Senior Calvin Wang interns at a biomedical research lab in Taiwan
Junior Rachel Gates volunteers in Paraguay for 7 weeks
PG. 6
Staffers share advice to incoming classes
PG. 3
PG. 6
Palo Alto Unified School District Henry M. Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94306 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage
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Permit #44 Palo Alto, Calif.
Gunn welcomes Principal Dr. Denise Herrmann Kathleen Xue
Given Gunn’s reputation of being a highly competitive environment, Herrmann hopes to bring out the best in both the teachers and On May 20, last year’s Superintendent students, emotionally and mentally. “Some Dr. Kevin Skelly officially recommended of the same care that I want teachers to show Wisconsin educator Dr. Denise their students is also the care that I need Herrmann to be Gunn’s to show the teachers,” Herrmann new principal to the said. “I see learning as someBoard of Educathing of the mind, body and tion. Previously spirit, and I’ll be looking principa l of to support teachers and Middleton students in all those High School way s .” Her r ma n n for eight would like to cultiyears, Hervate an academically rmann was rigourous environhired af ter ment but not to the completing p oi nt of m a k i ng the applicaschool a major source of stress for students. tion process Herrmann was not t hrough t he always certain about goPrincipal Selecing into high school edution Committee. cation. Both a four-season A s Gu n n’s ne w principal, Herrmann athlete as well as the president Courtesy of Palo Alto Online seeks not only to expand of her high school student body, the school’s academic progress but also to Herrmann realized she wanted to be an oversee the transition into the new school educator as a chemistry student in Northern year. “I don’t have a specific agenda—my Illinois University. Herrmann originally wanted to become job is to help the teachers feel supported in doing their best work,” she said. “Some- a physical education teacher but decided times it takes someone to help orchestrate against it due to reduced employment opthe whole thing, and that’s what I’m hoping portunities. “In high school I was a strong that I will be.” student myself, but I would also tutor other Forum Editor
students,” Herrmann said. “And as a good athlete as well, I thought I might want to be a P.E. teacher, but in Illinois it was not possible because the job market was flooded with applicants.” It was when she studied with Professor Lidia Vitello in college chemistry that Hermann found her passion in sciences. After taking a few more chemistry-intensive courses in college, Hermann began to work as a chemistry teacher at St. Charles North High School in St. Charles Illinois. Three years into her teaching career, she wrote a joint curriculum with a biology teacher as a two-year general sciences course for high school students. “It was project based learning with very few tests, and it was just an amazing experience,” Herrmann said. However, because this class was only available to her own students, she felt a desire to spread this new development to other science classes as well. “I think [the chemistry-biology course] was what got me into administration, because I wanted more kids to benefit from wherever the innovation was,” Herrmann said. As her first year working on school administration in California begins, Herrmann is most excited about being a part of this coming fall’s accreditation process called Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). “It’s really a gift to be able to come in the year that we inspect all that has been going on at Gunn in the past few
Courtesy of Denise Herrmann
Dr. Herrmann poses for the camera on the roof top garden in downtown Boston where she and five other district administrators attended the Harvard Leadership conference for school leaders. years,” she said. “But it’s also what I’m most apprehensive about, because I want us to pass with flying colors.”
SNAPSHOTS Senior Quad Structure
Top Left: Freshmen Jamie Dorst and Mikaela Cagampan in hard hats. Top Right: Sophomores Tuva Nygren and Tone Lee at Orientation. Bot tom Lef t: Link Crew Leaders senior Danny Golovinsky and sophomore Sarah Reich guide their group of freshmen through Gunn’s campus.
Freshman Orientation
Senior Arik Singh works on the frame for the Class of 2015’s senior house—featured today.
Top: Seniors Mack Radin and Jessica Dinneen work together to construct the roof of the quad structure. Bottom: Senior David Stelzer holds wooden planks while senior Schuyler Sun drills them together.
All photos courtesy of Amy Chen
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Staff Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief AshleyYacobson Ngu Danielle Managing Editor
Managing Editors Monica Cai Klaire Tan Divya Shiv Pooja Belur First Issue Staff News Editor Boot Bullwinkle Lawrence Chen Elsa Chu Kush Dubey Samantha Donat Utkash Dubey Sammy Hayward Forum Yilin Liang Shawna Chen Eileen Qian Esther Kozakevich Anna Qin Kathleen Xue Rani Shao Annie Tran Features Zoe Weisner Lisa Hao Emily Yao
Yuki Klotz-Burwell Ryeri Lim Photo Wendy Qiu Centerfold Jonathan Yong
Emily Kvikto Naina Murthy Graphics George Hwang Lisa Wu Sports
Hayley Krolik Adviser Arjun Sahdev
Kristy Blackburn
Entertainment Sam Acker Noa Livneh Justin Wenig Photo Anthony Tran The Oracle is published by and for the Graphics students of Henry M. Gunn Senior High Dave Zhu that appear School. The unsigned editorials in this publication represent the majority opinion of the editorial Staff staff and The Oracle's commitment to promoting students' rights. The Oracle strongly Copy encourages and prints signed Letters to the Elinor Aspegren Editor. Please include your name, grade Prachi Kale and contact information should you choose to write one. Letters may be edited to meet Tech space requirements and the writer is solely Aayush Dubey responsible for the accuracy of the content. Letters to the editor and ideas for coverage may be sent to gunnoracle@yahoo.com. Business/Circulation These lettersMatt and ideas need not be from Niksa current students. (Asst.) Matthew Hamilton The Oracle publishes 9 issues annually. Graphics Artist Subscriptions are $45/year.
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Reporters Erica Watkins Adviser Kristy Blackburn The Oracle is published by and for the students of Henry M. Gunn Senior High School. The unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial staff and The Oracle’s commitment to promoting students’ rights. The Oracle strongly encourages and prints signed Letters to the Editor. Please include your name, grade and contact information should you choose to write one. Letters may be edited to meet space requirements and the writer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the content. Letters to the editor and ideas for coverage may be sent to oraclegunn@gmail.com. These letters and ideas need not be from current students. The Oracle publishes 9 issues annually. Subscriptions are $45/year.
First Day of School Issue
New assistant principal joins Gunn community Ryeri Lim
Features Editor
Heather Clary-Wheeler has joined Gunn as one of two new assistant principals. A former English teacher of Fresno Unified School District as well as a journalism and yearbook instructor for Parlier Unified School District, Wheeler enjoyed 10 years of working alongside her students. “[Teaching] is exciting because there’s so much going on,” Wheeler said. “School is really my first home, and the house with my bed is my second home.” This philosophy has prepared Wheeler for the role of Assistant Principal. “It’s not a straightforward job,” she said. “We are the doer of all.” Wheeler hopes that the position, which requires her to supervise Gunn’s calendar, curriculum and student activities, will allow her to quickly grow close to her new colleagues and students.
“When the job opportunity came up, I did some research on Gunn and was excited to have the chance,” Wheeler said. The former Central Valley resident had previously heard about the “energy and enthusiasm” of the Gunn community. For Wheeler, a collaborative spirit is vital to a school’s continued improvement. “[It’s] a wonderful energy to have, knowing that just because we’ve reached those heights doesn’t mean we can’t go even deeper, or even wider,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunity.” When asked about her goals for her first year, Wheeler said, “What I want is what Gunn wants.” Wheeler plans to concentrate on forming close relationships with students and staff, through which she will identify and support individuals’ needs. In Wheeler’s opinion, every student deserves specialized academic and careerplanning support, as well as “op-
portunities to express themselves” uniquely. “I really enjoy being able to individualize,” she said. In her new role, Wheeler will also have the unique ability to support teachers in a similar way. By working with distinct c om mu n it i e s Courtesy of Heather Clary-Wheeler within Gunn, Above: Assistant Principal Heather Clary-Wheeler such as the stands outside of her office in Gunn’s main office. English Language Arts (ELA) programs and Though her new role seems career and technical education daunting, Wheeler is enthusiasstaff, Wheeler looks forward to tic about the challenge. “I like to discussing “cutting-edge” curricu- think of myself as a servant leadlum development and innovative er,” she said. “Yes, we have a job to teaching methods with her fellow do…. But I like to have fun while educators. I’m working.”
Former dean of students now assistant principal Arjun Sahdev
comfortably connect with students outside of Throughout his many years of experience, the classroom, he will now be taking on a more Lubbe has seen the hospitable welcoming envicurriculum-focused role as Assistant Principal. ronment of Gunn prosper and develop. He still Often seen during brunch and lunch last Interacting with students in a classroom envi- holds the firm belief that Gunn needs to continue year, new Assistant Principal James Lubbe can ronment will give Lubbe an encompassing per- this process, and further its amiable nature. He be spotted cruising in his golf cart, with a warm spective of the Gunn environment as a whole.“I believes that ROCK, not in our schools week, and smile on his face. An active participant as well will get to see a hands-on learning experience,” camp everytown promote this shared feeling of as supervisor of on-campus student activities, Lubbe said. acceptance, but its not good he was formerly known as the dean of students. This year, his responsibilities enough. “This is something After six years of working in this position at the have heightened. Lubbe will handle we need to continue doing,” district, Lubbe will kick off the 2014-2015 school much of the paperwork concerning Lubbe said. year as assistant principal. school facilities, including those Overall Lubbe is well Over the years, Lubbe of the athequipped for his new role, has built a strong rapletic and and determined to showcase “It is good to look at the port with students, actechnolohis years of experience to the companying the Small gy departstudent body. Working toJames Lubbe things we’ve done and Learning Community and ments, as gether with new staff, he will also the things we want clubs such as Model United well as the future con- strive to make Gunn a better place. “It is good to Nations (MUN) on field struction on the Student look at the things we’ve done and also the things to improve on further trips. His destinations have Activities Center (SAC). we want to improve on further down the road,” down the road.” ranged from Camp EveryEnhancing the Gunn Lubbe said. Despite the numerous duties of his —Assistant Principal James Lubbe campus is a lot of work, new job, he will still make an effort to stay in town to Oaxaca, Mexico. The gift of watching freshbut he is determined to touch with students around campus. One event man grow into seniors has allowed him kept a collaborate with others to provide a fruitful set of he particularly looks forward to is Homecoming strong presence entrenched within the student opportunities for the student body. Lubbe plans Week’s Night Rally. “Mr. J [Assistant Princibody, he explained. on sustaining the innovative environment while pal Tom Jacoubowsky] and I have something Although being Dean allowed Lubbe to bringing in new technology. planned for you guys,” Lubbe said. Sports Editor
Q&A with new dean Tara Keith The Oracle: Where did you work before and what positions did you hold? Tara Keith: I worked at the district office and at Paly. Before that I worked in Campbell in Del Mar High School, and before that at San Diego. I’ve been a teacher, department chair and instructional coach. TO: Why did you choose to work at Gunn? TK: I like how Gunn is very student-centered and the Gunn community is welcoming to all students. I’m very passionate about accepting all students and letting them shine in their own ways. TO: What about working in the educational field appealed to you? TK: I really wanted to help young people find their paths. I’m caring and compassionate and I think those traits make for a great educator. TO: What do you think you can bring to this campus? TK: I can bring excitement for the student body as a whole. I can also bring a trusted adult, a kind heart, and open ears, and just support, whatever that looks like for each person.
TO: What are you most excited about for this year? TK: I’m most excited about being in a new community because I think it will provide an opportunity to hone in on what Gunn is really all about. TO: What are you most apprehensive about? TK: Probably the flip side—being new to an already established community and learning the culture. TO: What pieces of advice would you give the students here regarding school and life? TK: Truly be who you are and to know that things will always get better, and ask for what you need.”
TO: What do you hope to gain out of being dean? TK: Relationships with the students and staff on campus and the community members. TO: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be? TK: Fair. —Compiled by Kathleen Xue
8:25-9:27 9:35-10:33 BRUNCH: 10:33-10:48 10:48-11:46 11:54-12:52 LUNCH: 12:52-1:31 1:31-2:29 2:37-3:35
First Day of School Issue
Monday, August 18, 2014
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School Survival Guide: The Oracle Staff Offers Advice Welcome to sophomore year. You’ve survived World History and Biology. You’re probably excited that you’re no longer the runt of the school. And you’re probably a little nervous about one class in particular, but as a whole you have a positive out look. That’s how I felt last fall. FreshIn retrospect, I see that maybe I should’ve been more nervous man. Even about balancing all the schoolwork as a whole, rather than one hearing the class in particular. For me, the class I was overly worried word makes me about was Chemistry. smile and shake My mindset going into class was that I had to focus extra my head. Considerenergy on Chemistry and retract attention from other ing I was a freshman classes in order to do so. myself up until two Big mistake. months ago, that is kind All the rising juniors had told me about how of funny and a little bit sad. difficult the class was, how strict the disciplinIt’s not right that the word ary teaching was, how the teacher might scare “freshman” has such a bad the daylights out of me, and more. So my connotation and I think that it’s mindset going into class was that I had time we changed that. For all you to focus extra energy on Chemistry and freshmen out there who don’t want to retract attention from other classes in fall into the same pattern, here is some order to do so. advice for how to survive your first year By thrusting other courses of high school. aside, I simultaneously made First, we understand that you are really Chemistry a burden and disexcited about being at a new school with new placed the balance required classes and you want to be as prepared for them to enjoy all my classes. as possible. That being said, you don’t need to fit your entire desk into your backpack and carry it with you to school every day. It’s unnecessary, and frankly it’s really painful. Bring only what you need because we don’t have lockers and you’ll need to carry your stuff around with you all day. The second piece of advice is about finding your way around school. Gunn has a pretty big campus and it can sometimes be confusing, but don’t walk around campus with maps in front of your face all day. It’s a good idea to make use of your freshman orientation and get used to campus at that time. Find where all your classes are and don’t be those freshmen that the sophomores and upperclassmen shake their heads at. The third piece of advice is about friends. You might want to stay with the same friends that you’ve known throughout middle school, but I encourage you to go out and meet a lot of new people. Don’t just stick with your own grade. Talk to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and maybe even some teachers. They can help you through freshman year and answer any questions you have. The last piece of advice is about classes. School does get harder from here on out. Make sure that you do your work and don’t slack off. You have a lot more independence with your work and you should definitely talk to your teacher if you feel that you need help with something. Overall, freshman year is pretty awkward and kind of confusing. The first part of freshman year is basically an adjustment period to help you get used to how high Think of all the people who have school will be. It’s a new place, lots attempted to give you advice over of new people, harder classes, etc. the years. Now multiply that number However, I have hope that the next by ten because that is the amount of generation of freshmen will lispeople who will try to tell you how you ten to this advice, and maybe should live your life this coming school year. give the word “freshman” a You can add one more to that number because better association. I’m also going to give you advice. For your own sanity, do yourself a favor and trust your gut. For —Kale, a sophosome reason, everyone thinks they’re an expert on more, is a Copy how you should write your essays, which schools you Editor. should apply to, where you should go to college, what you should major in, etc. The great majority of these people truly have your best intentions at heart, but there comes a time where you have to make a decision for yourself. You will be miserable if you end up at some school just because it’s what your parents pressured you into. (I may or may not be currently worrying about the aftereffects of this right now.) The same falls true for ranking lists. If you choose your school based on how the people at U.S. News feel about it, you’ve essentially given up on being an independent human being because you are letting strangers decide how you live your life. Do your research, and try to visit the campus. You don’t have to go to a university that everyone knows. Think about different options, whether it’s a liberal arts college or going out of the state (or country), or possibly taking a gap year. You don’t need to go the route it appears everybody else is taking.
As I began to rush through homework in other classes, I stopped appreciating what I learned and began seeing Chemistry as the crux of my frustrations within all other subjects as well. And then, school wasn’t about learning anymore. Everything revolved around how I could cushion my Chemistry scores and how little I needed to do in order to maintain good grades in my Ju n ior ye a r every other class. is really difficult. I finally realized in the second semester that my strategy I’m not going to suwas not only stressful, but also extremely ineffective. I took garcoat it and pretend a step back, reevaluated why I took Chemistry in the first that it’s not, but a lot place, why I loved learning, and why I was stressed out. of it is also how you deal I was finally able to say, “It’s okay if I can’t completely with stress. If you’re going solve this neutron problem right now. I’ll come to psyche yourself out because back to it.” your friends are ahead of you in Sophomore year taught me that balance and the standardized testing process, an appreciation for learning should always be or freak out because you realize you your number one priority. And yes, that’s can’t manage 20 extracurriculars on top easier said than done, but I’m telling you of 5 AP classes, you’re going to have a hard this now: don’t let your perceived weaktime. Remain calm, keep track of deadlines ness in a certain class cause you so and try to do things as ahead of time as often much anxiety that you neglect your as you possibly can. I hope some of these tips other classes; and even worse lose will you help you do just that. interest in learning. 1. In the beginning of the year, take two practice tests, one for the SAT and another for the ACT. Lots —Chen, a junior, is a of people don’t realize that the ACT is a viable option, Forum Editor. and find out that they like it a lot more than the SAT after wasting months of time in SAT prep classes. Take two practice tests without studying at all, and see which test you’re naturally better at. Stick with that one test and study for it accordingly. It’ll make your life a lot easier. 2. Start looking at colleges now. I know it’s early, but if you have some free time, go online and do research. Some websites I’d recommend are collegeconfidential, collegeboard, and collegeprowler. Figure out some deal breakers in terms of what you want and don’t want in a school, and start compiling a list of those things. Even if you don’t know what you want to major in, if you know you want to live somewhere with actual seasons or you know you want a large school, write it down. It’ll make compiling an actual college list later a lot easier. 3. Get organized. If you haven’t found an effective way of keeping track of all the things you have to do yet, find one. Write down dates for everything and try not to leave things to the last minute. That being said, learn how to do things in a time crunch. You’ll probably find yourself doing something the night before it’s due more than once this year, and need to be able to complete these tasks without having a mental breakdown. 4. 4. Prioritize. In the beginning of the year calculate how much time each activity,class and extracurricular activity will take up in your schedule. If the hours for these activities don’t allow time to eat or sleep, you need to take some activities out. If you’re not interested in something or don’t enjoy doing it, you will have no time for it junior year. Trust me. 5. Cut toxic people out of your life. If a friend or significant other is constantly bringing you down, causing drama, or just generally creating negative energy in your life, you should probably consider spending less time with them. 6. Cut toxic people out of your life. If a friend And on that note, as wonderful as or significant other is constantly bringing your peers are, some of them are crazy you down, causing drama, or just generally and some them are liars. Do not, I repeat, creating negative energy in your life, you do not believe everything you hear. I guarshould probably consider spending less antee you that Suzy Jones in your AP English time with them. Not only do you not class is not already done with all her college have the physical time to be around essays. And those people that you hear who are appeople who cause problems, but plying exclusively to Ivys? Yeah, sorry to burst their you’ll also find yourselves in bubble, but they’re not going to get into all of them. need of supportive friends Statistically speaking, they’re probably not going to get this year in lieu of increasing into any of them. And even if they do get in, do your very stress and responsibilities. best not to compare yourself. I didn’t apply to any Ivys, yet the day after Ivy Day, I felt absolutely terrible about myself, —Kozakevich, a despite that fact that probably only about twenty people got into senior, is a Forum one of these schools we put so high on a pedestal. I know that it’s Editor. impossible, but at the very least try and remove yourself from the insane conversations of who applied where, who got in, who didn’t, who deserved it and who didn’t, etc. Worry about yourself. As much as it feels like high school is already over—you are three-quarters of the way there, you still have a year to go. Trust me, it will fly by. But at the same time, senior year is a marathon, not a sprint because every time you think it’s over, there will be another essay to write, another test to take, another interview you have. Pace yourself and do your very best not to be overwhelmed by the insanity of the college application process. —Alger, is a Gunn Alumn and former Features Editor.
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Campus Map
Monday, August 18, 2014
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Get to know your campus: the seven top hot spots Map Legend
Icons on map correspond to descriptions on sides
SAC The Student Activities Center (SAC) serves as a hotbed for student recreation and functions as the home of the Student Executive Council (SEC). The SAC sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, bus passes, yearbooks and, starting the first day of school for carpoolers, parking permits. It is also the destination for ticket purchases for upcoming dances. The multi-room complex houses the Student Lounge, two ping-pong tables, an air hockey table, couches, computers, vending machines and a hot chocolate station, making the SAC a perfect place to hang out during a prep, lunch or after school. The SAC’s staff are Kim Knaack and Leslie Kousnetz and Student Activities Director Lisa Hall.
= Vending Machines = Bike Cages = Library = Academic Center = Guidance Office = Main Office = SAC = Spangenberg = Cafeteria *map not to scale
SAC hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday.
Library
Spangenberg
Ever yone f rom t he workswamped student to the laid-back lounger can make good use of the library. The comfortable space offers students a wide variety of resources, including computers, couches, private desks and, of course, books. In addition, laptops and books can be checked out for a limited period of time. Overdue book owners are not charged a fee but will be prevented from attending graduation at the end of the school year if books are not turned in by the final deadline. Connected to the library is a small outside patio called the Acorn Lounge. Also in the library are the technology office and Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) offices. The library often serves as a place for school events such as guest speeches and Advanced Placement (AP) testing. The main librarians are Meg Omainsky and Ryan Toumy, and the assistant librarians are Carole Langston and Katie Hom.
Legend has it that a swimming pool is located on the roof of the Spangenberg Theater, even though, to this date, not a single expedition has been mounted to confirm the preposterous allegation. Along with its role in what may be Gunn’s most mysterious rumor, Spangenberg has served as the principle auditorium since 1965. Highly regarded for its wideranging versatility, the theatre functions as a site for school-wide assemblies, Advanced Placement (AP) test sign-ups, TED talks, student concerts and theatrical performances. Named after Karl R. Spangenberg, a Stanford professor of Electrical Engineering, the theatre holds a maximum house occupancy of 953 people and an onstage occupancy of 160 people; no word on how many people can fit inside the purportedly real pool.
Library hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Cafeteria
Academic Center The Academic Center (AC) provides students with a relaxed environment for doing homework, eating lunch and hanging out with friends along with other activities. Students can access computers, textbooks, tables for work, a microwave, tea and other valuable resources. After school, the multi-purpose room also offers small treats such as candy, ramen noodles and other snacks. On occasion, students may find free food waiting on the front desk. The AC is often filled with students, and it can be a great place for recreation and chatty group work. Throughout the year, the AC also hosts small events such as lottery drawings in which the entire student populace can participate. The AC staff are Hansen Sekona and Pam Steward. The AC hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Visitor Parking Guidance Office
various pamphlets regarding work and volunteer openings, colleges, careers, the SAT and ACT tests, driving and options for those interested in joining the military. The nurse’s office Anyone looking for help with schedules, coursework, is located at the end of the office. The guidance counselors personal problems, college questions, volunteer work or job are Bill Christensen, Myesha Compton, Derek Johanson, Lisa opportunities can find it at the guidance office. The guidance Kaye, Challis Michael, Molly Michaelis and Deanna Mistele. counselors give personalized advice in one-on-one sessions. Registrar Tracy Douglas, Work Experience Coordinator Meri They provide students with helpful information about vari- Gyves and Guidance Technician Robin Francesconi are also ous educational opportunities. Those who wish for a meeting located in the guidance office. should make prior appointments with their respective counselors, although drop-ins are permitted. Students can find The guidance office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Staff Parking
Student Parking Kathleen Xue
transferring or student visitors can also be picked up at and Main Office turned in to the main office. Those trying to find Principal Herrmann or assistant principals Tom Jacoubowsky, As intimidating as getting called to the principal’s office Denise James Lubbe Heather Wheeler or Dean of Students Tara may sound, the office can provide students with information Keith will findand them at the office, too. Teacher boxes are located that can make campus life less stressful. The main office is the to the left of the office, so students trying in vain to physically go-to for general questions. Secretary Martha Elderon will reach their teachers can them notes in the appropriate answer most inquiries, such as those concerning school hours box. Donations to school leave booster programs (e.g. sports boostor important dates. School visitors who wish to park their cars ers) can be dropped off at the office. in the school parking lot must stop by the main office to pick up a temporary parking permit. Forms for the start of school, The main office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The cafeteria is home to a variety of food options that change throughout the week. Students can visit the cafeteria during brunch and lunch to pick up refreshments. The lunch line is usually long but shrinks down fairly quickly. Students can buy a full meal complete with a hot or cold entree, a drink and fruit for $4.25. Those requiring financial aid can receive food for free. The cafeteria is equipped with vending machines for those who are looking for a quick bite or refreshing drink. The vending machines hold a plethora of bars and chips among other snacks. The cafeteria staff are Rae Chang, Lisa Mahpour, Donna Martin, Caridad Torres and Maria Turner. The cafeteria is open during brunch and lunch hours. —Compiled by The Oracle staff
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First Day of School Issue
Student embarks on 7-week service trip in Paraguay
in the coming year in Marin, where she goes to school. Gates participated in two projects Everyone has heard the quote “Be while she was in Yaguarón Yurú. She the change you want to see in the helped facilitate the building of 14 world,” but most people don’t know latrines in Paraguarí for her project how to complete that challenge in with SENASA. For her community high school. Junior Rachel Gates, project, Gates took to mind what the however, found a way to improve the problems were in Paraguay. “It rains world and herself through a seven- all the time in Paraguay, so basically week venture in Paraguay. when it rains the streets get flooded,” Gates got to go to Parag uay she said. Because of this need, she through Amigos de Las Amerícas, helped build a bridge in the commua nonprof it, nity to get to non-governthe main road ment funded and other parts “The native language, program that of town. The encourages poverty she saw Guaraní, was the hardcross culturand the projest thing to deal with al exchange, ects she particibecause it hindered com munit y pated in taught development, her how much altogether from commuand youth she ta kes for nicating with people.” lea der sh ip. granted in the In Paraguay, —Junior Rachel Gates United States. Gates worked “Mov ing forw it h a govward, I’m going ernmental organization called Ser- to try to be less wasteful,” she said. vicio Nacional de Saneamiento One of her biggest challenges was Ambiental, an organization for public the language barrier in Paraguay. health. She lived with a host family in “Spanish wasn’t that big of a problem, Yaguarón Yurú. “It wasn’t what you though it was frustrating at times; would consider traditional poverty,” the native dialect, Guaraní, was the she said, detailing her host’s house hardest thing to deal with because it that had hot water, electricity and hindered altogether from communicable television. There were various cating with some people,” Gates said. forms of poverty, so much so that Overall, however, her Spanish has you couldn’t put a poverty label on improved significantly. “My converthe town. “I think it’s hard to explain sational Spanish is definitely better, the poverty because it depends on the and I can write better than I could person,” Gates said. previously,” she said. She plans to use Some of the most impor t ant her new Spanish skills this year as people to Gates were her host family. she goes into AP Spanish Language. She lived with a single mother and Gates says that her experience three children, who helped her with taught her to be more responsible her with her projects in the commu- and mature. She credits Amigos with nity. “One of my best memories was teaching her that she holds the power selling empanadas with them to fun- to change the world, not just wait draise for one of our many projects,” until she is older to make a change. she said. Her host mother taught “Amigos doesn’t change you, but her the basics of the household, like Amigos gives you the opportunity maintaining money. Gates keeps in to change,” one of Gates’ mentors close contact with her host brother said to her on the final day. From Nickolaz, and developed a very close supervising the creation of 14 latrines relationship with her Amigos partner, in her community to learning how Maria. “If I had to pick who could to run a household from her host most closely understand my feelings mother, Gates learned about herself, about the trip, it would be my host the culture of Paraguay, and the rest partner,” she said. Gates will visit her of the world. Elinor Aspegren Copy editor
Courtesy of Rachel Gates
Top: Junior Rachel Gates and her ser vice par tner pic tured with host family and latrine beneficiaries during her seven weeks in Paraguay. Bottom: Gates poses with her Paraguay chapter before they begin on their 7-week ser vice trip.
Senior Calvin Wang conducts lab research in Taiwan the computer programs to view and create homology models. While some parts of the drug development were conducted While some students spent their sum- in the laboratory, he only worked on the mer binge-w atching Netf lix or laying computers when handling his portion of on the beach, senior Calvin Wang spent the research. “As a high schooler, you don’t seven weeks in Taiwan doing research on really have the coherence to know how to antituberculosis drugs. Before coming to use the lab materials.” he said. “They’re not Gunn his sophomore year, he lived in Tai- going to trust high schoolers with pathogens wan and got to know a biomedical profes- that could potentially wipe out a bunch of sor at the National people.” Taiwan University. Wang has always After expressing his had an affinity for “I was working 10 hours interest in biomediscience, so he was a day, and I woke up cal research and the very encouraged and subject itself, he was excited to work at the every day wanting to go. given the opportunifacility. “I’m sort of I didn’t dread it at all. I ty to work in Taiwan a science geek, so I over the summer. really like doing this woke up in the morning At the research fakind of research,” he and thought, “heck yes. cility, Wang worked said. “It’s fun, chalI’m going to do some all day on computer lenging and rewardsimulations of DNA ing.” This, coupled kickbutt research.” sequences with the with his passion for —Senior Calvin Wang helping others, gave professor. He used Yuki Klotz-Burwell Features editor
him the motivation to go to Taiwan. The drive to pursue researching for tuberculosis cures and the excitement of saving lives helped him get through the activities of the day in Taiwan. “I was working 10 hours a day and I woke up every day wanting to go,” Wang said. “I didn’t dread it at all. I woke up in the morning and thought, ‘heck, yes. I’m going to do some kickbutt research.’” While the research was stimulating and intriguing for Wang, it was also a challenge. “With all types of biomedical research you’re going to run into problems and parts where you’re stuck,” Wang said. “Sometimes, my simulations didn’t really Calvin run specifically or exactly how I wanted them to, or my homology model didn’t come out perfectly.” According to Wang, the antituberculosis research process can be difficult and laborious at times. He said that, however, these
research processes are definitely rewarding when done correctly. “When you’re creating the homology model, you’ve got to align the protein’s DNA sequences one by one to create it. When those didn’t really work out, it got really frustrating,” he said. “But when it finally does work out, you feel like the king of the hill.” In addition to researching, Wang spent his time hanging out with his old friends in Taiwan. Because he had lef t Taiwan as a sophomore, it was great to see his friends again. However challenging the experience may have been for him, Wang says he thoroughly enjoyed it because of Wang his drive to help the world and his passion for science. “I can definitely see myself going back,” he said. “I think it’s the main drive of being a part in something big, being able to help further our scientific knowledge and hopefully save some lives!”
First Day of School Issue
Monday, August 18, 2014
7
Students visit Japan on exchange program Immersion camp Klaire Tan
For two days, students lived with a Japanese high school student from Okinawa Shogaku High School. According to senior Natasha Naqvi, the short homestay Standing in his living room in Okinawa, Japan, U.S. provided her the special opportunity of seeing inside a Consul General Alfred Magleby peered into the eyes Japanese family. “I got to see what Japanese families do in of 125 American high school students. “This is a place their free time,” she said. “We watched movies and hung of collaboration and sharing,” he said, gesturing to the out, and I just got to know my homestay student very room. “I like to bring American and Japanese youth here well. It was a very strong bond that I created with her.” to let them meet and realize they’re not so different.” The trip also served as a great opportunity for the In June, 22 Gunn students visited Okinawa and To- students—all of whom have taken Japanese as a foreign kyo for 10 days as part of the Kakehashi Project, a youth language—to practice the Japanese they’ve learned. For exchange program in10 days, students were faced tended to foster mutual with the challenge of comunderstanding between “Just sitting in an ordinary shopping mall municating with Japanese naJapan and the United or walking down the streets and noticing tives. The result was a mix of States. The Japanese gov- the simple nuances of the people, that partia l sentences and hand ernment selected four “The language barrier really let me see what it’s like to be a Japanese motions. other U.S. high schools was definitely hard,” Naqvi said. to pa r t icipate in t he citizen.” “Because there were things I Guidance Counselor Bill Christensen didn’t know how to explain in first group of the project’s Okinawa program. Japanese, I had to use a lot of The trip began and ended in Tokyo, where students visited hand gestures to explain what I wanted to say in English.” cultural sites, museums and popular tourist attractions. The Come November, the 22 Gunn students will open their most educational and valuable part of the trip, however, was homes to host their homestay student from Okinawa. Senior simply being in Japan, according to Guidance Counselor Bill Christine Chen hopes to be able to help her student learn Christensen, who was a chaperone on the trip. “Just sitting about life in America, though she isn’t sure what that will in an ordinary shopping mall or walking down the streets exactly involve. “Most likely, I’ll end up forcing American and noticing the simple nuances of the people, that really stereotypes on my host than actually giving him a true let me see what it’s like to be a Japanese citizen.” he said. American experience,” she joked. “I think I’ll just focus more Christensen points to the homestay experience in Okinawa, on having fun then. If all else fails, In-n-Out should fix it.” which many students considered to be the highlight of the program. “The most exciting part for students was the opportunity to meet other students from Japan,” he said. Disclosure: Staffer Klaire Tan also attended the trip. “Without exception, every student stated that they wish that they had spent even more time with their host families.” Forum Editor
Courtesy of Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Courtesy of Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Left: Gunn students and staff snap a group photo during their summer trip to Japan as a part of the Kakeshi Project. Right: Some Gunn students pose for a photo in front of a Japanese tea garden during the youth exchange trip.
The Oracle’s Classic Summer Anthems
Timeless
Summer in the City The Lovin’ Spoonful (1966)
Wipeout The Fat Boys & Beach Boys (1987)
Gin and Juice Snoop Doggy Dogg (1994)
pump it up! danzel (2004)
Give Me Hope The New Politics (2010)
High Young Rising Sons (2014)
New Releases
Fantastic Voyage Coolio (1994)
Cheap Sunglasses (feat. Matthew Koma) RAC (2014) —Compiled by Ryeri Lim
teaches life lessons Elinor Aspegren
As a person who grew up knowing she wanted to travel, the decision to go to Spain for four weeks wasn’t a difficult one. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. But there was a catch: I had to speak, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, in Spanish. How did I come by this excellent opportunity? Middlebury Monterey Language Academy (MMLA) is an language immersion program. Immersion is the key word. In late June, I left home unsure of what to expect. MMLA had been a part of my summers for two years now, but going to Spain was a totally different ball game. Comillas, where we stayed, is not an American tourist town, so almost no one spoke in English. When the full implications of the trip hit me, the nervousness offset my excitement. What if the people there were unwelcoming? What if they didn’t understand me? What if I didn’t understand them? What if I didn’t make any friends? Of course, none of this happened, because I followed two simple pieces of advice. The first piece of advice is to not be afraid of talking to people. The first week, my teacher gave us an assignment that forced me to do the one thing I feared: talk to the locals. The topic we were researching was the influence of the monarchy and Catholic Church in Spain. We knew this topic was controversial—65 percent of Spaniards want a referendum to switch the country from amonarchy to a republic—which only added to my fear. My interview was with the owner of an ice cream store. I went up to her and said in shaky Spanish, “Can we interview you for our project?” Surprisingly, she didn’t lash out at me for asking the questions. She was passionate, which I expected. She listened to my questions with understanding and didn’t make me feel like an idiot. Although I knew that people in Spain were typically very friendly, her amiability gave me the confidence to ask others questions, as well. The second piece of advice is to be open to the culture and new opportunities. If I had to define my experience in Comillas, it would be with one word: opportunity. Whenever we had the chance to take part in some part of the culture, I always jumped on it. One time, we were going to go down to a festival, but it had been raining about an hour earlier. One of the teachers thought that they would not hold the festival, and the other thought they would. Therefore, the latter took a group of about 15 students down to the beach. It turned out that the Comillans made it work. There was a barbecue, music, jumping over fires and fireworks. By embracing an uncertain opportunity, I ended up having one of my favorite nights in Spain. In retrospect, my expectations for failure were ridiculous. As soon as I ditched the fear to speak, a whole new world opened up for me. I learned the most by asking questions and discussing topics with the locals. By taking chances and trying new things, I learned more about Comillas and Spain in general. As my confidence in speaking Spanish grew, my language competency grew. By the time I finished the camp, gone was the girl who said “Sorry” every time she messed up a verb, and in her place was a girl who could speak rapidly and with an accent. I left Comillas with 45 new relationships that will last a lifetime, and a new understanding of the world we lived in. —Aspegren, a junior, is a Copy Editor.
8 You know you are on
First Day of School Issue
Monday, August 18, 2014
when...
1. KGB does not just stand for the former Soviet secret police. Instead, it’s the loving nickname for our advisor, Ms. Blackburn.
2. You regretfully eat Costco pizza two nights of every month. However, you’ll still gladly eat cold leftovers the next day.
3. PMT is the only reason you survive all twelve hours of production. You are always here when it’s delivered at 5 p.m.
4. It takes at least two days to get everything lined up perfectly. Even then, the EIC almost always finds a mistake.
5. Gifts are given out twice: during Secret Holiday Moose, our nonreligiously affiliated Secret Santa, and for legacy presents.
6. Slugs are not just slimy molluscs. Instead, it’s the header journalists put on their paper to shortly summarize the story’s content.
7. Jojo’s “Too Little, Too Late” is your go-to jam that plays at least seven times during production nights. It never gets old.
8. You are a part of the best class on campus. The Oracle is your home away from home, and the staff is part of your family.
Dear Reader, Welcome to The Oracle! For returning Titans, you already know what to expect when The Oracle staff floods out of L6 each month with an armful of newspapers to hand out. For newbies, you’re about to witness just that. Every month, after weeks of writing, editing and eating Costco Pizza at production, The Oracle staff produces a newspaper. From news to opinion, sports to entertainment, there is something in the pages for everyone. Just go up to an Oracle staffer, identifiable by a mountain of papers in their arms, and reach out for a copy (don’t worry, we don’t bite!). As the year goes on and our Titans accomplish more and more, we want to hear about it! If you or a friend has a story that we might not know about, talk to a staffer to submit the idea. We will also have a “Story Submissions” page running on our website that you can access electronically, or email us at oraclegunn@gmail.com. Speaking of the website, this year will feature a new and improved online site. Keep an eye out as we start posting content on our social media throughout the month to keep you updated on the latest school news. Have a great first day, Titans! See you next month! The Oracle staff
*Checks can be made to “Gunn High School” with The Oracle added in the memo section