Paw Prints Weekly | Volume 51 Issue 7

Learn more abour your amazing 2019 Mr. Wilson candiates!

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Student continues successfully in and out of the water.

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R&B star Khalid releases new album and tops the charts.

The student newspaper of Glen A. Wilson High School | Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Paw Prints Weekly Volume 51, Issue 7 | Monday, April 15, 2019 | pawprintsweekly.com

Class Dance kicks off with meeting for leaders

By HENRY HSIA STAFF WRITER

Associated Student Body (ASB) held a Class Dance Leader Information Meeting in G-5 on Apr. 10.

At the meeting, ASB announced the responsibilities of class dance leaders in preparing for Battle of the Classes (BOTC). Attendees from each class selected four students to become leaders.

According to ASB advisor Patricia Branconier-Habash, the meeting allowed students to display their dance abilities and leadership skills.

“The goal of the meeting was to allow individuals who were interested in representing their class [to step up to a leadership position],” Branconier-Habash said. “A [good class dance leader should be] an individual who can not only represent their class but [also possesses] dance knowledge, skill and material to be able to step forward as a leader.”

In addition, class dance leader junior Isabel Carmona believes she can contribute to her class by utilizing her dance experience.

“I wanted to participate in class dance because it is a good opportunity to show our school spirit and, as a member of the Dance [Company], I have an ability to contribute to our class points,” Carmona said. “We plan to add more advanced tricks, formations and visuals to [differentiate ourselves].”

Furthermore, class dance leader freshman Kiani Jimenez hopes this experience can prepare her for future dance events.

“My goal for this dance is not to win, [because] that should be something special for the upperclassmen,” Jimenez said.

“I [just] want to start off [high school] knowing [what awaits me] in the coming years.”

The BOTC rally will be held on May 3.

SERVICE SAVES THE DAY - After a day filled with spirit battles and workshops, members of KIWIN’S gather round for a picture at the Woodland Hills Marriott to show off their superhero-themed attire before attending the next event.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY/RONALD LU

KIWIN’S attends District Convention

By CAROL LI ONLINE EDITOR

KIWIN’S attended the 43rd annual District Convention (DCON) with the theme of “Service Saves the Day” at Woodland Hills Marriott from Apr. 5 to 7.

Members from nine neighboring divisions attended the convention, which featured workshops, spirit battles and talent shows, along with a retire and induction of the California-

Nevada-Hawaii district board.

KIWIN’S received the Early Board Award and first place at the talent show, and sophomore Emma Chang received the award of Distinguished Appointed Board Officer.

According to executive assistant sophomore Sally Pan, DCON provided an opportunity to garner attention toward the partnering KIWIN’S charity.

“Through the club, members are able to interact and become aware of the charity that we are donating to this year, which is

Pediatric Trauma Program,” Pan said. “At DCON, there are small competitions for fundraising for each division, making it a great way to get members involved.”

In addition, president junior Kristin Sung believes DCON gave attendees a greater insight to KIWIN’S. “I was able to learn so much more about this organization as a whole through the multiple workshops that were held, and I am glad that first-year members are able to have exposure to the different aspects of KIWIN’S,”

Sung said.

Ultimately, member freshman Serena Yang had a positive experience at her first DCON. “It was an eye-opening experience to meet people all over California who are passionate about KIWIN’S,” Yang said. “I enjoyed making leis at workshops, and it was especially memorable to perform in the DCON talent show, where members dressed as superheroes [in accordance] to the theme.”

KIWIN’S will be having its end-of-the-year banquet in May.

Dance performs one last time at show

By BELINDA KUO STAFF WRITER

Dance Company held its annual Spring Show, entitled “Brand New,” in the gym on Apr. 10.

Varsity Dance and All Male showcased their competition and rally routines as well as pieces specially choreographed for the show. The range of styles included contemporary, lyrical, jazz and hip-hop. Dance also welcomed guest performances from The Little Dance World.

According to historian senior Melody Yang, Spring Show is one of the grandest events for Dance throughout the year.

“Spring Show is essentially Senior Night. The seniors announce their plans for the future, and it is the seniors’ last chance to say goodbye,” Yang said. “I think Spring Show is a great way to end the season, because it allows us to show people what we have accomplished throughout the year.”

However, All Male member junior Labaco believes that

individual improvements can be made to Spring Show.

“The show itself ran smoothly, [but] I know myself and some others had difficulty retaining choreography, especially from our Back to School Rally,” Labaco said.

“We did not practice at all over spring break, [and] I know the student choreographers felt like they did not have enough time to practice their numbers.”

In addition, Varsity Dance member freshman Kiani Jimenez ref lects on her Spring Show experience.

“My favorite part of Spring Show was definitely the finale.

Even though it was bittersweet, I truly enjoyed every moment,” Jimenez said. “I think that it was the perfect way to end the season. Even though I am going to miss the seniors, I know that they set a perfect example for me and other underclassmen to follow. Considering this is my first time experiencing Spring Show, I [feel] so excited for my next three years on the dance team.”

Dance will be having its endof-the-year banquet on Apr. 20.

2 EDITORIAL

Paw Prints Weekly

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 2015

EDITORIAL

Trump: a presidential era for better or worse?

M

ake America great again!” How ironic.

Since winning the 2016 election, President Donald Trump has done considerably more to change the nation than any other president of America. The difference?

They are not good changes.

There has been a conf lation of issues surrounding his controversial presidency—the hacking and leaking of illegally obtained information versus propaganda and disinformation; cyber-security issues, the hacking of election systems, information operations and warfare; paid advertising via coercive message or psychological operations—especially when it comes to discussing the “Russian meddling” of the 2016 US presidential elections.

Yet, despite these largely questionable accusations resurfacing time and time again, with each mention backed up with more facts than before, the federal court has still rested on this suspicious decision: “There is no evidence that Russian efforts changed any votes!”

The truth is undeniable. Ever since the explosion of information on the 37-page indictment issued by American lawyer and government official Robert Mueller last year on Russia’s Internet Research Agency and leadership, any attempt to claim that the 2016 presidential election was not affected by Russian meddling is absolutely laughable.

The Russian efforts described in the indictment focused on establishing long-term identities for individuals and groups within specific communities. There have been processes involving the masking citizens

involved in the election, suggesting a deception designed to make it appear that the activities involving the 2016 election were being carried out by Americans.

Additionally, the indictment mentions the Russians meddling involving to create an information environment and narrative vehicle designed to achieve goals of subversion and activation, to amplify and promote a certain someone in the election through a variety of means.

Mueller’s indictment showed that Russian accounts and agents accomplished more than just changing the views of their audience—they created content such as video, visual, memetic, and text elements to push conspiracies and character attacks—to further harden their views on what is right and wrong.

Although it may be extremely difficult to change a person’s view or even behavior based solely on one advertisement, consistent exposure over a period of time has a complex impact on a person’s cognitive environment.

Ultimately, Mueller’s indictment hits some strong points in his investigation against the collaboration--but is nothing compared to the report he finally delivered to attorney general Bill Barr on March 22.

Although the Mueller report on the case shows no proof t h a t he ever conspired with Russia t o tip the scale in h i s

direction during the election, Mueller declares that the report definitely does not exonerate him from the issue.

Among those who had been criminally charged are Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort; longtime expolitical adviser Roger Stone, former personal lawyer Michael Cohen; and numerous Russian nationals. There have been numerous guilty pleas and convictions-- but none of the charges have directly accused Trump or anyone in his orbit of conspiring with Russians, despite their complete involvement with the corruption.

Additionally, Mueller issued more than 2,800 subpoenas, executed almost 500 search warrants, obtained more than 230 orders for communication records, issued almost 50 orders authorizing use of pen registers (which detail to whom and when someone made calls and from where), made requests of 13 foreign governments for evidence, and interviewed approximately 500 witnesses, all efforts

of which

b l a t a n t l y supported the report.

If that is

not

evidence of suspicious activities, Trump even submitted w r i t t e n responses to his questions in November, lacking detailed responses, avoiding direct questions and refusing an interview because he was afraid it would be a “perjury trap”.

Addition to skeptical actions of the President, a background check on Mueller’s position makes the case seem

just a little more s u s p i c i o u s .

Mueller was appointed special counsel on May 17, 2017, just eight days after Trump fired former FBI director James Comey had been leading the investigation into Russian meddling and any possible Trump campaign involvement. Suspicious, isn’t it?

Moreover, the President initially said he had removed Comey at the urging of Rosenstein and thenAttorney General Jeff Sessions, but he later told NBC “Nightly News” anchor Lestor Holt that it was his decision, citing “his frustration with the Russia probe”. This subtly hints at the fear of Trump’s involvement with secret organizations.

Despite the bold statement said from Mueller that “while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him,” [Emphasis added] this of course does not stop Trump from claiming he had “complete and total EXONER ATION” even though the report clearly stated the opposite. As American journalist Ben Wittes noted, “The failure to indict is not a finding of innocence.”

Furthermore, a new poll from The Washington Post and the Schar School asked voters if they would support the effort to impeach the pr e s id e nt and remove him from office?

Six-in-ten Americans said yes.

Nearly twothirds of respondents said they would— including a third of Republicans.

The question is dependent on what Mueller finds—yet it is not clear that the public will learn everything that Mueller concludes when his investigation is still incomplete.

It should be alarming to Trump that more than a third of his own party believe that obstruction is an impeachable offense. Now that the report is out, it is once again, only up to Congress and the American public to change what they want. Democracy is going to have to save itself.

Relying on semantic distinctions to eliminate a chance for impeachment stemming from evidence of interfering with an investigation is not a strong

position for a president, especially ART/TIFFANY CHAN

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

Paw Prints Weekly

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

Paw Prints Weekly

Behind the curtains of college applications It’s been four years of studying hard, pulling all-nighters and getting involved in extracurriculars. Only at the culmination of all this, you receive the devastating words, “With genuine regret.”

Amidst today’s hypercompetitive college admissions process, students use whatever means possible to gain a leg up on their peers. In fact, privileged students pay for advanced tutoring, college counselors, and even donate buildings to the university.

Yet, despite the advantages they can already afford, such privileged families were still involved in one of the most high-profile corruption scandals involving direct bribery of college officials in the nation.

Dubbed Operation Varsity Blues, the scandal involved William “Rick” Singer collaborating with dozens of wealthy parents to illegally manipulate the college admissions process. The two main fraudulent techniques that Singer employed were cheating on college entrance exams and bribing college officials. Singer’s operation was disguised under his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Key Worldwide Foundation.

As a result, the famous parents’ “donations” to the deceitful company were not taxed by the federal government and deducted from their own taxes. With the revelation of this longrunning scandal, many are wondering how many qualified students were denied admission as a result of this scandal.

Objectively, universities have very limited spots in their freshmen classes. In the fall of 2016, Stanford University admitted 2114 students into its freshman class. 2210 freshmen were admitted in 2017.

2040 freshmen were admitted in 2018. Most universities do not change their class size from year to year, so one fraudulent admission ultimately denies a spot to a legitimate admission. This problem is further amplified in prestigious institutions, including the universities involved in Operation Varsity Blues, all of which rarely have class sizes exceeding 3000.

The requirements for entrance to prestigious universities has increased dramatically within the last few decades. Applicants are expected to maintain near-perfect grade point averages, score in the top percentile on standardized tests, hold leadership positions within

extracurricular activities, and still somehow differentiate themselves from tens of thousands of other qualified applicants who have also spent all four years of high school preparing their applications.

The fraudulent admissions orchestrated by Singer undermine the effort of tens of thousands students across the world, at a time where college admissions to top universities are already looked at with uncertainty. The various methods Singer employed in his operation only highlight the existing problems with our modern college admissions system.

The first method Singer used to secure his clients admission was cheating on standardized tests.

Throughout the history of the SAT, studies have always shown a strong correlation between high scores and wealth. More affluent families can afford proper preparation materials, expensive tutors and other advantages.

The SAT and other standardized tests

were originally designed for this as well, intending to separate well-off students from the crowd without violating federal laws. Yet as the years progressed, an increased number of students, including those from low income backgrounds, are able to score high and the SAT became an actual measure for college preparedness.

Despite recent progressive changes to the SAT however, the SAT is still highly correlated with income and parental education levels according to the Washington Post.

For example, a student with a parent finishing a graduate degree scores on average 300 points higher on the SAT than a student with a parent finishing only a high school diploma.

The continued practice of standardized testing representing wealth and privilege rather than actual college preparedness calls the validity of the American dream into question.

How can studious students expect to escape from poverty when they do not have access to resources and tutors? How can students overcome a tumultuous background when they are heavily influenced by their environment? I am not saying that it is impossible for low-income, firstgeneration students to succeed in the college admissions process, but one does have to admit it is significantly harder.

And again, the classic American dream so often championed by the media, coming from rags to riches, falls apart upon deeper inspection.

The discovery of Operation Varsity Blues only reinforces this suspicion.

If a student from a rich parent truly cannot obtain a sufficient score on the SAT, Singer tells us the student can literally just use bribe his way to a desirable score. And the methods Singer employed to achieve this are truly despicable.

Singer took advantage of the accommodations afforded to

students with disabilities to cheat on the SAT. According to Singer, he would pay $4000 to $5000 to psychologists to falsify medical records, allowing his clients special accommodations such as extra time. Taking advantage of privileges intended to even the playing field for children with learning disabilities is truly reprehensible. However, Singer is not alone in this scheme.

According to National Public Radio (NPR), there is a massive discrepancy between students in wealthy and poor neighborhoods when it comes to these learning disabilities. Students coming from wealthy school districts account for 10 to 15 times more accommodations than their less fortunate peers. This calls into question the actual validity of students receiving the accommodations, and further illustrates the discrepancy in resources when comparing different

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socioeconomic backgrounds.

Regardless, after this college admissions scandal has come to light, it will be more difficult for students actually requiring the accommodations to receive them.

Additionally, Singer bribed coaches in the targeted university, often paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure acceptance into prestigious universities. Coaches in the University of Southern California (USC), the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Yale University, and Georgia Tech, along with famous celebrities like Lori Loughlin all participated in these under-the-table dealings. Coaches for these colleges can only submit a small number of names for increased favorability in college admissions, so this scandal most certainly denies spots from qualified, hard-working athletes.

Perhaps the most aggravating aspect in this incident is the indifference of the primary beneficiaries in this scandal. Olivia Jade, the daughter of Lori Loughlin, has commented multiple times on her apathy toward school. She mentions in her YouTube vlogs that she probably was not going to try at USC, and that the majority of her time in the university will be in the party scene.

Jade was born in a well-off position in society and most likely did not need to attend university to succeed.

She already had a very successful social media presence before her acceptance to USC. The fact that she would deny another more qualified student a spot at USC and not even try in the university is truly aggravating.

All in all, this notorious college admissions scandal is absolutely reprehensible. Singer and his associated denied spots from more qualified students across the world, and undermined the integrity of the entire college admissions process.

However, this incident only highlights the already unfair college admissions process. Low-income students struggle on the SAT and are not even aware of the accommodations provided to them. It is time to advocate for students across the country, and truly call out the problems with college admissions in the United States. The concept of the American dream might truly be a dream after all.

ART/ESTELLE ZHOU

Volume 51 | Issue 07 Glen A. Wilson High School 16455 E. Wedgeworth Drive Hacienda Heights, CA 91745 www.pawprintsweekly.com Facebook @pawprintsweekly Instagram @glenawilsonppw Twitter @glenawilsonppw ADVISER Pilar Robles EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Charley Jackson Melanie Wu

EDITORS NEWS Justin Yeh EDITORIAL Michelle Huang FEATURES Sarah Chun ENTERTAINMENT Charley Jackson Charis Qi PERSPECTIVES Vincent Cortes Jenibelle Hsu SPORTS Melanie Wu Emma Chang VISUALS Christopher Chan ONLINE Carol Li

STAFF Annmarie Li Candice Lee Belinda Kuo Colleen Gapuzan Adrian Hernandez Estelle Zhou Sidney Wong Simone Yu Henry Hsia Kayte Chien Alex Castro Tiffany Chan Rani Chor

An open forum, Paw Prints Weekly, encourages the written opinion of its readers in the form of signed letters to the editor or longer commentaries on topical subjects.

While we recognize the individuality of all forms of expression we reserve the right to edit and censor that which we feel necessary in accordance with California Education Code 48907 and standards of good taste.

All communications must be signed and submitted to room C-9 or emailed directly to editor@pawprintsweekly. com It should also be understood that the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of individual Paw Prints Weekly staff members or the policy of Glen A. Wilson High School.

4 FEATURE

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

Introducing your 2019 ALEX ARTEAGA What is one thing you will miss and one thing you will not miss about high school?

“All the support from teachers and all the friends I have here. I will not miss waiting in lunch lines.”

Who is your biggest inspiration?

“My dad. Growing up, he had a difficult life and he had to work hard to support his family. I will always have the utmost respect for him.”

What is your favorite genre of music?

“I like all sorts of music, but if I had to pick one it would be pop or soul.”

ISAAC FEI What is an important lesson you have learned in your four years of high school?

“An important lesson I have learned in my four years of high school is knowing how to manage my time between having fun and doing my work.”

What is your favorite genre of music/favorite artist?

“My favorite genre of music is mainly hiphop and my favorite artists are Lil Uzi Vert, Nav, and Travis Scott.”

What do you order for In-N-Out? “I order a double-double with animal style fries and iced tea.”

KYLE HUANG What does this organization mean to you?

“ASB was my choice, and it means people coming together, showing what school spirit is all about.”

If you won a million dollars, how would you use it?

“I would buy a house and invest.”

What is your favorite high school memory?

“Probably this year when basketball went pretty deep into CIF. It happened pretty recently and it was the most exciting event that we have ever had.”

JONATHAN SOLOMAN Why did you decide to represent Track and Field?

“Track and Field is one of the sports I have been most dedicated to, and it always allows me to meet new people from different schools who enjoy the sport.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?

“I might want to be a Spanish teacher or something like that. I would [also] like to be able to coach track and field or maybe cross country at a high school.”

JACOB CANDELARIO What is an important lesson you’ve learned in your four years of high school?

“There are always fake people in the world trying to stand out, but the real people are the ones who stand out the most.”

How does it feel to represent Drama and what does it mean to you?

“I love drama with all my heart. I think you act so much like a fake character in class that it feels good to be yourself afterward.”

What is your favorite genre of music/ favorite artist?

“Hip-hop is by far the best. [I appreciate] the story and message behind lyrics.”

BENJAMIN GARZA What is one thing you will miss and one thing you will not miss about high school?

“I will miss seeing all my friends every day, but I will not miss having to wake up early for class.”

What is your favorite genre of music/favorite artist?

“My favorite genre is probably hip-hop and my favorite artist being Kendrick Lamar.”

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your freshman self?

“I would tell myself to change my schedule [and prioritize].”

Who would you like to give a shoutout to?

“My family and friends for always being there to support me.”

JAKE LUO What made you interested in fashion?

“There are a lot of influencers like Kanye West, and I admire how they can put simple things together and make it look so incredible. Plus fashion is a way to express myself because people look at your outfit before they even get to know you so it makes up my first impression.”

What used to be considered trashy but now is very classy?

“People have been bringing back fanny packs. Back then, Dwayne Johnson made it cool but then it died down and now it is cool again.”

ETHAN SYAIFULAH What is one thing you have learned in St. Jude that you will use for the rest of your life?

“The thing I learned from St. Jude is that teamwork will always make the dream work.”

If you were a pair of shoes, what type would you be?

“I would be Vans because I am really cheap and disposable.”

How would you describe yourself in a sentence?

“Think smarter not harder.”

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

Paw Prints Weekly

Mr. Wilson Candidates!

CRUZ CASILLAS Why did you decide to participate in Mr. Wilson?

“Peer pressure. I just thought why not?”

If you could take two other Mr. Wilson candidates with you to a deserted island, who would it be and why?

“I would take Ethan Syaifulah and Michael Tran. Ethan is my best friend and I have known Michael longer than any of my other friends.”

What does a perfect day look like to you?

“Hanging out with my friends, eating Wingstop, and driving around.”

JONATHAN HAN Which teacher or coach has made the biggest impact on you?

“Mrs. Udeshi has given my tips and skills to survive college and [life] in general.”

If you could take two other candidates with you onto a deserted island, who would it be and why?

“I would take Isaac and Kyle because we would still find a way to have fun on a deserted island.”

Who would you like to give a shoutout to?

“A shout out to Ryan Lien for being a real one <3.”

EZDRAS MERAZ-LERMA How are you involved in the school and debate?

“I am a section leader in band and secretary of the debate team. Debate has helped me with my public speaking. I feel debate is underrepresented and should be given more limelight.”

What is one thing you want to do before you die?

“Go to Italy. I learned Italian just because it sounded like a really cool language and I want to put that into practice. I have [learned to say] ‘Sto morendo di sonno,’ which means I am dying of weariness.”

MICHAEL TRAN What is your favorite spot on campus?

“The tennis courts.”

If you had to bury treasure where would you hide it?

“Probably just in my backyard because I am too lazy to go out.”

Why did you decide to run for Mr. Wilson?

“I saw my upperclassman friends doing it, so I thought it would be fun.”

How would you describe yourself?

“Lazy, but when I am in the right mindset I work really hard and get things done.

Laidback, because I am capable.”

FEATURE

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COMPILED BY SIDNEY WONG & RANI CHOR PHOTOS/PROWLER YEARBOOK

CHRISTOPHER CHAN Who is your biggest inspiration?

“My biggest inspiration is my coach Danny C. Vela.”

What is one thing you will and one thing you will not miss about high school?

“I will not miss the newly added gates surrounding the campus, but I will miss all the friends and experiences I have had in high school.”

If you could take two other Mr. Wilson candidates with you to a deserted island, who would it be and why?

“I would take Justin Yeh because he seems to have the ability to survive and Kyle Huang because he would bring the morale up.”

RYAN HOU How does it feel to be able to represent RWMA and what does it mean to you?

“It is really amazing to be representing what I love the most about this school. It means a lot to me to represent band, my friends and mostly, my teachers.”

What teacher or coach has made the most impact on you and why?

“Mr. Torres. He has been doing a great job as a director and even got us to champs in his first year. He is building [our band].”

What do you order from In-N-Out? “A double-double or three by three when I feel like it.”

NICOLAS QUIROZ Why did you decide to participate in Mr. Wilson?

“I decided to participate because I was voted most spirited and I decided I would do it.”

How has baseball impacted your life?

“Baseball has impacted my life because it keeps me going when I am bored and it is a good experience all around.”

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

“To never give up.”

JUSTIN YEH If you could represent any other organization, what would it be and why?

“Dance Company; it has been a big part of my life for four years, but it is definitely in good hands under Chris.”

What is the longest amount of time you have been awake?

“During junior year, there were lots of times when I was awake for almost two days in a row because I had to pull allnighters to balance time spent on extracurriculars and academics.”

6 FEATURE

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

Student pursues success in the pool and life

By SIMONE YU STAFF WRITER

Easily treading the water beneath him to stay afloat, he maneuvers himself away from his opponents with just a swift kick of a leg. Gripping the ball firmly in his right hand, he swings his arm back, and with a mighty yell of determination, hurls the ball past the goalie and into the net, a winning point for the last water polo game of his high school career. His teammates and friends scream joyfully as they all wade around him, hug, and slap each other on the backs. Senior Jonathan Han has seen nothing but success in his high school water polo career.

A mighty and successful player in water ever since the age of 9 and a player of varsity water polo and swim for all four years of high school, senior Jonathan Han sets himself as the epitome of determination and success.

The water superstar has qualified for Junior Olympics, CIF, as well as the varsity water polo and swim teams for all four years of his high school career. In addition to committing to his sport by becoming captain of both sports in his senior year, Han committed to playing water polo at Chapman University on Mar. 29.

Han’s passion for his sports started in third grade.

“I began swimming in third grade and my friends started introducing me to water polo, which I really enjoyed,” Han said. “I joined a swim team at first, and when my friends started talking about how fun water polo was, I curiously went to a friend’s water polo practice and I was fascinated by the aggressiveness and strength of the players. It was a lot more exciting, and I decided to play from then on.”

As Han’s passion for swim and water polo grew from a young age, he took his talents to high school “I got into varsity water polo my freshman year, which I was really happy about. I ended up playing for varsity water polo and swim for all four years, and ended up being captain for both sports in my senior year,” Han said. “It was one of my proudest achievements, and it is where I met most of my friends.”

Additionally, with such a hectic schedule, Han pushes himself to get everything done with efficient time management.

“In order to play water polo and swim, I have to make sure [I keep up my academics] and that is what motivates me to stay focused. I make

sure that [I do not procrastinate] and make sure I maintain a good routine by starting my homework at school and right after practice.” Han said.

Moreover, Han’s loved ones and goals push him to always strive for the best.

“My parents [motivate] me to always do my best because they always sacrifice their time and energy

I’ve played longer [than others] as well, and my love for the sport really shines through. to help me reach my goals, and that really pushed me on to try my hardest for the people who care about me the most,” Han said. “What also motivated me was getting into a good college. Although any college was okay for me, I [pushed myself to my limits] so I could go to one that would make me the best I could be for the future.”

Along with his motivation, the young man looks up to his father as the figure he wants to be in the future.

“My dad is an amazing and wellrounded person [who] always gives me good advice, whether it be sports or academic knowledge. My dad always supported me at my games and pushed me to try my hardest at school,” Han said. “He works so hard every day, and I really admire that of him. He does so much for my family, and that really motivates me to do the best that I can do. I really hope to grow up to be like him—a strong and caring person.”

Furthermore, Han believes his extra effort in putting in more time for what he loved to do sets him apart from the average swimmer.

“I play water polo outside of just school practices, so I may be at a higher level,” Han said. “I’ve played longer as well, and my love for the sport really shines through, so I think that is what made me a leader for my teammates and friends.”

Besides Han’s commitment to the water, he has enjoyed participating in school activities and making his high school experience the best it could be.

“Water polo was definitely a huge, important part of my high school life, but I also enjoyed school for different reasons. I made amazing friendships, especially with upperclassmen, who had taught me so much about myself. Participating in Battle of the Classes was and is always one of the highlights of the school year.”

Han also looks fondly on his experience as a part of the Mr. Wilson competition this year, being crowned as the winner representing water polo.

“Being a part of Mr. Wilson in senior year was an amazing experience for me, and although I did win, that wasn’t the part that made it the most fun. Having a great time with my friends and having so many family and friends be there to cheer me on and support me was the best feeling in the world.” Han said.

Addition to being a spirited Wildcat, Han enjoys a variety of activities on the weekend to relieve his stress from school.

“Since I have such a tightlypacked schedule around water polo and swim, I usually use the free time I have to do homework, study, eat and sleep,” Han said. “On the weekends, I really enjoy going to the beach with friends, a place I can also practice my sports. I also love to [go on late-night drives to get boba and tacos].”

Now committed to a university in California, Han hopes to achieve a few dreams in mind when he starts fresh again.

“A short-term goal of mine is to stay focused in college, manage my time a lot better, but also have a good time and not stress too much,” Han said. “I also want to spend most of my time on my academics and sports, the two factors that are really important to me. With this goal, I want to finish college with strong grades in order to go to graduate school. Thinking way into the future, I hope to become a physical therapist or dentist and make good money.”

Ultimately, the high school superstar has a sweet dream in mind for the long run.

“After college, I will strive to put in the hard work I need to support my own loving family the way my father supported ours,” Han said.

Being the dedicated, diligent and spirited young water polo champion, scholar and charming young man he is today, it is certainly fitting to call Jonathan Han one of the many superstars at Glen A. Wilson High School.

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

Paw Prints Weekly

PERSPECTIVES

PERSPECTIVES

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Dear high school seniors...

By COLLEEN GAPUZAN STAFF WRITER

Dear Reader, with genuine regret we are disappointed to inform you...

During the month of March, admission decisions from many public and private universities are released, and while some students rejoice at their acceptance into top universities, others hopelessly despair when they discover they are not admitted to the ultimate school of their dreams.

To many high school seniors, their college decisions solely determine whether or not their four long years of late nights and hard work were worthwhile and seeing the infamous rejection letter seemingly negates all their effort and instills the sense that they are “not good enough” for a particular college.

Rather than viewing rejections as stumbling roadblocks, university rejections should be taken as a learning experience or a driving force for a person to keep improving.

Firstly, students should realize that they are not alone. Even though it might seem like the “end of the world,” many students across the nation are also denied admission to at least one of the colleges that they applied to. Although many might feel that their rejection is uncommon and take it personally, students should realize that there are still various opportunities for success later on. Besides, many students who were rejected from their dream colleges have achieved notable successes. For example, Steven Spielberg was rejected from the University of Southern California

School of Cinema Arts and instead studied at California State University Long Beach. Nonetheless, he managed to receive over 100 awards, including three Oscars. Regardless of his initial rejection, he was still able to overcome his setbacks and attained tremendous fame, success and respect in his field.

Unfortunately, within the

offer. Those so-called “what if’s” will not change the admission decisions, so why mull over on things you cannot change? Instead of immediately beating yourself up as to why you were not accepted, focus on the benefits. College and university rejections should be a call to learn, improve and grow.

For instance, I have a number

outlook into their future. Essentially, while being denied your first choice or dream school is tough, students should look forward to the myriad of opportunities still available to them.

With this in mind, another actuality that students should grasp is that their top college may not be the best school for them. Take,

first few hours of rejection, many students get caught up in blaming themselves and pondering “what if” questions as to why they were not admitted. What if I participated in more clubs? What if I had a higher GPA? As a result, students can easily become trapped in a neverending rabbit hole of hypothetical situations. Yet, students must realize that their rejection was not personal and may have to do with a limited number of spots a university can

of senior friends who have already received rejection letters. At first, they felt incredibly disappointed and had immense difficulty processing the unfortunate reality, but instead of dwelling in denial and sulking in their rooms, they chose to stay positive and work past their discouragement. Many of my friends also applied to numerous other colleges and universities, which helped them obtain plenty of options and maintain a hopeful

for example, a student who has been eyeing on Harvard’s medical program since he or she was young.

Fast forward to when the student receives a rejection letter from Harvard University, he or she may feel immensely disappointed that his or her childhood dreams did not precipitate into reality. Essentially, if you were really the perfect fit for a university, the deans and administration would do anything to grant you admission. While it

is easy to say that being admitted into a certain college was your “true calling” or a university was “made for you,” no school that does not recognize the amazing candidate you are is going to be the best fit for you.

Subsequently, whether it be college rejections or in general, making the most of unwanted situations allows students to challenge themselves and recognize there is room to grow. Perceiving a college rejection as a prodigious chance to attend a college where you are truly valued will not only aid with any lingering discouragement but will also increase your dedication and motivation as well.

In the long run, it is not about how you begin, but what you make of your college experience.

If the realization to work hard and pursue career goals did not click in high school, you will have a second chance in college. Besides, a student who has been accepted to Yale, but ends up falling short in the school year are in the same or worse place than Yale rejects, who may be thriving in another school.

In summation, a student should not compromise who they are or be overly discouraged because of a college rejection. Instead of dwelling on denials, students should work past their disappointment and overcome their setbacks, leading to a much more positive outcome.

So, seniors, if you are rejected from your dream schools, I will leave you with this question: are you going to cynically wish you could attend somewhere else or be a dedicated addition to your new college family.

ART/KAYTE CHIEN

Conveying candid emotions is a sign of strength

By BELINDA KUO STAFF WRITER

Have you ever heard the phrase “wear your heart on your sleeve?”

In the age of social media, we have made it a habit to always portray ourselves in the best light possible. As a result, many people tend to shun their negative emotions and paint smiles on their faces even when they are unhappy.

However, it is important to show all the beautiful and ugly emotions because doing so will strengthen our sense of identity and promote strong mental health.

First and foremost, catering your emotions to those around you drains you emotionally. When you force positivity, you leave out any room to exhibit your natural emotions. Eventually, you force yourself to act in a certain way under certain circumstances. This leads to living your life in extremes, which means that when you are happy, you are extremely happy, and when you are sad, you are extremely sad. As hard as we try to conceal our negative emotions, such emotional suppression induces stress, anxiety and depression over time. Thus, when reflecting on our unhappiness, the flood of negative

emotions inevitably engulfs us, tipping our emotional balance to an unhealthy extreme.

Needless to say, it is hard to put up a happy face when we are sad or vice versa. Nevertheless, when we attempt to flip moods on demand,

anxious students would suppress emotions more frequently and are more fearful of emotional expression than their non-socially anxious peers.

In addition to mental health issues, this may lead to potentially serious physical health issues, and in some harsh cases,

realize that those around us can only help us if we let them into our hearts.

At the end of the day, it is important to express your true emotions even on your worst days, so people can get to know the real you. As a result, you can recognize who is around you for

we lie to ourselves about our true emotions and bury our problems rather than confronting them. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry reports that from a group of undergraduate students, socially

even premature death. According to a study done by psychologists from Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Rochester, suppressing emotions may increase risks of heart disease and cancer. Ultimately, we can only escape this downward spiral if we

the right or wrong reasons and adjust accordingly. Knowing this, wearing your heart on your sleeve allows you to make sound judgments about your friends, so you can surround yourself with people who will bring out the best in you and support you during those

bad days. On the contrary, a forced smile or cheerful image may only grant us a group of distant acquaintance who may view your grief as merely a facade.

Yet, some may say that wearing your heart on your sleeve places a target on your back and compels others to take advantage of your vulnerability. In particular, many people view those who share their emotions as “bothersome” or “sensitive.” However, it is not the people who must change, but our society’s attitude toward emotional vulnerability. It is human nature to seek reassurance or advice from others through sharing our feelings, and while we should not brood and focus only on our negative emotions, sharing emotions helps us move on and gain insight into why we are feeling this way.

Overall, it is important to take notice of your emotions and feel comfortable enough to showcase them. As author Brigitte Nicole says, “Never apologize for being sensitive or emotional. It’s a sign you have a big heart and that you aren’t afraid to let others see it.” Although easier said than done, wearing your heart on your sleeve will ultimately make you stronger, not weaker. So don’t be afraid, and speak what your heart feels.

ART/TIFFANY CHAN

8 PERSPECTIVES

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

Language is the missing key to open cultural doors

By ADRIAN HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

People can learn about a country’s culture from what they see in a book or the internet, but people seem to always forget the most valuable part of every culture: language.

Language is the foundation of any culture in any place in the world. In essence, a language is a representation of a country’s history and cultural heritage. By learning foreign languages, a person can not only communicate with individuals from different countries but also connect to them on a cultural level. Even in today’s developing world, however, people are not always open to learning foreign languages, which in turn leads to a lack of understanding of other cultures.

Not to say that people should abandon their first language, but gaining a deep understanding of different cultures around the world begins with a willingness to learn a new language.

Nonetheless, most people would think that to learn a new language, they only need a phone translator or personal guide, but to truly understand the language, people also need to learn the culture. Especially in America, one of the biggest melting pots

in the world, we need to take the opportunity to embrace the cultural diversity, starting with creating a place of safe multiculturalism. For instance, while people can learn the basics and even complex vocabulary and sentence structure at school,

and culture are intertwined, so if people learn a different country’s language, then it is easier to communicate, form bonds with people and learn the culture.

For instance, my dad has lived in the California for over 20 years, but he still hardly knows any

American culture. Nonetheless, I need to encourage my dad to learn English because it not only helps him live in the U.S., but also allows him to appreciate the foreign culture and get out of his comfort zone.

This itself does not only apply to

understanding the context and cultural connotation of these words will not occur from school alone. By learning the culture, people can better comprehend the social cues and actions in the language. Inherently, language

English. Recently, he has made an effort to learn the essential English words, but after 20 years some would expect he would know more. The main reason he does not know much English is that he never took interest in the

immigrants, but their children as well. People who are raised in the U.S. embrace the American culture, but often leave some of the culture that their family grew up with behind. Most notably, many American-born children

do not understand their family’s native language or forget how to speak it as they grow up.

These younger Americans need to embrace their heritage because it is an important part of their identity. Especially for families that lived in America for over 100 years, they may back at their history and some do not even know what to look for, because as they indulge in the American culture, they often distance themselves from their roots.

Yet, we still need to remind ourselves of our cultural origins because even though the U.S. is a giant melting pot, the diverse American culture may only show a notable few aspects of a different culture, narrowing a understanding. Thus, for young Americans, learning their native language is the final hurdle to understand their cultural background.

Overall, people in America who know where their family originated from can look back at their heritage with clarity and appreciation. People only seem to think a culture is only the way of life or food, but that is only the tip of the iceberg for any society.

To explore the world beyond the local community, people, no matter where they live, should learn about the cultures and languages around them.

ART/KAYTE CHIEN

Confidence: our mighty superpower

By SIMONE YU STAFF WRITER

It is not easy being a Beyonce, but we can always try to be more confident.

Self-confidence is linked to almost every single element needed to live a happy and fulfilling life, such as managing stress and building resilience and motivation.

The more confident you become, the more likely you will pursue your goals without fear of failure.

Taking more shots will mean having more of them. And that just cannot happen if you do not have the confidence to take those chances.

Firstly, confident individuals set the bar high for themselves.

They are self-assured in their abilities, so during high-stress situations such as interviews, competitions or presentations, they have the determination to work towards goals that appear “impossible” for others.

Quite contrarily, unconfident individuals set their bar low and receive mediocre results in the end because of the lack of faith they have in themselves. These individuals do not believe they can achieve high, leading to a result that reflects their expectations.

If you are uncertain, how can you convince anyone—much less yourself—that you are capable of achieving incredible feats?

Of course, in no way is this a justification for overconfidence or arrogance, but if there is enough courage in a person to strive for

something they want, then it is more likely that they are going to get it.

Additionally, confidence lets people say yes to opportunities, whether it be a job opening, singing in front of an audience or even just babysitting. Individuals who lack self-confidence say ‘no’ more often, because they do not

they can do rather than looking back at what they did not do.

Although self-confidence is essential for living the life you want, it is not easy to achieve. I had trouble stepping out of my comfort zone myself as setbacks and failures stabbed me with anxiety and shame. It was and sometimes is still hard for me to accept failures

Ultimately, the experience truly changed my mindset on how important confidence is. When I walk into a room, I used to think, They are all looking at me. They all think I look stupid and weird.

But the truth is that people are too wrapped up in their own thoughts and worries to be thinking about me. Building up more of my

want to deal with the possibility of failure or embarrassment.

Therefore, they think, There are so many things that can go wrong.

With confidence, you will be able to avoid beating yourself up for simple mistakes. Remarkably, as people keep trying new things, they will discover that mistakes are a normal part of life and handle failures by looking forward to what

with a growth mindset. When the spotlight is on me in class or public, I instinctively overthink my every move, destroying my motivation to try opportunities I had wanted to take. However, as I struck up the courage to try out for the 8th-grade promotion speech competition, I actually won and beat dozens of people who I thought were better than me.

confidence allowed me to get out of my head and pursue opportunities I genuinely wanted to take.

It might even seem counterintuitive, but when people build their self-confidence, they are less focused on themselves.

People enjoy interactions with others more because they are not worrying about the impression they are making or comparing

themselves to others. When people are not preoccupied with their own self-doubt, they are more likely to notice the troubled look on their friend’s face or the melancholy look in their date’s eyes. In essence, they can be the person who reaches out to help others.

Moreover, confidence can aid people to consider more opportunities.

Individuals who lack the confidence are underestimated, unheard and unfairly treated. On the other hand, people who are confident with their abilities believe that their own voice matters, infusing them with the ambition to achieve what they want. Confident individuals are not pushed down by criticism and instead are confident that they will prove their critics wrong.

Believe it or not, confidence is what makes you more attractive. If someone walked in a room, they would easily be more drawn to the guy standing upright with a hearty smile than the woman slouching down and looking around the room nervously. Ask any job interviewer to choose between these two candidates, and the person with the hearty smile will most likely get the job. Confidence leads to so many crucial moments in our life, and if we spent most of our life worrying about what could go wrong then you are not really living the life you want.

The next time you hesitate to do something you want, just do it. 30 seconds of ambitious courage can seriously change your life.

ART/TIFFANY CHAN

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2018

Paw Prints Weekly

PERSPECTIVES

9

Banning books in a modern world

By HENRY HSIA STAFF WRITER

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this piece are not a reflection of the views of Paw Prints Weekly as a whole.

They are the sole views of the author.

Paw Prints Weekly celebrates a diverse audience and staff, and it supports the declaration of the duties and rights of a Journalist per the U.S. Constitution.

When we think of classic literature, books such as: To Kill a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn come to mind. Yet, many modern teenagers have not read such novels, not because of laziness, but rather because academic mediums bar these classics to protect them from “explicit” or inappropriate material.

However, banning books in school is detrimental to student development. By censoring these books, students miss the essential themes and lessons these books have carried through the years.

Firstly, the majority of books in America are banned for arbitrary reasons. The Catcher in the Rye, for example, has been frequently challenged in schools. Proponents for banning the book have stated reasons ranging from using explicit language, encouraging teenage rebellion, all the way to supporting communism and increasing suicide rates. While the latter two reasons are ridiculous and unfounded

claims, The Catcher in the Rye does contain explicit language and shines a perspective on teenage rebellion.

Rebellious themes are a keystone of young adult literature, afterall, it is a part of the teenage growth process.

Just like how children are curious about their surroundings, teenagers

and skipping school, to rebellious themes in novels, so mentioning this rebellious streak is viewed as harmful. Ironically, by banning a book about teenage rebellion, it only encourages teenagers to rebel and read the book.

This brings me to my second

commonly face a phase of rebellion.

Novels such as The Catcher in the Rye explore the complex emotions of a teenager during this state of non-conformity and confusion.

“Rebellious” novels benefit young readers by properly analyzing these emotions and suggesting ways to deal with them in a healthy manner.

Nonetheless, school districts like to attribute troubled teenage behavior, such as vandalizing school property

topic: the explicit language in banned books. For example, throughout The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield consistently spews out obscenities. While foul language certainly does not belong in a classroom environment, the swear words used in this instance are merely expressions of frustration.

This is a common practice in many novels, and censoring these expressions lessen the impact of the

story.

Not only are swear words common in novels, but they are also everywhere in the real world.

Swear words are only considered so obscene by our society because we give them that power by banning their mere utterance. We put these words on a pedestal, where they can not be touched for fear of societal repercussions.

So when a person reaches up to the pedestal and uses one of these words, the word is seen as malicious and derogatory by the rest of society.

Taking this concept one step further, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has always been the subject of debate for its inclusion of possibly the most notorious and powerful slur in the English language (it starts with an N). Many racial slurs, regardless of the language, have a deep-rooted history behind them, and the N-word is no different. The word is never uttered because of the history of racism and the suffering of those labeled by it. I am not arguing for this word to become accepted in schools, or anywhere else for that matter. But banning a book simply for containing this slur detracts

from an important step in a child’s development—separating right from wrong.

Students would not be able to gauge the power these swear words carry without being exposed to it. It is better for the word to be carefully dissuaded against in a classroom environment, than for a child to pick up the word from a random foulmouthed adult. If we simply ban all mention of the word, then the context behind the word and why we should not use it in the first place is lost. The word simply becomes a powerful tool to upset adults; the child never understands why the word should never be said.

Additionally, by banning The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, educators miss the powerful message behind the book. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn tell a compelling story of morality, and how to weigh our moral decisions. The book was also a commentary on slavery during its time, displaying the cruelty of the practice. These are important lessons that are still relevant in today’s society.

In conclusion, the censorship of classic literature should not be taken lightly. There is a reason why these works have survived for decades or even centuries, and banning them for arbitrary reasons would simply deprive children of valuable life lessons.

ART/KAYTE CHEN

The invisible consequences of social isolation

By ANNMARIE LI STAFF WRITER

In a world filled with people, many find lasting connections with those around them, yet few are seemingly isolated from everyone else.

In many of today’s social settings, friend groups are typically large and diverse, but a few “social outcasts” are often left out of these close-knit groups, even long after entering the community. In schools, some students f loat around campus without any companions, accompanied only by the drag of loneliness.

Ultimately, these deserted students are forced to fend for themselves with no one to look out for them in a socially and academically stressful environment. Although the issue is invisible to an onlooker, persistent isolation may cause students to feel insecure about themselves, thus worsening any existing social anxieties.

However, when it comes to adding a new person into a pre-existing friend group, it may seem difficult, as the person may lack a common interest with the others. Social anxieties may also be an issue because anxiety can limit a person’s capability

to speaking to others in highpressure situations. Students may also be subject to bullying due to being different from their peers, making it nearly impossible to be able to blend in a new group.

the ingroup and outgroup.

The adverse effects of cliques are further perpetuated as students turn away from excluded students. This issue is practically unfixable, as outcasts are rarely welcomed

are faced with sudden backlash.

This type of negative response may discourage students from socializing with their peers, further diminishing their selfesteem or sense of belonging.

Yet, some may claim that

Moreover, people in social settings tend to separate themselves into fixed group of friends and only associate themselves with friends in their exclusive class. Students rarely step outside their comfort zone to speak to others outside their own group, establishing a clear-cut division between

or accepted into a close group of friends. In particular, close friends could possibly close another person off, just for the sake of them sticking together.

For instance, a child might try to talk to someone who has a common interest or are approachable, yet when they try to strike up a conversation, they

students are beginning to fix this issue by interacting more with those outside of their group. With the increasing popularity of group work and partnered projects, students are encouraged to communicate with isolated peers and bond with them through collaboration and teamwork, introducing

outcasts to potential friends and minimizing future alienation.

As an addition, some peers may spark friendly conversations with social outcasts in attempt to know them better. However, these students’ kindness might worsen the alienation problem because it may simply be an act to encourage the alienated student to put in trust in the supposed “friendship.” Though good intentions are present, sole kindness is not enough to maintain a long-lasting connection. When a peer is merely displaying kindness out of pity for the alienated student, it creates an ingenuine friendship that can eventually lead to a toxic relationship. In order to integrate social outcasts, students can talk to their deserted peers with no judgement in mind, so the isolated students can be more comfortable speaking to those around them.

In this day and age, with everyone so close with their individual friend groups, it is difficult to find someone new to speak to every day. But do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and talk to someone new; you might meet a new face who will eventually become a friend, after all.

ART/K AYTE CHEN

10 ENTERTAINMENT

Paw Prints Weekly

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Singer launches successful Youtube career

By COLLEEN GAPUZAN STAFF WRITER

YouTube might have just found its fastest-growing singing personality…

Audrey Armacost, also known as Audrey Mika, has been making unique strides in the current alternative music scene. Although the 18-year-old YouTuber has been posting music covers since 2015, she has recently been receiving an immense amount of popularity.

Armacost posted her first cover of an original song titled “Paper Jet” which reached only over 13,000 views on Aug. 17, 2015. As her channel began to grow, she became more frequent with her uploads. In the beginning of Jan. this year, Mika only had about 2,000 subscribers. Currently, the teen vocalist has over 380,000 subscribers, having gained an over 100,000 following in a span of 2 months.

Essentially, one of Mika’s most popular uploads was her “7 Rings” cover which surpassed 1.1 million views. In her cover, the audience was able to really observe Mika’s unique voice and dynamic range, as well as her demonstration of runs and butter-like tone. In addition to her stunning voice, Mika’s personality was evident throughout the entire video.

Instead of just filming a single framed cover, she chose to include visuals to add a sense of comedy and creativity to engage fans even more.

Being a huge Ariana Grande fan, Mika’s subscribers were ecstatic to learn that new covers since Grande’s “thank u, next” album release was on its way. In just

the first three days of the album’s debut, Mika had already covered three of the songs from the album, one on each day.

Fans were stunned to have seen Mika’s insanely quick uploads and definitely did not disappoint. As of right now, her

channel and subscribers is what truly makes her stand out. For example, on March 4th, she posted a cover of musician Billie Eilish’s new single “wish you were gay” under 24 hours after its release. In fact, Mika was respectively the first to

her unique use of creating jewelry such as earrings and necklaces from paper clips. She ultimately began a new trend, in which her fans have embraced the idea of paper clip jewelry to accessorize themselves. Aside from her style, the

“break up with your girlfriend, im bored” cover has reached over 1 million views, with a number of views on her other covers as well. The following week, Mika uploaded three more covers of songs from the “thank u, next album,” including “ghostin”, “fake smile” and “makeup.”

As the teenage vocalist gained more and more attention, so did her interaction with her fans. In one of the most popular attributes, Mika exhibits her dedication and work ethic. Unlike some YouTube cover artists, Mika’s commitment to her

post a cover of the new song, in which the audience was shocked to have witnessed her remarkable dedication.

Subsequently, a huge factor that contributes to Mika’s success is her diverse personality and imaginative creativity. As a part of her brand, she uses a signature pink toy microphone mostly every time she sings. Her quirky personality is very prominent in her videos, as well as her individuality when it comes to style and image. For instance, her fan base, called the “paper clips” originated from

fact that Mika stays true to herself and embraces her quirkiness is what sets her apart from the average YouTube music artist. Instead of relying on highproduction video quality, Mika inserts her “aesthetics” through her sound. For example, she might not be filming in front of a set backdrop or in a professional studio, but captures her viewers through her sound and creativity with any location she films in. Whether it be her room, a balcony or a garage, the musician never fails to surprise her viewers in the

best way possible.

On Feb. 28, Mika released her first album titled “Level Up” featuring 12 original songs. The album includes her singles “Pure” and “Followin,” which she released a couple months prior. The album starts with a 46 second “intro,” in which was created to resemble a phone call in which Mika introduces her new album with a quick message to her fans. After the into, the second song titled “Blueberry Skies,” captures the audience with Mika’s soft, dreamy vocals and insanely beautiful harmonies. Later in the album, her hit single “Pure” brings on the more techno-pop beats, which compliments the vocalist’s dream-like tone. Mika’s use of individuality is demonstrated in her vocals, as she uses very intricate runs and techniques to enhance her singing.

Another song that truly stood out from the rest was “Freestyle Like Jhene Aiko but Def Not As Good.” In this song, Mika uses incredible harmonies to encapsulate a stellar balance of tone and range. All in all, “Level Up” stayed true to Mika’s musicianship and demonstrated her unique style as an up and coming vocal artist and YouTuber.

In summation, Audrey Mika has been making her mark through her insane music ability, as well as her signature individuality. Instead of imitating or striving to be another typical cover artist, Mika exceeds her viewers’ expectations by performing the unpredictable.

GRAPHIC/CAROL LI

Taeyeon’s new single relieves fans from their “blues”

By BELINDA KUO STAFF WRITER

Taeyeon’s new single will have you feeling “Blue” if you don’t listen during all “Four Seasons.”

Taeyeon, leader of the renowned Korean Pop (K-Pop) girl group Girls’ Generation, released a new single on March 24. Respected as a solo artist, Taeyeon’s new release allows her to embody the four seasons in one song. “Four Seasons” is also a metaphor for a relationship and its ups and downs. A mere several hours following the release, the single topped seven major real-time charts, including major Korean lists such as Melon, Genie, Bugs, Mnet, Naver, Soribada and Flo. Accordingly, the accumulation of the single’s catchy beats, sentimental lyrics and beautiful cinematography combine to create an alluring collage of the four seasons.

Primarily, “Four Seasons” has its catchy beats and dropping bass. The song initially starts off soft, almost as if when first falling in love. The guitar is strummed, creating a very mellow and peaceful vibe. However, as the honeymoon period ends, the bass drops and the guitar sounds are hidden behind the stronger bass and electronic techno sounds.

Essentially, Taeyeon’s initial ballad voice turns into a pop song, with her

using stronger vocals to correspond with the change in tempo. By the end of the song, the tempo begins to slow down to what it was like in the beginning, symbolizing the continuation of the cycle and the four seasons, before the pickup in

relationship’s pinnacles and failures.

For instance, the lyrics state, “The four seasons come and go, I gave you my winter and summer too, You were my world but I will let you go.” The lyrics compare the ups to summer and downs to winter,

each other, Now I want something new.” This reflects that in good relationships, time passes quickly and is very enjoyable. However, over time, many relationships take a downfall, and partners end up wanting “something new,”

tempo yet again. The quick change in meter shows how unpredictable love can be and how quickly love can change, as soon as the four seasons come and go.

In addition, the song’s emotional and affectionate lyrics allow the audience to truly understand a

demonstrating the good and bad sides within a relationship. The lyrics also have lots of rhetorical questions, causing listeners to contemplate their own relationships and relate to the song. For example, the lyrics state, “When did it become spring? We could only see

foreshadowing a breakup or a new beginning. Overall, the song paints a realistic portrait of love through the dynamics of the four seasons.

Furthermore, the music video is complementary to the intense emotional appeal in the song itself.

For instance, at the beginning of

the song, Taeyeon is seen lying by mattresses in a room by herself, with sunlight shining on her body.

She wears clothing that matches the feelings. The loneliness in the scene corresponds to the lyrics “You were my world but I will let you go.” Taeyeon wears a navy dress shirt in a dimly lit room to show her sadness. The lyric “Let’s shine again, the two seasons are changing,” symbolizes a new beginning and lots of happiness.

The room is brightly lit with lots of white furniture, including sculptures. Taeyeon wears a long, white dress, looking like an angel.

The constant juxtaposition of light and dark correlates with the many emotions that are part of a relationship, showing that Taeyeon can make listeners feel the “four seasons” within a relationship.

Ultimately, “Four Seasons” is the perfect comeback for Taeyeon as a solo artist. After a five-month hiatus, this song is truly a pleasure for all listeners. The song demonstrates Taeyeon’s ability to make listeners feel different emotions, as well as her beauty and genius. While the song and music video give a more retro vibe, this release comes to show that the K-Pop industry is everchanging, and Taeyeon is sure to continue dominating charts with her solo activities even after “Four Seasons” pass, time and time again.

GRAPHIC/CAROL LI

MONDAY, APR. 15 2019

Paw Prints Weekly

ENTERTAINMENT

11

ENTERTAINMENT Khalid’s phenomenal new album frees our spirits

By EMMA CHANG SPORTS EDITOR

Can we just “Talk” about how Khalid’s “Free Spirit” came “Alive” in his newest extended play (EP)?

Debuting on April 5, Free Spirit is the newest masterpiece by rising R&B singer-songwriter, Khalid. At only age twenty-one, Khalid has never failed to mesmerize audiences and the entertainment industry with his captivating tracks.

Free Spirit is an intimate collection of anthems that delve into the world of adolescent vulnerabilit y and profound emotional depths of the experience.

Similar to his previous EPs, Free Spirit aptly captures the poignant turmoil of a modern love story in seventeen short, soulful melodies.

Since releasing American Teen and Suncity, Khalid has accomplished c o u n t l e s s insurmountable feats and this album is yet another one.

Currently, Free Spirit resides at number one on the Billboard Top Charts, Khalid’s first number one release, and has received t housa nds of streams worldwide.

Needless to say, there isn’t any “Bad Luck” ahead for this singersongwriter.

Free Spirit kicks off with a lull and tender ballad, titled “Intro,” recounting an anecdote of what appears to be a message about his own experience in love, vocalizing the way “love [does not] come easy especially when you’re loving me.” By the end, he resolves that he has learned to put himself first and has now found his way. In true Khalid fashion, the track presents a scenario that audiences can relate to and find solace in, one of the most notable traits that can be found in all Khalid’s songs.

Following “Intro” is a lighthearted tune dubbed, “Bad Luck.” The song follows the theme of triumph over emotional fermentation and depicts the concept of acceptance and self-love.

“Bad Luck” especially presents something that each and every individual can empathize with, highlighting the nature of being alone and at the hands of fake friends, lovers, and of course, bad luck.

The third song of Free Spirit, entitled “My Bad,” recalls a miscommunication between lovers.

Upon first listen, the song appears to illustrate an unwanted attraction between the two, but soon takes a more heartfelt turn as Khalid sings, “Gave you all of my time, my love, you’re followin’ the signs, but you’re followin’ the wrong signs, my love.”

Unlike some of the songs on his EP, “My Bad” explores the other, more accurate side of love and modern relationships that arguably hits home more than his other tracks.

Although many of us look toward romanticism as a supplement for something greater, “My Bad” is a stirring and fervent anthem that

we just talk? Talk out where we’re going before we get lost” and “I’ve never felt like this before, I apologize if I’m moving too far.”

Despite its meaningful lyrics, “Talk” also serves as a smooth beat for audiences to dance to with its unique sound and style. Khalid gave us a taste of Free Spirit after releasing “Talk” as a single that soon enough became on of his most popular songs. Aside from that, “Talk’s” eccentric music video was unlike anything Khalid has ever released, with its almost unique colors and diverse and talented cast.

so, most of us have romanticized something that wasn’t there or pined over another individual who might not have ever felt the same.

Track 8, “Paradise” offers a more passionate and heartfelt R&B anthem that conveys a subtle message about the responsibilities we all feel and the little moments we can find amongst all the chaos because despite our efforts, “life don’t stop the more we pray.” After “Paradise” comes the phenomenal tune, “Hundred.” Once more, Khalid’s album takes a somber turn with “Hundred’ and its profound

reminds us all of the reality we live, in the best way possible.

Following “My Bad” comes “Better.” Having already been released on Suncity, “Better” offers nothing more than intangible solace in a familiar tune. Since its debut, the single has dominated the Billboard charts—ranking amongst some of the best in pop and R&B. Not to mention, the song’s music video has received over 241 million views and is one of Khalid’s most popular and wellknown tracks.

In contrast to the hits before it, “Better” spotlights the euphoric feeling between him and another who are “just friends [except] when nobody’s around” and sings lightheartedly about how “nothing feels better than this.” Without a doubt, “Better” has found its place at the top and definitely won’t be coming down anytime soon.

Next on Free Spirit comes “Talk.” As its simple, but sound title suggests, the track is about missed communication and exploring growth in a relationship. On a deeper scale, the upbeat and funky song conveys the vulnerability that many of us open up ourselves to in relationships, as he sings, “Can’t

The sixth song of the album is entitled “Right Back.” Just like “Talk,” the song has a soulful and groovy beat with effervescent lyrics to match. In “Right Back,” Khalid sings about how he just wants to get right back to the way things had been before and wait patiently for their love, rather than “falling off track.” This song is also one many individuals can relate to with its simple, but blatant meaning and not to mention, lively chorus.

Up next is “Don’t Pretend” featuring hip-hop artist SAFE. The song is a very mellow and downplayed in comparison to the tracks before it, beginning with singular guitar strumming and consistent tempo. Lyrically, Khalid reminises someone he used to love has yet to move on from, despite how they were never “together” and her respective colder behavior.

By the end of the second verse, Khalid sings, “Love stays still and I’m frozen… I guess I gotta be a man, I tried as hard as I can” before soulfully concluding with the solemn repetition of the chorus.

Out of all the songs on Free Spirit, “Don’t Pretend” is one of the most extraordinary and relatable. In spite of our many efforts to avoid doing

lyrics about moving on from the past and facing the road ahead. As its name suggests, Khalid also sings about how he has made it past one “Hundred” days and is ready to accept all of the things people want and expect from him—yet another motif that audiences can deeply relate to.

Free Spirit continues with “Outta My Head,” a duet with pop sensation, John Mayer, and “Free Spirit.” While the former is an intimate ballad about a “friend” whom Khalid “can’t get out of [his] head” and the attraction that exists between them, “Free Spirit” conveys freedom and finding yourself. Both songs are unique and were exceptionally executed with catchy beats and also rank among the album’s most popular tunes.

The twelfth and thirteenth songs of the album are titled, “Twenty One” and “Bluffin.’” In “Twenty One,” Khalid perfectly captures the spirit of how it feels like to be discovering yourself and truly beginning yourself in cheerful song. As most audiences can empathize with, Khalid deems his own self as the cause of his suffering but does not fall short in

poetically reminding us all that “to win this fight, [we] need to change” and to keep holding on. On the other hand, “Bluffin’” is a touching ditty that also epitomizes modern love and the journey lovers undergo as they become lost in emotion and one another. The song’s slow tempo and passionate lyrics incomparably capture the true meaning of Free Spirit.

The fourteenth song on the album entitled, “Self,” is a raw and emotional track about the inner struggles that every individual faces and suggests the importance of self-acceptance and reflection.

Although “Self” does not have the most lyrics, its concise, but meaningful word choice is what makes it memorable and gives audiences something special to take away— to “be a flower in a garden and be born with the sun.”

Reaching the end are “Alive” and “Heaven.”

Despite their simple labels, both tracks are sensational, breathtaking ballads that exemplify our spiritual beliefs and the sense of life we all feel through our “consequences and mistakes.” In stark contrast to those before it, these two songs take on a very solemn theme that without a doubt, retain the soul and passion of Khalid’s talents.

Finally, Free Spirit concludes with track no. 17, “Saturday Nights.” Prior to Free Spirit’s debut, the song was released on Khalid’s iconic EP, Suncity. “Saturday Nights’ illustrates the imperfections in life and growing up, not afraid to include lyrics like, “Newbury cigarillos, swishers make my throat hurt, rolling OCB’s on the side for me, light ‘em up and let ‘em both burn” and more notably, “Family feuds, saying Mom’s confused, I’m for sure she doesn’t wanna learn, my daddy’s gone, say he’s never home, and wishin’ only makes it worse.”

For many days, “Saturday Nights” topped the charts and became one of the artist’s most popular songs.

Its melodic tempo and catchy theme perfectly fit our lives, while creating a vulnerable symphony that is without a doubt, perfect for listening to on a Saturday night.

All in all, Khalid’s EP, Free Spirit is an unforgettable compilation of poems that tell of love, life, and growth. Each and every track offers something new and needless to say, I am not bluffin’ when I say that there is a part of all of us that we can find within its depths.

GRAPHIC/EMMA CHANG

12 SPORTS

Paw Prints Weekly

SPORTS

MONDAY, APR. 15, 2019

Swim falls short to San Dimas HS

By SIDNEY WONG STAFF WRITER

On April 9, co-ed swim suffered a loss to San Dimas HS with a score of 100-241.

Varsity boys and girls scored 50 points each.

Underclassmen and parents recognized eight graduating seniors with sashes and f lowers during their last home meet, with one meet remaining.

Despite the loss, captain

Charley Jackson (12) believes the vigorous practice during spring break prepared the team for the meet.

“Focusing on our individual events during break prepared us for [this meet].

We knew San Dimas would be a difficult team, but we still fought hard,” Jackson said.

“We had good individual races despite the score.”

Additionally, swimmer Emily Bermudez (12) enjoyed

receiving gifts from the team and will miss attending meets.

“I thought senior night was a success,” Bermudez said.

“The gifts were thoughtful and I appreciate the parents and teammates who [contributed] to senior night. It was nice to be recognized and a great way to have our last home meet of our season.”

Furthermore, Jackson wants the team to improve on their mentality and

camaraderie at meets to boost their confidence.

“Next meet, I hope to be less nervous and focus on improving our times as a team,” Jackson said. “I especially want to focus on our relays because we tend to get [down on] ourselves.”

Overall, swimmer Ryan Lien (11) believes the memorable meet will help prepare the team for their last upcoming meets.

“Senior night was bitter sweet [because] it is sad to see all our seniors go. This meet gave us a taste of who our opponents would be at [California Scholastic Federation],” Lien said. “[I believe] our season can only get better from here on out and I hope to work on my speed and technique.”

Swim will compete away against Covina HS on April 17.

Baseball triumps over Baldwin Park HS

By RANI CHOR STAFF WRITER

On Tuesday, April 8, varsity baseball overpowered Baldwin Park HS with a score of 8-0.

Between the second and third inning, the team scored five runs and by the sixth inning, made three more runs.

In totality, the game ended

with a home-run by Nathan Marin (10) and a triple by baseman, Seth Flores (11).

Most notably in the game, Marin led with five strikeouts, a homerun and a base hit, all with a broken foot. Though Marin acknowledges his performance, he feels he owes his confidence on the field to practices and his coaches.

“I was really confident at the game because I have been

doing good on the mound lately,” Marin said. “ I felt fully prepared at the [beginning] of the game because the coaches helped me [with] pitching and hitting the day before.”

Essentially, head coach Ray Velasquez is proud of the team and believes there is a bright future for the team from their hard work on the field.

“In a given day, anybody can win. But these kids

have been working really hard, getting their pitch and hitting down,” Velasquez said. “[Baldwin Park] had a couple opportunities to score, but we shut them down and made some great plays.”

The boys are nearing the end of their season and thus practicing even harder in preparation for California Scholastic Federation (CSF).

Ultimately, varsity captain,

Nick Quiroz (12), holds each player accountable and still seeks to improve after this victory.

“This was probably the best game we have had after break so far. We had the momentum to win and it was a good game all around,” Quiroz said.

Baseball will compete against San Dimas HS on April 16.

COMMENTARY

NFL player Rob Gronkowski heads for retirement

By ADRIAN HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

Following ten awe-inspiring years on the acclaimed New England Patriots, tight end Rob Gronkowski has announced the definitive end of his career.

For months, Gronkowski has hinted toward his retirement and simulated rumors, but finally on March 24, announced his departure from the Patriots through a heartwarming Instagram post. Although the news received overwhelming support from his team and his fans, Gronkowski’s presence among the Patriots is sure to be missed because of the consequences it will cause.

Throughout his career, Gronkowski has accumulated various titles and now boasts a touchdown for every 6.6 receptions and an average of 0.69 touchdowns per game—statistics which rank the third highest in the National Football League (NFL). Dubbed a fresh cup of water by his teammates, Gronkowski has become known for always remaining optimistic and never in a distasteful mood.

Unfortunately for the Patriots, given that Gronkowski was one of the

best offensive players the team has to offer, it will be no surprise when the team suffers next season.

For the last decade, the Patriots have had Gronkowski as an amazing tight end with skills that have helped the Patriots win game after game, and

His great offensive plays have proven to render other teams’ defenses instant failures as demonstrated during the Patriots’ victory in the 2019 Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams and the Patriots were at a stalemate for most of the game,

outstanding accomplishments: kicking off with an average of 97.9 yards per game and scoring many touchdowns.

Not to mention, during one especially climatic game, he scored an impressive two touchdowns, ran over 146 yards and recorded eight catches. Without a

create a successful presence and legacy for themselves in the Super Bowl.

Of the six Super Bowls they have qualified for, the Patriots have emerged victorious in three in the past five years, largely influenced by Gronkowski’s exceptional abilities and dedication.

but the Patriots’ first score was made

by Gronkowski because he was able to get past all of the Rams’ defenses, feet that most tight ends have been able to accomplish.

From the earliest of his experiences starting for the Patriots, Gronkowski has

doubt, Gronkowski is a powerhouse to be reckoned with and many other teams are surely grateful to see him leave the NFL. Since his announcement, many opposing teams’ coaches and support have not been afraid to express their glee

in the fact of the matter.

The main reason why Gronkowski is leaving has to do with the many injuries throughout his NFL career like sprained ankles, bad hamstrings, a fractured forearm and his bad problems, which has caused him a lot of struggles.

This, for the most part, did not stop him from playing professional football. Even though his injuries had made him struggle, he was still a great player. His skills are going to be hard to replace in the Patriots because of his amazing abilities. The future for Gronkowski is unknown from here, but there has been speculation that he might go into an acting career. This is mostly due to his appearances in television shows like Family Guy and the fact that past sports stars like Dwayne Johnson, have told Gronkowski that he could get a lot of money from working in the acting industry.

A well-respected and exceptional player, Gronkowski will undoubtedly continue his legacy as a role model for future football players and aspiring individuals alike. He is going to affect not only his team but many of his fans with his retirement because of how much of an impact he has on the football and a symbol as a great player.

However, there is nothing that impedes well deserved Gronkowski’s retirement and we hope that Gronkowski is well off in his post-NFL life.