First Day Issue 2019-2020

Palo Alto Unified School District Henry M. Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94306

Gunn students recount memories of volunteering trip.

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Shannon Lin and Audrey Tseng

New teachers look forward to 2019-20 school year Nikki Suzani Features Editor On Aug. 13, Gunn will open its doors for the 2019-20 school year, welcoming in many new teachers across several departments. With different goals and challenges they’re hoping to overcome, some coming from the district and others from across the country, each of the teachers hope to integrate themselves into the community and create an amazing experience for their students.

Math teacher Danning Wang, a recent UCLA graduate with a focus on being a social justice educator, is hoping to be able to connect with her students. “I think my biggest goal is definitely to build a relationship with my students, especially because [geometry] A is mostly freshman students, so my goal is to create a relationship with them and help them ease through their high school years,” she said.

Geometry teacher Brenda Chen, who recently moved from Palo Alto High School (Paly), understands the difficulty in her class, but wants students to ultimately feel that they can achieve any goals they set within it. “I think geometry students have a love-hate relationship with the class, and I hated that class when I took it at Gunn,” she said. “As an adult, I had a fresher take and thought, this is really fun.

If I could get the students to see the purpose behind geometry, which is really about logic, I think it’s really accessible.

There’s parts of geometry where even students who might not feel the strongest about algebra can still find success.”

For science teacher Elizabeth Bogardus, fostering love of the subject is key. “I want my students to be curious about science and passionate about being able to solve problems,” she said. “If I can show them a lab that they really have a lot of fun in, if they can get a chance to experience the magic of chemistry, then I think I’ve done my job.”

Math teacher Florina Limburg is hoping to see how the transition from middle to high school affects students’ independence and their willingness to take

Mia Knezevic

Teachers gather to participate in professional development for the upcoming school year.

charge. “I’m actually more interested in the community events and seeing how students take more control and ownership of those because it means more to them than it does to their parents,” she said. “I’m interested in seeing how student voice becomes more of a factor in determining how those sorts of activities go.”

Social studies teacher Greer Stone, former JLS teacher and Paly graduate, is most nervous about getting his history students excited about the subject and willing to participate. “When I was a student educator at JLS—I mean at least middle schoolers are still kids and will laugh at your jokes—but I would get a lot of blank stares,” he said. “One of the reasons why I wanted to become a teacher is to make learning fun and enjoy the experience of school, and make that for my students. I’m just hoping that my classes are willing to have fun and engage, and if they give a little bit we’ll all have a good time together.”

Chen used to be a student at Gunn and appreciates being able to explore the differences between when she graduated and today. “I want to see everything at Gunn just because Gunn is a very different place from when I graduated from here,” she said. “I’m just curious and I think there’s a lot of programs in place that I think are great for students, but I don’t know too much about it.”

Meanwhile, Bogardus, who comes from Stony Point in Texas, is hoping to integrate more inquiry-based learning into her classes. “Instead of having a lab where we have a

Teachers—p.2

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THEORACLE 780 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 354-8238

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Liza Kolbasov Managing Editors Jennifer Gao Ryan Li News Elisa Moraes-Liu Angela Wong Forum Jessica Wang Joshua Yang Features Madison Nguyen Nikki Suzani Centerfold Annika Bereny Calvin Cai Sports Devon Li Ryan Manesh Lifestyle Charlie Bush Kate Mallery Online Sophia Stern Photo Editor Melissa Ding Graphics Editor Grace Liu

Staff Business/Circulation Ryan Manesh Graphics Artists Shannon Lin Audrey Tseng Jamie Wang Jocelyn Wang Photographers Mia Knezevic Sophia Lu Oren Schube Wendy Xiong Adviser Kristy Blackburn

First Day of School Issue Teachers—p.2

procedure that you’re following, you are creating your own rules,” she said. “That’s what I’ve done in the past at Stony Point and I’d like to do more of those type labs.”

A s a teacher, Limburg believes her strengths lie in organization, helping make her classes smoother and on pace for her students. “Historically, I’m a really organized teacher and I really like knowing what my plan is and spending some time over the summer to figure out where I am today and what am I trying to accomplish over the course of the year and how I make sure that happens for myself and for the students,” she said.

Stone’s goal is to create a community within his classroom where his students feel at home.

“I think I generally succeed at creating a comfortable class environment where students feel safe and welcomed, and I do a lot of icebreakers, welcoming and get-to-know-you activities with a community in the classroom,” he said.

“I hope my students know they are welcome there and I enjoy them being there not just as my students but also as human beings and community members. I also try to empathize with my students a lot—it wasn’t that long ago when I graduated from Paly myself—so I know the Palo Alto community well, the pressures that are placed on Palo Alto kids, and recognizing that you’re all trying to deal with a million pressures at once is important.

There’s a difficult balance between trying to push students without asking too much of them, which I hope to resolve.”

Wang also wants to use her own strengths as a teacher, as well as topics she learned in her teaching program, to create a space for students to learn but also be open and share their experiences. “I want to be telling students on the first day that anytime you want to talk, I’m here. I’ll just be there for them and create a safe space in the classroom and be inclusive.”

Helping students feel safe is also a major priority for Limburg, who wants to work with her students to create the best environment possible. “I really believe in giving a student space,” she said. “If I know a student is having a bad day and they tell me they need some space, I’d be willing to give that, particularly on the expectation that the student knows it’s a bad day and they will fix it later on, it’s just that in that moment they can’t. I understand in high school it’s really hard and things can be overwhelming.”

Stone decided to dedicate time to teaching after being an attorney and an elected official in order to be able to make a difference within student’s lives. “I went into law because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and step into a moment in someone’s

life where they need help, but as an attorney you’re fixing a problem that’s already occurred, rather than working to prevent it,” he said.

“I’ve always really believed that education is the panacea for all of society’s problems and woes. I started to realize that I can make a greater difference in Mia Knezevic the lives of many people by being an educator, and it’s nice to be able Teachers Rachel Congress, Chris Redfield and Marcel Losier to give back to the com- enthusiastically prepare to welcome students back. munit y in this way, maybe even creating that one classroom that For Bogardus, respect ranked high on makes students excited to come to school that list of values. “When I am working with each day.” students, I try to build relationships where we Chen believes learning concepts also have a trusting relationship because I think comes with a willingness to be wrong and to it’s important to have respect and to have an expand upon that willingness to improve. “As appreciation for each other,” Bogardus said. a teacher it’s all about connections, making Wang chose to emphasize openness as the students feel like there’s no mistakes,” something she hopes her students can bring to she said. “We make mistakes so we can learn the classroom. “For my students, come in with from it.” an open heart, don’t be timid about how much Stone believes he can help teach students you share with others and you share with the teacher because if they’re kind of timid to take the first step they’re definitely going to see me open up a lot to them and hopefully they’re “I want to be telling students going to get used to that.” on the first day that anytime Stone believes that students should always you want to talk, I'm here. come in ready to be learn. “Come in with an excitement for learning and a willingness to —Danning Wang push yourself both intellectually and just out of your social comfort zone,” he said. “If my classes are willing to engage, have fun and to be confident in themselves and reach for laugh at my horrible jokes, I think we’ll have whatever they want in life. “I want to teach a great time and they’ll get a lot of out of it.” students to follow their dreams and do what Chen also spoke about how she hopes that they want to do,” he said. “I think a big part students will consistently communicate with in Palo Alto is that we put on these pressures her. “Honesty is big and if something is reby our family, by peers or even by our schools ally happening, I’d rather that they tell me and what we perceive as to what our commu- instead of staying up all night, three nights in nity expects of us. I felt those pressures going a row, doing something just to make it work,” up, and at the end of the day I want to teach she said. “Even if they’ve never struggled in my students that they should do what makes math and excelled, eventually they’re going to them happy, because it is their life and their hit some roadblocks and I want to help them decisions.” tackle that and deal with that and speak up Each teacher emphasized values and mind- and ask for help.” sets they hope their students come into the At the end of the day, teaching is about class with. Limburg echoed Chen’s sentiment supporting others in building an ideal curabout not always being right, but always try- riculum. “I’m just really excited about being ing hard. “I want students to bring their best here at Gunn, it seems like there’s an amazing self and we’ll take it from there,” she said. Gunn family and I’m really happy that I’m “Sometimes your best is going to fall short joining,” Bogardus said. because concepts might be slightly challenging for you or you might not be at your best.

And that’s fine.”

First day of school issue

Sophomore Catherine Liang develops connections as volunteer in Thailand

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

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Summer experiences offer chance to regain perspective

Annika Bereny Centerfold Editor

Sophom o Liang c re Catherine reated p for the environ osters ment.

Shanno n Lin

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Joshua Yang

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If you’ve ever been in a language class, you’ve probably sat through a presentation by the Council on International Educational Exchange, or CIEE. It offers programs about learning language and culture, helping communities and even global discovery.

This summer, sophomore Catherine Liang traveled to Khon Kaen, Thailand, on a service and leadership program to work with the villagers of Na Nong Bong in their fight against corporations polluting their resources. In order to do so, Liang worked with two organizations: People Who Love Their Hometown and The Radical Grandma Collective.

During her time in Khon Kaen, Liang learned that a mining company’s practices had released harmful rock debris into Na Nong Bong and exposed villagers to toxic metals; as part of her work, Liang helped the villagers protest the mining company. “We made vinyls, pamphlets, posters and a mural to decorate their new learning center,” Liang said. “Afterwards, we researched similar organizations around the world with similar goals and helped brainstorm ideas for further community outreach and education. We also brainstormed some further ways to expand their platform and reach out to more people to create more impactful change.”

But the moments that stood out most to her were the familial connections she made. “The most impactful moment for me was when me and my friends interacted with our host mom, Yai Paen; even though the language barrier with frustrating, we found that we could communicate without words, through actions and smiles,” Liang said. “When we left, she tied a string around our wrists, and she hugged each of us.

When we asked our program leader what it meant, he said it symbolized that we were her children now, and

that she saw us as her own kids.”

Liang stated that even though many people may be educated about worldly problems, the privilege of living in a town like Palo Alto can keep students from fully understanding. “Although it is helpful in many ways to raise awareness,” she said, “it is impossible for us to understand the depth of the situation without actually living in it.” She recommends the experience for anyone with the resources. “It was humbling to see the fight the villagers have gone through and to see the fight still left in them,” Liang said.

Prospective supporters can buy scarves from the Radical Grandma Collective or follow them on Instagram @radicalgrandmacollective for more information.

Students build bookshelves, promote literacy for English learners in China

Em Photo courtesy of

ily Zhao

Shannon Lin

took part Junior Emily Zhao young in activities with students in China.

Ryan Li and Joshua Yang Managing Editor and Forum Editor

Junior Emily Zhao laughs as she describes trying to encourage elementary school students to read more in a village thousands of miles away. “We were supposed to read these little story books,” she said. “I opened the book, and I would look at the first word. Then I would hand the book to one of [the students] for help and they just rattled it off.”

This summer, Zhao, sophomore Ethan Zhang and senior Justin Li embarked upon a volunteer trip to rural China, building bookshelves in schools and teaching local students lessons such as English. For two weeks, the three volunteers traveled between different villages in China’s Sichuan province.

According to Li, each day followed a consistent schedule. “Normally, we would just wake up around six or seven,” he said. “We would take a bus to a school and we would start making bookshelves. We would probably make anywhere from two to six or seven.”

At lunchtime, the volunteers would eat with their students. “We had a strict rule that we had to eat lunch with these students,” Zhang said. “We

would eat their cafeteria food because [the organizers] wanted to simulate how [the students] felt.”

The cafeteria was different from what the volunteers were used to, but Zhao enjoyed it nonetheless. “They didn’t really have a cafeteria or any kind of things,” she said. “They would just grab these big pots and scoop out the food for you. You [brought] your own bowls and chopsticks. The food was honestly really good.”

Afterwards, the volunteers would teach their students a variety of subjects, with English being one of the most emphasized. “We would start teaching them some English,” Zhang said. “We tried to teach them how to introduce themselves, the ABC’s and go through their English workbooks.”

The volunteers engaged students in lessons with games and other immersive activities. “We played a lot of games like ‘Simon Says’ or ‘Hangman’ to try and get [students] to do everything,” Li said.

Another teaching method the volunteers used was drawing images on a board. “We drew a picture on the board and we would have the kids guess, and then we would translate it into English,” Zhao said. “Through that, they would learn a couple of simple words.”

According to Zhao, the trip was planned by the Fangcao reading circle, a group Zhao had met after hearing about an initiative they led in Palo Alto. “[The coordinator of the reading circle] has this gardening [business] where she pots these plants and sells them to people; the profit that she makes is put toward the volunteering in China,” Zhao said. “[My mom] told me about this opportunity, and it [sounded] like a lot of it would probably be a good experience for me.”

Along the way, the volunteers have faced many challenges. “When we were teaching them, it was very difficult to act like a teacher and treat them like a student as compared to children or friends,” Zhang said. “And even though I do speak Mandarin, it’s nowhere compared to how [fluent] they are. [It’s difficult] trying to bypass a language barrier and still have the students respect me.”

Yet the challenges Zhang faced have not deterred him; instead, they served to enrich his experience. “It was very fun for me to teach the children about English and help them with something they wouldn’t get in their own education system,” Zhang said. “I enjoyed interacting with these children and learning their perspective of how they see the world.”

It was the last night of my summer program, and I was standing in a corner of the room by myself. Amidst tearful goodbyes and cries of “we’ll see each other again!”, I felt strangely detached from the commotion. In fact, I couldn’t wait to get home.

In late June, right before I left for my summer program, I was burnt out and sick of Palo Alto. The high speed pacing of the school year had abruptly dropped off as soon as summer had begun, suddenly leaving me with far too much time to aimlessly languish at home.

To add to that, my friends’ personal problems had taken an emotional toll on me. I couldn’t go anywhere without feeling anxiety and guilt. I took long walks at midnight to cope. I could barely sleep. I brooded in uncomfortable silence at home, barely talking to anybody.

In other words, I needed a change. I had hoped my summer programs, which spanned the entire month of July, would get me away from Palo Alto and all my troubles. In that vein, I intentionally ceased contact with many friends, telling them to message me again after I returned on Aug. 1 so I could venture forward beholden to nothing and nobody.

It’s true I had countless transformative experiences while at camp; I made new friends, met new challenges, and at times laughed so hard my ribs hurt afterwards.

Yet throughout all that time, I found my mind constantly drawn back to Palo Alto. In my free time, I shied away from the company of my new friends, preferring to daydream, earbuds in, about when I could finally return home.

Instead of going to the beach or the campfire, I stayed shut in my room, working in isolation into the late hours of the night and idly checking the active status of my friends on Facebook Messenger, wondering what they were up to. One afternoon, when I had finally been dragged outside at the urging of my roommates, I realized how long it had been since I’d actually left the dorms for something other than meals or classes.

As the end of the month approached, I eagerly counted down the days until I could hop onto a plane back to Palo Alto. By avoiding all my friends back home, I thought I could escape my problems and return to find my troubles evaporated. It was only after I set foot in the Bay Area that I discovered that wasn’t the case. Sure, I could talk to my friends again, but conversations were shallow and soon fizzled out. All of us were busy, and messages became increasingly sporadic. I quickly fell into the same cycle I had taken on at camp, working incessantly to take my mind off everything else.

It wasn’t until I took a late-night walk with a friend that I realized how little my mindset had changed. My friend was torn between staying at Gunn and transferring to a different school to escape the toxic environment. In the short term, he knew he would be happier remaining at Gunn: all of his friends were at Gunn, but he was worried about the negative effects that would stem from staying.

The only advice I could give then was to focus on the present instead of chasing after a yetunrealized future. Advice, I realized at that moment, which applied to myself, too. In truth, I had been too fixated on the future to appreciate what had been in front of me during camp.

Right after I returned from that walk, I set my work aside and messaged the friends I had barely caught up with. I called my summer camp friends and told them how much I missed them. I planned a trip to San Francisco, feeling an instant rush of relief from the worry and tension I didn’t even know I had been harboring.

At the time of writing, there are still six days left in summer. I don’t have each day planned out, nor do I have a clear idea of what I’ll to be doing. What I do know, though, is that I won’t wait until an arbitrary date to find happiness; I’ll spend each day laughing and living in each little moment. I’ll make the most of each day and find the joy in the present. It’s as Ferris Bueller, the titular character in ‘80s movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” says: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

—Yang, a junior, is a Forum Editor.

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Campu

Campus hot spots: top locat

Graphics by Jocelyn Wang Map by Grace Liu

us

Map

Tuesday. August 13, 2019

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tions to know around gunn

Escape from school stress in these spots Whether between classes, during lunch or a free period, taking a small break from a stress-packed school day is indispensable. However, natural light, proximity to school buildings and traffic noise are all factors that can turn a delightful hotspot into an abysmal site. So, this past year, I’ve assessed every corner of Gunn’s campus in search of the “perfect” 30-minute getaway, from the Nbuilding’s steps under the scorching sun to the red Bat Cave benches covered in lunch trays and milk cartons. These are the three top campus hot-spots: Surrounded by the C, E, F and G buildings is a patch of green grass and a few benches shaded from the sun by a lush tree. This tranquil spot owes its usually silent atmosphere to being closed in by classrooms on all sides, making this a perfect area to study for an upcoming test or read another chapter of your book. Students are not restricted to one sitting area: you can sit on the grass, against the classroom walls or at a wooden table.

Don’t worry if you forgot your study materials: the Academic Center and library are just a few steps away!

Outside of the K buildings is a lengthy patch of sitting area— from three shady red tables to wooden benches to large patches of grass to sturdy walls to lean against— for students to study or spend time with friends. While this location is closer to traffic, there is relatively no noise from cars entering the drop-off area. Additionally, while there are fewer trees, a lot of natural light and cool breezes hits the K-buildings: the nearby garden is there for a reason! And, most importantly, the bathrooms are right around the corner.

A newly-opened area of Gunn’s campus as construction was completed last spring, various wooden square seats dot the area between the Spangenberg Theater and the lunch line, and include the new quad area. This hot-spot made the list mainly for its convenience: the seating is right outside the cafeteria and main office, next to the main parking lot on one side and mostly centralized between the campus’s buildings. While seating may be uncomfortable for a study session, the natural light that hits this newly renovated section makes it a perfect spot to relax before the bell rings again.

—Compiled by Angela Wong

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First Day of School Issue

students share advice for new school year Freshman Jessica Wang You’ve finally reached the great, daunting realm of high school. I’m sure you’ve heard lots about it: cliques, college applications, homecoming, prom and stress. For starters, high school will be all of that and more. It’ll be a shortage of class parties and field trips and an abundance of new friends and interests. However, its reputation far precedes it.

High school is neither a horror story nor a romantic musical. You’ll probably be lost at first, searching for the bathrooms and water fountains (help, Room of Requirement) and figuring out each teachers’ late work and food policies. It can be overwhelming. Regardless, you’ll figure it out, and the weeks will march by, bringing new quarters and semesters.

Undoubtedly, Gunn will be a bigger pond with plenty of strange fish. Don’t be apprehensive about the big

sophomore Madison Nguyen Everyone has a different opinion about what their sophomore year was like. For some, it was one of the most difficult years of their high school experience; for others, it was the easiest. Depending on what classes you take, the content and workload may be harder or easier. But, sophomore year remains the first year when what you do can have a greater impact on

Junior Liza Kolbasov Congratulations, you’ve made it to junior year— you’re officially an upperclassman! You’re probably feeling a lot of things right now, ranging from excitement for making it half-way through your high school career, to fear at facing the infamous “most stressful year of high school.” First of all, I’m here to tell you to take a deep breath. Although junior year can undoubtedly get stressful, you’re going to get through it and will have plenty of support at your fingertips.

Throughout this year, as homework and tests pile up, it’ll be important to keep in mind where your priorities lie. Although you may have been able to balance fifteen extracurriculars in the past, that’s most likely going to become more difficult and add to your stress levels this year. Think about what you really enjoy and get a lot out of, and stick with that! It will make you a

senior Grace Tramack You’ve wanted to be seniors for three years and, class of 2020, it’s finally here. While there is still plenty of work ahead of you, this final year at Gunn is all about what you make it to be—and it will go by in the blink of an eye.

I’m sure everyone has started all of their college essays, right? If you got a pit in your stomach reading that, don’t panic.

kids; we’re all just students. You’ll have English with sophomores and possibly electives with upperclassmen. This may seem strange, but it’s not uncommon.

Be open to befriending older students! If you want to expand your social network, try out sports or clubs. I’d advise against overbooking with clubs, though, as you may want free lunches to meet with teachers. Other than that, have fun! Treat yourself to the student-staff musical or the latest play.

Between the activities and academics, time management is paramount. In some cases, you’ll need to be selective with your pastimes. Unfortunately, teachers can’t strategically coordinate test dates anymore.

There may come a time when all of your tests land in one overloaded week. When that time comes, take advantage of your resources! Feel free to form study groups, attend Flex and commiserate with your friends.

Last but not least, you’ll have to take finals. Yes, they’re typically a substantial portion of your grade.

And yes, you’ll make it through. Finals last for just one

week, and everyone is in the same boat. Make sure to study, create that super cramped, handwritten note card and get a good night’s sleep. At the end of the day, finals are just like an extended unit test.

Plus, some classes might have projects or presentations instead!

Being a freshman in high school is a truly unique experience. You’re the youngest on the totem pole, generalized as that wide-eyed newbie half-heartedly cheering during homecoming and trying to reinvent yourself. At the same time, you’re the shiny new penny that everyone wants in their club or sport. You’re the next generation. That said, welcome to Gunn.

your future.

Many people underestimate the academic rigor of this year. While at times the work may not be difficult, it’s easy to fall behind on your studies. It’s imperative you stay organized with your schedule and leave time to study for tests. Not only will it show in your work when you leave studying until the last possible minute, but it will ultimately stress you out more. Start your work early, put time and effort into it, and try not to fall behind in your classes.

Somehow, you may find that you have way less time on your hands than you did freshmen year. Spending time on schoolwork is great, but I’d advise you to not surround yourself with piles of work indefinitely. Don’t forget to spend time with your friends or do something that will distract you from even thinking about school.

Something I especially regret not doing is making conversation with my classmates. Instead of clinging onto the few people you know in your class, make friends with other people that you’ve never spoken to.

It never hurts to connect with other people who you

might not be accustomed to, and who can give you a different perspective.

Yes, the start of sophomore year may be way too early to start thinking about and planning for life after high school. However, it doesn’t mean you should completely disregard it, either. This year, I’d advise every sophomore to spend time thinking about extracurriculars and to join clubs or activities that spark your interest. Don’t limit yourself in terms of these activities. Instead, join many things that make you look forward to attending. Whether it be through volunteering, finding a job or even trying out a new sport, find hobbies outside of academics that you enjoy doing.

Overall, try to stay in the moment. Don’t take this year for granted, because I guarantee it will be one where you learn a lot about not only what you need to be successful in high school, but also about yourself.

lot happier in the long run.

Academically, it is really crucial that you stay organized this year. Yes, this is important every year, but having better organization will really help you out.

Start preparing for your standardized tests early (especially figuring out which tests you’re taking). Study for tests as far in advance as you can and don’t let difficult concepts pile up. Try your best not to leave all of your homework assignments due on test day to the day before the test; you’ll thank yourself later if you procrastinate as little as possible. Making studying more fun for yourself, whether it’s by studying in a new location or with friends, can also help make the workload less painful.

Also, try your best to find a little bit of time each week to do whatever makes you happy. Whether it’s going for a run or watching a movie, give yourself the time to do something just for yourself. You’ll be able to focus a lot better in school if you’re less stressed out, and even if it sometimes feels like you need to, you can’t study 24/7. Don’t forget to eat or sleep, either.

Above all, as your year gets more stressful, remember that it will come to an end, and that there is a lot you can get out of it. Junior year is, above all, an opportunity to learn a lot—both about the subjects you’re taking and about yourself—and make connections with others. You’ll get the chance to make so many new memories, whether it’s from homecoming, prom or just spending time with friends. Good luck, and have fun! It’ll be over before you know it.

Plenty of people are confident they’ll have their essays done when school starts, yet 99 percent don’t. Take this opportunity to make a list of upcoming deadlines, and start prioritizing; keep in mind which essays can be reused. Also, don’t fret if it appears you won’t have all of your essays completed. Students often start with a massive list, but throughout their process, schools naturally fall off.

Enough about college essays. Yes, applying is a long, painstaking process, but it all gets done, and it all gets better. The rest of senior year will be the best time of your life thus far.

Throughout the year, seniors react differently to the end of high school. Friend groups will undoubtedly change, but nonetheless make time to spend with those who have mattered most during the past four years. Also, don’t be afraid to try something new. If there is one thing you have always wanted to do, like go to the Homecoming football

game or participate in Clash of the Titans, do it.

Finally, this wouldn’t be a senior guide if I didn’t mention the mysterious “second semester.” I’m going to let you in on a secret: it’s not what you think it is. No teacher at Gunn is going to give the seniors less work or make tests any easier; in fact, some classes get more difficult. Instead, the typical “SSS” most people think of is more of a mentality of making the most of your time at Gunn. If there’s a night where you’re deciding between watching a school sporting event or studying, go to the event. Keep yourself motivated, but make every day enjoyable in some way.

Between college craziness, changing friend groups and SSS fever, it can be difficult to slow down and appreciate how far you’ve come. This is your time to reflect and focus on you, so congrats, 2020—go forth and dominate senior year.

—Wang, a sophomore, is a Forum Editor.

—Nguyen, a junior, is a Features Editor.

—Kolbasov, a senior, is Editor-inChief.

—Tramack is a member of the Class of 2019.

First Day of School Issue

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

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Senior bucket list: challenge yourself to make the most of your final year of high school Go to a tourist landmark in California that you’ve never been to.

Try a new hobby—whether it’s crocheting or field hockey.

Twin with your friends and wear silly, fun or cute backpacks.

Go back and visit your elementary or middle school teachers.

Participate in floats or airbands.

Go on a road trip with friends.

Go through your Google Drive and find the oldest documents you have. Read them and laugh.

Go to a school event you don’t usually attend, whether it’s a band concert, play or the back-toCheck out a new club just to see what it’s like.

Take lots of photos and videos to look back on.

Swim in the pool on top of Spangenberg.

—Compiled by Liza Kolbasov

Faces in the Crowd: What are you looking forward to most in the upcoming school year?

“I’m looking forward to homecoming because there are a lot of fun events and school spirit!”

“I am really looking forward to homecoming week. It’s in the middle of the semester and provides a much needed time to relax and have fun.”

Boris Bukchin (11)

Irene Kim (10)

“This year I’m excited to reunite with all my Fletcher friends since I switched middle schools in sixth grade. I’m also looking forward to being part of new clubs.”

“I’m most excited for senior car painting and asserting dominance.”

Manya Zhao (12)

Sharad Parulekar (9)

—Compiled by Grace Liu, Nikki Suzani and Joshua Yang Graphics by Jocelyn Wang and Shannon Lin

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First Day of School Issue

Students share snapshots from summer adventures

Photo courtesy of Sherry Wang Photo courtesy of Grace Liu

Senior Sherry Wang made new friends at the COSMOS summer program.

Seniors Grace Liu, Wendy Sakuma, Ryan Hsu, Xuanyi Wang and Daniel Chung participated in the Menlo Park Relay for Life.

Senior Nina Chen exhibits a sewing creation she has worked on over the summer.

Photo courtesy of Skylar Fong

Senior Skylar Fong conducted research at the UC Davis Young Scholars Program.

Photo courtesy of Nina Chen

Right: Senior Julio Henriquez attended a friend's quinceaĂąera.

Left: Seniors Frederic Lemmonier, Allen Tang, Kendrick You and Athony Pan went on a backpacking trip.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Pan

Graphics by Grace Liu, Jamie Wang and Jocelyn Wang

Photo courtesy of Julio Henriquez