his comfort zone the following year: “I wanted to completely change the way I perceived Mitty and the large community that it has. So I did everything I didn’t do my sophomore year.”

By signing up for clubs, attending extracurricular events, and participating in student activities, Andrew began to integrate himself into the various programs that Mitty has to offer. As he puts it, “I developed the self motivation and confidence that I had lacked my sophomore year, and created long-lasting friendships and memories in the process.

I came to fully realize the loving and accepting community that Mitty has to offer, it is truly one like no other.”

Now a senior, Andrew is a LifeCorps leader, a PIT Officer, and an avid member of ARK. These varied contributions have transformed him from merely a single student amidst an immense student body to a leader, a standout, a role model. His advice for students facing similar situations is true to his own experience: “I discovered that there is a place for everyone at Mitty, no matter where you come from or what type of person you are. The more you get involved at Mitty and the more you follow your passions here, the more enjoyable the school becomes, and the better experience you’ll ultimately have.”

Only a few days after Mitty’s graduation ceremony in 2010, Dr. Cooper––or Mrs. Hannon to most of the upperclassmen––went into the doctor’s office for a routine medical test. Needless to say, she]was shocked when she received the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, especially since “this diagnosis came at a time when I was experiencing no obvious symptoms.” Although she was thrown off guard, Dr. Cooper was steadfast in her resolve and sought to learn anything and everything about her illness; in her words, “the more information I got, the more comfortable I felt with knowing what to expect and with making medical decisions.”

Going forward, she underwent several radiation treatments in order to halt the progression and growth of the cancer. Now, she is proud to say that “there’s no evidence of any cancer remaining, and there’s a low risk that it’ll come back.” Looking back on this hardship, she remarks how “trying to have patience with the recovery process was not easy,” recalling that “some of the hardest parts of recovering were recognizing that all of my feelings—fear, being upset, frustration, hope, optimism—were valid and appropriate,” especially when the recuperation was ultimately longer than the doctors had originally made it seem.

To those who may be enduring similar circumstances, Dr. Cooper understands that while “it can be hard to ask for and accept help when you need it,” relying on others is a necessary and important part of getting back on your feet. Even though it may feel as if you are alone at times, “friends and family can, and often want to, help lighten the load, but they might not know how to help unless you tell them.” Being fearless is not tantamount to merely surviving a difficult period; being fearless also comprises being able to accept the help of loved ones. One does not have to struggle alone.

It was January of her sophomore year. The school basketball season was in full swing, with the JV team battling Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in a competitive away game.

Little did she know, however, the events of that day would have a lasting impact on her life.

Current junior Tatum Korb ended the night in the emergency room with 11 stitches in her lip as well as concussion-like symptoms after colliding heads with another player. Two days after the initial injury, Tatum was diagnosed with a severe concussion that would force her to take medical leave from Mitty for the rest of the school year.

“In the beginning, I was very anxious and overwhelmed with everything that was happening,” Tatum explains, “I felt so useless, and I thought that there was nothing for me to do to get better.” Immediately after she stopped attending school, Tatum began to see concussion specialists in an attempt to hasten the recovery process. But her efforts were unsuccessful as her recuperation continued at a sluggish pace. With persistent migraines disrupting her focus, screens and books became prohibited. “I honestly didn’t think I was going to get better––I had constant headaches and just felt miserable. I was afraid that I wasn’t going to be my normal self again.” Even short car rides proved to be difficult for Tatum as they induced nausea and dizziness.

Despite these challenges, Tatum points to her friends, family members, and teachers as figures who truly encouraged her to get better throughout the entire process. “Everyone was very supportive and didn’t underestimate what I was going through,” she explains, “they all were there for me and gave me the love I needed.”

Eventually, Tatum was cleared for both school and sports four months after the original injury, a lengthy recovery in comparison to the average seven to ten days that a mild concussion takes to heal.

Though being permitted to participate in basketball and volleyball––her two favorite sports––once again, Tatum was faced with another challenge: making up an entire semester of missed school. Undeterred by the looming task, she took it upon herself to catch up on the curriculum by taking online classes and attending summer school at AMHS to ensure that she would be ready to start her junior year in the fall.

She is now reintegrated into the busy student life, her worries limited to those of a high schooler rather than those of a patient. Asked if she has any advice to individuals who sustain a major injury, Tatum’s response was simple: “Things will get better.”

Though the road to recovery may seem daunting, it is nonetheless achievable––as long as one finds the strength to take the first step.

On the Inside

News...............................1-3 Opinion..........................4-6 Arts & Entertainment....7-9

Focus.............................10-11 Justice............................12-13 Sports............................14-15

Art and Comics............16-17 Photography.................18-20 Quality............................1-20

Page 2

December 2018 • News

By Jin-Hee Lee Staff Writer If you haven’t heard already, we’re living in an age of social media––and Mitty is no stranger to it. Athletics, Performing Arts, and Student Activities all have a social media page, and the Campus Ministry Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages are highly recognizable through the “Hearts on Fire” logo.

Every staff member has access to the accounts. However, no student has administrative rights; this means no log-ins and no posts. Students can follow the account, though, and many regularly comment on posts.

The page is thus fulfilling its purpose, as Director of Campus Ministry Mr. Tim Wesmiller explains that one of the page’s primary intents is to boost student morale.

As senior LIFE Corps member Angelina Viano puts it, “It’s fun seeing myself and my friends on the Instagram page, and it makes me more excited about our involvement.”

Clearly, Campus Ministry’s social media presence has had a positive impact on students who are involved in the department. But what about those who aren’t?

Sophomore Dallas Knopp comments that posts “send positive energy about how Mitty works and what we offer to our students. They make me want to look into programs like Cornerstone and find ways that I can contribute to our campus life more!”

The department ultimately hopes to continue to share and inspire students in the coming years through its various social media accounts. Follow @amhscampusministry to get a glimpse into the hearts on fire on our campus!

By Mairi Shea Staff Writers Mitty is well-known for its strong athletic programs as well as its avid use of technology, a change evident through its increased social media presence as a means of communicating athletic-based news.

Until recently, Mitty’s Athletic Department has primarily focused on Twitter rather than on other social media platforms such as Instagram. As Mr. Brandon White, the athletic assistant in charge of the media program, mentions, “We were mainly on Twitter just to inform people of what scores were. But now, moving to Instagram, it’s more to try to get kids to see how much fun it is and to try to market the programs to our own student body.”

Currently, the Athletic Department’s social media accounts give recognition to teams, individuals, and alumni alike. Among the alumni featured are Kerri Walsh Jennings, Brandi Chastain, Aaron Gordon, Mitch Haniger, and more, with each athlete taking part in the “Always a Monarch” campaign spearheaded by Athletic Director Mr. Brian Eagleson. The aim of this project is to reach out to and feature prominent alumni who have excelled in athletics throughout their career with the hope of inspiring current AMHS students who plan to pursue a specific sport in the future.

So, if you are looking for updates about specific Mitty teams or general program information, you can visit the athletics departments pages on Twitter @AMHSAthletics, Instagram @amhsathletics, or Facebook @archbishopmittymonarchs.

By Lauren Vu & Nathan Chou Staff Writers It was the Christmas of 2015. At the time, the biggest worry of her life was preparing for the High School Placement Test (HSPT), unaware that she would soon hear the news that would dramatically alter her life.

Her dad had cancer.

Though a tumor was found in her dad’s colon, she refused to believe that anything was wrong, instead focusing on her application to Mitty. But the change was unquestionable. Suddenly, her brother was driving her to and from Stanford Hospital to see her dad, while her mom stayed by her husband’s side practically all day. “That Christmas was the worst Christmas my family ever had,” she reflects.

Even with thoughts of her dad in surgery lingering in the back of her mind, Julienne Harmon gained strength from her family and focused on her academics as a distraction. However, she initially found very little support at school. When Harmon would tell her friends about her dad’s situation, they would treat her like a fragile victim. To this, Harmon would often assert, “You don’t have to be sorry for me.”

Her life took a major turn again during her freshman year, but this time, for the better. Mrs. Slevin,, her freshman biology teacher, heard about Julienne’s predicament and suggested that she join Uplift—a community where she would never have to worry about being pitied, and instead

By Elizabeth Sidebothom & Prisha Raj Staff Writers The AMHS Performing Arts Program is a popular aspect of Mitty’s extracurricular activities. In addition to the department’s skilled actors, actresses, musicians, and stage managers that prompt attendance from students, the Performing Arts Program has social media accounts through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook that motivate Monarchs to watch performances.

These accounts cover all aspects of the program except for the jazz band––Jazz in the AM––which has its own separate account. All of the social media platforms are controlled

by Mr. Doug Santana, the Director of the Performing Arts Program. “We use our Performing Arts Department’s social media to communicate upcoming events, alumni news, and department information to our current students, their families, alumni, and anyone from the general public who enjoys our performances,” remarks Mr. Santana. After looking at the growth of their page on Instagram, it is clear they are succeeding.

Mitty’s Performing Arts Twitter and Instagram pages were both created in June of 2016. Asked about the effectiveness of the department’s social media in advertising, Ms. Katie Helland, Mitty’s Director of Communications, states, “Through social media, parents, students, and our wider community, are able to see the work Monarchs do inside and outside of the classroom.” You can see that work by following @amhsperformingarts and @jazzintheam on Instagram as well as @AMHSPerfArts on Twitter and @ AMHSperformingarts on Facebook!

feel supported and understood. “The support is really special for me,” Harmon explains, “because I didn’t really get a lot of support when my dad was going through cancer, so the sense of someone being there for you, that’s really powerful for me.”

Harmon, now a junior, has found a place to connect with individuals who share the same experience. She no longer feels alone: “A big part of Uplift is that if you need help, then they’re going to be there for you.”

This was Ms. Rose Lopez’s intent when she first formed Uplift in 2006.

After she and her family went through a similar struggle, the French teacher wanted to provide support for the Mitty students who had or have had a family member with cancer; twelve years later, the number of students now exceeds forty.

Uplift meets once or twice a month for sports games, meals, and other events, while also providing counseling and financial assistance. However, it was the small gestures that made all the difference. Ms. Lopez says of her own experience, “the biggest emotional boost was people writing simple cards just telling us ‘I know this must be a difficult time for you. Just know you’re not alone and we’re thinking about you.’”

Uplift organizers make handwritten cards and invitations for the group members, along with the occasional holiday package, to show them that they are supported. Julienne definitely feels this compassion and empathy, agreeing that “sometimes the most simplest things can make your day.”

Principal and President

By Hannah Chang & Maya Smestad Staff Writer

In essence Mr. Brosnan’s job is to maintain the overall well-being, ethos, and spirit of Mitty as compared to more internal day-to-day issues that principals often have to ad-

Since 1990, Mr. Tim Brosnan has served as the Principal of Archbishop Mitty, and

dress. While Mr. Brosnan has been carrying out these presidential duties for some time, the

since that time he has been instrumental in transforming our school into an institution

title change better clarifies his actual responsibilities to the Mitty community and public.

known for its excellence in academics, athletics, performing arts, and extracurriculars.

To ensure that such excellence continues into the future, the administration recently did some realignment at the top levels of the leadership team. Specifically, Mr. Brosnan is now the President of Archbishop Mitty High School; and Ms. Kate Caputo is the Principal. This President/Principal model is one that is very common now in Catholic schools across the United States.

As President, Mr. Brosnan’s duties can, in many

now. She explains, “My job hasn’t changed. But we decided that for the future of the school, we will use the titles that are common within Catholic education.”

According to Ms. Caputo, her duties “are derived from the daily operation of the school, from curriculum development and teacher observations to support for student success and communication with our parent community.

On a daily basis I might observe classes, meet with a family

ways, be compared to those of a CEO running a large

regarding an extended student illness, consult with counselors

business. “The President is responsible for not only the

or the Dean on a student behavioral situation, help a teacher

exterinternal realities of a school,” he adds, “but the exter

figure out how to best assist a student with learning accommo-

nal realities as well.” Such responsibilities include

dations, and then catch a game or a play or a student wellness

appointing other members of the administration, overstrategic planning, fundraising, financial over Principal Kate Caputo

In many ways, Ms. Caputo has been functioning in the capacity of principal for awhile

sight, and public relations.

committee meeting. I do a little of everything every day. The one common thread is that everything that I do has to do with the daily running of the school.”

President Tim Brosnan

News • December 2018

Page 3

Mitty Endowment Fund: Making Opportunities Possible

By Kelly Ly Staff Writer At Mitty, we believe that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God. With this in mind, we aspire to grant each student with an equal opportunity to have an unforgettable high school experience.

Mitty’s endowment fund helps make this possible.

Essentially, the endowment fund is a combination of monetary donations which are then invested in stocks and bonds with the hope of maximizing investment returns within an acceptable level of risk. Graystone Consulting, a financial service company, manages these investments. Mitty uses the proceeds generated to fund various aspects of the school in addition to the specific programs that the donor wishes to support.

AMHS only invests in organizations, however, that pass the “Socially Responsible Investments” screening, a process that ensures that the companies do not run counter to Catholic teachings regarding ethics, violence, tobacco, and pornography.

Over the last six years, the endowment has grown 90% from what it was fifteen years ago due to favorable investment returns and the growing number of donors, who are usually either alumni or parents of Mitty students or alumni who want to give back to Mitty for its lasting impact on their own or their child’s life. Donors are also strong supporters of Catholic education.

Additionally, a percentage of the profits from the Black & Gold Gala, Mitty Auction, and Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament also benefits the endowment.

Each year, Mitty only uses between 2%-5% of the fund; the rest is saved to ensure that the fund will grow over time. Moreover, although Mitty does use a portion of the endowment toward the betterment of the school, the fund’s main goal is to counter the expense of education for those who are in need of financial support. In fact, Mitty utilizes 95% of the spending each year on financial aid and book scholarships. This reflects Mitty’s identity as a Catholic school, grounded in the belief that no one should be denied the opportunity to attend Mitty due to financial hardship.

As Mitty’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Jorge Helmer, states, “Our purpose is to try to make the education here at Mitty affordable for anybody.”

Mr. Helmer hopes that this fund will continue to grow to help even more students experience Mitty: “The endowment is a key component of our financial aid program. We look forward to it playing an even greater role in our effort to give all qualified students, regardless of financial resources, an opportunity to attend AMHS.”

ARE WE Trashy?

By Emily Ordoñez & Joanna Jain Staff Writers It’s happened to you before. You’re standing in front of the recycling and trash bins with your cup of coffee. You separate the recyclable lid and sleeve from the non-recyclable cup and deposit them into the respective bins so that our planet can end up a little cleaner. But how much does this decision actually matter? Do the waste and recycling end up in the same bin on trash day anyway?

We sat down with Mitty’s CFO, Mr. Jorge Helmer,, to discuss the school’s recycling policies. If you’re a veteran of Mitty, you’ll know that the black bins across the quad are a new addition to campus. Before they were installed, no one really paid attention to the difference between trash and recycling bins. And it appears the Mitty community is still not paying enough attention. When the black bins were brand new and had clearly labeled “mixed recyclables” and “trash” signs, waste still ended up in both receptacles. A few years have passed, and some labels have worn off, making it even harder for the environmentally conscious to do their part.

Thankfully, Mr. Helmer and Head of Facilities Mr. Mark Costanza anticipated this

issue. Our hardworking facilities staff dumps out the contents of every bin and sorts through them, separating recyclables from trash. Then, the contents are personally delivered to San Jose Recycling Centers. Essentially, Mitty is doing everything it can to facilitate reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Outside of the bins, the administration has successfully replaced 90% of the light bulbs on campus to be more energy friendly. Next on the list for environmental makeovers: the junior parking lot, Fien gym, Schott Music Center, and Parker Hall, all of which are scheduled to have solar panels installed, hopefully during the summer of 2019. Once fully installed, these solar panels will comprise a 650-kilowatt energy production system, helping Mitty limit its energy consumption and carbon footprint.

With Mitty setting an example, there are plenty of ways we can do our part to help the environment. You may have noticed water bottle filling stations in hallways and around campus—why not take advantage of these instead of paying for a plastic bottle? By ditching plastic bottles and instead bringing a reusable bottle to school, we can limit the amount of plastic we put back into the environment. Each action can bring us one step closer to a sustainable future.

Don’t Take Midterms, VOTE in Them

By Yusra Arub Staff Writer An estimated 113 million people participated in the 2018 midterm elections––a historic voter turnout for midterms in the United States. Ilhan Omar, a former refugee and now Somali-American Congresswoman, and Jared Polis, an openly gay man elected as governor, are just some of the many trailblazing candidates that now hold positions in our government.

Nationally, voter turnout is still low. In the 2016 presidential election, only 55.4% of eligible voters participated.

Senior Rose Gatlin believes, “We as people have a hard time seeing ourselves as a part of the greater whole and think our individual actions will have no reverberations on society. But a drop causes a ripple in the whole pond. I think people need to find their voice.”

Low voter turnout is a typical symptom of the apathy American citizens have toward politics. Often the reason for not voting is the complexity of the issues. According to a survey of eligible senior voters conducted at Mitty, 25% of those who did not vote stated that the policies were too complex to fully comprehend.

Mitty has been an active proponent of encouraging students to get involved in the voting process. The Mitty Advocacy Project (MAP), social studies and religion departments, culture clubs, as well as our ECJ trips are dedicated to instilling awareness about social justice issues.

And according to senior MAP president Aditi Chatradhi, this work is necessary. Chatradhi sees the low voter turnout among millennials as a cause for concern:

“The Baby Boomer generation turns out in large numbers to vote in every election, not just Presidential elections.

Their opinion is reflected in not only the politicians that represent us but also in a lot of the propositions that become statewide policies. The youth demographic esdoes not turn out at those same rates, es pecially in midterm elections, so many candidates pander to older citizens. The policies that get implemented won’t favor young voters if we don’t have our voices heard through our votes.”

Rallying our school community can nevertheless be difficult. Chatradhi says, “we don’t have a civic education course at our school, so many students don’t know a lot about propositions or local candidates.”

As Mitty students, we are encouraged to fulfill our civic responsibility to shape the future of our country, whether that is through grassroots movements or advocacy on a higher political level.

Emphasizing the importance of educating ourselves about the voting process, she highlights how voting is not just a right; it’s a responsibility that allows for our democracy to succeed and all of our voices to be heard.

To those of us who may fear the voting process, “we only fear what we don’t understand,” Chatradhi explains.

Gatlin, who voted for her first time in the midterm election, states, “For new voters, I would say don’t be nervous! You can mail your ballot in or go to the polls, and once you register, all the information you need for the election will be sent to you. Take some time to look through candidates and propositions. The voter manual gives you pros and cons for each proposition and a description of what candidates stand for.”

Volume 28 Number 2 Advisors Mr. Mick VanValkenburg & Mr. Craig Whitt

News Jenna Mollerus, Kristie Park, Malavika Ramarao, & Kayla Riggs

Opinion Trisha Karani, Tiina Otala, Chaelee Park, & Khanh Tran

Justice Awareness

Akhilesh Balasingam, Surabhi Bhupathi, Sophia Kaltas, Joanne Park, & Jennifer Prince

Focus Stephanie Jue, Prerita Pandya, & Brenna Schumacher

Arts & Entertainment Alora Cisneroz, Rose Gatlin, John Lee, Emily Ordoñez, & Marko Ristic

Sports Rishi Nair, Matthew Scott, & Jackson Walker

Photo Grace Chung, Abigail Mathew, Bansi Patel, & Alexa Richman

Art & Comics Keili FitzGerald & Jiwoo Song

Archbishop Mitty High School 5000 Mitty Way, San Jose, CA 95129

OPINIONS

Opposing Viewpoints: ANONYMITY IN REPORTING

RIGHT TO HIDE

By Maria Korolik Staff Writer Though controversy around whether reporters should use anonymous sources has always existed, it has grown during the Trump administration, especially with the The New York Times’ publication on the anonymous Op-Ed article from a White House official.

Anonymity plays a crucial role in journalism; denying reporters this option would allow for unchecked political corruption undermine the fight for justice.

While some might imagine that allowing anonymity leads to corruption, the opposite holds true. With government secrecy on the rise due to the Trump administration’s opposition to the press —an opposition condemned by hundreds of journalists as “un-American and unlawful”—it is vital for people, when necessary, to speak out against those in power.

However, many sources are too afraid to put their name next to a damaging critique of authorities, fearing the security of their jobs and judgment from the public.

As Geoffrey Stone, an American law professor at the Universitiy of Chicago, explains, those with pertinent information are those who most often wish to remain unidentified for fear of retribution or retaliation.

This is not limited to simple political retribution; there have been numerous violent attacks on the press. In June of this year, a gunman killed five and injured many others in a Maryland newspaper office. Law enforcement authorities have labeled this as a targeted attack. In October, multiple pipe bombs were sent to the headquarters of CNN, perceived as a left-wing media organization that has repeatedly spoken out against the current administration.

Without the security of knowing that their identities will remain secret, sources may decide to remain silent, withholding information the public should know. In an age of vast misinformation, silencing key sources would compromise greatly journalistic integrity and truth.

Furthermore, anonymity in journalism is critical for global human rights. The federal shield law protects reporters from

“Anonymous journalism is important because it allows people to report important information to the media without risking their jobs or their ability to access more information. On the other hand, it can be difficult to verify the truth of news given in this context, but without anonymous

“I think that’s a great way to protect people from hate; they should be able to talk about their opinion on a political issue without getting attacked by anyone with different views. But this could also raise issues; especially if their opinion is morally

wrong.”

being required to disclose their sources, preventing foreign governments from justifying highly repressive actions, such as Saudi Arabia’s killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

As Miklos Haraszti, a Hungarian politician and human rights advocate, wrote in the Washington Post, by shielding sources, the United States would promote freedom and equality not only within its borders, but throughout the world as well. “The fact that U.S. reporters are incarcerated ... gives moral cover to the criminalization of journalism worldwide.”

The United States must protect the right of anonymous sources. By doing so, it will not only protect the basic human rights of the American press and people, but will set a model for the entire world.

Anonymity in reporting is a right that must be protected at all costs. It is a right that prevents corruption, a right that informs the public of vital information, a right that advocates for social justice across the globe. With the stakes increasing every day, we must ask ourselves this: is it more important to verify whether a source is a second- or third-level White House staffer, or to protect the safety of Americans, promote the freedom of the press, and set an international model for the support of human rights?

sources the media would be unable to expose many stories that the public

should know about.”

Sarah Nakhoda ’22

Etienne de Raynal ’21

CITE OR DON’T WRITE

By Aalok Patwa Staff Writer From “Deep Throats” exposing of the Watergate Scandal in 1972 to Chelsea Mannings leaking of military documents in 2010, anonymous sources have provided the impetus for some of the most significant political revelations in history. Recently, however, the tide has turned.

In 2016, The New York Times issued a memo to all of its journalists urging reporters to reduce “an overreliance on unnamed sources”—and for good reason.

Full disclosure of sources is the only way to minimize the viral spread of misinformation. Nobody can forget the effect of fake news on the 2016 presidential election.

Allowing anonymous sources only contributes to a further proliferation of fake news, as websites can make false claims while citing an imaginary “senior official.”

Only by forcing agencies to name their sources can accountability be ensured. Readers can dismiss an article as truly false if they notice that the source cited is unqualified or has conflicting interests.

Thus, the misinformation can be plugged at the source, and its spread contained. When the spread of fake news threatens the state of our democracy, it becomes im-

Saachi Sahni ’19

perative to analyze the causes, and anonymous sources are the most significant.

Consistently naming sources in journalism is necessary to establish credibility. Using anonymous sources drastically reduces reader faith. Even if published in an authoritative journal, an article rife with unnamed sources causes the reader to be naturally skeptical of its content. When readers notice that the author of the article kept sources confidential, they are more inclined to distrust that evidence. Such sourcing undermines the content of even truthful articles.

Supporters of anonymous sources argue that the only way to expose corruption or matters of national security is to promise anonymity to sources. However, the effect of keeping sources anonymous is contrary to the intended purpose of whistleblowing.

When sources remain unnamed, readers are inclined to disregard the article as false, which turns a potentially revolutionary piece into a forgettable piece of fake news.

Moreover, the promises of confidential confidentiality come with their own legal hurdles: the government can sue a journalist for not disclosing his or her source, but the source can sue the journalist for disclosing, mak making it very difficult for a journalist to truly keep a promise of confidentiality. It’s clear that the entire idea of confidentiality invites confusion. We would be better off abandon abandoning the idea altogether.

Journalists around the country must impose stricter policies requiring the nam naming of all cited sources. This change would allow readers to discern fake news from the truth, and then truly accept the story as fact.

Allowing sources to remain confidential incites confusion and discredits the purpose of the reporting without significantly in increasing the prevalence of whistleblowing.

The times have changed since the Watergate and the Chelsea Manning rev revelations, and journalism must change along with it.

“Though I realize useful information can be gotten off the record, I feel anonymous

Sahit Kavukuntla ’20

sources are unfair because without the identity of the source, we can’t be sure of their motives. For me, this lack of scrutiny makes the reporter’s argument less credible.”

“By showing that your evidence is from an source knowledgeable on the topic, your argument is much more reliable. You wouldn’t ask a debate kid on whether robotics needs more funding. In the same way, an article should provide evidence from a relevant authority.

Citing sources achieves this goal.”

Opinions • December 2018

Page 5

DON’T DRINK A LATTE!

By Connor Martin Staff Writer She walks onto campus carrying her hydro flask filled to the brim with coffee. The steam and bitter-sweet smell emanate into the surrounding air. She steals a few gulps in between steps as the boiling substance burns her mouth. But she doesn’t care. She’s operating on four hours of sleep and has an essay due next period. This young woman is infected, and the infection is spreading.

The FDA reports that over 80% of youth consume caffeinated beverages regularly, and 96% consume them occasionally. This number has tripled since the 1970s, making teenagers some of the most avid coffee drinkers in the country.

So why are so many teens becoming addicted to coffee? Though many may not realize, the caffeine present in coffee is a readilyavailable, psychoactive, chemically addictive drug. The caffeine presattaches to our brain cells’ receptors for adenosine, a naturally pres ent molecule produced by cellular respiration that causes a feeling of tiredness. Blocking this molecule, caffeine produces a sense of alertness

UNVEILING BEAUTY

By Rania Awad Staff Writer Newly elected Ilhan Omar represents multiple firsts in America’s Congress: the first Somali-American, one of the two first Muslim women, and—most importantly— the first hijabi. Though her veil bears the connotation of oppression, she was not condemned into wearing the hijab. On the contrary, donning the garment is a choice to dress more conservatively and outwardly express her faith.

Although characterized by long sleeves and headdresses, the style choices inherent in the garment debunk the stereotype that hijabis are only worn because of coercion.

The striking artistry seen at the Contemporary Muslim Fashion gallery in San Francisco’s de Young Museum, in fact, reveals the universal desire to celebrate appearances while still practicing faith.

From shimmering ball gowns to geometric sportswear, the gallery provides insight into the aesthetics of religiouslyrespectful clothing. These outfits are not only artistic arrangements; they elevate the confidence of women who are socially degraded for their preference to dress according to their religion.

As the number of horrifying attacks on women wearing hijabs rises, the courage to embrace one’s self-expression is needed now more than ever. In Michigan, a 19-year-old Muslim girl was punched repeatedly while waiting in the hospital. In New York, a group of teenagers were spat

on and called “terrorists.” In Vancouver, an 18-year-old was slapped, called racial slurs, and fell victim to attempted sexual assault on a train full of passengers, receiving help solely from just one man. These alarming instances are only a few of numerous assaults victimizing Muslim women.

The frightening reality is that, due to the increase of Islamophobia caused by terrorthe recent political climate and terror ist attacks from extremist groups, the Musgrowing number of offenses on Mus lims seems unlikely to slow. However, by promoting Muslim fashion, this ongoing ignorance can be countered.

Highlighting the beauty of what too many incorrectly view as a corrupted religion might slowly help change the mindset of those who discriminate, providing all with an opportunity to look past false perceptions of Islam confiand inspire the unyielding confi dence of Muslim women in such a precarious time. othAlongside Ilhan Omar, oth er Muslim women and name brands have been revealing the beauty of the Islamic faith. Nike was inspired by Ibtihaj Muhammad, a Muslim Olympian fencer, to create its first sportswear hijab. H&M featured a hijabi woman, Mariah Idrissi, for the first time in a clothing campaign for the retail store. In a Back-to-School Gap ad, the first little girl in a blue hijab modeled alongside other children of different cultures. Fashion brings resilience to the women of Islam and urges a reconsideration of the image that others see, one step at a time—first after first.

and wards off sleep for hours until it dissipates. This is the feeling coffee drinkers crave.

However, there are serious health consequences to too much coffee.

Routine caffeine use can permanently damage your brain, and if you ever wish to stop drinking coffee, you will experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of tobacco. In addition, excessive amounts of caffeine can cause symptoms such as irritability, headaches, anxiety, restlessness, and an accelerated heartbeat. I don’t know about you, but I already get enough of that from the daily grind of high school.

Facing constant onslaught of homework, tests, 7:50 a.m. classes, and yet to be written newspaper articles, how can a Mitty student not inhale dozens of cups of coffee each day? After all, without that daily boost of energy found in coffee, tea, or soda, most of us (including myself) would simply collapse into the dust. The answer to constant grogginess, without the adverse effects of coffee addiction, is simply moderation. Try not to consume more than the doctor-recommended allotment of 100-150 mg of caffeine, or approximately one grande-sized Starbucks beverage.

Break the addiction, and use drugs (coffee, that is) responsibly!

HEAR EVIL, SEE EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL

By Nathan Chou Staff Writer If you have a political opinion, you think only you are right. It’s also likely that you think your opposition is not just factually misled, but also malicious, maybe even hateful or oppressive.

Throughout our lives we have been told to open our minds, to let our capacity for empathy grow as we find common ground in the shared experience of being human. But is that still true when the “other” perspective seems so volatile and hateful? Must we openly listen when our opposition deserves to be silenced, not heard?

Yes. The moment we believe we are the sole voice of morality, expelling the evil threatening our society, is exactly when it is most important to listen.

Derek Black is the godson of a KKK Grand Wizard and the son of the founder of the first major white-supremacy website.

As a teenager, he displayed a confederate flag on his pickup and hosted a radio show with the opening theme “I’m a White Boy.” However, this began to change in college. Reflecting on his experience, he wrote in the New York Times that interacting with “people who chose to invite me into their dorms and conversations rather than ostracize me—I began to realize the damage I had done.”

Derek’s perspective altered because he was not excluded. Open invitations and connections, not angry words, changed him.

When we approach each other with openness, positive change is created. Last year, at the Mother of All Rallies Patriot Unification Gathering, tensions began to rise when Black Lives Matter counter-protesters arrived at the Trump-supporter organized event. But instead of fighting with words or fists, they invited the counter-protestors to the stage and took turns listening.

By the end of the rally, Black Lives Matters protesters were taking pictures with and shaking hands of people in MAGA hats. The leader of Black Lives Matter New York even reflected, “It restored my faith in those people.

When I spoke truth, they agreed. I feel like we actually made progress today.” Surely, more progress was made though calm conversation rather than through yelling behind picket signs.

Improving our world is a task that requires our full, combined effort, so we must stop seeing those we disagree with as less human than ourselves. We must confront and demonize hateful opinions rather than the humans that hold them. Failing to do so is a dangerous and slippery slope, but succeeding has powerful implications.

GIVE THE FIRST LADY A SECOND CHANCEE

By Melissa Howell Staff Writer To many, the First Lady has always stood as a model of American values. Her traditional role is to be the hostess of the White House, yet it has evolved over time to include social advocacy.

Melania Trump’s recent trip to Africa aimed to do just that, providing foreign aid and promoting her “Be Best” initiative—a message focused on building strong, responsible character. Controversy followed the First Lady, though, given alleged comments earlier in the year by President Trump critical of foreign aid, especially to “s***hole countries” such as some in Africa she visited.

Though her trip was seen by many as emblematic of insensitive or hypocritical behavior, the trip subtly undermined her husband’s actions by promoting social justice. Thus, it spoke more to her courageous character than her insensitivities. Her actions, though much more subdued than the president’s harsh Twitter comments, succeeded in reaching a broad audience while counteracting his blatant crudeness. As long as her heart is for the people and her intent is pure as already revealed through her anti-bullying and child education initiatives, she has the potential to fully live up to the role of First Lady.

She has been one of the more private First Ladies in recent history, only giving her first solo interview nearly two years after the inaugura-

tion to discuss her Africa trip as well as the “Be Best” initiative. This initiative has sparked debates, since her husband is considered one of the biggest bullies on the internet. This inconsistency begs the question of hypocrisy: if she can’t even stand up to her husband, how can she stand up to an entire nation?

However, the mere act of taking up this issue in the first place implies a greater tenacity than we realize. She surely anticipated the strong reaction it would generate, but still forged ahead, believing in her own capacity to make a difference. In her own way, she is creating a silent revolution.

The First Lady will undoubtedly be subject to negativity. From her “I really don’t care, do you?” jacket to the “colonial” hat she wore on her trip to Africa, her fashion choices will continue to distract the population from the real issues. But even the well-respected Michelle Obama encountered plenty of controversy; however, no one will forget her because of her dedication and poise in serving the American people, a motive that Melania has undertaken as well.

Melania Trump still has a lot to learn about being a woman in Washington. Nobody is perfect. Yet, her quiet but firm moral code will prove useful amongst the turmoil of the Trump administration.

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Opinions • December 2018

A SCAM ACROSS THE BOARD

By Helena Getayalew Staff Writer The SAT: one of the biggest strains on money and time in high school. While the College Board meticulously ensures every aspect of the testing process is thoroughly miserable, they disproportionately exacerbate their scam before and after the exam.

The price to sign up for the SAT is $65.

“That’s not awful,” you may be thinking— but don’t worry, that’s not including the extra $20 for a score report to actually know how you performed in specific sections. Individually, one $85 fee for an SAT may not seem like the largest financial drain, but then the second attempt kicks in, leaving you at $170. Then, let’s say you decide to give up after the second try. Well, here come the SAT II Subject Tests! Many universities require or “strongly recommend” these, so students often take two to three. Another solid $62!

Just for the ability to show up on exam days, you’re down $232 with zero guarantee of getting a score you’re content with.

However, the College Board actually generates the majority of its revenue from

a different source: Advanced Placement courses. The fatal flaw with AP courses is that they’re not rooted in the nature of learning. After a year of hard work preparing for one torturously long exam, you receive a number 1 through 5. That’s all. No explanation, no breakdown, and thus, no meaning.

The College Board couldn’t care less if you actually learn anything or grow from your mistakes. Rather, they simply care that you continue to validate their seemingly superior curriculum while they sit back, relax, and collect $94 per exam.

But don’t fret! It only gets worse. What does the College Board, a company claiming to provide educational opportunities, do with that money, you ask? Well, given its “nonprofit” title, we know the money isn’t going to taxes! Instead, this multimilliondollar company prefers to provide its CEO with a $750,000 salary. But hey, at least it’s not the $1.3 million salary of the previous CEO, right?

So what’s the obvious conclusion: take the ACT instead!

Their CEO only gets paid $990,000.

JAILED IN GENDER

By Emilee Gregory Staff Writer Though quite a large audience tunes in to watch the popular TV show Orange is the New Black, the average viewer may not realize that the prisoners’ issues portrayed, such as mental health struggles and mistreatment, are very real. Our criminal justice system fails to acknowledge and properly treat women’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

In the United States alone, there are currently 219,000 women in prison, encompassing one-third of the world’s female prison population. The majority of these women are mothers and imprisoning them creates separation issues which negatively impacts both the incarcerated mother and her child, who might feel isolated and be traumatized.

Because these women are more likely to be primary caretakers, prison has adverse effects on the development of innocent children. And with the scarcity of women’s prisons as a whole, mothers are likely to be incarcerated far from home which greatly limits the amount of face-to-face contact.

DISNEY’S WAVE OF CHANGE

By Roksana Gorgolewski Staff Writer My dream job as a young girl was to be a princess—until I had actually seen a Disney movie.

My idea of a princess was completely different from what the films portrayed. They weren’t the fearless warriors I had pictured, but rather submissive and quiet girls that waited for men to save them. Even Disney actress Keira Knightley banned the movies from her home, saying prinprin cesses shouldn’t “wait around for a rich guy to rescue them.” Her statement definitely rings true: classic Disney movies have sexist tendencies and follow stereotypical models for women. Old Disney movies simply don’t fit in with the modern views of society because the overall message of patriarchal dominance has lost its longstanding validity.

But Disney has been changing for the better. In light of the modern femifemi nist resurgence, Disney has redesigned its golden formula for a successful film.

In attempts to increase popularity among viewers, it has shifted focus from

Additionally, children may be placed in foster care during their mothers’ incarceration which may permanently sever familial ties.

Several social justice issues are bound up in the massive population of female prisoners. Minority women are more likely to get arrested for crimes such as drug possession and face more jail time for such crimes than others would. The gender wage gap also contributes to this situation. For African American women, who earn approximately 61 cents for every dollar a man makes, it is much harder to pay bail. Consequently, they end up behind bars for too long for crimes they haven’t even been convicted of yet.

So what can we do about this increasingly problematic issue? First, write to legislators urging them to pass prison reform to aid women in prison. Another way to help is donating to fund medical care for incarcerated women or to help wrongfully convicted women receive legal assistance.

This pressing issue requires immediate action, and whatever you can do to spread awareness about the conditions of incarcerated women will prevent these women from becoming another statistic.

traditional love stories to movies like Frozen, whose central theme is familial love, and Moana, whose female protagonist singularly saves her island. The movies reflect an alternative portrayal of the princesses that are fearless, unapologetic, and in charge of their fates.

This fresh approach is also taken in the live-action remakes of earlier films such as Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Leading ladies Lily James and Emma Watson who star in the aforementioned reprises are international feminist activists and contributors to women’s charities. These changes are definitely positive, an overdue reevaluation of the sexism present in older movies. Remakes of popular films are not only smart business models, but also a necessary revamp of the classic Disney standard. Many negatively view the “ploy” of feminism as a cheap way to win the hearts of millennials. However, the women’s liberation movement attempts to normalize the topic and integrate it into all aspects of society, so any exposure is, in fact, good exposure.

Despite any backlash, Disney is making immense progress, allowing millions of boys and girls to understand what it means to be a princess.

HELLO, MY NAME IS...

By Sydney Hwang Staff Writer How many Emilys do you know? Personally, I know five. Between 2000 and 2009, a whopping 223,658 infant girls in America were given the name. Having the same name as a peer can actually be a little annoying on a day-to-day basis: you never know when to say “Here!” during roll call, and you often turn your head only to realize that no one is talking to you.

So having a more unique name such as Vera or Edwin (0.005% and 0.09% of U.S. babies born in 2001, respectively) would seem more desirable. But rarity runs the risk of frequent mispronunciation and, consequently, lifelong frustration. Is an easy-to-remember and easy-to-pronounce name superior to a more unique, trendy one, then? Or is being lumped into a category of Janets far too bland?

Like fashion and food, the naming of children follows discernible trends. Having babies with flowers as their namesake, such as Violet and Daisy, peaked in popularity around

the 19th century, but made a comeback around 2017; that’s why our generation tends to have fewer Aspens and Dahlias. But some names have consistently maintained popularity through the test of time: James, John, and Jennifer are typically what we refer to as “common” names. Deciding whether Jennifer or Forrest is the better name is like picking between a classic Star Wars movie or a more modern remake: it’s all personal preference.

It’s a little-known fact that all U.S. citizens are able to legally change their names after they turn eighteen, though this is becoming more and more mainstream with the increasing prevalence of LGBT+ movements. People who are transgender or nonbinary often don’t identify with their birth name; legally changing it is just another step towards fully realizing their identities.

With that in mind, the best name for every person is the name that most closely represents their identity. Whether you’re an Emily or an Edwin, what’s important is staying true to who you are.

That’s going to be true for just about everyone—even you, Janet.

THE DARK SIDE OF THE WEB

By Natasha Lal Staff Writer The Dark Web. With its reputation as a “place” where personal information is stolen, major drug deals are made, and hitmen are hired, it’s clear why so many shudder simply at the mention of this side of the internet. While all this is true, the Dark Web is much more than just illegal activity. The Dark Web offers a much more valuable commodity: anonymity.

Though the most sensationalized consequence of anonymity is criminal pursuit, it is definitely not the only result. In fact, most users of Tor, a Dark Web browser that anyone can download, are not about to engage in illegal activity, but rather wish to remain anonymous while casually surfing the web. In fact, many acclaimed businesses, such as The New York Times, actually support such browsing practices by providing versions of their websites for the Dark Web. Now, more than ever, online anonymity is vital. In early 2018, it was revealed that millions of Facebook users’ personal information was nonconsensually shared with a political data analysis company, Cambridge Analytica. Cambridge Analytica utilized these users’ profiles and images they had “liked” to determine what political campaign ads would appeal

the most to them. The scandal showed the world that online anonymity is being threatened.

Without anonymity, we risk our personal information and search histories being stolen and viewed by those who feel entitled to secretly monitor us. Even though many fear having their personal information stolen by hackers, it’s much more difficult for information to be stolen by an individual person than it is for a large company to access a user’s information without their knowledge.

On the Dark Web, businesses cannot access personal information, so users feel “liberated” to browse without having their online identity recorded and manipulated.

Yes, the Dark Web is a location for illegal activity, but is also an online space for anonymous browsing. We shouldn’t see the Dark Web as an entity of evil, but rather, a resource that may be essential to our privacy in the years to come.

By Jinny Kim Staff Writer

Arts & Entertainment Meet Mitty Artists

By A&E Editors

If you don’t yet know freshman James Huang, well, you should—he’s a new and upcoming musician, known as Strike Three on SoundCloud.

Jinny: How did you get into composing music?

I got into composition tournaments where my piano teacher wanted me to compose film scores. So basically, I started composing and my teacher told me to put it on the computer.

So I started recording my music instead of just using my phone to record the audio and put it on a computer software and recorded the notes. And then I was like, “Hm, I’m gonna add some drums to this,” “I’m gonna add some bass to this,” and then I was like, “Oh! This is a rap song,” I didn’t show him it because the assignment was originally for piano, though.

Jinny: What keeps you motivated to keep writing music?

It’s fun, it’s really fun.

When I’m bored, I have my iPad and computer out, and it’s just like, “Let’s type some lyrics out” and listen to a track and type some lyrics out.

It’s really fun. And seeing people appreciating my music is really satisfying as well.

We interviewed Maureen Mailhot (Class of ‘19) to learn a bit about her artistic endeavors. We discussed her personal art, the creative process, and the importance of art in our society. She’s been developing her art for a long time, and we wanted to see where she was in her artistic journey as a high school senior.

A&E: So, what kind of art do you like to do most?

I like digital art a lot, but just sketching things with pencils is fun too. Digital art is really nice because I can make completely colored and refined pieces without having to purchase or carry around a lot of supplies like I would have to if I wanted to paint.

A&E: Do you use any particular apps or programs for your art?

Yes, I mostly use the apps available on the school iPads. Adobe Draw is my favorite because the digital drawing tools available allow me to make really crisp, clean pieces. When I want to make something closer to a physical painting, however, Adobe Sketch is my go-to. Depending on which one you use, the digital tools respond similarly to the way that acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints do to canvas, which looks really nice.

A&E: What inspires you most?

Jinny: What future projects can we look forward to?

I have an album coming up soon that will be like my life story. I want to bring awareness for Asian Americans—what it’s like to be Asian American. Right now, I have about 30 unfinished projects on my software and 3 completed songs, so in senior year I want to be able to look at my Soundcloud and see those 30 projects finished and uploaded Jinny: How are you different from other artists on SoundCloud?

The music industry lacks a lot of Asian Americans, especially in hip hop. I feel like our voices aren’t really heard. I really want to voice that not all Asian musicians are K-pop or play the piano or the violin. Hip hop is so un-Asian, like it really goes against all Asian stereotypes.

There’s not a lot of Asian Americans getting this message out there. I want to incorporate an Asian vibe, like the language and the culture, into my music.

I get inspiration from all over the place; it rarely comes from just one thing. However, if you were to ask what has the most influence on my art, it would probably be other artists and creative thinkers. They often inspire me to try things that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. They also challenge me to improve myself by allowing me to reflect on what they are able to do better. Reading was one of the first things that inspired me. I remember as a kid I loved to imagine what characters would look like, and I would draw out the faces I saw in my head. I began to write my own stories with characters to draw. It taught me how to formulate ideas into art and now, because of that, I’m able to draw whatever I feel.

A&E: In your opinion, what role do artists have in society?

Artists influence everything. Even in mediums like literature and music, you have visual artists who contribute to the final product, whether through inspiration or dealing directly with the material. I think that’s amazing. Artists make people feel things, make them realize what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes, feeling what they feel. For me, my art is something that is intrinsically part of me, and I hope that if what I make lasts longer than I do, the people who see it will gain some understanding of who I am.

YSL: FASHION’S GREATEST REVOLUTIONARY

By Dasha Balashova Staff Writer Despite much of the controversy of his early life, Yves Saint Laurent has been unofficially crowned as the greatest designer of the 20th century—and rightfully so. He brought color diversity to the runway, invented and popularized the tuxedo for women, and drew inspiration from cultures all over the world.

In his youth, Saint Laurent was known for being one of the craziest party-goers on the Paris scene. He was notorious for his alcohol and cocaine use and his numerous love affairs. This was his escape from reality, as his personal life was plagued with chronic depression, mood swings, and tremendous amounts of pressure from the fashion world.

He became creative director of the House of Dior at just twenty-one, never getting to truly live out his youth.

A few years later, he was drafted into the army and faced the horrors of the Algerian War, significantly worsening his mental state. His lover and business partner, Pierre Bergé, had even said that Yves “was born with a nervous breakdown.”

Despite these trials in his early life, Saint Laurent was indisputably brilliant. Fashion gave meaning to his life, and he was fearless when it came to what could and could not customarily be put on the French haute couture runway,

revolutionizing the uptight and conservative fashion world.

Perhaps his most famous invention was the ‘Le Smoking’ suit, which debuted in the 1966 “Pop Art” Collection and earned Saint Laurent the title of the “liberator of women.” The ‘Le Smoking’ was the first of its kind—the first tuxedo suit for women. At the time, it was controversial and criticized by many. Although the second wave of feminism brought on many changes for women, it was still not fully acceptable for a woman to wear trousers in public.

During the first years of the suit’s existence, few prestigious hotels or restaurants would admit women wearing it. One of the most famous stories is of Nan Kempner, a New York City socialite, being turned away from Le Côte Basque for wearing her YSL tuxedo suit. After blatantly removing her pants and wearing the jacket as mini dress, she was admitted.

The new suit addressed the long-standing issue of gender inequality. Women were questioning and challenging why they could not work the same jobs, be as respected in society, or wear the same clothes as men. Although the piece was widely disapproved of at the time and women who wore it were considered irreverent, the ‘Le Smoking’ eventually became known as one of the most influential and iconic designs in 20th century fashion history.

Yves Saint Laurent broke many other “rules” of the French fashion world. He was the first to design a sheer dress worn without underwear and was also known for putting diverse models on runway. He was openly gay and made entire collections inspired by other cultures—including Morocco, China, and Russia.

Diversity and the power of women remain at the center of the Saint Laurent House today. He truly revolutionized fashion and his vision remains present in the modern fashion industry through the legacy of the YSL brand.

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December 2018 • Arts & Entertainment

Design Blogs:A Hidden Gem

By Georgia Prentice Staff Writer Whenever I feel uninspired, I click on the bookmark for my favorite design blog: DESIGNLOVEFEST. Created by graphic designer and art director Bri Emery, this webpage is a treasure trove of beautiful typography, anecdotes of travel adventures across the world from Beijing to Peru, recipes, and of course, everything design related. Emery even has links to various design-related job offerings in L.A., where she is based. But perhaps the coolest thing about DESIGNLOVEFEST, and design blogs as a whole, is how unique they are.

When you need to get inspired for that sewing project, recipe, or holiday decoration, most people think automatically: Pinterest! But carefully cultivated design blogs present inspiration through the personalized lens of someone very experienced being

creative. Unlike Pinterest, blogs like DESIGNLOVEFEST, Oh Joy!, and Miss Moss show a specifically crafted world of design—not just the most popular pumpkin carvings or sweater/ jean combos.

Often overlooked, these blogs are

an art form, from the carefully crafted typography and selected pictures to the font size. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the way others live; some blogs are very personal to the authors and others are simply about spreading a love of design.

But what they do best is make the creative process accessible to anyone.

The specific creative view gives the reader a direct, immediate connection to the author and the his or her unique style, and this makes design blogs personal in a way Pinterest, Instagram, and tumblr simply can not.

So the next time you need a burst of inspiration or want to explore the web past a quick Google search, spend some time searching for a blog you like—and peek into the creative headspace of someone you’ve never met.

After all, creativity is about expressing yourself in new ways, so spend some time exploring!

UPCOMING EVENTS • 12/12: Childish Gambino and Rae Sremmurd at Oracle Arena • 12/16: Amine at the Regency Ballroom • 12/16-12/17: Travis Scott at Oracle Arena

• 12/18: Trophy Eyes at Cornerstone Berkeley • 12/22: John Legend at Fox Theater

• 12/31: ODESZA at the Warfield • 1/16-1/20: Fear of God Design Exhibit at SFMOMA

• 1/18: Elton John at Oracle Arena • 1/24: Kelly Clarkson at Oracle Arena

Bay Area Books

By Joanna Jain Staff Writer Move aside, Amazon. Local, independently-owned bookstores are often overlooked in favor of larger, more established franchises—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something to be said for the unique experience and sense of community they have to offer.

Campbell and San Jose-based Recycle Bookstore is a well-loved fixture of both local communities—if not in for their wide collection of gently used books, then for the three friendly cats that haunt the store in Campbell.

In addition to buying and selling used books, Recycle Bookstore also trades them, which means you can take all those volumes collecting dust on your shelves and exchange them for some brand new ones.

Disclaimer: if the closest you want to get to cats is the hat-wearing, Dr. Seuss variety, you might want to stay away. But for the rest of us, Recycle Bookstore is a friendly, community-centered bookstore that’s definitely worth a visit. For bonus points, you can even stop by on Sunday afternoons to take part in the year-round Campbell Farmers’ Market.

Moving up the Penninsula, Bell’s Books in Palo Alto is a family-owned bookstore that boasts 300,000 volumes ranging from used books, to new titles, to signed

first-editions from famous authors. If you’re looking for a cozy place to escape into a book, look no further: with leather reading chairs in between aisles, towering bookshelves, and even a balcony, you would be hard-pressed to find somewhere with a more quintessential bookstore atmosphere.

Last but certainly not least is City Lights Books located due north of Palo Alto in San Francisco. Made famous among book-lovers everywhere for publishing Alan Ginsberg’s famous poem “Howl,” City Lights has achieved international recognition as a communing place for the radical thinkers that characterized the Beat Generation, priding itself on promoting intellectual freedom and diversity. In today’s world, City Lights reflects San Francisco’s free-thinking spirit, offering a wide range of books and a rich cultural history.

All told, in our fast-paced Silicon Valley, tech-savvy lifestyle, it can be refreshing to take a break from the stress of school, the inundation of technology, and the exhaustion of college applications to immerse ourselves in these kinds of bookstores.

So, as winter break is upon us, take refuge from that harsh California winter by curling up with a book from one of your friendly neighborhood bookstores.

You won’t regret it.

Represent-Asian on Disney

By Emily Isabella Ordoñez A&E Editor If you have a younger sibling or are an avid channel surfer, you may have come across the new Disney Channel sitcom Coop and Cami Ask the World.

Targeted at 7 to 12-year-olds, the show’s premise is endearing enough: a middle-school-aged brother and sister host an online stream, causing shenanigans in their home and school life. However, watch a few minutes into any episode, and you’ll see that Disney executives have done Asians dirty by typecasting the local Asian as the singularly bizarre character.

Disney Channel sitcoms tend to follow a basic formula.

For example, take Hannah Montana: There’s the likeable “blank slate” protagonist (Miley Stewart), followed by the equally normal best friend (Lilly Truscott) and the nonsensical comedic relief (Jackson Stewart).

In Coop and Cami, the Asian character, Fred, is a parallel to Jackson Stewart, being the butt of the jokes. While there’s nothing wrong with Asians taking on comedic roles.

In this show, the Asian character is taking on an solely comedic role, thus insinuating that his existence is always and only a joke—nothing more.

Had the cast included just one respected person of color, the not-so-subtle racism of the show could have been diffused.

With the recent rise of productions like Crazy Rich Asians and Fresh Off the Boat, it may seem like Asian representation is on the rise, but the new Disney Channel program suggests there is a long way to go in changing the stereotypes that are ingrained within the industry.

In fact, now, knowing that proper Asian representation is possible, reverting to presenting Asians as caricatures is especially unsettling.

And the frustration caused by this typecasting only worsens when observing Albert Tsai, the actor who plays Fred in the show. At just the young age of 14, Tsai has taken on roles in diverse shows, ranging from sarcastic comedies like Dr. Ken to ironic sitcoms like Trophy Wife. The young actor has talent, obvious to anyone who has seen him on screen, yet his first part as a lead character in Coop and Cami has come by way of a stereotypical comedic relief role.

In an industry that is already thin on Asian-American representation, the typecasting of Tsai sends a discouraging message to young Asians hoping to play a part in the majors.

Although Coop and Cami may not be relevant to high school students now, its presence on Disney Channel will inevitably affect the generation after us. The nerdy, awkward Asian stereotype will be ingrained into the minds of viewers whether they like it or not.

Disney executives are placing children into preexisting character molds based on their race. How long will it take the next generation of Asian American children to step out of that box?

Arts & Entertainment • December 2018

Page 9

monarch critics First MaN: Chazelle’s Third Triumph

By Audrey VanValkenburg Staff Writer

The new voices of rap

By Aileen Pulchny Staff Writer

Damien Chazelle’s third film, First Man, captures the story of the first man to reach the moon, Neil Armstrong.

The film’s focus might be thought to resemble that of Apollo 13 or The Right Stuff, but both films focus on the journey in outer space, while First Man primarily tells the story of Armstrong’s life down on earth.

This approach allows for a more personal and intimate narrative.

Shying away from creating a blockbuster, Chazelle uses the film as a chance to tell a more touching story of Armstrong’s years leading to the Apollo 11 mission.

Chazelle takes what is perceived as a heroic tale of greatness, and turns it into a humanized and thoughtful account of the astronaut’s life.

This account involves a family coping with the fact that their father and husband might not return, while also documenting a man finding his way to the final frontier.

Ryan Gosling is able to accurately embody Armstrong as Armstrong’s reallife children have themselves said. Stoic, and reserved in the role, Gosling is able to fill the screen with a peaceful yet powerful presence.

Chazelle’s frequent use of a hand-held camera creates a rugged and gritty feeling at points of tension throughout the film.

Because the audience is aware of the success of Apollo 11, Chazelle works to have them forget what they already know by being present in the uncertainty of the moment.

Along with the exceptional acting and directing, the film’s score stands out as an achievement on its own. The soundtrack, creates an image of space as a place of beautiful wonder, calm thrills, and elegant uncertainty.

Ultimately, Damien Chazelle’s First Man triumphs in capturing the life of Neil Armstrong, and is a must-see.

As a cult-following for “old school rap” grows at a steady rate, criticism of rap’s newest and youngest additions seems to increase exponentially. The term “mumble rap” gained popularity as a sort of punching bag for nostalgic hip hop fans to justify the notion that “new music sucks.”

Mumble rap commonly describes hip hop songs with simple, incomprehensible lyrics, and although this style may not be for everyone, it’s presence shouldn’t characterize new rap as a whole. In other words, does new rap really “suck,” or are we just not recognizing all of it equally?

It’s tempting to group all new music into one category, but all of hip hop’s newest subcategories have to be recognized in order to fully appreciate the innovations being introduced into the genre by young artists.

For example, the emotion-filled style dubbed “emo rap” is gaining relevance through artists like Trippie Redd, Juice WRLD, and the late XXXTentacion, and while elements of mumble rap may be present, these artists place more emphasis

In a Nutshell

on their lyricism.

For those who appreciate a more classic style, there’s no need to search far, as young, up-and-coming artists here in California are mixing contemporary production with old-school swagger.

Saweetie gained internet fame which propelled her from Bay Area underground presence to a larger national spotlight. Her snappy rhymes and clever mantras are reminiscent of the past while remaining fixed on present themes.

Vince Staples, hailing from Southern California, takes a similar approach in staying true to West Coast rap, and as his style continues to develop, you can expect to see big things from him in the future.

Dozens of future successes in rap still wait underground, but that doesn’t mean their innovations and ideas can’t be recognized today. As sites like SoundCloud grow in popularity, new trends in rap are spreading quicker than ever.

So, no, new rap doesn’t “suck,” it just hasn’t had the chance to meet the world.

By Rose Gatlin Staff Writer

By Helen Deng Staff Writer

By Riana Henry Staff Writer

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is the story of Sabrina Spellman, a young half-witch who lives with her two aunts and cousin in the family mortuary and home. The story of Sabrina is one that has been told many times, in the Archie morning cartoons and in her own TV show in 1996.

But there’s a reason the story is repeated so often—it’s one that can speak to every generation; and the details of it are easily changed to match the times.

I went into the series expecting little; I hadn’t been a fan of Riverdale and I was expecting the same cheesy acting and flimsy plotlines. But The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is on an entirely new tier. While it’s a little cheesy at times, it doesn’t hesitate in dabbling in the dark and macabre.

It dives headlong into witchcraft centered on the occult, depicting things like cannibalism and satanic worship.

Sabrina deals with issues that are intrinsically 2018, like feminism and individuality, while also navigating Sabrina being a witch in her coven.

On her sixteenth birthday, Sabrina must choose if she will sign “The Book of the Dead,” a signature that will give her soul to the “Dark Lord.” But if she signs, she will leave her mortal life behind, including her friends and boyfriend. The first episode establishes the push and pull Sabrina feels between her two worlds for the entirety of the series.

Almost every episode ends with a cliffhanger, so the show is incredibly easy to binge watch. The ominous atmosphere of the town, dark themes, and at times dry humor of the characters tie together to make a perfectly chilling adventure.

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

Make no mistake, this isn’t my nightly existential crisis.

It’s Bohemian Rhapsody—smash hit of the iconic band Queen, and recently the titular song of the new Freddie Mercury biopic. The daringly creative energy of the film captures his ethos: outrageously brilliant.

However, as with any retelling of a true story, aspects have to be sacrificed, especially when the Queen members on the production team aim to honor the late Mercury’s memory. Besides the walkthrough of the star’s life, the film misses key factors, skimming over his AIDS diagnosis, his queer identity, and his Parsi heritage. But there’s a simple reason: with a two hour runtime, there’s simply no room to portray all the nuances and details that make up a cultural icon.

Instead, the film chooses to focus on the tumultuous glamour of fame and artistry, featuring montages of the band’s songwriting process, Mercury’s relationships with important people in his life, and of course, the spectacular performances of Queen’s legendary songs that carry the whole movie to its climax.

Despite creative limitations, Bohemian Rhapsody fantastically executes a portrayal of the legend that is Queen, bringing audiences to tears (and to plenty of hilariously timed laughter) with an emotional roller coaster of the brilliant figure that constantly reminds us to defy societal standards and dream on.

Whether it’s lizard jackets, inquisitive cats, or magnetic stage presence, Freddie Mercury makes us feel it all.

Starr Carter, a black teenager who lives in the black neighborhood of Garden Heights, but attends a rich and mainly white school, juggles these conflicting worlds daily.

One day, Starr attends a party in Garden Heights where she runs into her childhood friend, Khalil Harris. After a fight breaks out, Khalil offers to drop Starr at home. On the way, a cop pulls them over for no apparent reason and asks Khalil for his license, but the teenager initially resists and is forced to get out of the car. Khalil leans into the car to check on Starr and nonchalantly pulls out a hairbrush, despite her pleas.

The officer fatally shoots Khalil, later claiming he mistook the hairbrush for a weapon. Starr must struggle with doing the right thing and testify in Khalil’s name, clashing with her oblivious white peers, while receiving death threats from local gang members.

This heartbreaking, yet meaningful thriller makes viewers think about real issues in our world today. Every day, people face racial discrimination in our society; this movie inspires people to find their voice like Starr, and speak up for what is right despite opposition from others.

The film suggests that the hate young children receive will just continue this self-destructive cycle of violence.

Amazing, emotional performances from Amandla Stenberg, and KJ Apa further enhance the story.

With its inspirational plot, gifted cast, and important meaning, The Hate U Give is a spectacular movie you should not miss out on.

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Staff

r Write

ts f i G e l t L it O. Vu ren

By Lau riter ff Sta W

Consumerism and environmental viability are inversely correlated. With the increase in overall worldwide wealth and spending power, as well as the increase in world population, demand––and thus consumerism––is as high as ever and will only likely increase. Such demand, in turn, makes finding the resources and space necessary for product production difficult, and, unfortunately, natural ecosystems such as forests seem increasingly promising. Resulting deforestation and environmental degradation serve to only further present issues of climate change and ocean acidification.

Yet production is only one facet of consumerism’s environmentally-adverse ef effects. There is also a major problem with waste disposal––and, namely, with single-use plastics. Despite some communal efforts to recycle, the majority of these plastics often end up in landfills or the ocean. In fact, over 12 million tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, collecting and forming “garbage patches” that pose a threat to marine wildlife.

Not far off the coast of California, The Great Pacific Garbage Patch ominously spans across waters twice the size of Texas.

The Garbage Patch isn’t going to stop growing on its own anytime soon, but little actions on our part go a long way. We can start off by using less single-use plastics such as straws, utensils, cups, and bags. $4 on Amazon can buy a set of four reusable glass straws, and a few more dollars can buy stainless steel boba straws.

Sharing is caring, and borrowing specific-use items such as baking dishes, cleaning supplies, and clothes can reduce unnecessary purchases.

As consumers, our purchasing power speaks volumes: we can continue to voice our unconcern to so grave an issue as this with needless spending––or, like the Lorax, we can choose to “speak for the trees” and refuse to let our actions talk trash.

Carol of the Sales

By Yusra Arub & Claire Kim Staff Writers

As deals and promotions have been snowballing into our inboxes, it’s clear that the holiday season is just around the corner.

One of the most beloved times of the year has finally slid back into action with stores hitting us up from every social media outlet with their latest sales and most enticing promotions unique to the holidays. Hoping to get us into the shopping spirit early, stores all over the world use such marketing tactics to distort our rational rational spending, making it seem like buying snow globes and glittered home decor is reasonable at such a generous time. It’s evident how consumerism plays a huge role in the economic prosperity of stores during these last few months, as customers believe that extensive purchasing is justified by the season of giving.

Consumerism by definition is the idea that buying items fulfills a purpose beyond necessity. In a sense, it describes an “upgrading mentality” many people have when it comes to shopping, as they tend to purchase recklessly solely because new things are being released. Thus, with hundreds of stores decking their facilities with embellished signs saying “Limited Holiday Edition” or “Jingle, Jingle. 50% off,” it’s virtually impossible for customers not to spend their money.

With the the hol holiida dayy sea season aapproa pproachi hing, ng, such such adve advert rtiise sem ment ntss pil pile up eve everywhe rywhere re—st —staart rtiing in in our own nei neighborhoods. Dec Decora orattions, Starbucks cups, and clothing are all marketed for the season. It seems as if there is no escaping holiday-themed items—according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans Americans spend at least $600 million on 25 million pounds of fireworks and $193 million on hamburger patties during July 4. This begs the question: Is the enjoyment worth the cost? Do we really need to pay to celebrate the birth of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?”

The truth is, all of us celebrate in different ways. But in this country, most things that we want or need have a price tag attached to them, and with rapid technological advancement, it’s hard to escape the distraction of enticing advertisements. We shouldn’t deny our human tendency to want those $1 dollar items at the register or a new TV for our family, but we should also be mindful of the blessing of the immaterial and the intangible: our family, friends, and the happiness and love that the holidays fundamentally encompass.

FOCUS ON CONSUMERISM

ECONOMICS

Holiday Marketing: How It Gets Us to Buy

NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH

“Alexa, What Are Your Prime Day Deals?”

By Elina Xie Staff Writer Consumerism is an integral part of the 21st-century lifestyle. In the golden age of Amazon, it’s easier than ever to sell and acquire products—everything from weekly groceries to flat-screen TVs. The new Amazon Dash button even allows customers to automatically place orders through the push of a button.

While automated consumerism has its perks and its convenience is unparalleled, its downfalls lie in the mental health department. In a society that values immediate satisfaction, consumerism can have complex, often detrimental psychological effects.

Consumerism cultivates societies to strongly value materialism, which in turn leads to poorer well-being. Psychologist Tim Kasser’s research finds that people who organize their lives around goals like possessions report greater unhappiness in relationships, poorer moods, and more psychological problems, such as depression, than people who center themselves around goals like personal growth and community connection. Even financial and emotional insecurity stem from consumerist cravings.

It’s not about the money itself, necessarily—it’s the striving for it. Since we tend to base our happiness on material possessions, we feel the need to earn more money so we can spend more to buy more to make us happy. Such a culture intrinsically promotes unhappiness because it takes time away from aspects of life that can actually nurture happiness, like hobbies and relationships with friends and family.

By Irene Park Staff Writer

The way products are marketed to consumers during the gift-giving season seems to be a big part of the holiday craze. From video advertisements to promotions, deals, and discounts, underlying commercial principles and strategies are deeply embedded in these campaigns.

So how do we, as consumers, react to this culture of holiday marketing?

An important aspect of holiday campaigning is a direct appeal to holiday sentiments.

The festivity during this time of year not only uplifts one’s mood, but inclines customers to purchase more. Successful campaigns maintain a festive mood in order to capitalize on the swelling excitement of consumers.

The holidays would not be the same without the tradition of giving and receiving presents. Of course, generosity and gratitude are expressed through presents, but there is also a psychological purpose—it’s called reciprocity. This principle operates when marketing campaigns offer their customers an incentive; this may include a discount, a promotion, or a free product. When companies present such “gifts,” they demonstrate that reciprocation is not expected. Therefore, customers become more inclined to return this generosity campaigned by the brand. Take Krispy Kreme’s “12 Days of Donuts” campaign, for example, where various discounts and deals are offered for 12 days. The company’s initiation of generosity initiates the principle of reciprocity; the discount compels consumers to stay engaged, partake in the festivities, and go “all in” for the season.

Within the tradition of gift-giving, people seem to place more value on items that are personalized. This increases one’s emotional bond to a certain product, ultimately making it relevant to the customer. Allowing consumers to write a message or customize a product increases its value and instills gratitude in the receiver. Two successful campaigns that utilize personalization to appeal to one’s reason to share the brand are Coke’s “Share a Coke” and Oreo’s “Design a Pack” campaigns.

In retrospect, there are several principles and strategies rooted in these campaigns that go beyond the excitement and festivity of the holidays. This way, brands are able to appeal to the emotional and cognitive patterns of a consumer to create a memorable, lasting campaign.

TECHNOLOGY

Thank U, Next SCIENCE

Cosumerism: A Force for Environmental Change

By Kito Pang, Wonjin Lee, & Shravan Parigi Staff Writers

Pop quiz. A Tesla is traveling at an initial velocity v0 of 20.0 m/s with its max acceleration of 1g, while a bicycle is traveling at a constant velocity of 5.00 m/s. Which vehicle is accelerating toward a more environmentally-beneficial culture?

The answer is both. Over the past three years, Mr. McAdams has been helping the environment with his “green” Tesla Model S. Every day, Mr. McAdams drives approximately 50 miles in his car while spending nearly 90 minutes traveling to and from Mitty. When taking into account the average mpg for cars this past year, Mr. McAdams saves 10 gallons of gasoline per week. Additionally, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, McAdams’s Tesla prevents 189 pounds per week of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere. Similar to Mr. McAdams, Mr. Fairley helps the environment by riding his bicycle. Mr. Fairley bikes 14 miles every day, saving him nearly 2.8 gallons of fuel and 52.92 pounds of CO2 per week. With the added benefit of saving the environment, biking also maintains fitness.

By Anish Agrawal & Ishir Vaidyanath Staff Writers

With Black Friday and the Christmas season around the corner, the craze to buy the latest tech gadgets has begun. This is the result of the upgrade cycle, created by the fastmoving nature of the tech sector. Unlike more stable industries like the automotive sector, consumer gadgetry changes far more quickly. A new iPhone comes out every year with millions of consumers craving that upgrade. This is the root of consumerism: a social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. Consumers are never satisfied with what they have, and the tech sector has capitalized on this tendency, demonstrated by its now exponential growth. Innovating fast enough to warrant an annual upgrade, these businesses hook customers in a cycle centered around making older phones obsolete. Just two years ago, phones had to carry large bezels on the top and bottom of the screen. Now those phones look outdated. Even budget phones like OnePlus’s 6T have invested into reducing them to keep up with popular demand. Consumers now gravitate to only these phones because they offer a practical purpose: a larger screen in a smaller package.

Another example is the rise of wearable technology. The smartwatch market has expanded rapidly because as soon as customers see a flashy gadget, they hunger for it. As such, the Apple Watch became the highest selling watch, beating Rolex and all other Swiss watches combined in only a year. Apple has a strong foothold in the smartphone market and uses this to market the Apple Watch as an iPhone companion. After this, they will release a new iPhone coupled with a new Apple Watch to promote both products simultaneously. Apple is the gold standard for consumerism, emphasized by its trillion dollar valuation — making it an ecosystem that leapfrogs every year.

Justice Awareness

Big Brother: Always Watching

By Cailey Larmore and Gwendolyn Patwardhan Staff Writers

By 2020, China is set to nationally implement its social ensures that loyalty to the government is maintained. Those credit system. Since 2014, China has been using social who attempt to expose governmental abuses face long-lasting scorecards and over 200 million surveillance cameras to consequences, such as Chinese journalist Liu Hu who was monitor Chinese citizens’ fined, arrested, and jailed behavior 24/7. If social for exposing official behaviors are deemed corruption, and is now unlawful or outside of banned from travel. cultural expectations, Ultimately, this longcitizens are then punished term punishment imposes or rewarded accordingly. constraints on social At first glance, the mobility. social credit system On the other hand, may seem like a utopian those who have high model out of some sci-fi credit scores are given novel, since it encourages perks, such as access to moral behavior and certain dating websites productivity. But at its or the ability to leap over core, the system directly healthcare waiting lists. limits privacy, freedom However, those on the of speech, and social short end of the stick can mobility. Additionally, be severely hampered for Chinese people live in constant fear of authorities. the Chinese population the rest of their lives. Last is shielded from such year, seventeen people political realities through heavy media censorship. who refused military service were prohibited from applying In order to keep Chinese citizens accountable, the for high school or continuing their education. government keeps a public database containing any government Collectively, these restraints keep Chinese citizens records of individuals; this can include an individual’s medical, shielded from the outside world. When someone has a low educational, financial and internet histories. social credit score, the government can suspend that citizen’s The basic standards of privacy that most in Western social media accounts and ability to travel, as was done to Hu. countries have come to expect are severely undermined by Such control over what people are allowed to read, see, this system. If one is caught playing too many video games, think, say, and do, has created an environment that filters how excessively purchasing items, or posting anti-government the Chinese see and view the world. As Hu told news.com.au, views on social media platforms the citizen is subject to “This kind of social control is against the tide of the world. The punishment.

Chinese people’s eyes are blinded and their ears are blocked.

The Orwellian nature of the social credit system also They know little about the world and are living in an illusion.”

By Alyssa Jain Many of us will recognize the Spix’s Macaw as the quirky main character from the movie Rio. This 2011 animated film follows the journey of Blu, the last-known male of his species, as he travels to Rio de Janeiro to mate with the last remaining female. However, while Blu gets his happy ending, his real life counterparts have not been so fortunate or lucky.

In September of 2018, the Spix’s Macaw was declared extinct in the wild. This lively, colorful bird is native to the dry forest climate of northeastern Brazil, but due to deforestation and degradation of its restricted natural habitat, the 60-80 remaining members of the species live only in captivity.

The disappearance of the Spix’s Macaw in the wild, like most recent extinctions, is a result of human negligence. A significant factor in their disappearance from the wild is habitat loss through deforestation. In addition to the habitat loss caused by deforestation, poachers and illegal bird traders further depleted their numbers as captured birds often perish trying to escape while being squeezed into tight spaces during transit.

The plight of the Spix’s Macaw is dire, but there is still hope for the few captive macaws to be reintroduced into the wild. Ultimately, we have a role to play in the success of this species.The Brazilian forests that used to be home to the Spix’s Macaw are continually being cleared to harvest wood and to make space for cattle and palm oil plantations. By reducing our meat and dairy consumption, of palm oil, and purchasing only certified sustainable products, we can use our consumer power to hold companies accountable and protect Brazil’s forests, even from miles away. With time and a conscious effort to preserve their habitat, we can ensure that, like Blu, the Spix Macaws will eventually be able to thrive in their natural environment.

By Meraf Sergoalem Staff Writer The number of elected females in Congress this last election broke the previous record of 107, with 103 newly elected women and the 10 Senators not up for reelection, amounting to a record-breaking total of 113 congresswomen.

Additionally, in the recent midterm, there was a 75% increase in women of color running for Congress, with 40 elected so far.

Ayanna Pressley, the first black woman to represent Massachusetts in the House, ran unopposed after defeating fellow Democrat Mike Capuano in the primary.

Meanwhile, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez of New York is the youngest women ever to be elected into congress. Kansas’s Sharice Davids is the first Native American and the first lesbian woman elected into congress. The first-ever Muslim congresswomen also made history: Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar and Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib.

Flooded with Problems: Puerto Rico

By Priscilla Kim Staff Writer Last year, Hurricane Maria, the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years, demolished thousands of lives and produced effects that are still faced by the people today. In the immediate wake of the storm, citizens suffered destroyed homes, power outages, and heavy flooding, adding to the financial and emotional devastation of families.

Despite these severe effects, the government did not provide an accurate death toll. While several reputed studies estimated the total body count to be 2,975, the government released a body count of 64. The lack of national coverage on these casualties is concerning, as releasing correct statistics on the hurricane’s after-effects play a key role in public awareness and federal attention.

Some Puerto Ricans did receive assistance from utility companies who sent crews and equipment; however, many of these companies received excessive payments from the towns they were helping out. Due to a prolonged recession, towns were eager to collect taxes whenever possible, and a nonprofit director explains this is mainly an issue of understanding economic, legal, and cultural differences.

Large disparities in relief given to U.S. states versus that given to the U.S. territories are clear. A FEMA report showed that nine days after the storms, Texas and Florida received twice as much water and four times the food and tarps as Puerto Rico. Like other states in our union, Puerto Ricans have been loyal to America, dying in American wars and paying U.S. taxes. The fact that they contributed so much, yet lack representation in Congress and have unequal voting rights, means that even if they are not granted statehood, they should at least be given fair and equal treatment and resources.

Hopefully, as the people of Puerto Rico continue to receive help and recover, communication improves alongside the recovery of communities.

Two hundred and seventy-two of the nine hundred and sixty-four candidates running this year are women, with 216 being women of color—some of whom have moving stories.

Jahana Hayes, the first black woman elected to represent Connecticut, grew up in housing projects in Connecticut alongside a mother struggling with drug addiction. Hayes then got pregnant at 17 and almost dropped out of school before deciding to enroll in community college for her child, eventually earning her bachelor’s and now fighting to fortify public education.

Various other minorities are also making strides like Young Kim, Congress’s first Korean-American woman, and Veronica Escobar, the first Hispanic woman to represent Texas.

To see more on the historic midterm elections, use the QR code below:

Five Thirty Eight

The Unfortunate Truth of

Historic Midterms

Justice Awareness December 2018

Page 13

The Caravan of Lost Hope

By Joanne Park Justice Editor For the past few months, over 5,000 Central American migrants seeking asylum have traveled via caravan towards the United States. The migrants, mostly from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, have become a central part of the ongoing immigration debate. Currently in Tijuana, Mexico, the caravan has inched closer toward the US-Mexico border, inevitably spurring tensions between the migrants and US Customs and Border Protection.

After four Border Patrol agents were hit by rocks and other projectiles, dozens of tear gas grenades were fired into a crowd of migrants that included women and children. Grenades and tear gas were used in an effort to keep the crowd from rioting, and to disincentivize them from attempting to enter through the border.

Along with these, several metal barriers were put on the roads and sidewalks to drive back the migrants.

Maria Meza, a 39-year-old woman from Honduras,

was one of the individuals in the crowd. A single mother with five children, Meza told Buzzfeed “I thought my kids were going to die with me because of the gas we inhaled.” Although Meza and her children did not participate in the riots, they, along with many other migrants, were caught in the crossfire.

While no migrants were killed in the ensuing riots, the use of tear gas at the riots has been a source of contention in the media. The use of tear gas has been banned by a number of different countries as it can cause physical injury, disability, or even death, especially for children. However, in the United States, tear gas is permitted for domestic law enforcement, which makes the Border Patrol agents’ actions legal.

Following the incident, both Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and President Donald Trump defended the border agents, describing their actions as “self-defense.” However, Mexico’s foreign ministry has sent the US government a concerned letter calling for a full investigation.

By Joanne Park and Sophia Kaltsas Justice Editors

crackdown by former fellow Supervisor Dan White.

Twelve dead in Thousand Oaks

By Surabhi Bhupathi, Akhilesh Balasingam, Sophia Kaltsas, and Jennifer Prince Justice Editors The large, suburban town of Thousand Oaks, California, located just north of Los Angeles, was devastated by the senseless massacre of 12 people at the Borderline Bar and Grill on November 7. Victims included Sgt. Ron Helus, a local father and sheriff, and Justin Meek, a caretaker for children with special needs.

Events like these are motivating the local community of 129,000 to actively seek gun reform: “I don’t want prayers. I don’t want thoughts. I want gun control,” said Susan Orfanos, mother of the slain Telemachus Orfanos.

Gun reform is largely favored in California, where mass murders and a high homicide rate have struck a chord with the largely Democratic population. Despite the already extensive gun restrictions that exist in California, many loopholes remain— one of which was exploited by Ian David Long, the shooter. The high-capacity magazine Long used was lawfully purchased.

California Proposition 63, passed in Residents pray for gun violence victims.

2016, prohibits the purchase and ownership of large-capacity magazines. But a suit filed by the California Rifle and Pistol Association challenged the constitutionality of the law and stalled its enactment. Until the California courts rule in favor of the ban of such accessories, these magazines will continue to be legal.

Anti-gun sentiments also spilled into the recent midterms. An NBC News Exit Poll reported that 60 percent of voters, 42 percent of which are gun owners, support stricter controls.

#MeToo India

By Hannah Chang and Katie Anstett Staff Writers

In 2006, activist Tarana Burke started the #MeToo Movement as a way for those who have been sexually assaulted, harassed, and raped to show solidarity for each other. This movement began with actresses such as Rose McGowan and Ashley Judd coming out with allegations against Harvey Weinstein, the now notorious movie producer, prompting the #MeToo movement to pick up speed throughout the US and even in other countries.

Most recently, the spotlight has shifted to India, where several prominent figures have been accused of sexual misconduct. Vikas Bahl, a well-known Bollywood producer and director, was found to have sexually assaulted a female crew member during the tour of his 2015 movie, Bombay Velvet.

The crew member first came forward in late 2015 but no action was taken until this past year, sparking even more support in India for the #MeToo Movement. The movement has reached a federal level, with India’s junior external affairs minister M.J. Akbar resigning in October due to allegations of sexual abuse from 20 women.

While most attention has focused on influential figures, the majority of sexual violence happens in rural areas, where a large percentage of citizens live. However, most of these incidents go unreported. For example, in 1992, Bhanwari Devi, a mother of three, was gang raped by five men who were leaders of her village. She was raped because she protested child marriage, an continuing tradition in her village. Devi attempted to report her rape to the authorities, but in state courts, her attackers were found innocent, with the judge stating that upper caste men would likely not rape a lower caste woman. Still, this case led to the creation of India’s first workplace sexual harassment guidelines, solidifying Devi’s place as the mother of India’s #MeToo Movement.

With such famous Indian figures being involved in the #MeToo Movement, the issue of sexual harassment and assault towards women in India is now being addressed.

SPORTS

Women’s Basketball: Secrets to Success

By Kayla Mulji & Kaavya Narayan Staff Writers Perhaps it’s their quick handles, their unlimited range, or their star-studded roster. Whatever the reason, Mitty’s Women’s Basketball team is ready to jump into the season as the #1 team in the nation.

But there is far more to their success than what we see on the court. What makes this team so exceptional?

Before their games, you can find them jamming out to their favorite pregame playlists including hits like “Love” by Keyshia Cole or “My Boo” by Usher. And don’t forget “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai! Senior Charlize Andaya says it is one of their personal favorite pre-game jams which gets everyone up on their feet and ready to play. Singing together does not just happen before home games. In fact, if you were to travel with them to any of their away games, you can be sure they are singing the whole way.

Not only does Senior Haley Jones have moves on the court, but her teammates all agree that she has the best dance moves in the locker room, as well. Their exceptional plays and unparalleled moves on the court are, in part, a direct result of the unbreakable bond they share.

Along with the laughter and camaraderie comes times of discipline and hard work. Sophomore Marley Langi notes, “Coach Phillips constantly emphasizes the ‘next play mentality.’ When you make a mistake, don’t dwell upon it, because it doesn’t matter. What matters is what you do after and how you can better yourself”.

They practice this “next play mentality” with fast-paced drills and intense conditioning. A few weeks ago, Mitty’s own Athletic Director, Mr. Brian Eagleson, led a program wide beach workout for men’s and women’s basketball.

Sophomore Hunter Hernandez says, “The hardest drill was

Senior Haley Jones drives to the hoop. probably having to carry each other as we ran in the sand.”

The workouts not only helped the team get stronger before their season, but also allowed them to develop stronger bonds as a team. They learned how to carry each other through adversity both literally and figuratively.

Workouts like these, and preseason training with strength

Profile: Athletic Training Staff

By Brianna Meng Staff Writer Whether it is the daily practices, the intense games, or the Friday Night Lights, Mitty’s athletes have put their noses to the grindstone with the determination to never stop competing. But who ensures these athlete’s health and safety stay at the highest level to help them reach their full potential?

Here on campus, our two athletic trainers, Mr. Scott Zimmerman and Ms. Chelsea Blom, work diligently and tirelessly in evaluating and diagnosing athletes’ injuries, helping athletes prevent potential injuries, walking athletes through rehabilitation treatment, and making sure that athletes are in the proper condition to compete.

Mr. Zimmerman has been working as an athletic trainer at Mitty for 11 years now, and the discipline and skills he possesses are displayed through the work that he does for our athletes. Ms. Blom is our new athletic trainer who works just as relentlessly, and has devoted her second year as an athletic trainer to Mitty’s program.

Asked what is different from Mitty and the places she’s worked before, Ms. Blom states that, “Mitty is a private school who has had an athletic training program for many years now, so the amount of resources that Mitty provides and has access to is great and allows me to do my job better and more efficiently.”

Mr. Zimmerman has long been more than a trainer. He has served as a friend and mentor to many of the athletes he has served. He forges bonds with these athletes through the time they spend in his office, and no one related to Mitty athletics has ever had a bad thing to say about this hardworking man. From walking the numerous teams through the long concussion test, to explaining what to do with the heart defibrillator, to getting ice on a day to day basis, Scott never misses a beat. Scott Zimmerman and the rest of the athletic training staff are the unsung heroes behind much of Mitty’s athletic successes.

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coach, Coach Brett Nichols, means these basketball players are always working, growing their game, and getting stronger.

Coach Nichols, who the team refers to as “Brick,” says “Strength performance is the foundation of every team. The ladies continue to develop camaraderie and leadership from working on their performance together week in and week out.”

One of the main things Coach Nichols emphasizes to the team is to not mistake effort for results. He says, “One of the things that separates our team from the others is the buy-in from the girls. They are continuously trying to get better each week and compete.”

Another thing that separates this program is the dedication of the coaches. Coach Nichols has been around a lot of coaches from professional sports to high school, and he says that Coach Phillips is, simply put, the best coach that he’s ever been around.

Although the team trains hard and prepares, they still are quite superstitious. Before their home games, the team always makes its grand entrance as they run into and around the gym as the music plays. They also make sure they are standing in their specific order as they enter the gym before games. Traditions like these help solidify the importance of their team values.

As they get ready to begin their regular season without last year’s talented senior class—Nicole Blakes, Krissy Miyahara, and Penn State guard Karisma Ortiz—they are working hard to defend their national title.

Ultimately, the drills they do in practice and the sets they do in the weight room make this team exactly what you see on the court—the number one team in the nation.

But their traditions, their committed and dedicated attitude, and their love for each other as a team, make this team who they are: the Archbishop Mitty Women’s Basketball team.

Wrestling: What Makes It Tough?

By Dylan Zhai Staff Writer

Junior Matt Torregroza locks in.

“The anxiety of being face to face with someone who is possibly much more experienced and skillful than me” —Junior Douglas Nolin “The endurance factor. It is not just physicality but also one’s mental strength to fight each match and to continue to do this day after day throughout the season” —Senior Ryan Smith

Essential Games Men’s Water Polo (3-11)

Won CCS Championship with 9-7 win vs. Willow Glen.

Women’s Water Polo

Capped season with a semifinal loss, 7-4 vs. Mountain View.

Men’s Cross Country

Took 2nd at CCS Meet. Qualified for State Finals.

Field Hockey (12-4-2)

Scott Zimmerman at work

Lost in a tight CCS Semifinal match, 1-0 vs. Cupertino.

Sports • December 2018

Page 15

Men’s Basketball: Mental Edge

Women’s Soccer: Penne For Your Thoughts

By Kyle NguyenNgo Staff Writer

By Jackson Walker Section Editor

Junior Devan Sapp with the jumper Looking at past Men’s Basketball seasons, the efficient shooting, relentless defense, and offseason grind are behind the success the Monarchs have found on the court. But, that only tells half of the story, as the mental aspect of basketball often goes unheralded when discussing why some players and teams flourish in such a physical game.

Maintaining good basketball IQ and awareness is one mental intangible that often goes unnoticed. This goes hand-in-hand with something the Monarch players excel at: being coachable and having the desire to improve.

Another facet of the game is having the mental toughness to be able to bounce back after a bad shot or poor decision. Short term memory within the game is an important tool for any athlete playing at a high level. Instead of getting bogged down over a decision you wish you could have back, elite players have the ability to simply get right into their groove again.

Senior Timon Sun says, “We strive to be mentally tough and competitive in everything we do—competing to win in all the little things, even the things that may go unnoticed by others like diving for a loose ball.”

Make no mistake, a player should learn from his mistakes, but a good player won’t get caught up in his missteps. Keeping focused through all the crowd noise and trash talk is a skill that can define a player’s results.

This element of mental toughness can rub off onto teammates. This unwavering focus is the result of a player recognizing that the only thing he can control isn’t the fans or the opponents, but rather himself.

After a massive 84-22 victory against Westmont in the CCS Sportsmanship Game, the Monarchs look ahead to a season in which not just their physical prowess, but their mental toughness, will make a difference.

Senior Shannon Coyle celebrates with her team.

The history of the Women’s Soccer program is impressive. They’ve won 15 total CCS championships, and in the last 8 years, the team has secured 7 WCAL titles. How do they do it?

Pasta. Yes, pasta.

The night before every game, the team gathers either at Mitty or at someone’s house to prepare themselves for the rigors of the next day. They share a meal of pasta, salad, and the occasional dessert together. The tradition has a twofold purpose: it’s not just a great meal before the game; it’s a continual opportunity to get closer with one another. Jokes, memories, and camaraderie are ever present, truly encompassing the team’s intimacy and tight-knit bonds. These nights are full of excitement and enjoyment for the players because they genuinely appreciate each other’s company.

Senior Shannon Coyle says, “I think something really special about our team is that we spend extra time together because we want to, not just because we have to.”

This will to be with one another goes beyond the spaghetti and lasagna. It extends to the field through the team’s dominant chemistry. On the pitch, the group uses these relationships to function as a single unit. Everyone knows their role, and they are able to combat practically anything or anyone thrown their way. Through all of this, the Women’s Soccer program demonstrates bonds like no other, truly viewing themselves as more than just a team.

In the words of senior Kaitlyn Meyer, committed to Concordia University next year, “It’s eating dinner with your second family—we’re all joking and laughing”.

For other members of the team, the pasta nights symbolize the pure joy of their team. In a season of many rigors, challenges, and struggles, these dinners epitomize the spirit and enthusiasm the team maintains all year long. Friendship, passion, and devotion permeate this program.

The treasured pasta feeds are a great representation of the team’s strong relationships, especially as this star-studded group works to make yet another run for the WCAL title. In a year of big expectations, these nights are one powerful example of how close and motivated these Monarchs are for a season of success.

College Commits

Senior Jason Vaz advances the ball.

Men’s Soccer: Socc-It-To-Em

By Rishi Nair Section Editor Mitty develops top-level athletes and gets them prepared to compete at the highest level of play. This is apparent in the Men’s Soccer team.

The team features an astounding number of seniors, eleven to be exact. Most of this group has been together since the start of high school and has progressed through both the freshman and JV teams to culminate in a season marked with an full complement of senior talent.

The team retains offensive firepower in Owen Byrnes and Oscar Toulet, and also maintains a staunch defense with the key pieces of Matt Urata-Espinosa, Andre Thurman, and Parker McNair.

The 1-0 win against Bellarmine marked by a scintillating last-minute goal from Toulet is still fresh in the team’s mind. As the season approaches, they strive to recreate another dominant and successful title run fueled by senior will power and leadership.

Hannah Edwards (Softball) Santa Clara University Cianna Elmazaj (Soccer) Santa Clara University Haley Jones (Basketball) Stanford Camille Lafaix (Soccer) Cal Poly SLO Kaitlyn Matherly (Softball) Concordia University Madelyn Salonga (Softball) Dominican University Sophia Sebastian (Swimming) UC Davis Danielle Yau (Field Hockey) UC Davis Joseph Yorke (Baseball) Boise State University

Page 18

December 2018 • Photography

7 Travel Photography Tips:

By Bansi Patel and Grace Chung Photography Editors

Whether it’s a short road trip over winter break or an adventure on another continent, vacations are an amazing opportunity to experiment with photography. As travel photographers, we strive to preserve memories by capturing the ambience and character of each unique location. Here are some tips to help you become a successful travel photographer.

PREPARE YOUR GEAR. You’ll need different lenses based on the kind of photography you wish to pursue on your trip. Street photography in the city, for example, should be taken with a wide-aperture prime lens, and photos of monuments should be taken with a wide-angle lens. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera backpack, a mini tripod, and extra SD cards and batteries. If you want to use your phone camera, bring a set of mini external lenses to cater to a variety of subjects on your trip.

Research your destination. Before you depart for your vacation, spend some time learning about the culture and sites in the area. We recommend creating a custom Google Map of your top locations, which you can even use to navigate offline. In order to be really prepared, create an itinerary before you leave.

Back up your photos periodically.

If you’re using a camera with an SD card, try and backup your photos to a computer every couple of days.

There’s nothing worse than losing all your photos due to a broken or lost camera. Aside from keeping your photos secure, backing up your photos also lets you save more storage on your camera. Luckily, most Nikon cameras, allow people to wirelessly transfer photos to mobile devices.

Other photographers often use Google Photos to effortlessly back up their pictures.

Capture sensations through your photos.

When you arrive at a new location, what do you first notice about it? Whether it’s the people’s style of dress, the smell of fresh food, or the honking of cars on a busy street, try to capture the rhythm of life through your photos. Travel photography is all about creatively interpreting your impressions through your lens.

CLOSE-UP

The photo below is an example of how to use low-angle composition to get a unique shot. This was shot on a Sony a6000 at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Settings: F/11 1/16 ISO100 Photo by Bansi Patel

Robert Knight Robert Salisbury Knight, a travel photographer known for his nature photography, provides his audience with a new way to perceive wildlife. After graduating from college, Knight embarked on a five-year journey to every continent, photographing the fauna and flora of those locations. He wrote four books about his travels, intertwining commentary with art. Since concluding his world tour, he has settled in Carmel, California, displaying the images in his personal gallery.

Knight’s photographic style has been described as “dreamlike, meditative, and transcendental,” focusing on capturing the stories of individual ani-

CLOSE-UP

This image was taken in Reno using a Nikon D750 and 20 mm f/1.8 wide-angle lens. The wide angle was used to capture a broad range of the both the crowd and the night sky at Lanternfest.

Settings : F/1.8 20.0 mm Photo by Grace Chung Wander away from tourist destinations.

Famous destinations can make for basic travel photos, but the most creative ones come from getting away from the crowd. Rather than following tourists, follow the locals to capture an authentic view of life in the area; try visiting less popular streets, alleys, and local shops. Keep your eye out for the serendipitous moments tourist sites don’t have.

Go out early or stay out late to beat the crowds. If you’re planning to go to a famous tourist monument, it’s best to go early or later in the day to avoid crowds of visitors and get a nice shot of the monument without people in the way. Photos are always best taken in “golden hour” light at dusk or dawn anyway; photography at noon often results in images with harsh lighting and shadows, compounded with the unpleasant busyness of tourists during popular hours.

Think outside the box.

Experiment with new compositional techniques–try both high and low angles, and include a contrasting foreground, midground, and background to give your images scale and a proper 3-dimensional feel. This will allow your viewer to feel as if they are truly at the destination.

CLOSE-UP

Remember to plan out which sites to visit before you go on vacation.Before going to Puerto Vallarta, for example, I researched which place had the best vista point and added it to my itinerary.This was shot on an iPhone 7 at Playa Mismaloyalarta in Jalisco, Mexico.

Settings: F/1.8 1/1520 ISO20 Photo by Abigail Mathew

By Alexa Richman Photo Section Editor.

Additional information contributed by Kelly Zybura, Staff Writer

mals’ lives and documenting the beautiful complexities of natural terrains. Although his focus is on nature, he avoids labelling his work as any single genre; rather, he

simply photographs all of the biodiversity he encounters on his travels, even using innovative macro and aerial techniques to showcase the natural world.

Knight’s work has been featured in various museums, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, and the National Museum of History in London.

He was even the “Wild Places” Winner of the 2007 Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his work in Antarctica.

Through his photography, Robert Knight has been able to introduce his audience to the unique landscapes and wildlife that reside in the most remote corners of the Earth.

December 2018 • Photography

Page 19

Your best photos:

Erica Cardozo

“I took this when my family and I visited Snoqualmie Falls in Seattle a few years ago.”

Travel

Deepa Marti

“Taken with a Canon Rebel T3i, this photo highlights the colorful architecture and people of Venice, Italy.”

Editor’s Choice: Anika Nguyen “I was fortunate enough to visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and it was even more astounding than I had seen in the Instagram photos. Beyond this photo, nearly every part of the temple is a photo-op waiting to happen.”

We chose this photo because of its creative use of composition. The angle of the photo allows viewers to experience the monument from the point of view of the photographer, and the bright blue sky effectively contrasts with the intricate, chalk-white embellishments of the temple. These techniques come together to produce a beautiful travel image.

Vedya Konda

“Taken at a village in Andhra Pradesh, India. These farmers showed me the value of hard work; they work tirelessly all day in the scorching heat.”

Sincerely, Your Editors:

Darren Scorsur

“While in Utah, I stared into the sunset as I sat on top of a high rock. This photo was taken with a wide lens and a wide aperture to let more light in.”

Abby••Alexa•• •• ••••and Grace

Page 20

F E AT U R E D P H OTO G RA P H ER : ERICA CARDOZO How did you start photography?

My interest in photography was initially kindled during my family’s vacations to Europe and Africa. After photographing landscapes and wildlife, I started taking portraits in my freshman year. At first, I took photos of my friends only, but I turned it into a real business with clients after a few months.

What gear do you use?

I use a Nikon D7000 camera body. I switch between my 50 mm lens and my 18-200 mm lens depending on what kind of shoot I am taking. For portraits, I prefer the 50 mm, and for travel, I use the 18-200 mm.

Where do you see your photography heading? Are there any new styles or subjects you want to explore?

I’m hoping to continue running it as a small business during high school and minor in photography or digital arts in college. After college, I want to make it an official business and do it part-time! I also hope to explore conceptual shoots–instead of just the basic styles, I want to create a look that’s different and unique to me.

Describe your photographic style in 3 words

Vibrant. Modern. Aesthetic.

Are there any photographers that inspire you?

I’m a huge fan of Alivia Latimer—she’s a portrait photographer from Oregon, and I love her landscape images from the Pacific Northwest. I also really love Sam Landreth—she’s a wedding and portrait photographer from Oregon, too. I love her wedding images because each of her engagement and wedding sets are so unique.

Favorite photography location?

My favorite location is the downtown parts of cities, especially San Francisco! One of my favorite spots is Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco; it has this gorgeous view of the urban life of SF. It also has a lot of greenery that make for a good backdrop for portraits.

Describe your most creative photoshoot

My most creative photoshoot will be happening soon. I’ve designed a shoot focused on Black Lives Matter, and I’m collaborating with a few models to make my ideas a reality. I’m really excited for it because it’s one of my first shoots where I designed the props all on my own. But out of the shoots I’ve already done, the most creative would be the projector shoot in which I projected various images onto my models. It has allowed me to explore the freedom to use a different range of backdrops rather than just the location I’m at. It was like an indoor studio shoot, which was a new style for me, but I really enjoyed it.

Discover more of Erica’s work at:

https://ericacardozophoto.wixsite.com/portfolio

December 2018 • Photography