The Mustang February 2018 by The Mustang Newspaper

2.18.18

Volume 22 Issue 4

T H E M U S T A N G

INDEX

NEED A HOT DATE? Upcoming events at SDA

FEBRUARY 16

FEBRUARY 17

MARCH 5

MARCH 12

A four day weekend commences in honor of Presidents Day. No School from February 16 - 19

Spring sports tryouts begin. Last chance to participate and play before school ends!

Senior Out begins. Seniors play a giant game of tag. Their only safety is the close proximity of underclassmen

SDA Spirit week begins. Get ready for five days of trademark SDA quirkiness!

ROLL CALL Editor-in-Chief / News Editor Olivia Olander Design Editor Simmone Stearn Opinion Editor Mallika Seshadri Features Editor Nohemia Rosales Assistant Features Editors Erin Maxwell Kieran Zimmer Arts Editor Taylor Rudman

TAKE A GOOD LOOK... Highlights in the Mustang February issue

Learn about students’ struggle with anxiety on page 4 Anxiety is scary, but you’re not alone. A recent survey showed that 85 percent of SDA students report having anxiety. Discover the common causes of high school anxiety and different ways students are managing and coping.

Humor Editor Nadia Ballard Sports Editor Yari Sequeria Assistant Sports Editor Alexis Price Business Managers Shayna Glazer Ally Joelson Online Editor Sophie Hughes Assistant Online Editor Sylvia Young

Experience the Encinitas homeless count on page 14 Citizens banded together to help count the number of homeless people living in Encinitas. This census helps to ensure sufficient support and government funding for the homeless. Turn to page 14 to read a commentary about the experience of counting the homeless.

REILLY BROWN

Cover Artist

Senior Reilly Brown created this piece for her AP Studio Art class last semester. “For my [art] concentration, I decided to focus on different cities around the world, and this was London and I just wanted to put as many aspects that distinguish [what London is] into one piece.” Brown has always been interested in self-expression through tangible things, like interior design and fashion. Art is a more recent medium for her, however. “I just decided to try art and I really like it.”

Backpage Photographer

OLIVIA ALCANTAR

Freshman Olivia Alcantar always enjoyed photography, but her grandfather truly introduced it as a hobby when he showed her his digital camera about two years ago. She was instantly captivated by it and that interest inspired her to take Susan Coppock’s photo class. When Alcantar went to take pictures in Park City with her grandfather a couple months ago, they were both surprised to find “a bunch of deer and buck.” “We both thought they were really pretty,” Alcantar said, “and it was just a great opportunity.”

Photo Editor Patrick Hall Staff Artists Emma Toscani Lilly Callender Staff Writers Rosy Alvarado Tom Amoroso Aeon Benford-Combs Ryan Cohen Joice He Anna Jenkins Griffin Amelia Kaiser Lane Levin Lena Mau Christopher Mellusi Taina Millsap Sienna Riley Lila Schief Madison Vance Braden White Advisor Tim Roberts The Mustang is the student newspaper of San Dieguito Academy. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the newspaper. The Mustang is an open forum which welcomes letters. Letters can be submitted to room 42, emailed to sdamustang@gmail.com or mailed to the address below.

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NEWS

Charting a new course An untraditional school opened in the district with a focus on holistic learning. By Olivia Olander

ninth grader lay back on a table surrounded by students. He sprawled out and stared at the ceiling. Their teacher – whose title is “guide” – didn’t bat an eye, and instead shot a disapproving look at another student who had impatiently asked the first boy to “get off the table.” This lounging otherwise seemed pretty routine. Most of the students didn’t sit in chairs in the first place, but instead perched on counters, or yes, the table. The students and their guide continued their discussion, which involved the conversational skill of not interrupting others. The guide then asked the class about their challenges from the day. One girl opened up about how another girl had been rude to her. Some of her classmates scoffed at this openness, but others nodded sympathetically. The guide walked her through different ways she could deal with the situation – ignoring her, forgiving her, moving on and the like. The guide asked more questions, with varying levels of success in student participation: How will you remember this day when you’re older? How will you improve yourself throughout 2018? This went on for 20 minutes, until the end of their school day (which was not announced with a bell, but with dismissal from the guide). The period had no traditional academic content; its only purpose was to wind down the day for students by talking about their mental and emotional health. The class? “Integra,” an endof-day discussion course designed to teach students skills outside of academics. The school? SOUL charter, the only charter middle/high school within the San Dieguito Union High School district boundaries, which opened this year for seventh, eighth and ninth graders on the campus of the Solana Beach Boys and Girls Club. The school is focused on “holistic” learning, so students spend class time working on mental health, emotional health and social skills in addition to completing traditional academic work. The mental/emotional healthfocused school is having a successful first year, according to its founders. Because they’re in the Boys and Girls Club, the layout of SOUL is more akin to a summer camp than a traditional high school. Most of the classrooms and offices surround a main recreational area, which has a foosball table, Boys and Girls Club camp art and a big TV with a sectional couch. The art and science classroom is across the parking lot in a small cabin-like room, and one of their classroom setups is in an

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indoor basketball court attached to the main building. They use the Boys and Girls Club pool for PE, and the campus is small enough that students shoot hoops in an outdoor courtyard during passing periods. It tried to open within the SDUHSD last school year, but was rejected by the district. At the time, the district said they needed more information on issues such as supporting English Learners, implementing Common Core standards, clarifying the school’s academic course pathway, and obtaining money for a campus, among other issues. However, SOUL appealed through the San Diego County Board of Education and was approved. SOUL has grown from 36 students to 70 over the course of this school year, said co-founder Marisa Bruyneel. She attributed this growth to word of mouth from other students. “Our students go home and tell their friends, who are maybe miserable at school and not having a good time, [about] how much they’re enjoying coming to school,” she said. “Within a week or two weeks, they join and enroll. We’ve had students call us themselves.” She said SOUL is trying to create a “conscious and intentional culture.” “Students can only do so much academically when they’re not feeling good on every other level,” she said. “We knew that needed to be the focus in where we started.” To create this feeling and implement their holistic values, students have “Integra” periods three times per day, including at the start and finish of each day. Every day has a theme: mental power Monday, emotional intelligence Tuesday, social skills Wednesday, physical wellbeing Thursday and personal development Friday. The day when they discussed interrupting conversations was a Wednesday, for example. SOUL academic classes do not follow the same pathway as district schools and have not been accredited or UC-approved. However, founder Michael Grimes said they plan to get these accreditations in the coming years and that current students are “on a college track.” Bruyneel said students who graduate from SOUL will be more prepared for college than students from traditional schools because they won’t struggle as much emotionally with the transition to college. They will be competitive in college admissions as well, she said. “Colleges look at the whole person,” Bruyneel said. “They want to see you holistically, and outside of your transcript and you being a

Top: Students present projects for an entrepreneurship class, which takes place in an indoor basketball court. Photo by Olivia Olander Bottom: The founders work surrounded by trinkets in their office. Photo by Olivia Olander

number. They’re going to look at how you contributed to the society, and the world and the community. That’s something that our students work on on a daily basis.” While the school does not yet have AP or honors classes, the founders said they’re looking into it for future years. They don’t have many clubs, either, and students who want to play sports must try out through the Boys and Girls Club Diegueno Middle School team. All classes are through project-based learning, the founders said, which is less structured than traditional courses. However, some tradition-

ally extracurricular activities are incorporated into the school day. For example, Bruyneel said, seventhninth graders focus on community service, while 10th-12th graders seek internships and mentorships. Students are also required to take an entrepreneurship class. So far, the impact from students leaving SDUHSD for SOUL has been “negligible,” said Superintendent Eric Dill. “In a district of nearly 13,000 students, they’re really just a blip on the radar,” he said. However, he added that most students who leave SDUHSD for SOUL come from schools on the north end of the dis-

trict, specifically LCC, Oak Crest and Diegueno. SOUL also requested to move onto LCC’s campus. For more information, see sdamustang.com. “It’s not for everybody,” Grimes said of the project-based classes. “For a student that needs a ton of structure… there’s a lot more autonomy here and a lot more freedom. It needs a lot more intrinsic motivation. Project based learning is a lot harder than memorization and repetition. It’s not as concrete. For students and families that want structure, discipline, rules and regulation, this is not the right place.”

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her falling behind in school, which subsequently caused even more anxiety. “[Anxiety] manifests itself in whatever’s bothering me,” Emily said. She said it used to be school, but now is more of a social issue.

Social Media’s Role

OVER 85 PERCENT of SDA students report having anxiety, according to a survey. Photo illustration by Emma Toscani with Patrick Hall

Anxious? You’re not alone. A growing number of students report having anxiety. What are the causes, and how are they coping with it? By Olivia Olander.

“A

P World was hell because I could not read a single word of that textbook. Same with APUSH, I did not read at all. I used to sit there for hours. I remember I would be up till five in the morning trying to figure out what to do about it. It was kind of building up a lot, and I was so sleepdeprived.” This was the Maria’s world for much of her high school career. Now a senior, she has frequent anxiety. (Some names in this article have been changed to protect students’ privacy.) Results from a new survey of SDA students suggest that she is far from alone. From pressure to get into college to family matters to the use of social media and other factors, anxiety is on the rise. According to a survey of over 490 students in December conducted by counselor Ann Nebolon, 85.9 percent of SDA students have experienced anxiety. Results from a survey given to every recent graduating class have revealed that the percentage of students who say that anxiety was an “issue” in their high school career has increased steadily since 2013, the

first year with available results, from looking at it as ‘what do the colleges 27.2 percent to 40.6 percent. It is the want?’ instead of looking at it as ‘Am second most prevalent issue reported I doing the best I can, doing things by exiting seniors, behind bullying. to build on who I am, then finding Students primarily attribute the a good fit for me?’” Nebolon said. causes of their anxiety to the pres“When you do that, you’re always sure to succeed and generally being going to find someone that’s got a overwhelmed, according to the more higher GPA than you, got an A on a recent survey. test when you got a C, is really good “The stress at languages and of getting into you’re not, is recolleges, grades, ally good at math “Even kids with a maintaining your and you’re not. GPA, social life four-point-bazillion You’re never goand balancing ing to feel good GPA, they still work… is just enough when a lot to handle,” you do that. Even compare [themsaid Isabella, a the kids that have junior who has a four-point-baselves to others].” experienced zillion GPA, they anxiety. “The still compare.” pressures just “Students kind of crack today are – Counselor Ann down on us, anxious because Nebolon and family life of academic doesn’t seem to pressure from help most of the parents, teachers, time.’’ and peers, as well as social obligations to pick a field Academic Causes of study and career at such an early “Kids feel [pressure] to do stage of our lives,” said senior Rami more, to be more… That pressure, of Ibrahim. “For me personally, making

the decision of what I want to go into for college was a really tough decision, and makes me anxious about thinking that it could potentially change, or if it is ultimately right for me.” Even underclassmen aren’t immune to college stresses. Alexander Poroy, a freshman, said academic pressure has led him to sometimes stay home instead of going out with friends. “But it doesn’t really affect my social life very much because everyone else is studying too,” he said. Anxiety feels “oppressive. It’s just always there,” said freshman Eve Oesterheld. “Expectations are higher and the world isn’t so great right now.” Some students said anxiety over other causes affects academic performance, which then adds yet another reason to feel anxious. Emily, a senior who has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, described anxiety as different from other mental health issues because it can be heavily influenced by outside factors. She struggled with anxiety over socializing, and her multiple mental health issues led to

Outside of academics, the other main factor that Nebolon said contributes to anxiety today is the prevalence of social media. According to her survey, however, only 1 percent of students say it is the primary cause for their anxiety. However, 16 percent said their primary cause was social issues in general. Nebolon students may not realize that social media causes anxiety because they’ve grown up with it. “Those devices constantly calling your attention, and pulling you away from other things… There’s that fear of missing out thing with it,” Nebolon said. “It’s so anxiety producing that I wish kids would take the challenge of a whole week with no social media, no texting, no phones and see if you feel a little better, because you will.” She said the presence of social media adds to the general stress that can come from being in a high school environment, a “giant microcosm of 1900 teenagers.” “It’s really hard not to compare,” Nebolon said, “so it’s about thinking about it in a different way, rather than ‘They’re better than me,’ or ‘Why am I not that,’ thinking about it in the way of ‘How can I be the best person I can be?’” “Sometimes on social media outlets, they give you this idealistic image of who you should be and how you should act. That can cause anxiety and make you feel insecure,” said senior Tessa Lee, who has experienced anxiety since middle school. “But sometimes social media can help anxiety because you see people that are going through the same things as you, and they can help you work through it.” Social media also makes tragedies and current events around the world more visible to teens, Nebolon said. “You see the bodies on the ground. You see the rescue workers. Oh my god, it’s too much. It’s all kind of stuff that you don’t have any control over. It’s too much. That’s what the research is showing, really kind of sociologically, that that’s contributing to anxiety.” She added that sometimes these issues can get personal for students, such as those in the immigrant community who are affected by recent legislative changes to DACA. San Diego State professor Jean Twenge explored the issue of social media, phones and mental health extensively in her book “iGen,” which focuses on the link between screens and the issues of adolescents today. She argued in her book that

FEB 2018

NEWS

social media is more of a cause of anxiety than academics. She also said that while adolescents today are more physically safe – for example, they drink less and smoke cigarettes less – phones have caused the same generation to be more psychologically vulnerable than earlier generations. “It’s not an exaggeration to describe iGen [Twenge’s name for those born after 1995] as being on the brink of the worst mental-health crisis in decades,” she wrote. “Much of this deterioration can be traced to their phones.” She said one main component is fear of being excluded from friends, which is exacerbated by social media. “Today’s teens may go to fewer parties and spend less time together in person, but when they do congregate, they document their hangouts relentlessly—on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook,” Twenge wrote. “Those not invited to come along are keenly aware of it. Accordingly, the number of teens who feel left out has reached all-time highs across age groups.”

Anxiety’s Internet Culture

Moreover, the culture of anxiety-related memes has had mixed effects, students said. “It kind of helps people realize that other people feel the same way, and maybe for some people they could feel less alone in their anxiety, but I don’t think meme culture helps that much,” said Isabella. “I do think social media can be used as a great platform, and it is being used by a lot of people to speak out on anxiety and depression.” “[Internet culture] makes people more comfortable with it… but it’s also overgeneralized sometimes, where’s it’s like, ‘Everyone gets anxious,’” Maria said, adding that there’s a range of levels of anxiety, which can sometimes be blurred by constant memes or online posts in which people complain of anxiety. Another anonymous senior girl agreed, saying it “bothers the hell out of ” her when people exaggerate online about anxiety without understanding its implications. “It makes the issue worse because it makes it seem like a cool thing, like it’s hip to be anxious and have problems, when it’s really something you’re trying to overcome,” she said. “Publicizing one’s struggle with anxiety and normalizing it can often do more harm than good,” said Ibrahim. “By desensitizing, anxiety can easily become susceptible to being ignored, when in fact it can be crippling.”

Student Experiences

Isabella first realized she had anxiety in eighth grade. “I was getting stomach aches every day before school, and I realized

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that wasn’t normal,” she said. She said she said. That’s when she decided to essential in helping to gain control and that taking time for herself she had symptoms throughout eighth go to the doctor at the urging of her of her anxiety in her freshman year, helped lessen her anxiety related to and ninth grade, including shyness, parents. as it helped her “see the world in a social issues. physical illness and nausea. Solutions: Trial and Error brighter light and eventually stop “Slow things down. Calm “It was just a really horrible Whatever the cause, affected feeling depressed or anxious.” By the down. Don’t do so much,” Nebolon cycle for me because a lot of people teenagers are faced with choices in beginning of this school year, she was advised. “That’s what I tell kids, once didn’t understand. It was really hard treatment - medication, therapy and able to get off the medication. we know the medical side is taken on me, because it’s not really talked a change in lifestyle are the main opShe said people suffering from care of… A well balanced life is not about, especially in elementary tions, said Nebolon. Several months anxiety should consider medication school and homework 24/7. It should school, and after Maria started as a treatment option, despite what include friends, family time and time for some treatment with medi- others may say against it. for you.” kids that’s cation, her symptoms “Medication isn’t for everyone, Emily agreed, and said taking “It’s a lot more than persisted and eventu- but you can’t tell other people to stay fewer AP classes helped improve her when it starts. Anxially got worse. away from medication just because anxiety. just being shy. It’s ety isn’t only “At one point you don’t think it would work for “This culture of having extra a teenage it was just unbearyou,” Isabella said. “Be supportive, curriculars for hours everyday really hard to deproblem. It able. I didn’t go to and don’t let your personal views after school then having hours of starts when school for a month. get in the way of someone’s healing homework then getting up early in scribe, and that’s a I was just in bed all process.” you’re really the morning is going to take a toll on young and the time,” she said. “I Emily found that medication everyone… Everybody thinks that big part of the just sort of saw so many doctors, therapy helped, but she had to experthey’re completely alone, and you’re struggle.” continually and it was always like iment with different types, especially not,” she said. “People are there for gets worse ‘What are we going because starting high school led to you. People understand you, and for a lot of to do to fix this?’ But a relapse in her anxiety. She ended if you feel like what you’re doing is people. Not there was nothing up in an inpatient mental facility at too much, you don’t have to do it – Isabella, senior being able that they could actuthe end of her freshman year and in “anymore.” to identify it ally do immediately.” October of her sophomore year, as Isabella said that after all her just sort of This culminated well as an outpatient facility for the treatment, she still gets “a little allows it to get worse,” she said. with a week-long stay in the hospital summer in between. anxiety.” “It’s a lot more than just being at the beginning of May, Maria said, After her time in those facilities, “I’m able to control it and be nervous,” Isabella continued. “People and she has been on medication Emily got a new therapist. Through like ‘It’s just people. Nothing bad is don’t understand, when you say since then. Though this had led to an this and other factors, she said she going to happen,’” she said. “Real ‘anxiety’ it’s a lot more than just beimprovement in the symptoms overhas made a lot of progress in the last anxiety is not being able to control ing shy. It’s really hard to describe, all, she still struggles with anxiety. two years, cutting down from three that.” and that’s a big part of the struggle of “For me, progress is me going hours of therapy per week to one per “My heart will start racing at people with anxiety, because there’s and just doing things,” she said. “But month. random points when I’m about to not a lot of words to describe the way even now, I’ve never filled up gas in do something,” Isabella continued. “I it makes you feel.” my own car and I’ve been driving for Lifestyle Changes just sort of slap myself on the chest Emily said she got diagnosed probably almost two years. I don’t go Nebolon said outside of medica- to stabilize my heart, and it’s really with anxiety in middle school as well. to stores alone. I haven’t even dealt tion and therapy, one way to reduce weird but it gets a rhythm and it sort “When you get older, things with that.” anxiety is to “cut yourself a break.” of shocks it into being normal again.” start changing physically and menIsabella said medication was Lee said this worked for her, tally, and I would start to get anxious all the time talking to people or when I just thought about my future,” she said. “I think that for everyone middle school is really hard. For me in particular it was hard because there was the whole anxiety thing.” Maria recognized she had anxiety a little later, at the end of freshman year, though she said she had felt it for some time before. For her, the feeling first manifested itself as a lack of socializing. “I let a lot of things go,” Maria said. “I wouldn’t do a lot of the things that I wanted to. I didn’t really associate with anyone. I think the summer after freshman year, I think I went out like one day.” Throughout her sophomore and junior years, she continued to struggle with stress over academics. “It’s kind of a constant,” Maria said. “It’s just something that makes everything harder. It’s something that I know I have to deal with on top of doing actual stuff. I remember every single day coming to school and wondering what we would do in class that day and how I would freak out about it.” This eventually escalated towards the end of her junior year. “I would bring out a homework SOCIAL MEDIA IS a reported factor of student anxiety. Though students did not cite it as a top cause, worksheet that was literally fill-insome experts believe it’s just as much of an issue as academic stress. Illustration by Lily Callender. the-blank, and I would break down,”

NEWS

Wait, we have a dress code? Recent student uproar has led ASB and administration to make some changes. By Taylor Rudman

ressed for the occasion and right on time, senior Brittney Reppenhagen strolled up to the doors of her last homecoming dance, thrilled to celebrate with her friends. If only she knew. After waiting in the notoriously long line to get in, she thrust her ID out and prepared for a lively time. Administrative eyes looked her up and down, only to send Reppenhagen and her mesh shirt right back from where she came. If only she had known. She was told what she was wearing was inappropriate. That her shirt was showing too much skin. That is all she was told. For Reppenhagen, that was not enough of an explanation. “If they are gonna make rules then the rules need to be in place before something happens. They can’t get you in trouble for something that’s not already a rule,” Reppenhagen said. Confused and frustrated, she was forced to miss the first hour of her senior dance to go back and change. Unaware that a dress code even existed at SDA, Reppenhagen felt wronged and unfairly singled out, as did several other students dress coded that same night. After recent controversies over SDA’s dress code, beginning at the homecoming dance and debated in student forums, several ASB students (senior Darian Haseyama, senior Hannah Miller, and junior Holly Cook) were tasked with reworking the original. The main goals of this process were to remove any potentially confusing or discriminatory language as well as improving communication across all fronts, according Haseyama, Miller and Assistant Principal Celeste Abdelnaby. The ASB students have presented their draft to Abdelnaby, who has given it her OK and brought it to Principal Adam Camacho for final approval. Once it is finalized, ASB and administration wish to focus on ensuring that students are coded fairly, according to Miller. “How to dress code is the next step. Also getting the new dress code out once it gets approved so people can have it and read it and understand,” Miller said.

Changes being made

It is important to note that a revised dress code is in the works, not an entirely new one. Many students have been under the false impression that SDA did not have a dress code, according to Abdelnaby, Haseyama, and Miller. “Technically we’ve had a dress code all four years. We’ve always had this dress code. It’s been on the website, it’s just people hadn’t been enforcing it as much,” Miller said.

“Distracting and demeaning”

The most significant change that Miller and Haseyama anticipated in the new dress code was the removal of the unclear, controversial language. Both the phrases “clothing should not demean or exploit the wearer,” and “clothing must not interfere with the learning of others-in other words, clothing should not be so revealing that others cannot concentrate on learning,” have been entirely removed from the most recent draft. “If someone got pulled out of class for being a distraction, it is more of a distraction to get pulled out of class so it is very hypocritical,” Miller said. Abdelnaby, the administrative lead on the new dress code, agreed that this type of language should be removed, as excessively vague and confusing. “I understand that you want to be somewhat vague, but not so vague that no one knows what falls under that dress code,” she said.

The smaller details

Miller and Haseyama also planned for several other minor changes to the dress code. Bra straps would now be excluded from “underwear [that] must not be visible,” meaning that while underpants or the surface of a bra should not be visible, bra straps would be acceptable. In addition, if dress coded at a school event, an alternate outfit would be provided in place of being sent home. Lastly, the dress code would not be enforced at sporting events such as practices and games. “Your uniform is obviously something that is different than a school outfit. For example, if you are on track, a guy might take off his shirt and a girl might have a sports bra. That obviously wouldn’t be appropriate for school but it’s fine for their sport,” Miller said. The basics were kept in the dress code; things such as going barefoot and clothing with association to drugs, alcohol or gangs will still be restricted. “What we don’t want to do is get into laundry lists of what you can and can’t wear, because first of all it gets dated very quickly, and that’s not what we’re about here at SDA either,” Abdelbnaby said. “We have new admin, and they want a dress code,” Miller said. “This is the best we’re doing. They’re already giving us so much freedom. I mean, students are drafting it.”

Why even have one?

Many students believe that having a dress code (or one that’s being enforced) conflicts with SDA culture. “We honor students being able to express who they are, and feeling accepted, and all that’s important too,” Abdelnaby said. However, both

Dress Code Policy San Dieguito H.S. Academy takes pride in the individuality of its students. With that individuality comes a diverse sense of style and fashion. However, all students are expected to adhere to our dress code and take responsibility for their choice of clothing: •

No drug or alcohol related designs or insignias on clothing.

• No violent or sexually offensive, crude, or vulgar designs or insignias on clothing. •

No designs which advocate racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice.

•

No gang affiliated clothing.

•

Shoes must be worn at all times.

• • Clothing must not interfere with the learning of others-- in other words, clothing should not be so revealing that others cannot concentrate on learning. •

Both of these phrases are being completely removed from the dress code, according to Miller and Haseyama. Abdelnaby cited this sort of vague and potentially discriminatory language as the cause of the majority of student uproar.

Miller and Haseyama believed this addition was necessary, seeing that visible bra straps shouldn’t be considered inappropriate dress.

Underwear, excluding bra straps, must not be visible.

This code applies to all school related functions and events, excluding sporting events. Students who break the Dress Code will be spoken to by an assistant principal on their first offense. They will be required to remedy the problem immediately, for example by putting on another item of clothing, or turning a shirt inside out. A second offense will result in a referral for defiance.

The dress code would not apply to practices and games, so that the players would have the ability to dress comfortably for their sport, according to Miller and Haseyama.

Students who attempt to attend a school function and are in violation of the dress code will be offered an alternate outfit.

Instead of simply being sent “denied admittance or sent home,” Miller and Haseyama said students will now be given the opportunity to change at the event. They made this change with long distance dances, such as formal and prom, in mind.

ALTHOUGH THERE AREN’T many changes being made, ASB hopes that the revisions will please both students and admin. Graphic by Taylor Rudman Abdelnaby and the ASB students said that certain outfits have potential to make teachers uncomfortable, hindering learning. “These are competing interests and values, and there aren’t any that are right or wrong. We just have to, as a community, come to some agreement, and maybe make some concessions too,” Abdelnaby said. “We don’t want there to be any miscommunications, like ‘that guy teacher, why was he looking? Why did he dress code me?’ It’s about learning,” Miller said. “Some dress choices can put some teachers in an awkward position. They don’t feel comfortable helping somebody because they don’t want to be accused of looking down somebody’s shirt or something,” Abdelnaby said. “It’s not a matter of saying that somebody is dressed skanky or something like that, it’s a ‘I have to be careful as an adult male about approaching somebody if she’s wearing an almost see-through shirt, but she needs help, that puts me in a

really awkward position.’ I think students will get that, if we talk to them. That’s just respect and understanding somebody else’s perspective.” “For me it comes down to mutual respect. That’s what we pride ourselves on [at SDA]. That’s respecting students and their expression, absolutely, but the teachers and staff are also part of this family and community, and we need to listen to each other. That’s it,” Abdelnaby said.

Enforcement

The issue initially arose after the homecoming dance, when much to their surprise, several girls were asked to leave the dance due to the revealing nature of their clothing. Frustrated and confused, students brought their complaints to administration. Abdelnaby said, “There were assumptions being made, by students that there wasn’t [a dress code], and by certain adults that there was one, and different opinions about what it was, that was the issue, and still is a little bit. That’s what we need some

clarity on.” In order to avoid the same type of confusion with the enforcement of the new dress code, Abdelnaby plans to discuss the new dress code in a staff meeting and act as the final voice in any questionable codings. A prominent issue ASB and the administration wish to address is discrimination between people with different body types. They are hoping this problem will be eradicated when the new dress code is implemented. “Things look different on different people. But you can’t dress code the person, you have to dress code the clothes,” Haseyama said. “It seems, how hard it is to write a rule and then communicate it to people? This is a complex one, because it does involve different people’s competing rights,” Abdelnaby said. “That’s why it’s always a healthy discussion. And we’re an academic institution. What better place to have that kind of a discussion?”

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OPINIONS

You’re not actually mentally ill, so chill

People need to stop casually throwing around terms of debilitatiing mental illnesses when it comes to dealing with minute, everyday occurences. By Drew Atkins

“O

MG, that jump scare gave me a panic attack!” “I’m like so organized; it’s like I have OCD.” Sorry, but you probably don’t. Whether you believe it Ugh as if! or not, you’re trivializing an -Drew Atkins anxiety disorder. Mental illness advocates have fought to break the stigma behind anxiety disorders for decades, but unfortunately, many have gained a following that has glamorized the issue instead of helping it. Social media sites like Tumblr have made mental illness seem

desirable and attractive, and having a “diagnosis” to flaunt has become an unfortunate social norm. This epidemic of self-diagnosed teenagers is more than just an annoyance; it’s demeaning to others who actually live with debilitating anxiety disorders. An actual panic attack is an unprovoked onset of intense anxiety, not a reaction to your breakup. A panic attack can’t have a source. If you know why you’re anxious, you aren’t having a panic attack: it’s just regular nervousness. I briefly experienced a panic

attack in middle school and had to leave. It was a single experience, but it still gave me enough clarity to see that anxiety disorders aren’t something to be desired. In no way do I have anxiety, but as someone who’s experienced a symptom of anxiety, hearing someone complain about getting a panic attack because they dropped their phone is extrememly infuriating. Anxiety can be a feeling, but it is also a disorder. It’s important to know when you’re feeling anxious or actually suffering from mental illness. When you know the line between a panic disorder and a moment of panic, we can all start being a little more mentally healthy.

SELFIE! A YOUNG GIRL showcasing her organizational skills on Instagram. Illustration by Lily Callender

FEB 2018

OPINIONS

TV isn’t a complete waste of time

Watching TV can be an entertaining and relatable medium for in-depth analysis and interaction.

he thread of comments grew every second. Whether fans analyzed posture, scene placement, dialogue, or costumes, they were definitely in deep. Individuals added to each other’s analysis, posed counter-arguments, and searched for more hints to help speculate about possible outcomes. Some claimed they knew the characters that would be killed off, and others I like cats. predicted the plot twists Nohemia and character Rosales interactions. But they were all excited and motivated to find out what would happen next in their favorite film series. The trailer for “Avengers: Infinity Wars” had just been released. The two-minute trailer was more than enough to spark enthusiasm in fans. Through the internet, many debated the foreshadowing and meaning of many different aspects of the trailer. YouTube videos were shortly released that broke down the trailers, taking them scene by scene and pointing out commonly missed details and Easter eggs. The investigations that people go through to learn about their favorite movies and TV is far more in-depth than what people for their English classes such as half-hearted attempts to analyze “Crime and Punishment,” “Of Mice and Men,” and “Lord of the Flies.” Still, it is a common belief that watching television has no merit

or requires little, if any, intellectual effort. My brother and I were often told to read books or write our own stories instead of watching TV. Something many fail to see, however, is that, just like many books, films and television can be analyzed deeply. Television has become common among those who can afford it. Online, people interact, meet, and bond over their favorite television series. Members of “Harry Potter” and “Marvel” fandoms often times discuss and deeply analyze the contents of their fandoms. People dig deep, use evidence, and interact to expand their knowledge and analysis of shows, which sounds a lot like something done in English classes. Television is more than something to pass time. It can be an informational/educational source, and can be used as another, easier to process medium for people to analyze and interact. I love both reading and watching television, and I don’t think that one should heavily outweigh the other in terms of merit or importance. I understand that when it comes to reading, people tend to associate it with a boring chore that is required for classes. Television is associated more with relaxing and getting time off of homework. To me, it seems that people are allowed to choose what they watch more than they can choose what they read. They get to choose the content

AN ELDERLY MAN WATCHING television and taking notes while sitting in front of his conspiracy theory board. A possible prophecy for the future. Illustration by Taylor Gates. they watch and read can allow them to pick a show they enjoy and be able to relate to it more, which can increase their willingness and eagerness to analyze what they are watching. The stigma against technology as a whole seems to be a big player in society’s negative view of watching television. Many websites such as theunboundedspirit.com

and reelrundown.com have called watching television a “waste of time,” but in reality, they don’t see how television has made analyzing storylines more enjoyable and easy for people. In television, not only is there the plain script, but the delivery of the line, the posture, the tone of voice, the lighting, their expressions, and even the casting choice.

Anything and everything can be analyzed and be a great exercise for the brain. The material is all there, it’s just a matter of connecting with it and relating it to yourself. With just the press of the TV remote and quality TV time, we can all become a puzzle-solving Bob Newby or a “meddling” Velma Dinkley.

Valuing growth over grades can improve education More classrooms should base their grading systems off of growth rather than numbers.

y parents told me that I had get “As” on my report card, and if I didn’t, I would not have a bright future ahead of me. The expectation for me to pull straight A’s has followed me since I started Science is cool! school. Slowly, however, it began to dictate Jenna Weinhofer my life outside of the classroom. To achieve perfection, I lost countless hours of sleep to studying and thought I was not good enough. I eventually lost my sense of self; I was completely controlled by my grades.

THE MUSTANG

This year, this immense amount of pressure lifted off my shoulders when I took science teacher Ryan Cardenas’ physics class, where our grades in Aeries did not reflect our grades overall. We could experiment with new ideas and fail without being penalized. Our class created a rubric comprised of collective and individual goals. At the end of the semester, we created a portfolio with evidence and analysis to show what we learned academically and personally.

Above all, students could choose what goals to focus on. Since the portfolios were something personal and valuable to each student, they started to love learning. My classmates did not compare themselves to one another. Instead, they focused on what they could achieve and how it would affect their lives positively. With that, students grew comfortable in their learning environment. My classmates raised their hands and asked for help because they didn’t fear being judged. From this class, I learned that experiencing failure and reflecting on it ultimately makes students better learners. If the schooling system is

designed to make students grow, then every classroom should feel like a playground, so students can play with the tools given by their teachers to generate their own solutions, and if they fall down, they brush their knees off and stand up again. They take charge of their learning experience without expectations or pressures holding them back. Students were less anxious as Aeries would not be the determinant of their grades. Entering new classes, students can focus less on their grades by finding what makes learning enjoyable to them. They can find an interesting novel to read or an engaging study game to play, enabling them to learn more effectively. In time, students will

notice that their grades will follow their the passion to learn. Students will also become more innovative and creative, traits needed to change our society. They will teach the next-generation to take ownership of their learning, as it will lead to an endless adventure of learning. Despite what anyone says to them, they will feel empowered to grow. By prioritizing grades less, students would not be afraid to fail for the sake of growing into stronger learners. They will see grades as a stepping stones rather than stop signs, and they will cultivate success through their passion for learning. It simply takes time to discover what they value most.

OPINIONS

Bills have layers Youth and Government gives young people a say in current issues and solutions.

ou probably have heard of participants, arguing about the cost, Youth and Government, or at the merits, and the constitutionality least noticed some classmates of these propositions. mysteriously disappear around We argue every year about how Presidents’ Day weekend, coming tampons should not be taxed as back with large bags under the eyes, a luxury good or that “life skills” blisters on should be taught in their heels, public schools. I rise to make a motion. and funny Through this prostories to gram, we learn our Emma Toscani tell. voices matter and Every that sitting idly by, year, delwaiting for change egations of to happen, is not an high school option. students We learn that we from across change the system, the state albeit slowly but travel to Sacramento for the Youth steadily. We advocate for justice not and Government Model Legislature just within hypothetical scenarios, and Court. but issues the state faces. We take over the capital for five A delegation from Berkeley, days and create a government, comCalifornia petitioned to allow people plete with legislative houses (Senate who are at least 16 years old to vote and Assembly), a Supreme Court, in their local Board of Education and even a Youth Governor. elections in their town. It worked. We debate bills and proposals During our annual conferences In written by Youth and Government Fresno, we have marched for Martin

SADLY, THE PROPOSAL for this to be our state flag wasn’t passed. Photo Illustration by Patrick Hall Luther King Day and donated food to a local homeless shelter. Youth and Government is this positive experience for both the high school students and the whole of California. This coming weekend, you may notice some empty chairs. 24 SDA students will be on a plane to Sacramento, to basically take over the

capital. We will dress in “Sac attire,” or suits and ties, panty hose and heels and sit where our state judges and senators do. We are going to be discussing everything from the constitutionality of a statewide bank catered to marijuana farmers and dispensaries (the bank is affectionately called “Kush

Bank”) to whether the new state animal should be Shrek. We will create a new balanced budget, and lobby for our own agendas. We will be the change we wish to see in the world (thanks Gandhi), all the while looking badass in a hot pink realtor skirt/ jacket set and juggling a large coffee, our bags full of bills and speeches.

Seniors, please calm down! Students are getting more stressed these days due to the pressure of getting into prestigious colleges.

SOMETIMES STRESSING SO much during your high school career isn’t worth it. Photo Illustration by Lily Callender

n a world where students conDuring senior year, I’ve caught stantly feel pressured by teachers, many seniors stressing out, wonparents and themselves during dering if they’re good enough for college application season, they certain colleges, feeling ashamed of should remember that it’s ok to go potentially having to choose another where their heart tells them instead school that they may prefer but don’t of attending the most competitive or want to attend because it doesn’t have most well-known college/university. a big name. Especially at If you think a school, like about it, the I’m sorry that you feel that SDA, with such name of a school way. high standards should have little students get lost to do with your -Taina Millsap in competition decision. Of and forget to course, choosing look at many a great school important facis important, tors in colleges and being able to apply to. The to afford it is a competition to get into a school with must. But that doesn’t mean it will 5.6 percent acceptance rate becomes necessarily lead you to any of the top a pointless game that distracts us 10 schools in the country. from determining where we actually Where someone goes doesn’t make want to go. any of them better than the other, We should instead be analyzing they are equal human beings living location, programs and other details their lives going in different directhat might change your college tions, aware of their decisions and experience. It is important to keep in what will come out of them. mind that maybe Harvard (I’m just What I’ve learned through this exaggerating here) isn’t the place for crazy process is that I will end up you. where I am supposed to be. And,

after graduating, you’re out in the world to follow a profession you love. Doing that will matter 100 times more than going to a certain school with a big name. The path you take, however long it takes, will lead to the same results in the end: studying for a profession you’re passionate about. Sometimes that profession might not even require a college education, or maybe it required you to get a PhD. The judgment and pressure won’t matter a couple years down the road when you’re happy and successful in whatever profession you choose. We’re all different, which means our choices will be too. So, next time you feel stressed out about the college application process, remember that regardless of whether you go to community college first, UC, Cal state, Ivy league, or private, whatever you choose, your future won’t change. You’re the one that can write your story and choose how you’ll live. In the end, it doesn’t matter what school you choose. The important thing is what you’ll get out of it and what you make of the experience.

FEB 2018

OPINIONS

Formal attenDANCE My last formal has passed, and I swear I’m still a freshman.

know all about the museum that we chool dances are a different had the dance at three years ago, experience for everyone, like and will have again soon. But, ASB every other life event. The does a good job at making sure that dances are filled with cute shoes, each dance is a little different. For loud music and obnoxious lights, and sweaty bodies. Sounds awful, but example, pole dancers on long ropes is different. trust me, it’s a good time. One thing that doesn’t change They are definitely an acquired is the food. Chocolate (not taste. No doubt. Most of the time the music is awful, and way too loud. I’ve complaining), fruit, rice crispies, and a few other had to leave dances random deserts before because I This is my happy and snacks. panic! but most of face. But Don’t get me the time, I’m there trust me, wrong, I am not the whole time, I’m still complaining. having a good ol’ angry on the I love food, time. inside. and the food So, formal was a that formal few days ago, and Lena Mau has resides just you better believe underneath that I was hyped. It prom food. I was year four of me went to prom my sophomore year, not asking a boy to the winter dance, and the food was subpar. But last but I’m not complaining. I don’t have year, that food was pretty much both perspectives since I’ve only ever over the top amazing. I have big gone alone, but from the outsiders expectations for prom food this year. view, unless you are in a relationship School dances are an opportunity with the boy or girl that you ask out, to wear dresses that you will never it is an awful night. get to wear again as an adult, unless The venues aren’t to die for, I you end up marrying/ becoming mean, they rotate every few years, someone famous, but really no one so if you have any older siblings, you

is letting me wear my black and pink sequined dress anywhere as an adult. I mean, minus the new dress code for formal that muffles many girls’ plans, including mine, formal is a time to completely express a different side of yourself. Plus, if you’re into it, school dances are the perfect time to wear those five inch heels that have been aging away in the back of your closet. “Please,” they cry. “Please wear us. It has been so long since we’ve seen light. Only the artificial, dim light from somewhere outside of this dark and dank closet cave.” So it may not be your thing, but it is mine, and probably a few other people things too. It would be hard, I think, to put on a dance specifically for one person. This was my last formal at SDA, and I wish that I would have taken advantage of all of the other formals. I mean, I went and had fun, but I don’t think I really appreciated it. So this February, as you head off to formal in your party busses, limos, or mom and dad’s minivan; dressed in sparkly dresses, tuxedos, or nothing special at all, I hope you appreciated it, because it goes by real fast.

SCHOOL DANCES GIVE students an opportunity to wear dresses and shoes they would not typically wear. Photo courtesy of Lena Mau.

At the most recent assembly of the Student Congress, it became clear that students were not entirely satisfied with Exhibition Day in years past, feeling that there wasn’t enough variety among events and sellers. This is why it’s up to you, the readers of the Mustang and attendees of SDA, to tell administration what you want to happen this year. Go to the Mustang’s website, take our survey, and let your voice be heard! www.sdamustang.com

THE MUSTANG

TO AND FRO

FEATURES

The trials and tribulations of the hungry students without the luxury of a car ride.

Story and photos by Patrick Hall

pper classmen sometimes relish too much in the luxury that is quick and reliable transportation, forgetting that there is an entire population of students that embark daily off-campus by foot in the basic search for sustenance. On Santa Fe there is no air conditioning, no AUX chord, and no reclinable seats. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy for these wandering souls, but it teaches the double edged sword of an offcampus lunch. The experience teaches them how to manage time, how to make decisions on a second to second basis. When they graduate to the car, these lessons become invaluable to an efficient meal miles away from campus. There is something romantic about strolling on Santa Fe, enjoying the company of other groups, sharing a mutual love for 7-Eleven pizza. One can only hope these students will hesitate to honk at future Freshmen crossing Santa Fe, remembering the timeless stress of walking off for lunch.

THE MUSTANG

FEATURES

COUNTING THE

SDA students Nadia Ballard and Taina Millsap participated in the Encinitas homeless count. A commentary by Nadia Ballard and Taina MIllsap.

HOMELESS

o start the year off right, we (seniors Taina Millsap and Nadia Ballard) got up at the bright hour of 3:30 to take part of the Encinitas homeless count. The Jan. 26 event was was part of the WeAllCount program organized by the San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless. Initially, we weren't sure where everyone was going to meet. We had a street address, 2nd Street, but other than that we were prepared to wander aimlessly in the dark until we found something. Luckily we followed the illuminating light of the Community Resource Center building. When we walked into the building we got a warm welcome, glad to get a short break from the cold 4 a.m. weather. People were clumped around shelves of donated food and coordinators, gathering parking passes and information. After we navigated our way through the crowd of volunteers, we spoke to Integrative Services program manager Miranda Chavez, who told us about the event and the purpose behind it: “We’re taking a count of all the homeless people we can find. That helps inform our funding needs so it tells HUD [United States Department of Housing and Urban Development] where they're going to give the money to, if there's a high concentration of homeless in one area we’ll know because of the census.” The early morning’s purpose was mainly to get a realistic count of how many homeless people live in the area, giving authorities a good idea of how much assistance is needed. This year the mayor of Encinitas issued a “Mayor’s Homeless Challenge,” in order to encourage the public to take part and help gather the information to put together the census of homeless people who currently reside in Encinitas. Mayor Catherine Blakespear, who participated in the event just like other volunteers, gave some insight on the magnitude of the problem: “This count is the only time we get a snapshot of the situation ... It's really important that we get everyone to come out and volunteer and that we do the best we can to get our arms around what is this problem that's been getting worse in our country. It all starts with understanding the problem.” We spent our night working with the WeAllCount volunteers by going around Leucadia with our assigned driver, a mother of an SDA student, in search of any signs of the homeless. We looked for temporary structures, cars being used as housing, and, of course, people on the street. Places with bathrooms are popular spots; however, the stalls we searched at Ponto beach came up vacant. An abandoned blanket showed promise; however on further inspection we decided that climbing up the Ponto Steps would give us a better view. After climbing flights of concrete stairs in the dark we made it to top with nothing but the cold wind and a view of the early morning sky. Looking across the beach we saw no signs of people, or the sun rising. After a few hours of driving around neighborhoods, our conversation began to drift from talking about how many years our driver had been volunteering (four) to talking about the ins and outs of SDA. We talked about crazy party bus prices for formal, if you should try to take the Amtrak instead, and whether it would be tacky if her son’s tie matched his date’s dress. Toward the end of the night we went back to the Encinitas Community Resource Center to deliver our official count of zero. We were interviewed by NBC 7 news, and on live television awkwardly shared with them our realization that the morning

ABOVE: People

gather before the homeless count begins. Photo by Nadia Ballard.

LEFT: Volunteers

drive through Encinitas, recording homeless population.

Photo by Nadia Ballard. was about bringing awareness to a problem – homelessness – that can happen in any neighborhood. Although we didn't find anyone on this specific day we have had experiences with the homeless population in Encinitas in the past: a man giving out handmade flowers out of dried palm leaves , and a woman by Target playing the violin. These experiences, and volunteering has also made us notice that the homeless are not violent and are usually friendly people who are looking for help. After the census we were surprised by the number of

people and amount of effort that goes into such an event, along with how much it'll truly help the homeless in the end. It makes it worth it to know that waking up at 3 a.m. is nothing compared to what they go through. that these little actions can help in the grand scheme of things and in the fight against people living in these conditions. Small efforts like these can make a difference. So next time you have an opportunity at helping someone in need, or to volunteer, take a chance on the opportunity because you don't know how much it might help those in need.

FEB 2018

FEATURES

THE MUSTANG

FEATURES

“Pull quote” -name here

FEB 2018

ARTS

THEY MADE THE LIST

Four SDA musicians were chosen for the California all-state honor band, a “really tremendous honor,” according to music teacher Jeremy Wuertz. By Mallika Seshadri.

s a sixth grader, senior Sofia PiedrafitaOrtiz was drawn to the clarinet’s “smooth and beautiful tone,” compelling her to learn the instrument. Four years later after having taken numerous private lessons, practiced for hours and attended other regional honor bands, she received an unexpected piece of news. She was on a break from a rehearsal for SDUHSD’s district honor band at CCA when students started screaming that results for the California Band Directors Association’s all-state honor band were in. Expecting to be rejected, she opened her inbox; she found an acceptance. This year, she was selected for the third consecutive year to all-state, along with three others from San Dieguito Academy: sophomore Ty Brown (percussion), junior Sergio Miragliotta (flute), and junior Louis Milne (b-flat clarinet). From Feb. 15 to18, these students will participate in a weekend of intense rehearsals and music making with the best high school musicians in the state in San Jose. “The all-state honor groups pool students from the entire state of California….so, your applicant pool is substantially larger than you might see in any regional or all-southern event,” music teacher Jeremy Wuertz said. “It’s incredibly exciting [to have four SDA students attending]. It’s a really tremendous honor.” According to Piedrafita-Ortiz, they receive 2,700 applicants from clarinetists and only accept around 90, giving them a three percent acceptance rate. “I applied for all-state because attending honor bands is one of the most rewarding opportunities that comes with being a musician,” Piedrafita-Ortiz said. “You get to meet really cool and talented people who share the same interests, while learning from inspirational conductors from all over the country.” Brown added that as an aspiring music major, the experience of attending all-state is essential for resume building. For Milne, being accepted into all-state was tremendously exciting: “[Being accepted was] a benchmark that showed my progress as a musician. It also showed me that my hard work really paid off.” Piedrafita-Ortiz added, “It's a big deal to get in because you are auditioning against thousands of other musicians from all over California, who are practicing harder and harder each year to be accepted and better themselves as musicians.”

Auditioning: blind and taxing

JUNIOR LOUIS MILNE, one of the students accepted to all-state honor band, practicing b-flat clarinet in an ensemble. Photo courtesy of Louis Milne.

THE MUSTANG

The all-state ensembles require applicants to submit a recorded audition consisting of scales and a few excerpts of solo repertoire, according to Miragliotta. The auditions are also blind, which makes applicants and their names invisible to adjudicators. Brown said he appreciated that the auditions were blind, especially since it eliminates bias. Most of the SDA students who were accepted began practicing their audition materials between three and six months prior to recording their tapes; as the deadline grew near, they spent increasing amounts of time practicing the required materials, including at home, during private lessons, and at lunch in the band room. While students mostly support the recorded-audition process, they see seme negatives as it heightens their already stiff competition. “It takes longer...and it’s harder because everyone is sending in their best recording,”

Brown said. Though recorded auditions enable students to re-record until they are content with their excerpts, they do make the audition process more taxing, according to Milne. “The audition process was tedious, as I spent almost an hour and a half running through excerpts for my six minute tape with my private teacher,” he said. “It’s quite an involved process [and] a very competitive audition, and only the best of the best are accepted to that group,” Wuertz said. “Knowing that your applicant pool is as big as it could possibly be, encompassing the whole state, I that just brings a level of excitement... that you can’t really find at any other event.”

Opportunity: musicianship and fun

Of the four that were selected, three have attended before; and, all of them have participated in honor bands, such as district and all-Southern California. Each day, students spend hours in rehearsal. “The experience is very intense. Each day includes up to eight hours of rehearsal and musical performances,” Milne said. Brown, who is preparing to go for the first time, is looking forward to the challenge: “The music becomes increasingly more difficult from SDA, to district, to All-Southern California, to State. Also, it draws more renowned conductors.” Piedrafita-Ortiz has found the climate of all-state to be very different than second period rehearsals in the PAC. “all-state is a lot different from playing in SDA’s wind ensemble because you are performing music at a much higher level, with strangers after only two days of rehearsal.” The people and conductors there are amazing and really friendly,” she added. “It's great to play with really talented musicians who inspire you to always improve.” Piedrafita-Ortiz also explained that students are provided the opportunity to rehearse under a different conductor, which can be invaluable: “You are playing under a new conductor who has their own unique interpretations of the music and will conduct much differently than you are used to.”

Participating: listening and playing

Once all of the participants arrive at the hotel in San Jose, they take a bus to take another audition for seating within the ensemble. During this nerve wracking process, according to Piedrafita-Ortiz, students start to bond with one another. Miragliotta explained that the experience is extremely immersive, especially as students also stay in the same hotel. When students are not playing, they partake in other activities to enhance their musicianship, like attending concerts. “I went last year thinking that it would be very focused on the music rehearsal aspect, however it was so much more. Every day we would watch at least one live performance,” Milne said. Piedrafita-Ortiz said that the ensembles they bring for students to listen to range genres from other student ensembles to professional groups. Of all the performances she attended, her favorites were by the all-state Jazz Choir and the Pacific Symphony, from Orange County, that played Latin American music and brought in dancers. Miragliotta added attending all-state is an experience “you can look back on...for inspiration.” “Although this seems very taxing, I have made some great connections and even better friends from this amazing event,” Milne said.

CAF

THE HORSE

“NEVER DON’T EVER NOT STOP HORSING AROUND” - GANDHI

ASK A SENIOR! Senior Emma Toscani imparts her wisdom.

Do you know da wae? This is a bit of a stale meme, but I in fact DO know da wae. I have known it for many years, ever since Ebola was transported to the US in 2013. I have Ebola guys. Also let’s never talk about da wae again because we cannot have another meme becoming a hate symbol *cough* we-shall never-speak-his-name *cough*.

What is the point of Link Crew? Well, as a Link Crew Leader, I have the personal knowledge that Link Crew is in fact pointless. I have no idea why we subject the poor little freshmen to 30 minutes of face to face interaction with their peers. It’s not like we want to foster a positive relationship of trust and community in SDA students or anything.

How much water do you drink daily? Well, I’m a thirsty girl. I sip a lot of the cool beverage of life, because I get high off life and water naturally. It’s one of the pluses of not eating meat. These powers are shown aptly in the film “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” in which Todd the Vegan blasts Scott Pilgrim through walls with his vegan powers. It is an extraordinary moment caught on film.

Is there a class at SDA for winning the Olympics? Yes. It is Mr. Cannon’s Year One PE class. I have never fast walked so much in my life, and I was swole as hell afterwards. Peak athletic performance is achieved on that field, and I could say that if I had decided to try out for the Olympics three years ago, I would most definitely have smoked all their asses.

If I invest in Bitcoin will I be a billionaire? Well Bitcoin isn’t backed by anything, so the fluctuations in worth is so much every day. One day you could be richer than Oprah and the next not even able to afford In-N-Out™’s Chocolate milkshake and fries ($4.44). If marijuana is legal now, why can’t I smoke at school? Well, in the days of yore, you could smoke cigarettes just off campus or even in the back corner of the parking lot, but now smoking tobacco is illegal for everyone under the age of 28 (unless they have a Medicard), and weed is illegal for everyone under the age of 44 because politicians know that mid-life crises need to be nourished, and unless you are an undercover cop with a bald spot, stay off the devil’s lettuce.

HOROSCOPE

Trust the stars to make decisions for you. By Nadia Ballard

Pisces Buy scarves. They’re so versatile, you can do anything them. You’ll never need to buy clothes again you can just wrap yourself in scarves. There’s no such thing as too many scarves, even when you’re trapped in your house because the sheer amount of scarves you have blocks every possible exit. Aries Once upon a time, long ago you had reserves of bone in your mouth. Remember back to that time not so long ago when your teeth would grow back because it will never happen again.

Taurus Be wary of sunsets; there are dark times on the horizon. Gemini This month try something new. Try living out the rest of your days as a chestnut tree. Beautiful, with nature, unburdened, ideal. Cancer Be aware of migraines, but don’t fear the small men pounding away inside your skull. They’re construction workers and they’re trying to build a lovely foyer.

Leo If you were a drink, you would be a large tall glass of sparkling water. Completely deceiving and just angry water. Virgo It’s that time of year again. Valentine’s Day is upon us and if you didn’t have a boo for the holiday, here are some tips on how to get one. First get a jar with a lid and some blades of grass, throw in twig too just for fun. Don’t forget to punch some holes in the lid!

Libra You’re lucky this month. Invest in things like stocks, Bitcoin and your relationships. You’ll find that if you spin a wheel this month your chances of winning a brand new boat are very high. Scorpio This month you may be feeling a little bit more paranoid and anxious. Activities such as driving might send you right over the edge so it’s in your best interest this month to invest in some Heelys and travel that way. Sagittarius You have aspirations to become the next Sherlock Holmes, but be ready to shoot for something a little more manageable - like

Blue’s Clues. Capricorn Get a hamster. This month is the month of hamsters. If you look up into the night sky at exactly 2:22 a.m. you might be able to glimpse stars forming a gigantic beautiful hamster. Aquarius This month switch things up and take eight hour naps and 30 minute sleeps. Either way you’ll get more sleep and you’ll need it this month.

FEB 2018

THE HORSE

CAF

“NEVER DON’T EVER NOT STOP HORSING AROUND” - GANDHI

FORMAL FIASCO

Formal was so memorable that it deserved a recap. From vandalism to straight up coercion Formal is easily the dance of the year. By Kamryn Romley.

ormal was fun, and if you didn’t go you missed out. This year the dance was held at Liberty Station. The main feature was of course the large antique train situated to the left of the silent disco. This year’s venue was extremely lucky to be such a historical landmark. Liberty Station was first built in the 1980s during the great railroad boom. Known for its old charm, the train stopped running in the ‘50s but the old time glamour still holds, and it was a perfect match for SDA’s formal. The retired train was open for the night for party-goers to explore and enjoy. However, an unforseen consquence of this decision resulted in students completely trashing the historical train. The worst offense was when a student attempted to bring the train back to its glory days and reignite it. The so-called conductor

actaully managed to get the train on and running for a minute or two before the combustion completely failed. This resulted in smoke filling up the inside cabins of the train and completely ruining the interior seating furniture. Alongside train destruction, there were fights (food, thumb, and fist) along with teachers making bets on who would win. As was successfully advertised, the dance was ‘Old Hollywood’ themed. So, at least a dozen girls showed up dressed as Marilyn Monroe. Many witnessed a sophomore boy and a few of the faculty members forcing the girls into a boxing ring to see who the superior Marilyn was. We heard from multiple sources that five of those girls had to leave in an ambulance. It didn’t help that the entire math department was betting on which girl would drop first. No

one won. “Chandelier” by Sia was played multiple times and every time it played, someone would end up injured from falling off one of the light structures. Needless to say the DJ was terrible. Don’t even get me started on the food. There wasn’t any. I think that was the worst part of the whole thing. Forget the bloodbaths, bad music, and wreckage. How are you supposed to have fun at a school sponsored event if there’s no chocolate fountain and gross fruit? Anyway there was also the normal stuff like a random celebrity showing up and obviously, a private screening of the new “Fast and Furious” movie. Suprisingly the police were not called and very unsurprisingly, SDA is not allowed to hold another event at Liberty Station again. I guess if you weren’t there you really missed out. Oh well… there’s always prom!

A student dressed up as Marilyn Monroe gets prepared to prove herself as the alpha Marilyn. Illustration by Lily Callender.

Senior Out is Now Out at SDA

It seems that as each school year passes, the privileges that delight SDA seniors are taken away. From the long dead Senior Court to Senior Ditch Day, Senior Out is now no exception. By Mallika Seshadri.

ue to complaints from underclassmen of having to escort seniors during the week of Senior Out, SDA made a decision early this week to eliminate it. As of now, it will be replaced by a school-wide game of hideand-seek, which will involve all grade levels and only take up one afternoon. Many underclassmen are elated about the change, in part because they will no longer have to walk seniors to and from classes and then sprint to the other end of campus to make it to their own rooms on time.

THE MUSTANG

“I’m really happy about the change as I won’t have to hold a senior’s hand all day or be attached to a leash,” sophomore Katie Smith said. “Feeling like a dog all day, and then being late to AP Chemistry because I walked a senior to the P Quad just isn’t right.” According to attendance records from the past couple of years, the week of Senior Out routinely results in more tardies, especially among the freshmen, sophomores and juniors who choose to lend a hand to their senior friends. “It can get really disruptive

having so many students coming into class late each day,” a teacher who wished to remain anonymous said. “Sometimes, the game can also get too intense for participating seniors. I’ve had several [seniors] walk into my class disheartened because they were tagged out in a deceptive way.” I’ve also heard many highpitched screams coming from the hallways due to students tagging each other out a little bit too hard,” another added. Another rationale for replacing Senior Out with a game of hide-and-seek is that it will

involve all grade levels, making it more inclusive and in-keeping with SDA’s accepting nature, junior Chris Lewis explained enthusiastically. “I’ve always loved that SDA is such an inclusive school; I love that I never felt inferior to upperclassmen as a freshman,” he said. “To me, Senior Out proved to be an odd exception because all of the other schoolwide events and games [aside from Senior Out] are open to everybody.” While many are in support of eliminating Senior Out, many seniors are devastated

by the change, especially as participating in senior ditch day is discouraged and a memorable senior prank hasn’t been pulled in years. “It just seems really unfair that all of our senior traditions are being scrapped,” senior Jessica Jones said. “I think I speak on behalf of most seniors when I say that Senior Out is something we’ve looked forward to participating in since we were freshmen.” While SDA is replacing Senior Out, the other high schools in the district are keeping it.

THE HORSE

CAF

“NEVER DON’T EVER NOT STOP HORSING AROUND” - GANDHI

LOCAL TEEN FOUND AT TARGAT

Missing person’s case is resolved after local high school student is discovered. Targat responds with a new policy aimed at disruptive teenagers. By Sienna Riley and Lena Mau.

local SDA student was found huddled in the small appliances section of Targat, clutching a panini press. She was reported missing last week by her parents. Police had made efforts to search for the teen, but were unable to locate her. “The description that we received of the student seemed… what’s the word… basic?” Police Chief Tangot explained. “It was hard to locate a missing person among the hundreds of other basic teen girls that frequently wander aimlessly around the store.” The rescue mission was also delayed because a group of middle school boys wreaked havoc by riding motorized wheelchairs around the store; an elderly woman was concequently stranded with no wheelchair assistance and collapsed on the spot. “She had fallen and she couldn’t get up,” a witness said. Three other missing persons

were found amongst the women’s bathing suits. All of them seemingly went missing for the same reasons as the SDA student. “We figured that [the SDA student] was just searching really, really, hard for something,” said employee, Krystal Kraysta. “I should’ve known that I’ve asked the same person if they want to open aTargat Redcard© about five times.” As a result, a new policy was devoloped to ban teens from the store if they are not accompanied by a legal adult. “We’ve been left with no other choice,” General Manager Gen Man-Ager said in response to dissent against the decision. “This behavior displayed by teens has disturbed the peace and disrupted the Targat shopping experience enough.” Man-Ager said the teen ban may cause some devastation to the demographic of Target shoppers and employees, but she explained that the decision is ultimately “the best course of action.”

VALENTINE’S DAY AS ONE DOES Discusses: The guy who plays God in every movie, modern art at its finest, second most influential novel written in stream of consciousness in the 20th century, fun-shaped snacks, quick horses, and helpful serial killers. By Simmone Stearn and Sylvia Young.

never thought that I would fall in love...until I did. She was the Juliet to my Romeo...except our parents are lifelong friends and neither of us are dead. But I never knew of the evil that was growing inside her. There was only one thing I hated more than Al Gore’s left ear: his right ear. But even more dreadful than that right ear was the day they call Valentine’s Day. My dear Antoinette, not the guillotined one we all know, but my sweet, sweet Antoinette, was bright of cheek and cheery of tooth when she awoke on this accursed day. A drop of doubt began to trickle into my thoughts like a small worm trickles through its wormhole (in the ground, not through time and space like Jodie Foster in “Contact” or Morgan Freeman in his educational space show “Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman”). Is it possible that Antoi could hate this day slightly less than I? Nah. But as the sun climbed higher

in the morning sky, she started to behave like a rabid and feral cat-dog. She didn’t say a word, but her erratic mannerisms painted a picture as clear as Jackson Pollock’s splatters. I used to think I could read her like a book, but now the book had transformed from “One Fish, Two Fish” into “The Sound and the Fury.” Luckily, I have a degree in English literature. But then, unluckily, she became a linear algebra matrix. All I could do was stare at her and wonder what use she had in this world of mine. Little did I know, a thought was blossoming in the bosom of her brain. A thought of kneeling down, pleading eyes, and one big, fat diamond ring. By the way, warlords in conflicted countries force citizens to mine these diamonds for a profit. Consider a more humane alternative to a diamond ring: a circleshaped Chex Mix pretzel -- cheap and delicious! Anyhow, Antoi was awaiting a proposal, chalking up my disinterest

in Valentine’s Day to an elaborate ruse meant to surprise her into a marital contract. This was not the case. Rather, I wanted to rid my fur of this flea. How had I fallen for this feverish hydra obsessed with the common Valentine’s Day sham? As our Chinese take out dinner wound down, I finally confronted her. As I spit seething words, demanding answers for why she loved Valentine’s Day, she began to sob relentlessly. Words tore from her mouth like a raging fire, but instead of burning down, they built up a story of pain, sorrow, and heartbreak: When I was just a bebe, I did not have a father. It was only moi et mi mama. She worked every day en ze factory de chocolat. Every day... except for Valentine’s Day. Zat was our blessed holy day. We ate the rich chocolat zat my mother had worked so hard to create. And we sang ze songs of old France, sharing our love and joy. No matter what was wrong, I always had Valentine’s Day. It was my

hope, my salvation, my everything. I was shocked. Shook. Shaken. Could it really be? The woman I thought I loved had betrayed me in the worst way possible. As tears ran down her face, all I could see was a pudgy toddler, bloated and ugly, lacking any cognitive abilities. She disgusted me. Deep down, I knew that it didn’t matter. That both of us were living in the past, rewriting the history that determined our future. I knew that I could change. I could build a new life, one I could share with my dear Antoi. As I yelled and threw ultimatums at her, she broke down into a hopeless heap. I turned around, slung my coat over my shoulder, and marched out into the pouring rain like her father had done years before when he said he was going out to buy cigarettes. She ran after me, clambering like a crab against the sea current. She resembled something not human at all: she looked like a vibrating clump of sea kelp.

I walked and didn’t look back until I heard her scream my name. I turned around with a rueful chuckle. Rain pouring down my face, the street lamp illuminating our broken hallelujahs, I stared at the sobbing being I used to know. She called to me, asking if I ever loved her. My mind flashed back to the day we met: the clock struck twelve. A beautiful girl in a pale blue ball gown fled the dance I had hosted, leaving behind a single glass slipper -- oh wait. Nevermind. That’s that movie “Dexter.” We had actually met when our parents set us up at a dinner party. It was as uneventful as “Seabiscuit,” but nevertheless, as I thought to myself, I realized I had loved her. With all of my heart. But stronger than the desire to be with the one I loved was the need to be right. I had to preserve my pride. I chuckled quietly once more, and with a soft voice said “Goodbye, my love.”

FEB 2018

SPORTS

“It’s just fun to be another part of the game not just the playing,” said Glazer. Photo Courtesy of Shayna Glazer.

“My first game, adults critiqued me,” said junior Jenna Weinhofer. Photo Courtesy of Weinhofer.

Referees are humans too

With adults yelling from the sidelines “you suck, put some glasses on ref,” the pressure is on to make the right call. For a referee, almost every work day is spent dealing with critical parents and intimidating coaches in order to focus on the game and make it as fair as possible. By Yari Sequeira

alking onto the soccer field as the figure of authority instilled a sense of pressure and responsibility for sophomore Kyle Roy. Three years ago he became a referee knowing it would encompass critical coaches, loud parents, and decision making that could potentially make or break a game. “There is definitely a lot of pressure when you get into being a referee because you don’t want to mess up and you want to have a fair game,” Roy said. “[As a referee] you have to stick to your guns when you make a call... Don’t listen to the parents too much and just focus on making the correct call.” Roy, along with other students at SDA, spends his work days on the playing fields to regulate sports games and keep them as fair as possible. Referees carry a great deal of responsibility as they are tasked with making correct calls, keeping the game safe, and dealing with angry parents and coaches. It is a job which challenges patience, courage, and confidence. For junior Jenna Weinhofer, who is a third-year soccer referee, it is the game-changing calls that can be especially difficult to make. Near the end

THE MUSTANG

of a semi-final game for U12 soccer, a hand ball inside the penalty box led Weinhofer to having to make a call she knew would spur commotion. “Of course I can’t let [the hand ball] go unnoticed so I had to call it and everyone was yelling at me and booing me,” she said. “But if I wouldn’t have called that it would have been the opposite. You always have someone disagreeing with your play.” Roy concurred, noting that parents could be especially disagreeable. “Sometimes [the parents] don’t really know the rules and they just kind of go off on you and think that they’re right all the time,” he said. For sophomore Morgan Busick who is an umpire for softball, it is not only about the pressure of making the right call but dealing with parents whose behavior can often be disruptive and unnecessary. “One time I had this really bad experience where there were parents behind me drinking from red cups and everything,” Busick said. “They would go to their cars while their kids were playing, get more beer and drink, and then they’d be yelling at me for making calls... ‘You’re such a terrible ump’ ‘that was a bad call’. It was probably

the hardest experience I have ever had. I felt so uncomfortable.” Alongside the parents, coaches invest a lot into the game and can often release their frustration on the referee. “There was this one play where the player hit [the softball] and they ran,” Busick said. “She got to the base and then the person tagged her. But I said that the player was safe and the coach freaked on me. After the game she came up to me and was like ‘Hey, that call wasn’t right. That girl was out.’ I told her I made the right call and she was just a freak for U8.” Weinhofer also experienced a situation where her authority was tested by an aggravated coach. “One time I was reffing a boys U12 game for recreational,” Weinhofer said. “This coach was losing by a small amount and he did not agree with some of the calls I had to say. He was like ‘Referee I’m just yelling at you because I’m trying to teach you something, you don’t know anything.’ And so I had to stop the game, call him, and then eject him from game... The kids were not having fun either, they were like crying because he was yelling so much.”

When it comes to dealing with coaches who over-react, Weinhofer considers the task to be intimidating, but in order to reassert her authority she knows she must be able to approach the coaches with confidence. “The first time [I had to confront a coach] I was extremely nervous but I knew if my nerves were showing they wouldn’t take me seriously because a huge part of being referee is is not only knowing the game but knowing how to approach people,” she said. Both Busick and soccer referee Shayna Glazer, junior, agreed that it is not only the parents and coaches who can be intimidating, but the players as well. “It’s intimidating to step on field when the kids are like close to your height because suddenly you’re looking at a bunch of younger boys but they’re your same height and it’s really odd,” Glazer said. “One thing that’s kind of intimidating is when there’s a really good pitcher or wild pitcher,” Busick said. It’s super scary when the ball comes and hits your face. I had that happen to me one time where the ball came up and hit my face and then my head was just shaking.”

Despite the challenges associated with the job, there are many factors that keep referees enjoying what they do. For Busick, seeing and teaching the little girls is what she enjoys most about being an umpire. “There was this little catcher and I gave her some tips,” Busick said. I was like ’Hey keep your glove up.’ I love teaching [the girls] and they’re so cute.” When I was a kid, refs were not really that good,” said Roy who enjoys being a referee to better the experiences of the players. “I wanted to be a ref that stood out and actually made the games fair.” “My favorite part is definitely the children,” said Weinhofer. “They are extremely cute to watch and I remember when I started playing soccer if ref wasn’t in good mood then the kids weren’t. I just try to be a good role model for them. I want the kids to know that soccer is not just competitive and if you lose it’s not going to be the end of the world, but rather you can learn from it.”

SPORTS

CLAYTON RICHARD SPEAKS to a young fan in the dugout at Padres FanFest. Photos courtesy of the San Diego Padres.

PADRES TEAMMATES KIRBY Yates and Clayton Richard play a game of Pictionary.

Visiting my field of dreams

With a Petco Park press pass around my neck, I talked to my favorite players and my idol. By Ryan Cohen

have spent hundreds of hours at Petco Park. I’ve sat directly behind home plate, at the top of the bleachers in the outfield, and everywhere in between. On the morning of Jan. 13, I sat somewhere I had never seen before. I wasn’t in the stands, I was underneath them in the Lexus Club media room. I typed away on my laptop behind the clubhouse in a private space, with only a curtain separating me from the Padres’ dining area. I was alone in the room, but I could hear the Padres legendary broadcaster Mark Grant chatting it up with players behind the curtain. Padres employees walked through my room into the dining hall for their morning coffee. Each one gave me a weird glance. Maybe it surprised them to see a 17-year-old in that room. I didn’t care. I was in heaven. I had come to the ballpark for Padres FanFest, an event in which fans interact with Padres players and alumni. The players play silly games like Pictionary before moving onto autograph and photo sessions. Fans go places they they typically can’t access. They play catch, run the bases, or catch fly balls in right field. It’s a fun event that pumps fans up for the next season, something that the Padres win-loss records fail to do. I had even more access below the stands: I was a member of the media for the day. Soon, reporters from The Union Tribune, NBC 7, CBS Sports, among others, would file into the room. For this day, I was an equal as a reporter for The Mustang. I had media credentials because I had arranged an interview with Clayton Richard, a veteran pitcher for the

Padres. But he was busy, so I had to hang out in heaven for a couple of hours. Mark McGwire drinks coffee too I peeked through the curtain and saw Mark McGwire, the Padres’ bench coach and a baseball icon. McGwire is one of the greatest power hitters in the game’s history but has a stained reputation because he admitted to using steroids in the prime of his career. There he was, maybe 30 feet from me, just chatting with the Padres left fielder Alex Dickerson about hitting a curveball and drinking coffee. This is crazy. What the hell am I doing here? Waiting for the players to walk in, I spoke with Dennis Lin of The Union Tribune. I read his articles most mornings, so it was fun to speak with him. We made small talk about the Padres, journalism, and how I ended up in his office for the day. “So, you like my job?” Lin asked me. Then Carlos Asuaje, the Padres second baseman, walked in and the press conference began, rotating one player after another. I am a huge Padres fan. I love this baseball team. They are such a big part of my life that sometimes they are my life. They play 162 games a year, and if I miss one, I’m crushed. My room is filled with Padres posters, baseball cards, books, and bobbleheads. So when the players came into the room, my heart was pounding. No way was I going to open up my mouth. I didn’t get laughed at Two players into the press conference, I opened my mouth. “What are your goals for the upcoming

season?” I asked Cal Quantrill, a top pitching prospect who’s still in the minor leagues. No one laughed at my question. It was a success. As more players cycled through, I started to feel more comfortable, and asked a few more questions. Then AJ Preller, the Padres’ general manager, walked in. I idolize AJ Preller. The general manager is the person in the baseball organization that makes the trades, signs the players, and drafts the prospects. They build their team, player by player, trying to compete for a World Series. It’s my dream job and Preller has it. And now, on this absurd day, I was asking AJ Preller a question about Clayton Richard. He looked me in the eye when he gave me a four-paragraph answer to my question, a carefully thought out response. I asked my idol a question I tried to hide my giddiness because I needed to get my question off without stuttering. I asked about Clayton Richard and his role on the Padres for the 2018 season. “With Clayton, he’s a stabilizer in the rotation. He’s a guy that we can count on. From a leadership component, he plays a big role. He’s a guy that both position players and pitchers listen to,” Preller said. “He’s a guy that was very impactful last year in our clubhouse. He is right alongside Andy [Green] preaching a certain mindset of competitiveness. He’s prepared everyday. He works hard in the weightroom. He just brings a lot of positives. We’re definitely excited to have him on board.” Next up was Padres manager Andy Green. The manager makes all

the in-game decisions: the starting lineup, who should pitch, and who should come into the game in the later innings. Green holds another dream job of mine, so I had to find a way to keep my composure again. I asked him a similar question about what Richard means to him in the clubhouse and on the field. “He’s a guy that invests in other players, but the way he does it is by doing everything right for himself. His workout regimen is off the charts. The manner in which he prepares for games is off the charts. The way he relates in the clubhouse is off the charts,” Green said. “He’s an example first, but he’s also a guy that will pull someone over and have a conversation in a non-threatening way. In a way that the player feels, ‘Hey, this guy is invested in me.’” Andy Green played a few seasons in MLB and, as commonly happens when athletes speak into microphones, the number of times he repeated himself was off the charts. Clayton Richard is huge Finally after a few more players answered questions, it was time for Clayton Richard. He cut short his meeting with the press because he had set aside 10 minutes to speak with me. Richard was wearing his Padres jersey and a pair of blue jeans hiked up to his belly button, fastened by a belt that looked much too tight. But I was not about to question his fashion statement. After a very firm shake with his massive hand, the interview began. Most professional athletes are large humans who, like Andy Green,

give boring, almost-scripted, answers to every question. Richard is huge, but his detailed answers surprised me. He took his time and passionately articulated each point. He was a three-sport athlete and the valedictorian in high school, so I asked him how he managed his time and for any advice he had for high schoolers. “I did it with a consistent approach to my day. Every day, I knew it was going to be an early wake up, get to school, get all my schoolwork done within school hours. I took advantage of free time within school, that way when I was done with my school day, I could move on to the athletic part of it. The downtimes that I had during high school, I always filled those up by getting schoolwork done. I think--in fact, I know--that helped out a lot,” Richard said. “Establish your work ethic now. Prioritize your work and see where that takes you. The more self-disciplined you are at getting through work, the better it will be for you no matter what route you go in life. Whether it be sports, music, or the real world, a good strong work ethic will carry you really far.” (The full interview can be found online at sdamustang.com.) After the interview, I packed up my stuff and headed for the field. A security guard escorted me through the crowds onto the outfield grass because I was a VIP for the day and that’s how VIP are treated. Then it was over, that was that. And Jan. 13, 2018 was one of the greatest days of my life.

FEB 2018

SPORTS

Surfer vs. Skater

Surfer Vianney Gonzalez, junior, and skater senior Brynn Salmon answer relevant questions . By Nadia Ballard What is better: sleep or food? Surfer: Food because, you know when you bite into a meal? You’re like, “This so insane,” you don’t get the same feeling or like the same excitement from sleeping. When you’re sleeping your’re like “this is nice” but when you’re eating you’re like “Ooooh my god.” Skater: Sleep I don’t eat I live on coffee. I’m always tired, all I eat is coffee. I’m so tired, so sleep. Surfer, your articulation of the feelings that food gives you is inherently superior to that of the Skater’s. Surfer, I can tell that you paid attention in English and mastered the skill of artfully describing your feelings. Skater you contradict yourself when you say that you only eat coffee yet are always tired. If anything I would expect you to be a ball of chaotic energy driven to the brink of madness by a caffeine overload. Skater you don’t make sense. 10 points Surfer.

THE MUSTANG

What is the ideal length to grow out your hair? Surfer: Shoulder length maybe. Skater: Chin length. Surfer, you would prefer hair to be grown out more than that of your compatriot, the skater. This thinking is flawed. It is a well known fact that the longer hair is grown, the more energy your body needs to compress your dead skin cells and grow said hair. This is essential energy that could be used for something more important, such as driving in the middle of the night to a Taco Bell parking lot and offering up a sacred rain dance in order to implore the gods for a good harvest. Is your shoulder length hair worth it when you and your family is dying of starvation? 17 points Skater.

Obama, and a friend. Skater: All three are going to my bestie. Surfer, I’m sure that Michelle Obama would greatly appreciate a letter from you. It is also extremely important to show your compassion and support to your loved ones through things such as lovingly hand written letters. Skater, what a waste of paper. Think of the trees, think of the displaced birds. Generations of animals and trees give up their lives for the sake of lovingly handwritten letters and you just want to waste them by sending three of the same copies to one person? Your bestie would be disappointed. Skater minus the number of all the animal lives destroyed by deforestation.

If you could mail out 3 lovingly handwritten letters to any three people who would it be and why? (postage is free) Surfer: My grandpa, Michelle

What’s your opinion on sparkling water? Surfer: I don’t mess with sparkling water I don’t like it. Skater: I like La Crocs, I like the

GONZALEZ AND SALMON kicking it together. “I’m a skater ‘cause

I wear Vans.”- Brynn Salmon. Photo by Nadia Ballard. grapefruit flavor and the lemon. I mean like they’re nothing special but it’s pretty good. Surfer, you speak your beliefs loud and true. You’re not afraid to say what you believe in. Skater, I have to agree with you both Crocs and LaCroix are great

things to drink (yum molten shoe). Surfer you’re the dissenting opinion and for that I’ll give you a point. Surfer: 11 points Skater: Negative infinity Congratulations surfer you won nothing!

2.18.18

The Mustang