The Talon - Edition 115 - "Turning Points"

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editors in chief

Letter from the Editors in Chief Dear Graded community, This year has brought upon unprecedented events for our society to face and has revealed hardships that we were previously unaware of, and forcing us into unknown situations. Through it all, however, we have learned to adapt, grow, persevere, and rely on each other to get through these trying times. Quarantining as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is an experience we were rushed into, but one that we have proved we can face head-on.

Before this crisis, The Talon was working on this edition, number 115, themed ‘Turning Points’. How ironic, then, that our society hit one of its most monumental turning points yet. In this edition, provided by students who did not want to give up their passion for writing, you will find meaningful reflections on turning points in our lives, as well as insightful artistry to mirror our ongoing crisis. We hope this edition allows you to escape to the eye of the storm for a brief moment, as putting it together has allowed us to do.

In the face of adversity, humans either crumble or rise up. Thus far, the global crisis has only proven that we are stronger than we thought and able to face such hardships with courage and positive action.

The class of 2020s senior year was cut short, the job market is crashing along with global economies, and we are unable to visit our loved ones–yet, we cannot give up hope, nor our determination to create a better world.

The Talon is excited to release this edition to the Graded community and wishes you an enjoyable experience reading it.

Best of luck, Nadya and Rosanne, The Talon 2019-2020 Editors in Chief the talon • 1

editors in chief

The Life and Times of a Cardboard Box An IB Theatre solo piece in the style of Robert Wilson

Rosanne Van Bollegooijen ne of the scariest parts of being an artist is the audience’s recepO tion. To you, the work of art you have produced feels right; it feels strong, deep, and shows exactly what and how you see things.

To the audience, it could just be a simple, confusing muddle. Could all they see be a heap of twists and turns in various colours or an overflow of disconnected movements? You will only know until you present your piece, and let others see it.

In IB Theatre, as part of the HL curriculum, a student’s final project is their Solo Project. For this piece, one must dive deep into the theory of a theatre theorist, and create an 8-minute piece based on those teachings. The piece can be, include, and involve anything, so long as it follows one’s chosen theorist.

For my solo piece, I selected Robert Wilson, an American experimental theorist. Wilson’s theory is grounded in the abstract, based on that which is visually engaging and is consistently breaking through traditional theatrical boundaries. His creative mindset intrigued me as a performer, and working with his theory was an exciting challenge. The physical and emotional explorations I did to get to my final piece was a very personal artistic journey, but extremely rewarding to me as a theatre practitioner.

I learned more about my own skills and mindset regarding the arts, and Wilson opened my mind to a greater realm of performance possibilities. Through all this goodness, however, I was extremely nervous.

I had been studying Wilson and working with my piece for almost two months before I was going to perform it, and it struck me that whilst I was deep into my piece and the numerous subtleties that mattered to me, the audience was probably not going to be. Whilst watching videos of my rehearsals, I began to realize that the audience was most likely not going to understand neither the details nor the bigger picture as I understand it, and they weren’t going to grasp how the piece works together. Wilson is experimental, and so was my piece. It consisted of 8 minutes of floor work and movement, paired with a make-up tutorial video playing in the background replicated from YouTube videos.

The movements are primal, mixed with a wide array of emotions and expressions, and do not correlate with the video. What then is the audience going to see?

The turning point in my story was a gradual one, that happened over the course of two different events. It changed my mind about performance and creation, and allowed me to grow into a more confident artist.

In one of my theatre classes leading up to the show, I was rereading my research about Wilson, seeing if I was following his theory in my piece and checking if it came through in my piece. Far down into my document op copied-and-pasted paragraphs, I thought I needed to keep in a font size of 10 because there was so much information, I found a quote taken from a Digital Theatre+ interview with Robert Wilson: “Although most Wilson productions contain a great deal of referential material, primarily visual, but also in many cases verbal and musical as well, Wilson has always insisted that unlike many modern directors

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he never seeks to provide a particular message for his audiences. He attempts instead to give them a rich visual and aural experience, encouraging them to interpret and process that experience in whatever way their individual interest and tastes may lead them. Wilson has always recognized and respected different ways of perceiving, as may be seen in his early interest in autistic behaviour, and this openness to and awareness of alternative expression has allowed him to approach the design and structure of theatre, opera and dance from new and unexpected directions.”

Perhaps I had missed it when I was first collecting my research, but being reminded of this fact in the midst of my internal crisis felt like fate. Obviously, my doubts and fears about the audience’s perceptions had not yet subsided, just softened slightly. Just because Wilson felt this natural confidence to let his piece move freely towards the audience, did not mean I had to. Yet, I did realize that to grasp Wilson, I needed to follow his mindset about performance too.

Thus, I tried my best not to think about it, to not change my piece to what I thought the audience wanted to see, instead leaving it as how I thought it should be.

two options:

The second moment came as a BANG! in my face. On show day, only a few minutes before I was going on stage, I began to get cold feet. My same fears popped up again. Trying to pump myself up, however, brought upon an important realization: I had no time to change anything in my piece. I was in costume, full make-up on, and all of my lighting and tech cues were in place.

My muscles were warmed up, the audience was full of attention from the previous shows, and the camera was rolling. I couldn’t Graded’s Theatre Department change anything anymore. I had

1.Let the fear and anxiety of the audience’s perception topple me.

2.Trust my artistry.

It’s a weird thing to say, maybe a little cringe too, but trusting what I came up with and telling myself to go for it was extremely worthwhile. There was basically nothing else for me to do in those moments before I walked on stage with a cardboard box on my head than go for it and give it my all. I couldn’t run away, 35% of my IB Theatre grade depends on that performance!

Having confidence in what I made and ultimately presented was (I am convinced that it was) perhaps the most influential factor in the audience’s reaction. They were intrigued and challenged by what I did, and that is more than what I had hoped for. In the talk-back, I discovered they had all thought about my piece in unique and original ways, which I loved to hear.

These moments formed the turning point in my understanding of what true artistry is, which is believing in what you are doing and putting your all into it. Whether it is going for that final kick in a soccer match or saying that one thing in your ToK presentation, as long as you have trust in yourself and what you are doing, it is bound to turn out well.

editors in chief

The Meaning of Life Nadya Marinkovic

I

stood from the pew to see the priest. I was mesmerized by the stunning white and gold vestment in front of the colored mosaic. However, on top of the priest was the most important thing in the room: the clock. In agony, I watched the seconds of our Sunday’s mass run down. My mother looked at my 10-year-old self’s disinterest in disappointment and nudged me on my shoulder to continue to listen.

My experience at mass was always the same: listen to a conversation about morals, mumble a few prayers I learned during my first communion, and force myself to at least pretend I was drawn by my religion. As I grew up, my family overcame many difficult situations that led my parents to rely on their faith. Soon we were going to church more than once a week, and it was then when I realized that the church forced an emotional response in my parents. Their red eyes during the eucharist prayer were telling of their fears and anguish. For me, however, my weekly presence at church did not assure the same emotional connection, and instead, it raised more questions that challenged my religion. I struggled to understand why our family was going through those hard times. If they were so worthy of His faith, why didn’t He love them enough to save them from pain? Why did God make good people go through hard things? Does He even exist?

As I moved on to middle school, I was taught about evolution and about the beginnings of life on earth. Eventually, I found the inherent conflict between the process of evolution and the teaching of the Catholic Church. Although some Catholics argued that what we were taught in science classes explained how we received our physical bodies and did not provide an explanation for the reception of our souls, to me, the contrarieties seemed too big. Soon enough, God was no longer my creator. My decision did not mean that I did not accompany my family to church or that I argued against my parents’ beliefs, it only meant that I was not happy about waking up early on a Sunday morning.

wrong: I knew then as much as I know now how naive and foolish that is to believe. But it seemed like the least I could do was hope.

From then on, I chose to go to church every Sunday, I chose to listen to the words of the priest, I chose to spend 30 seconds a day praying before I went to sleep. By doing so, I became more grateful for my health, happiness, and opportunities. Above all, for the time I was given to spend with my loved ones. It showed me that faith gave meaning to my life. Thus, for anyone who chose to read this article on religion, I encourage you to find something to believe in.

It doesn’t matter whether it is to achieve a personal goal or for the sake of somebody else. Believing in someone or something can give you a last hope, a safe haven that can make significant differences in your life. In most difficult situations, it may prove impossible to find a way out. Obviously, your dedication to a belief will never guarantee your wishes. However, if in those moments you’re able to find a glimmer of hope, through faith, that everything will be okay, it’s enough. In no way am I an expert on religion, nor can I pretend that it is the answer to everything in life. At the end of the day, I am still only seventeen years old. But I can find comfort in my decisions to do so, at least for the moment.

I still forget to pray every night, I continue to do the things my religion disapproves of, I don’t plan on reading the Bible, and on occasions, I am a little lazy to go to Sunday mass. It does not matter whether you are religious or not, whatever or whoever you choose to believe in, but with them, you can find meaning.

My turning point didn’t come after my confirmation, or even after my fellow classmates and I, as we like to say, went to “Jesus Camp” (three days in a convent close to São Paulo, reading bible passages and having daily mass).

Although Jesus Camp was not in any measure the way I’d hoped to spend my weekend, it did guide my beliefs. As I began high-school, like any other teenager, I overcame battles with myself. I questioned my values, my work ethic, and my decisions. I agonized over small things that, at the time, seemed a matter of life or death. I considered myself a realist, and was overwhelmingly negative about everything that stood in my way. I made the greatest of efforts to meet all the expectations that I was given, both in school and at home. Despite my efforts, when I was stuck in a difficult place, I struggled to see a way out. In those moments, I found myself wishing there would be a higher power that could magically fix everything. Don’t get me

the talon • 3

features

The Little Bear Sofia Pricolo t was the fourth grade and a cheerful little nine-year-old was runIcare ning around her classroom in the fanciest school in Asia without a in the world. She loved her school and its clean, white walls

stretching for what felt like miles. Her teacher announced that the class would be going on a field trip. She explained that children from the Philippine Christian Foundation (PCF) were coming to visit our school for two days, and then they would visit theirs. She told them about a school built out of storage containers, on top of Smokey Mountain in Manila. They all knew of Smokey Mountain and had heard stories of this far off place where all trash went. A massive pile that reached up to the sky where children would climb and pick rubbish.

None of the other kids had been there before, let alone met someone going to school there.

The girl was never a shy child, but she found herself retreating into a shell as the teacher explained that each of them would have to pair up with one of the children and befriend them; they would show them around their school, and the other child would do the same. The day they came to visit, the classes from different worlds lined up across from each other. The nine-year-old and her friends shyly uttered a ‘hello’ and the PCF kids reluctantly grumbled back. At first, she thought it was rude, but once she heard them whispering to each other, she realized that they mostly spoke Tagalog. She had never been in a room before with so many Filipino kids who did not speak English before and felt ashamed that she had judged them just for speaking another language.

When they were nudged to go up and pick a friend, the brave kids went first, confidently grabbing the hands of the most friendly-looking PCF kids. The nine-year-old hesitantly looked at one of the PCF kids, she had two long braids and big, round glasses. She looked nice, thought the nine-year-old, so she went up to her and said “okay, come on, let’s go.” While she began to give the PCF kid a tour of the school, she said “Mabuhay! My name’s Sofia, what’s yours?”

“Maria...” the PCF kid mumbled.

“Sorry? I didn’t hear you,” Sofia asked loudly.

“Maria Fe.” “Really?! My Yaya’s called Maria Fe too!” She got extremely excited to tell her nanny when she got home. Sofia thought it was funny that her name, ‘Fe,’ meant faith in Spanish.

When Sofia got home and told Mama all about her day, her mother came up with the idea of giving Maria Fe a present. Sofia got excited, grabbed a pretty bag and started putting some new toys she recently bought for herself, candies, and a book. Mama started to put tubes of toothpaste, deodorants, and other toiletries.

“Mama, porque estas poniendo toiletries en Maria Fe’s present?” asked Sofia.

“Sofi, Maria Fe probablemente no tiene estas cosas en su casa,” Mama responded.

“I don’t understand, Mami.”

“I know you just want to give her toys, pero Maria Fe probablemente needs these en su familia tambien. She doesn’t have drawers filled with toiletries cómo nosotros,” Mama said.

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The next day they came to visit, they ate lunch from the little buffet all of Sofia’s classmates had created. When she noticed that some of the PCF kids hid food in their pockets, Sofia remembered what Mama had said the day before. She looked guiltily at the half-eaten sandwich she had just thrown in the trash, hoping Maria Fe hadn’t noticed. Later that day, Sofia nervously pulled out Maria Fe’s present and handed it to her saying “thanks for being my friend.” Maria Fe looked surprised, and she responded with a simple “thank you” and a big smile. Which made Sofia smile back even bigger. It felt good to do a good deed.

The day after, it was Sofia’s turn to visit Maria Fe’s school. Knowing that she had a friend, she wasn’t afraid to visit the scary Smokey Mountain. As Maria Fe gave her a tour of the school, she saw parents making jewelry out of trash and recycled magazines to earn money for the school. Sofia thought how strange it was that she had no knowledge of this school until three days ago. As the trip continued, Maria Fe and Sofia grew their friendship and Sofia greatly treasured it. When it was time to say a sad goodbye, Maria Fe handed Sofia a little, knitted bear.

“My mother made it for you” Maria Fe mumbled. Sofia took the bear and smiled.

“Salamat po, Maria Fe!” Sofia said.

Maria Fe grinned at her attempt to speak Tagalog.

“You’re welcome, Sofia!” she responded. Sofia grinned at her attempt to speak English.

Sofia didn’t understand how or why, but she knew that this moment was important, and she promised herself to keep that bear with her forever.

As she looked at Maria Fe’s eyes Sofia Pricolo through her thick, round spectacles, Sofia gave her a big hug. She knew this was the last time she would ever see her. Just like her name means faith, Sofia had faith that good things were coming and she knew that this interaction had changed them both.

Flash forward eight years, the girl still has Maria Fe’s little bear. It sits on her bed and reminds her of the sweet girl from a completely different world who impacted on her life. She made Sofia realize how privileged she was. She felt angry because she felt like she didn’t deserve to live such a comfortable life when there were good people out there, like Maria Fe, who had nothing. Even though they were only together for three days, that connection was the most meaningful moment of Sofia’s childhood. As she goes on to university, studying international development, she thinks about how small moments can be so influential in one’s life. Sofia thinks about if she had chosen another PCF kid that day, or if she had missed school because she was sick, or if her mother hadn’t thought to give a gift. She wonders if her life would have taken a different path.

Nevertheless, her life was changed by meeting Maria Fe. This little bear reminds her of where her passion and drive comes from to dedicate her life to solving issues in lower economically developed countries, and most importantly, to helping people, like that little girl from long ago. If you see someone that you would normally not speak to, try and connect with them. You never know how the smallest of interactions can completely shift your worldview.

features

The Finish Line of your Graded Career Luisa Miglorancia hat motivates you to keep your grades up? To update your CAS portfolio as W much as possible? To attend school in the first place? Many may say that it is the prospect of getting to college, of learning something you are passionate

about in more depth. Whether you are attending college as a stepping stone to your career, or as a meaningful experience or journey, college is a true turning point in the typical student’s life and is the episode that all students are waiting for. Graduation, for many, is considered the finish line of their Graded education—everything that comes next is another “race” completely.

Chances are, seniors at Graded will know where they’ll be heading after the holidays by the end of the school year. They have gone through most of the daunting process that is the college application, and are on the last lap of their individual races to higher education. But what comes after that? Honestly, it is hard to know when you haven’t actually gone to college yourself.

That is why The Talon took to interviewing members of the Class of 2019; the newest professionals at all things college-related.

When asked about their priorities when choosing where to apply, or more importantly, where to attend, the vast majority, 64%, said that location was their primary concern. After location, the next priorities included courses available, the quality of education, and the lifestyle, or extracurriculars offered.

They were also asked about the best experiences in their first semester.

Many said that the opportunity to learn about things that truly engages and excites them was the silver lining of college. For instance, Graded alumnus Guilherme Guerreiro, said that the best thing about college has been “exploring the things you enjoy with people who enjoy them too.” He explained how “college allows you to focus on what you really like doing.

Not only that, but you get to meet a bunch of people who like the same things as you.” Alexandre Jabor supported this statement by saying that the “academic work feels rewarding, for you’re taking classes you are fully engaged in and passionate about.”

College is a chance to pursue the interests that you have developed throughout your life. It can be a place where the dreaded question “why am I learning this?” feels distant, since the courses taken are curated to help students excel in their chosen majors. Another popular response to this question has to do with the independence that colleges often grant their students. As best said by Mathaus Silva, Class of 2019 really enjoys the “freedom to do whatever, whenever”.

This freedom, however, does lead to some challenges. Many students expressed how this somewhat sudden responsibility can catch them off guard.

Whether that be learning to manage your finances, keeping up with assignments, or simply taking care of your room, college is a place where you have to do things alone. As said by Helena Segall, “in college you are responsible for all your work. No professor is going to keep reminding you of what has to be done.” There are no SAS emails demanding that you keep up with your assignments, and no constant notifications from Mrs. Cope reminding you of the importance of your attendance. This can be a frightening change in the life of a typical Graded student, who is accustomed to lots of attention and care from teachers and mentors. Freedom and responsibility on campus are, therefore, things to be thoughtfully considered during the application process.

Adapting to dorm life is another struggle students face in their first year. Surprisingly, it is not the actual dorm that troubled most of the respondents; instead, it was the fact that they had to live so far from their families. Zaba Peixoto, for one, said that “homesickness is very real.” Juliana Regen also had that same concern, saying that she is missing home more than she thought she would: “Graded and São Paulo were a huge part of my life and I have to admit I miss the people.” The number of students who shared this remark reveal that “everyone is on the same page” (Marina Dissinger). All college freshmen come from their respective high schools, and they all miss some aspect of their home; they had their own upbringings and all have “wildly different backgrounds” (Jabour). Every freshman, regardless of where they’re from, are

all sharing this same experience. If you think that over, you will realise that college is designed to be a place where forming relationships is easier than normal. There are activities for everyone, and almost everyone is open to conversation and easy to talk to. Perhaps that approachability and friendliness is what gets college students through this phase of homesickness. The Talon will have to check in later on the Class of 2019 again to confirm that, though.

The last part of the survey was about the application process, regrets, and advice the Class of 2019 wish that they had been given. 96% of the respondents agreed that the IB prepared them well for college, and 64% said that they regret nothing about their applications, so, seniors, you are all in good hands. Nevertheless, some extra advice is always welcome. The main thing that came up in this section of the survey were comments about choosing a college that is the right “fit” for you. For instance, Bianca Auriemo advised seniors to “really think about the personality of the school. Think about their values, the type of people there.” She also highlighted that “it’s really, really about the fit in the end” and encouraged anxious seniors to trust that “change is awesome.” Choosing a place to spend the next 4+ years of your life is not a simple decision. Of course, transferring is a possibility, however, at the stage seniors are in now, their main question, according to a range of alumni, should be whether or not they can see themselves in that specific college. The choice you make should not be determined by the opinions of other people. Prestige and rankings sure go a long way, but ultimately, seeing yourself happy with people that resonate with your personality is what the choice should be all about. Another alumnus, Gabi Campos, advised upcoming college students to “follow your instincts and not anyone else’s,” to keep in mind that “you are the one applying and attending college.” Heitor Gundim also answered this section by apprising future college students not to be shy and to “reach out to former seniors”, who have, after all, just gone through what they will experience in a matter of months.

As high school comes to an end and a new class of students approach the finish line of their Graded careers, they are involuntarily led to ponder about the imminent change that is college life. Taking in consideration all that was said by Graded’s accomplished Class of 2019, the main takeaway is that college is what you make of it. It is a new experience, and there is no one way to go about it. Being mindful about the application process is definitely important, but there is no need to stress too much, “once you get into university, all that anxiety will look unwarranted” (Guerreiro). That is why, as Diego Navarro asserted, you should “enjoy every moment of senior year.” Cherish every second with your family and friends. Participate as much as possible in all Graded events you’ll soon have to live without. Work hard, but be sure to compensate.

Seniors, give it your all. This is your year.

PTA

Thank you to all Class of 2019 alumni who answered the survey!

Special thanks to our featured former-seniors: Alexandre Jabor - Amherst College Bianca Auriemo - Brown University Diego Navarro - Ibmec Gabi Campos - FGV Guilherme Guerreiro - USC Heitor Gundim- University of Texas Helena Segall - Northestern University Juliana Regen - NYU Marina Dissinger - SAIC Mathaus Silva - Bentley University Zaba Peixoto - Middlebury College

the talon • 5

features Graded Takes a Step Towards Safety Anita Benito

L

ast semester, students could enter Graded straight from the rugged streets of José Galante without identification. Graded’s past safety precautions were questionable, in the sense that there were none. Let me paint you a picture: thousands of ravenous, reckless Graded Moms stormed the school. There was no escaping them. They overran the track, the snackbar (Yurban of course, Graded Moms are anti-grease), the halls, the library, even peeking through the windows of classrooms. It was a catastrophe.

I vividly remember the day I first came into school through the new parking lot, expecting some kind of identification check, but the guards just let me in. Whether they had supernatural abilities or were just told to let in anyone that looked like a student, I don’t know. But they couldn’t possibly have seen the Graded sticker on my car (unless they had superhuman vision), and they’ve never seen my face before that day. Ironically, I’ve had more trouble leaving school then coming in.

It feels like Graded cannot function without some kind of new construction occurring, and so the installation of the fingerprint machines was no surprise. Graded realized our school had little safety precautions and was more crowded than São Paulo traffic on a Friday night. So, before students went on mid-semester vacation to try to regrow the countless brain cells they’ve lost, they all had to get two of their fingerprints scanned with the idea that they would use their fingerprint to get into and out of Graded. However, it turns out the machines could not work due to the large number of fingerprints. While few students were able to use their fingerprint successfully, the majority struggled to get on and leave campus. For the next week or so, the machine’s glass doors were left open during the morning and afternoon.

When a Grade 10 student, Malu Geyerhahn, who took the bus was asked, she responded by saying: “It’s too crowded and it takes a long time to get through. I’m worried I’ll miss the bus.”

This annoyance caused our school to work tirelessly for a solution. Not long after, each student was given a top-ofthe-line ID card keychain. Students are now easily able to enter the school with these new cards which are equipped with a retractable string. This fashion statement is being displayed by students all over the school. St. Paul’s school uniforms quiver before these pulchritudinous accessories.

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It is safe to say, despite minor injuries that the retractable cards may have caused, this is a much easier way of getting in and out of school and solves the problem of overcrowding at the end of the day. The number of Graded Moms around our school has decreased and students are safer on campus.

Jokes aside, the new measures Graded has towards safety will definitely ensure security to students, faculty, and staff at Graded during school hours. This turning point in the safety precautions our school has implemented is definitely for the better.

madis

features The Secret Life of a Post- Brexit Brit Chiara Sitchin n June 23rd, 2016, Britain began its long divorce from the O European Union, or EU. The country set up a two-year countdown to the moment they left the union, but it was

delayed three times. However, on January 31st, 2020 at 11 PM GMT, Brexit finally occurred. But what does this mean for Britain? How are Europeans and British people reacting to this event? I took to the Graded community to help me answer these questions. Here is what expert British mathematician, Mr. Forster, and European Graded alum, Ben, who is currently attending the King’s College medical school in London, had to say.

Firstly, I inquired about how each of them had come to know about Brexit and what their initial reactions were. Ben was still at Graded when he first heard about Brexit. He was concerned about how the EU was going to fare without the United Kingdom, and he also had a worry that applies to many current Graded students. He says: “I was considering applying to the UK at the time and I was worried that it would make applications more competitive as I would no longer be considered as a European citizen but as an international one.”

Mr. Forster however, has more of an opinionated view.

He says, “I was extremely disappointed and I’m even more disappointed now than I was before. Because I think the European Union is a very good thing, I think that countries need to work together.” He believes that the most effective way to solve the world’s many problems is by having countries stick together, and Brexit is extremely counter-productive in that aspect.

Both men seem to believe that Brexit wasn’t a necessary measure for Great Britain. Mr Forster says that, being part of a union, the UK wasn’t going to get everything they wanted, but he believes it was mutually beneficial while it lasted. Ben, on the other hand, says, “England has always been slightly apart from the European Union, with its own currency, measurement units, and not being part of the Schengen Area, which is where most European countries are found and where they act the most unified. For those reasons, Ben sees a rationale for this division.

But now, what are the best and worse consequences of Brexit?

Mr. Forster acknowledges that there is a possibility for Britain to get some money out of this settlement, but says that we shouldn’t “forget that the UK will have to spend 40 billion pounds [...] to actually exit the EU in the first place.” Ben hopes that Brexit will help bring more funds for the National Health Service (NHS) where he sees himself working in the future. In an economic standpoint, he hopes that Britain will “become equivalent to Asia’s Singapore, becoming a strong

European hub for international companies.” On the negative side, Ben fears that the UK will become economically, militarily and academically isolated.

Both subjects say that January 23rd was simply an ordinary day for them. Mr. Forster comments that “according to everyone in the UK it didn’t feel that much different either.”

He mentioned people will only start seeing differences at the start of 2021.

When asked if he believes the EU will struggle without the UK, Ben believes “the EU will recover and following the endless embarrassing negotiations of Brexit, most of the European political parties, including far-right French leader Marine Le Pen, will no longer take an anti-European stance.” However, he is hopeful that Brexit will serve as a “wake up call” and allow Europe to become stronger as a Union. On the other hand, Mr. Forster has a more negative stance, believing that the EU will be weaker due to this split as he believes that “the UK was a major contributor” and that, like with any union, more people means more influence.

Finally, I asked if they believed British people’s dayto-day lives were going to be impacted by the changes expected with Brexit. Ben mentioned that the increase Raghavvidya (Flickr) of the pound value has impacted him as a student living in a city that is quite expensive. However, he points out that Londoners do not talk much about Brexit as he thinks “it has become a matter of national embarrassment and there is a restlessness for all of it to be over.”

Overall, it seems that Brexit hasn’t brought many changes to Europe and the UK, yet it’s only a matter of time until things begin changing. Though it may be a slow process, all the countries involved will change due to it. It seems that one day, this will become the new normal. Ultimately, with time, this generation’s kids will ask about a time when Britain was part of the EU, like the current one asks their parents about life without the internet.

Sources: Wikipedia, Centre for European Reform

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point of view

Girls: Let’s Skydive into STEM Isabela Abreu & Marina Senderos Isabela:

t started when I was sitting in a chair, innocently looking over a booklet that would shape my future. As a sophomore, my 15-year-old self was thrilled to plan the journey that would, and will, lead the rest of my life.

I

I had never truly considered it as a career path up until the beginning of 10th grade. I leafed through the booklet in search of a science option that would fuel my drive for learning and possibly grow one of my already-existing passions. After taking Biology in 9th grade and Chemistry and Physics in 10th grade, they all seemed interesting, but none of them made me imagine a future where I would be consumed by wanting to learn more in that subject area. That’s when I stumbled upon Computer Science.

I had briefly explored programming as a child, but over the years, my academic subjects consumed my time and it seemed like I had left that interest behind. One of the components that had a considerably large influence on my decision to take the course was Mr. Griswold. He was a child in a candy store: full of life and a fascination for learning. After spending a year with him, our relationship grew strong enough for me to call him Shishter Gris.

With his guidance, I started to understand how each piece fit together to solve the puzzle, and how Math and Computer Science connect. However, instead of letting my interest in Computer Science die due to its connection to Math, the logic of it pulled me in deeper. I made a decision and checked the box next to “IB HL Computer Science.”

The second I stepped into my first class, it was the day I added another passion to my list. After hearing Mr. Griswold speak about algorithms and data types with a glimmer in his eyes, I slowly felt my affection for the subject grow. I realized that if Mr. Griswold could have countless passions, including Math and Computer Science, and be able to feel equally excited about them, so could I. The way I wanted to connect my humanities-driven side with my newly-found love for Computer Science was now valid. Spending two or three days every week not only learning from one of the most academically infatuated people I know, but also having a chance to connect with my friends due to the free nature of the class, has opened my eyes towards where my aspirations could and have - taken me.

There’s only one small detail that worries me: I’m the only girl in my class. It doesn’t interfere with my abilities as a student and programmer; however, it certainly did make me think how the lacking representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) fields is an issue that we face within our own walls at Graded but one we can definitely solve.

Marina I have also taken a computer science course, and similarly to Isa, I was one of the two girls in an elective of 18 students. Like Isa, I also did not question my abilities to learn how to program sim-

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ply because this was a male-dominated environment. However, I know that this isn’t the case for lots of girls, or for most people for that matter. The truth is that students are more likely to succeed when we are supported by a cohort of peers from similar backgrounds. Therefore it only makes sense that when a lacking number of girls are in STEM classes, they feel out of place and believe that they are less likely to succeed. On top of feeling left out, when it comes to the fields of STEM fields, women have to work harder to get the recognition they deserve. Yet what used to be a playground for men is now a place for women as well; however, the disparity between men and women in STEM fields is still concerning.

But why should girls explore STEM courses if they pose other strengths? The answer to this question is very simple: because it’s in our best interest and because we can.

As we move towards a society so heavily-reliant on technology, learning how to code can distinguish you from other candidates in multiple sectors. Whether that be university applications or employment, being a woman that knows about computer science or programming will make you a candidate that stands out and therefore will increase the amount of opportunities you have in the future. What’s more, according to the American Association of University Women, computer science has one of the smallest pay gaps between male and female professionals, with women earning 94% of what men earn. Being prepared to participate in the future includes learning how to code, and we cannot Laura Grover via Public Radio International afford to be held back any further than we are today. Although there are numerous women that have contributed ground-breaking work, the world is ready for the impact of more girls’ participation in STEM. Women’s presence in STEM fields has transformed and advanced our world tremendously, so there is no doubt that an increase of women in STEM will cause more significant changes. Take Katherine Johnson, for example. A West Virginia native and American mathematician, Johnson helped confirm the accuracy of electronic computers used by NASA and performed critical calculations that ensured safe space travel from the 1950s on. We didn’t travel to space because we needed to, but because we could and wanted to. Humans choose to do all sorts of things simply because we enjoy them and are capable of doing them. We choose to go sky-diving not because we have to, but because it’s thrilling and we know we can do it. We know there’s always a chance that we might crash, but we are willing to take the risk.

Girls, we can choose to take computer science and take a risk to try something we think will make us crash. We’ll never know until we try, but we both think our odds are pretty good. When Katherine Johnson did it, we landed on the moon.

Sources:ComputerScience.Org

point of view

Overwhelmed by Passion Sofia Etlin ou are reading this right now, probably around mid-April, Y and at this point in time Carnaval is nothing but a colorful, glitter-filled, memory. A series of events made up of swirls and music that seem to contradict the reality of your dreary and anxiety-driven day to day as a current or up-and-coming IB student. For what it’s worth, I hope you had a wonderful break, or, if not wonderful and serendipitous, a bit restful, serene.

My break, on the other hand, was quite the opposite of most of these things: visiting over 13 cities in 7 days to tour colleges was more tiring than I was prepared for. However, it was also a lot more constructive than I had ever anticipated; maybe I did have a bit of serendipity following me around after all.

I want to take this opportunity, while the experiences I had and the many mini (or not so mini) breakdowns that I unloaded entirely upon my poor mother as well as whoever else had happened to call me that day are still fresh in my mind, to pass on some of the knowledge I had to sacrifice my “break” for so you don’t have to.

The most significant lesson that I was force-fed throughout these long road trips, tours, and what seemed like eternal information sessions, was that colleges want confidence. It doesn’t matter that 70-something percent of all students change their majors two, three, even four times once they are in college; when you are applying you need to indicate what major you are interested in. Not only that, but you also have to specify why you want to study that particular major at that specific institution, adding another layer of specificity to boggle the minds of undecided high school students. When you get the question “Why Yale?” or “Why Brown?” or why “Ohio State University?” colleges don’t want a cookie-cutter answer that you could copy and paste any number of university names into; they want specificity and personalization to them.

As an incredibly unsure person, this didn’t come as a small, insignificant hindrance. Every time a tour guide asked me what I was thinking of studying in college, genuinely expecting an answer, all I had to say was: “Is there a class called I have no idea?” I might not have had time to do much over Carnaval other than walk and take photos, but I did re-read my favorite book Franny and Zooey (you should go read it), ruminated more than is good for my mental health, ate a lot, and meditated some. I was able to come to the conclusion that I like way too many things. I love poetry, I love words and writing and reading and expressing myself through that art form. But I also love medicine, I am interested in politics, and in the intersection of economics with philosophy, but I also really like manual labor for some reason and want to live on a farm, and I’m also so passionate about theater and acting, and dance and the list never ends, it really never does. One admissions officer said something that I think encapsulates my feelings and those of so many other high schoolers going through the same thought loops I’m often stuck in: “It’s not that you’re undecided. You have too many interests, too many things you want to do and study and learn, you’re over-decided!”

ary approach I have towards my life.

In order to do this, I decided that I would start practicing mindful doing. Now, what is mindful doing? Whenever you do anything, and I mean anything, literally: eating, trying to sleep, writing Talon articles, listening to music, writing an English paper, you get the picture. Whenever you’re doing something, try to think about your feelings. Stop, breathe. Taking no longer than a second to think about how you’re feeling will allow you to determine if you’re doing that thing because you love doing it or because of what you hope to get out of it. Let me quote someone who can explain it a lot better than any of my humble words can: You have the right to work, but for the work’s sake only. You have no right to the fruits of work. Desire for the fruits of work must never be your motive in working. Never give way to laziness, either.

Perform every action with your heart fixed on the Supreme Lord. Renounce attachment to the fruits. Be even-tempered in success and failure; for it is this evens of temper which is meant by yoga.

Work done with anxiety about results is far inferior to work done without such anxiety, in the calm of self-surrender. Seek refuge in the knowledge of Brahman. They who work selfishly for results are miserable. - “Bhagavad Gita.”

So many of us, myself included, get lost in extracurricular community service, sports, art classes, and forget to check in on why we’re doing all those things. Do you do MUN because you love debating, or because you’ve been doing it for the past two years and want to show colleges consistency, or because you hope to get a leadership position in the club? If you love a subject, go beyond what you “have to know for the test.” Spending time acquiring knowledge for the sake of a test, a knowledge that you will soon forget is such a horrible waste of the most precious resource we have, and it’s so sad to see so many people draining themselves of it in the name of an abstract goal: success.

This trip taught me the importance of focus. The need to ground myself in something or, at the very least, to create some sort of feasible mind map that I can navigate without getting overwhelmed by choices born from the interdisciplin-

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point of view Intolerance Is Not The Same As Indifference Olivia Peixoto A few weeks ago, 20 students from grade 11 Brazilian Social Studies class traveled to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia to learn about the move of the Brazilian capital city. On the last day of our visit to Brasilia, we took a tour of the Palácio do Planalto, the president’s official workplace. When we arrived, we were notified that the president was in the building. This elicited an excitement amongst many in our group. Incongruous to the majority of my peers on the trip I could not separate the office from the man. It is unfathomable that a person who is leading a unified nation remains a divisive figure who shows no sensitivity to the most disadvantaged of this country. Bolsonaro would rather belittle the free press, most minorities, and anyone who dissents from his views. I was in the same building as a powerful man whose actions I condemn.

belief. The problem is, that most, if not all, students on that trip are now of voting age. With that, we must be held accountable for our decisions, and understand that they carry more weight than we might intend them too.

When our teacher announced that those of us who were interested would have the opportunity to meet the president after our tour, and asked for a hand count of those who wished to remain outside, I instinctively put my hand up. I was the only one.

Oftentimes, I am told that even though Bolsonaro has made controversial statements in the past, he didn’t mean them or they had little impact. That statement could not be further from the truth. When an authority figure congratulates a torturer, when he indicates that indigenous people are not human beings, when he creates a divide between the LBTQ+ community and straight Brazilians, he is showing his supporters that he condones discrimination.

This, in turn, permits people to use his name to excuse their displays of intolerance and attempts at intimidation.

My decision generated both criticism and support. At the same time that I was congratulated for standing up for my beliefs, I was accused of being a “Petista” or a Communist.

I received questions about whether I even cared about the corruption Brazil suffered.

To that, I would like to clarify that standing outside had nothing to do with a political party or a political ideology. My choice was based on simple principles of human decency that I hope all political leaders would uphold. President Bolsonaro’s actions during his first two years in office stand in stark contrast to my beliefs, and I consider his actions, as the most powerful individual in the country, inappropriate.

Going into the meeting would mean that I condoned, or at least did not oppose, the 95% budget cuts he made on climate change policies in Brazil. It symbolized that I excused his sexist ‘witticisms’ and racist comments towards native Brazilians, and people in the LBGTQ+ communities, claiming that “they are not in search of equal rights but a privilege.” It meant that I turned a blind eye to his claim that a woman did not deserve to be raped because she was not “good enough”. It signified that I agreed with his policy to cut funding for basic education in a country where the majority of the population does not graduate high school. It would show that I looked the other way when he proclaimed that Coronel Ustra, “recognized in the first instance of Justice as a torturer during the military dictatorship,” is a “Brazilian hero.”

I watched the other students leave his cabinet thrilled to have met the man who they believed had saved their country. Some of them stated that they had not completely formulated an opinion on him, but were excited to have met him because of his position. Unfortunately, nowadays, it is not enough to abstain from forming a political opinion; actions do not show indifference to a

10 • the talon

Some of my classmates were curious about meeting Bolsonaro because they saw him as a celebrity. The internet has made many anonymous people influencers, and I can see the interest of taking pictures with infamous people like the Kardashians. However, a political leader is vastly different. I believe that smiling with him or shaking his hand signifies support for him and his policies.

By laughing at his jokes in his place of office, you are condoning his actions not as an individual but as the leader of the Brazilian democracy.

That Tuesday, in Brasilia, I made my decision, realizing that my actions spoke louder than my words ever would. With that, I recognize the privilege I have to be placed in that position.

Comunicação Bandeirantes

Sources: O Globo, G1, Folha de São Paulo, G1

point of view Why did I choose to enter Bolsonaro’s Cabinet in Brasília?

Isabella Tonnani

R

ecently, I went on a trip to Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro with the Brazilian Social Studies Department. The main aim of the trip was to see the formation of Brazil’s capital, learn more about the process of urbanization, and most importantly get acquainted with our countries’ political structures. We met several different politicians along the way, having meaningful conversations with deputies and ministers, watching senate sessions, and taking tours through different political buildings in Brasilia.

On the last day of the trip, we made our way to the Palacio do Planalto which is the official office of the Brazilian President.

The visit is extremely restrictive and is not open to the public quite often. Upon our arrival, we discovered President Bolsonaro was currently in the building. I remember hoping we would somehow run into him, but I would never have thought that it would be possible. Until a few moments later, a woman announced we would have the opportunity to have a brief chat with Bolsonaro.

I was in complete amazement: I was about to meet the President of my democracy.

With that, a group of students, myself included, headed to the President’s cabinet. We made our way inside and formed a semi-circle around him. I could not believe my eyes when I saw him for the first time; I was in awe. He briefly talked to us and we took a picture with him. For me, this moment was truly amazing because I never imagined meeting the President.

It was an honor to meet him.

It is important to note that I do not consider Bolsonaro a perfect politician, and I recognize that his policies do not satisfy all Brazilian citizens. However, these characteristics are not unique to him; every politician is unable to please the entire population. I support Bolsonaro over candidates of the “Partido Trabalhista,” because they received several allegations of corruption.

Corruption is the primary threat to democracy. This is because it affects the entire country: it influences education and health care, increases the gaps amongst social classes, and worsens social security. Despite the “PT ‘’ having been accused of these crimes, the 2018 election was highly disputed between one of their representatives and Bolsonaro. Those who oppose the current president, consistently condemn and criticize his plans and views. Even though I respect their beliefs, I am unable to comprehend them. Thus, I can’t understand why someone would still vote for a candidate from PT. This is because that means overlooking corruption. Consequently, I find it incomprehensible when he is more criticized than those of the PT.

bers of the “Partido Trabalhista” were running an embezzlement scheme using public money. They used this money to pay deputies in exchange for votes for government projects. In 2005, the federal deputy Roberto Jefferson (PTB) denounced this scheme to the public. The latter was even worse, lasting from Lula’s Presidency up until Dilma’s Presidency. It involved Petrobras, a Brazilian corporation in the Petroleum Industry, and happened through a series of small acts that involved avoiding debts, overpricing, money laundering and collecting fees from contractors.

Fortunately, “Operação Lava Jato”- as it was called- was launched in 2014 to combat these corrupt moves. Brazil’s Federal Police and Judge Sergio Moro undertook several investigations to unveil the many cases of corruption. It resulted in Lula’s arrest in 2018.

The publicization of these scandals led to Dilma’s impeachment in 2016. Her impeachment was based on accusations of disrespect for the budgetary, administrative improbity law, and suspicions of her involvement in acts of corruption at Petrobras.

In 2019, for the first time in 14 years the Partido dos Trabalistas was replaced, and President Jair Bolsonaro was elected with over 55% of votes.

A very large number of Brazilians see President Bolsonaro as the symbol of hope for a better future for our nation. He is a hope for less corruption in SECOM Brazil, new policies, and positive changes. I strongly believe he was the best choice for our country, compared to the other candidates in the 2018 election. Even though he is not perfect, I believe he can help Brazil thrive.

Many people overlook his successes, paying no attention to the benefits he brings to our country. Until now he’s been doing a great job in governing Brazil: improving Brazil’s employment rate, economy, security, and so forth. With that in mind, I much rather have him as our President than Lula or Dilma and their corrupt government. Therefore, entering his cabinet was lifechanging because now I know the President who might help our nation change. *This article was written in February 2020 Sources: CongressoEmFoco, Wikipedia, Inteligentista, Wikipedia TodoEstudo, GazetaDoPovo, TodaMateria, Wikipedia, InfoMoney

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff spent 14 years governing our country. They created a government-centered around the biggest corruption scandal around the world. I am referring to “Mensalao” and “Petrolao.” The former occurred in 2005 during the Lula government. It was discovered that mem-

the talon • 11

point of view

The Uncountable Pleasures of Life João Aguiar de Souza once believed in the absolute significance of numbers.

Iunbiased I trusted precision and its ability to deliver concise, knowledge. However, as numbers began

to take over aspects of my life, I began to question their presence: must everything be measured? Does measurement skew experience? How can we, as a society, measure dignity? Opportunity? The legacy of trauma?

Measurements are important: tests measure, heart rate monitors measure, markets measure. These are worthy and ancient tools.

But the modern precision of measurement and its everpresent nature is different; it’s invasive and pervasive.

Apart from possibly gaining self-knowledge, do measurements tell us everything we need? These questions do not yield a single or simplistic answer.

However, one can no longer deny the power numbers have obtained over our lives.

Numbers are everywhere: they are on the phone that tracks our steps and Instagram which tracks our “likes.” They are in the exact amount of times we have listened to our favorite songs and in knowing the precise number of minutes of the songs. We turn on the news, and poll-driven data has taken over for leadership. We turn on Netflix and see that our tastes have been quantified and steered to works we already watched - preventing growth or surprise. Our relationship with numbers is ever-present.

To an extent, we have all become numbers. Numbers have also become a tool to measure essential parts of many people’s lives: their health (quantified through blood pressure, weight, BMI, etc.) or their financial situation (the value present in their bank account).

Over the past weeks, confined at home in quarantine, surrounded by an urban scenery that stretches to an unknown horizon, I have contemplated various times on the idea that we have all reached a turning point in our relationship with numbers. The COVID-19 crisis has proven itself as an unprecedented chapter in modern history, compelling nations across the globe to rely on tools never employed before. The use of big data has proven to be imperative - policymakers have been able to make calculated decisions based on massive measurements and models. Although numbers have for the most part - proven their worth, to an extent, they have turned us numb to tragedy. In a mere 24-hour span, the United States recorded over two thousand

12 • the talon

lives lost to the virus. As a comparison, on September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks in the Twin Towers caused a brutal death to nearly three thousand souls. To this day, 9/11 is remembered as one of the most dreadful days in America’s 243 years of life - but barely anyone could state the first date when the pandemic caused two thousand American lives to be cut short.

The coronavirus has triggered a reflection for many concerning our use and relation with numbers. As of May 15th, 302,493 human beings throughout the world lost their lives. We must remember each and every one of them as mothers, fathers, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends - and never as a mere digit.

In the past few weeks, numbers have been mostly utilized as a tangible method of measuring tragedy (deaths, economic loss, unemployment, and so on). However, in the past, they have served as an instrument for gauging society’s GDY (Pixaby) a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s .

For instance, over the past decade, numbers have shown us how 801.2 million people left poverty, or how we have decreased illiteracy rates by more than 70 million children.

On a more personal level, as a senior, I tend to often remember many of my most memorable academic milestones as numbers: IB predicted scores, number of universities I was accepted to, the grades I received on my exams, or the number of colleagues in my graduating class. But these are not my most cherished memories of my year as a senior. It would be impossible to express all my thoughts, emotions, and accomplishments throughout the past four years into numbers.

As a society, we have become hostages to numbers.

The very essence of the functioning of our world today relies on the ever-presence of numbers. In the past, due to a lack of tools to store and process data, numbers were significant, but now they are necessary. We have, indeed, reached a turning point. The way we proceed henceforth will tell us if we still are capable of holding on to what truly makes us humans and not machines.

Precise measurements are important, but so is trusting your gut, leading from your heart, taking a risk on a new venture, creating intangible memories, and surrendering to the uncountable pleasures of life.

point of view

The Future of Energy Alejandro Garcias

E

nergy production and consumption have changed at a staggering rate and in a remarkably unpredictable manner over the past ten years— considerable decreases in solar costs and the departure by many countries from nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster serving as examples. In light of this, it is safe to assume that the changes this coming decade will bring will also be largely unpredictable. However, the trends evident in the current state of the energy sector provide much reason to believe that the upcoming developments will be in large part positive.

Before discussing the possible innovations coming to our energy generation systems, it is necessary to get the problem of fossil fuels and the consequential greenhouse gas emissions out of the way. Guiding almost any prediction made by climate scientists about the future of the use of nonrenewable energy sources and global warming is a set of four standard scenarios to predict our planet’s future, called “representative concentration pathways,” or RCPs. The higher the RCP number is, the bleaker the picture of humanity’s future on Earth is; RCP 2.6 is the best case scenario, while RCP 8.5 is the worst. Unfortunately, our current trajectory points in the direction of RCP 8.5, where high emissions are maintained and no carbon-dioxide mitigation is present. This is not a survivable path, as it will cause a global average temperature increase of 4.9 degrees Celsius, eventually leading to the loss of the trees and ice sheets that we cannot live without. However, not all data points to an impending 8.5 – this scenario is mainly based on data from land-use events like deforestation. Historical records only of pollution from fossil-fuel burning suggest that we are closer to RCP 4.5, which still forecasts a 2.4 degree temperature rise, but it is better. The path humanity will end up taking depends on, above all else, finding a viable way to transition into using new technologies, allowing for the use of alternative energy sources in order to fully abandon nonrenewable and environmentally deprecating energy sources, and on how quickly we will be able to do it.

Several data point to a future of rapid energy transition, including swift declines in solar and wind energy costs and their quick growth and the rising popularity of electric vehicles. Ever-increasing digitalization, which opens the door to many new technologies that could help cut building energy demand and exponentially increase the efficiency of energy systems, also points to a fast transition. Additionally, as a consequence of this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, oil and gas prices have seen substantial declines; there is still much uncertainty about the time frame of the repercussions of the virus’s spread, but its effect on the energy sector is a considerable inflection point in the course of energy consumption and may ultimately drive increased development of strategies for a more diversified and renewable energy system.

With great potential to grow to a very large scale, solar electricity generation seems to be the most promising and will most likely be an essential component of the energy system that will need to be developed in order to mitigate climate change risk. Sunlight is by far the most abundant power source on the planet, as enough energy from the Sun reaches the Earth’s surface in only one hour to satisfy our current energy demand and power all of civilization for an entire year. With all of the progress that has been made in recent years toward making solar energy a viable source, including in performance, price, and generating capacity, solar likely has the greatest potential to become globally widespread.

Wind energy is also becoming increasingly popular and has great potential to be a common source of power going forward. Its exponential growth over the past decade is likely to continue into the future, as wind turbines are built in more regions of the world, both on and offshore. According to the IEA, accelerated deployment of wind power coupled with increased electrification could provide onefourth of the annual CO2 emission reductions needed by 2050 and could cover over one-third of global power needs. General Electric has invested in the development of a 260-meter wind turbine called Haliade-X 12 MW, which will stand nearly as tall as the Eiffel Tower, becoming the world’s most powerful offshore turbine. Additionally, designs for bladeless turbines that would bring all kinds of benefits, including reduction of mechanical elements and maintenance costs have recently been in the making.

WEF Forum These efficient systems may lead us into a very promising future of wind power.

Both of these types of energy production have significant challenges that must be overcome to make them efficient enough for the world’s future demand, however. The main issue is storage. Because neither the sun always shines nor the wind always blows, we need to find a way to store their energy for when we cannot harvest it. The forms of storage that presently exist are not powerful enough. Solutions to this problem are in development, but none of them will come without challenges.

Nuclear fusion would be the ideal way of generating energy going into the future. At its full potential, it could provide limitless carbon-free power without producing the nuclear waste that current nuclear power, which uses nuclear fission, risks creating. This is because of the way that fusion works in contrast to fission; while fission entails the separation of heavy atoms, such as uranium, to generate energy, fusion involves the merging of lighter atoms like hydrogen, which do not result in production of radioactive waste or carbon byproducts.

Fusion reactors would mimic the atomic reaction that occurs at a star’s core and fuels its power, but in a controlled manner. There are plans for commercial versions of this technology for the next decade.

Looking at the next decade, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2019 World Energy Outlook by the, oil demand is expected to slow after 2025 as a result of an increase in fuel efficiency and a transition to electric vehicles before stabilizing in the 2030s. Divestment from coal, which is the world’s second most used energy source, is also expected to become widespread. Conversely, global investment into renewable energy sources will quadruple, reaching $1.2 trillion annually by 2030, which would be over five times that of fossil fuels.

The way to provide advanced, cheap, efficient and most importantly, environ- mentally sustainable energy in the near future is likely not going to be by focusing on one single source or technological system, but rather on an intelligent combination of several of these. Energy is one of the main factors that marks eras in humanity’s advancement. Hopefully, we are on the verge of a turning point in energy generating that will propel us to the next phase in our development as a society and as a species. The choices of our generation are going to be a defining factor in whether or not this turning point occurs.

There are several contenders for the energy source that will be the main successor to fossil fuels.

Sources: CNBC, Our World in Data, World Economic Forum, World Economic Forum, International Energy Agency, Science in the News (Harvard University), MIT Energy Initiative, Stanford News,

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entertainment

From Little to Big Joshua Yamada ne of the most notable turning points you may undergo at O Graded is the shift from Junior Varsity (JV) to Varsity sports teams. All of a sudden, you go from being teammates with 6th

graders to being teammates with seniors. You’re competing against athletes who are much older, bigger and more experienced than you. It could be a difficult shift; at the same time, it could be a welcome challenge seen as an opportunity to test your skills at a higher level and hone your abilities with more advanced players. To geta better understanding of how athletes cope with the shift from JV to Varsity, as well as how the two levels compare, The Talon asked several athletes about their thoughts regarding the aforementioned ideas.

Laurens Van Ballegooijen, who has played volleyball at both the JV and Varsity levels, commented on how he feels Varsity sports “require more concentration and are more serious”, whereas he feels JV “isn’t as competitive and intense.” Laurens also commented on how he felt that “Big 4 is a lot more fun than Little 8”; he justified this by explaining how Big 4 “is a day longer, while also having more sports, meaning more people are present.”.

Payton Rodgerson, who has played at the JV and Varsity levels for both soccer and softball, addressed the skill gap between the two, explaining how “both [JV and Varsity] have very different skill levels”, and how in Varsity “the game is played with strength and intensity.” Payton also mentioned how “Varsity is very different tactically”, to the extent where it’s “almost a whole different game”. By this, Payton means Varsity is a more complex game, which requires more strategy, as the players need to deal with more challenging opponents and compete at a higher level; these thoughts are very similar to those proposed by Laurens. In addition, Payton said that “Varsity being more intense is a good thing”, as it’s “more fun” and a “better overall experience.” In addition, Payton explained that “both [JV and Varsity] have a strong sense of community, but Varsity has more of that familial feeling.”

Marie Faugeres, a current member of Varsity cheerleading and a past member of JV cheerleading, commented on how Varsity “is a lot more intense”, while also feeling more like a community, as “you have to be a role model for the JV athletes.” To contextualize, JV and Varsity cheerleading do many activities together.

Marie also explained how as a freshman, she “doesn’t have the same pressure” as some of the older members, yet as a part of Varsity, she automatically “becomes a role model for JV”. Marie added how “there are higher expectations” for Varsity, and consequently, they “need to be more committed”. At the same time, however, “it gives us [the cheerleaders] the freedom and responsibility to figure things out by ourselves.” This is a very interesting response, as the cheerleaders are the athletes who most work with each other between levels. With this, we can see how the shift from JV to Varsity results in greater expectations, while also giving the Varsity cheerleaders the liberty to learn to deal with these expectations.

Felipe Peixoto, a freshman in his first year of Varsity softball

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after having played three years at the JV level, addressed the perception of both levels, saying how “the only difference is that people think of Varsity as a bigger deal”, but how “in reality, there’s really no difference at a competitive level.” While Felipe recognized that “the ages and tournaments are different”, he felt that “while kids might be younger and weaker in JV, so are you”, while saying that “in Varsity, you’re older and stronger, but so is everyone else.” Felipe finished by explaining that “though Varsity may seem more demanding, you’re better adapted to it, so it all levels out.” This is an interesting perspective, especially when compared to the previous responses, as Felipe doesn’t feel that one level is harder than another. In contrast, Laurens and Payton explained how Varsity is more intense and demanding, which shows how the difference between JV and Varsity is multi-faceted and deep to the extent where two individuals can develop different opinions.

Natalia Choo, a sophomore who has played JV and Varsity basketball, had a different idea about what JV and Varsity meant to her. She mentioned how in her experiences, “our team in Varsity was much closer than our JV team.” Natalia described the team as “more than just a team”; she defined it as “my family” which has “a strong sense of community”. She also explained how the different grade levels “don’t matter at all”, as everybody on the team forms “a very close community”, which she said, “was Cita- something I didn’t have in NR Acampamentos tion is JV”. I thought this to be a very interesting answer because it describes more than just athletics; rather, it talks about the whole Varsity experience, which is something that wasn’t touched on in the first two responses. As such, one can gather that the shift from JV to Varsity is more than just differences (or lack thereof, in Felipe’s perspective) in athletic skill and intensity.

As someone who has played both JV and Varsity softball, I feel like both levels are an incredible experience. I’m now in my fourth year of playing softball, and I’ve learned a lot, both on and off the field. All the athletes interviewed shared the sentiment that the whole athletics experience at Graded is great, and explained how being in Varsity was more demanding, yet also more rewarding. Another key idea mentioned was that the sense of a community, and the idea of your team being your family, is more prevalent in Varsity. I agree with the aforementioned ideas; in my own experiences, Varsity has been more work, while also being more fun, both of which are positive things. Also, the two Varsity teams I have been on were more closely-knit than the JV teams I played on. To me, the transition from JV to Varsity is a good thing, as it takes everything from JV and cranks it up a notch, which is fitting as athletes enter high school and grow. With this in mind, it’s important athletes treasure the whole experience as it can be one of the most uniting things for the Graded community, as we develop relationships with our peers while also growing as both athletes and people.

entertainment

The Adventures of Mr. Faria Maya Wainstein

M

usic can reflect moments in our lives and drive us to different stages. For musicians, music is not only a form of expression but also a way of living. Thus, turning points in music become turning points in an artist’s personal life. Most notably, one of our most beloved Graded musicians: Mr. Faria!

Guilherme Faria, also known as Faria, @GuiCello (follow him on Spotify!), or Pepperonitomato (as per his senior hoodie), is Graded’s notorious orchestra, guitar, and ukulele teacher. He continuously challenges the traditional boundaries of orchestras as seen through his inclusion of popular music in concerts (like The Beatles and the Queen strings festivals). This unique mix is a reflection of Faria’s musical and personal life, and the turning points that helped shape them.

According to Faria, he began playing the guitar at age twelve

Guilherme Faria

and quickly became devoted to music. Faria grew to be obsessed with rock, joined two bands, and even grew his hair long – the markers of a true rocker. He decided that he wanted to be a professional musician, and after talking to several musicians, realized that he had to be formally trained in music by studying it in college. However, at the time, in Brazil, degrees in music were exclusive to the classical genre.

Thus, he began studying classical music.

Soon, his passion for music extended to classical music, too. One day he came across a special TV series that featured a film version for each of Bach’s suites, which are a collection of seven cello solos, with esteemed cello player Yo-Yo Ma. After listening to Yo-Yo Ma play Bach, Faria’s life changed. He dedicated

himself strictly to classical music. He gave away all his rock CDs and replaced them for Bach and Beethoven, traded his guitar for a cello and replaced his two bands for quartets and orchestras.

Faria finalized his drastic style change by cutting his hair. He decided to go to the hair salon with his brother. Once there, he realized the hairdresser was being excessively cautious with his hair – applying many creams and such – which was ironic being that he planned on cutting it. Faria and his brother got suspicious, so they told the woman they planned on cutting Guilherme Faria it all and taking the hair home. In turn, the hairdresser then responded requesting the price for his hair! They suggested R$300 and without a wink, the hairdresser agreed to the transaction. Little did Faria and his brother know that hair extensions in Brazil can reach the thousands of reais benchmark...

Nevertheless, Faria left happily with money in his pocket, which he used to help pay for his cello, a haircut, and a new lifestyle.

Most shocking, the next time he returned to the hair salon Faria was astounded by seeing his own hair on his hair dresser’s head.

Throughout college, Faria remained devoted solely to classical music, both in his studies, work (playing in traditional orchestras), and personal life. However, once he arrived at Graded he reached a new turning point. Due to his students, Faria began to listen to popular music again. Rather than a radical change, Faria began to integrate both his love for classical and popular music, forming a conjunction between both worlds. Today, Faria listens to a bit of everything. You can hear Faria’s life journey in his artistic career – playing in a strings quartet that performs different genres – and his varied selection of music for Graded’s Orchestra ranging from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” to Led Zeppelin’s “Staircase to Heaven”.

Guilherme Faria

the talon • 15

the talon

OUR MISSION Published both online and in print, The Talon strives to be an innovative student magazine that is entertaining, intellectually provocative, and visually engaging. We are conscious of the responsibility of writing and publishing, and we seek to create a dynamic magazine that is worthy of its readers.We show respect for our readers by exposing them to a variety of perspectives. Ultimately, The Talon seeks to bring Graded to the world and the world to Graded.

SUBMISSIONS

The Talon wants to hear from you! We encourage submissions and ideas for articles and themes from all members of the Graded community. We publish in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in the articles are those of the writers and not necessarily of the Talon. For this reason, we do not accept anonymous submissions. Send submissions, ideas, and themes to talon@graded.br.

TALON STAFF 2019-2020 EDITORS IN CHIEF: Nadya Marinkovic & Rosanne Van Ballegooijen PUBLISHING EDITORS: Laura Egan & João Aguiar de Souza POV EDITOR: Marina Senderos NEWS EDITOR: Olivia Peixoto FEATURES Editor: Ava Hillman ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Maya Wainstein TEACHER ADVISORS: Amos Van Die & Phillip Altman PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE CONSULTANT: Marcello Bulgarelli SPANISH LANGUAGE CONSULTANT: Guilhermo Loyola Ruiz (Pepe)

POV WRITERS: Isabella Abreu, Alejandro Garcias, Felipe Ramos, Sofia Etlin, Camila Giraldez NEWS WRITERS: Lucas Vidal, Vitor Salomão, Allegra de Vettori, Isabella Tonnani FEATURES WRITERS: Luisa Miglorancia, Sofia Pricolo, Anita Benito, Chiara Sitchin ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS: Joshua Yamada, Rafaela Horle, Maju Magalhães, Camila Vieira, Jie Bae (Esther) HUMANS OF GRADED: Aliza Cazes, Isabella Paiva ARTISTS: Eduardo Kfuri, Lucas Marangoni, Makoto Sahashi

16 • the talon

the talon • 16

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