September 2018

Arcadia High School / 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

@ahspowwow

the apache

POW WOW

volume 66 issue 1 september 2018

the world is our campus.

HEART AND SOUL ASB revealed the Homecoming Royal Court on Sept. 14, crowning one Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Prince and Princess, and three Senior Princes and Princesses. A big congratulations to all who earned a spot on the Homecoming Royal Court!

By SARAH WANG

showed up en masse to participate in ASB’s in the Minute-to-Win-It: Homecoming Edi- plan, and advertise the highly anticipated

Staff Writer Breakfast Relay, chomping down on various tion. At the end of lunch, the champions of event. “After two months of hard work and

The pinnacle of the American high school experience is fast approaching: Homecoming. No, not Spider-Man: Homecoming—AHS’ Homecoming dance.

The highly anticipated dance’s theme and venue was revealed by ASB on Sept. 5 following a lively fashion show and tug-ofwar contest between the classes. On Sept.

29, attendees will be dancing the night away at Anaheim’s House of Blues under the stars to the event’s theme, “Heart and Soul”.

Leading up to the day of the dance, ASB hosted a week full of fun games and activities for students to enjoy. Spirit Week opened with Monday Blues in which students came to school in their pajamas, reflecting the blues background of the “House of Blues” concert house. At lunch, hungry students

breakfast foods dangled from a string.

On Tuesday, AHS’ student population saw a huge jump in what is usually an uncommon occurrence: twins. Hundreds of students dressed up to match their best friends for Soulmate Tuesday, a clever play on words in reference to the Homecoming theme. At lunch, Apaches came out to the rally court to prove themselves as AHS’ best best friends during the Best Friend Challenge’s trivia contest and three-legged race.

Of course, since the Homecoming venue is literally only a hop, skip, and jump from Disneyland, Spirit Week wouldn’t be complete without Walt Disney Wednesday.

Decked out in all things Disney, students crowded the rally court to get a coveted Disney-themed temporary tattoo, take photos with Disney characters, and participate

OPINION

the bean bag toss and Pin the Tail on Eeyore emerged victorious with Pura Vida bracelets and Baskin Robbins cards.

Last but not least, Spirit Week wouldn’t be Spirit Week without Apache spirit! On Thursday, all classes dressed up in class colors and spirit gear to cheer on their peers at the class dodgeball game at lunch. That night, they will cheer on the Varsity Football team as they play against Herbert Hoover High School at the Homecoming Game and show support for the Homecoming Royal Court during halftime.

Of course, Homecoming Spirit Week and the Homecoming dance itself couldn’t have happened without the hard work, dedication, and passion of a certain group of students and administrators. Since June, members of ASB have been working tirelessly to

Cracks in Ice Breakers: One student waxes poetic on whether or not the longstanding tradition of ice breakers on the first day of school actually help facilitate cooperation and friendship in the school year.

Photo courtesy of CBSNEWS.COM

NEWS

pg. 2

Paul Manafort Convicted: Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort has been charged on eight counts of fraud with ten other counts claimed by the judge to be mistrials.

swang@apachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of AHS ASB and CONNER HUA

Also in this issue:

pg. 5

“If I am going to bond with any of these people, it is most likely not going to be because we bond over our mutual love for the color red. Relationships work themselves out much more smoothly when they form naturally, not when people are squeezed together so hard that they have to talk to each other.”

compromise, our committee was able to plan and execute a week full of exciting activities that we hope our fellow students will enjoy,” shared ASB Clubs Commissioner senior Matthew Chen. “They have worked tremendously to bring the students an amazing Homecoming,” agreed ASB President senior Alvin Tran, “and you don’t get a lot of Homecomings, so don’t miss out on this chance to make incredible memories with your friends that will last a lifetime!”

With a fantastic venue, great music, and good friends, this school dance will most definitely be one to remember and cherish with all of your heart and soul.

STUDENT LIFE

pg. 10-11

ACADEMICS

pg. 12-13

PERFORMING ARTS

pg. 16-17

Dear Freshmen: Upperclassmen reflect on freshman year and give advice for those just now embarking on their high school careers.

Photo courtesy of TIFFANY LIANG

CENTER SPREAD

pg. 10-11

Campus Vibes: With the new school year underway, students begin to fill the campus with their unique personalities and talents.

Thank You, Ms. Patterson: This past year, Ms. Patterson retired from her position as ASB accountant. Here’s a reflection on her tremendous impact on AHS, and her plans for the future.

2018’s Incredible Box Office: Following a disastrous year for movies in 2017, 2018’s resounding box office success may be due to increased diversity onscreen.

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PAUL MANAFORT CONVICTED ON EIGHT COUNTS

By ROBINSON LEE Staff Writer

President Donald Trump has been under fire since day one of his presidency with allegations of collusion with Russia. He has also been defensive since the Special Counsel, headed by Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, was established to investigate him and his actions associated with interference in the 2016 election. Recently, the Special Counsel has been targeting Trump’s associates for more information on his campaign.

Among the convicted are Representative Chris Collins, Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, and Trump’s Lawyer Michael Cohen. Now, the Special Counsel has made major breakthroughs with the recent indictment of Trump’s Campaign Chairman, Paul Manafort. He was charged on eight counts with ten other counts claimed by the judge to be mistrials.

Manafort was a key collaborator in

the Trump campaign with significant influence and it is almost certain that this news will unnerve the President himself.

First off, who exactly is Paul Manafort?

Manafort has a long history in Washington with ties far back to Gerald Ford’s campaign as he was active with his political work. He is a political lobbyist, adviser, and consultant.

Yet his history is unique due to his longtime job working as a top adviser for former pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych’s actions to tie Ukraine together with Russia and distance the country from the EU caused protests against his actions and eventually, authorities stepped in and killed demonstrators. Manafort has been credited with encouraging Yanukovych’s actions though the president was forcibly removed from office by protests and is currently seeking asylum in Russia. As of right now, Manafort is wanted by Ukrainian officials who wish to question him about his involvement in the killings of protestors. Yet, af-

ter his decade-long job, Manafort was short on personal funds and looked for a new job.

He found one with the Trump campaign.

Manafort is largely attributed to the reason for its success. During his time in Ukraine, he built up relationships with key Russian officials.

However, his advantage seemed to be his downfall as he quickly became a target as the Special Counsel was established. With ties to Trump and Russia, Manafort was the key to uncovering more details on the campaign’s secrets.

Eventually, the Counsel had enough evidence to bring against Manafort, and his trial started on July 31, with his right-hand man Rick Gates pleading guilty to charges also brought against him among many witnesses. The prosecution pushed their case that Manafort was a liar who funded his expensive lifestyle with his income from his time working in Ukraine, with dozens of witnesses who described his transactions in great detail.

It was revealed in the trial that Manafort and his deputy, Gates, committed bank fraud with overseas bank accounts which they never reported to the U.S. government. Gates himself testified against Manafort and spoke of the tax fraud committed. The defense, on the other hand, attempted to place the blame on Ukrainian oligarchs and Gates for financial crimes along with claiming their client was being selectively prosecuted. The jury deliberated for four days after the trial ended declaring Manafort guilty on five tax fraud charges, one charge of concealing foreign bank accounts, and two charges of bank fraud. The other ten charges were deadlocked and the judge declared a mistrial.

So what does this trial mean for the President of

September 2018

the U.S? Legal experts predict that the charges against him would accumulate to seven to ten years in prison. The Special Counsel is likely to use this to their advantage and attempt to get a plea deal out of Manafort for more information on the Trump campaign. If that happens, then the President’s campaign would be revealed to the Counsel as well as providing more possible evidence of collusion between Trump and Russia. The President stated his opinion on the matter. “Paul Manafort’s a good man.” He also stated that it “doesn’t involve me, but I still feel, you know, it’s a very sad thing that happened.”

This trial was the first out of two trials which deal with Manafort, as the next trial will be more focused on his actions of tampering with a witness and failing to register as a lobbyist for the Ukrainian government.

In conclusion, the Special Counsel is getting dangerously close to the point where the President should start to be anxious. With Manafort, and many other Trump associates under various charges, more evidence about the campaign’s financial dealings and relations with Russia are being uncovered by the day.

Manafort’s career seemed to have landed him in the center of the crossfire of the President’s dealings with other countries. His future seems bleak as this trial is not a positive sign for his next trial. With the president distancing himself from Manafort, his saving grace in the form of a pardon does not seem probable. It is very likely that Manafort may soon find himself behind cold hard bars. rlee@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of VOX.DOM

Simone Biles Sweeps USA Gymnastics All-Around Championship

By SARAH WANG

Staff Writer

For those who don’t recall the U.S. Gymnastics’ glorious performance at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games, Simone Biles is back to remind the world of just how she flipped and tumbled her way to gold. The gymnast made history once more at the 2018 USA Gymnastics Championships by becoming the first American woman to win five allaround titles and the first to sweep all four event titles since Dominique Dawes in 1994.

The 21-year-old’s show stopping victory followed a long break period in 2017 after winning the all-around title in Rio and making a slew of celebrity appearances with her “Final Five”, teammates Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and captain Aly Raisman. Though Biles had already made a huge name for herself both in and out of the sports world, she admitted, “I didn’t think that coming into the events this year I would do as well as I did.” Clearly, that was not the case, as she finished the night with a stunning 119.850—6.55 points ahead of reigning world champion Morgan Hurd, further cementing Biles’ place as the world’s best female gymnast.

However, Biles’ triumphant return to the sport was more than just a testament to her athletic prowess. The gymnast notably sported a teal leotard—the color of sexual assault

awareness and prevention. The statement is a nod to the 2016 sexual assault case involving former women’s national team doctor, Lawrence “Larry” G. Nassar, who was sentenced in January with up to 175 years in prison for his abuse of hundreds of young athletes, including Biles and her teammates. USA Gymnastics along with Michigan State University took much of the heat of the public fury following the allegations that the two organizations repeatedly covered up the abuse and worked to silence the victims and their families. Former USA Gymnastics President Kerry Perry, who resigned after heavy criticism, responded on Sunday, “We want all of our athletes to understand, including our survivors, that it is our intent to keep moving forward with them.”

As for Biles’ plans for the future, 2008 all-around gold medalist Nastia Liukin confidently affirms, “I have no doubt that if she continues doing what she’s doing, there’s not a chance in the world that anybody is going to be able to beat her. That’s cool-slash-scary to think. I never felt that way.” If she makes the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics team, the world may eagerly await seeing Biles claim her title as the first Olympian to repeat as the women’s all-around champion in 52 years. swang@apachepowwow.net Photos courtesy of QUEENOFCLEAN.COM and USATODAY.COM

September 2018

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Democrats Present A Bill Giving Two Years of Debt-Free College in the U.S.

By SAMANTHA RIVERA As college tuition continue to increase, more students are unable to attend college. The Pew Research Center found that in 2017, scholars owed about $1.3 trillion in total for student loans. Many have to face financial struggles and debt. The House Democrats recently proposed a solution which makes college more affordable by providing financial aid. With this plan, the Democrats hope to boost the number of students graduating from college.

However, a Republican bill called the Higher Education Act, conflicts with this proposal. The Higher Education Act is a law created in 1965 to improve the educational resources and to provide financial assistance to students. Although this act is usually renewed every five years, the last renewal happened ten years ago.

Both Republicans and Democrats agree upon the heavy burden of college debt to students and families. The Democrats are also proposing a way to earn a degree partnership with some states to provide two years of community college without tuition in order to avoid paying college debt called the Aim Higher Act. The only way for this proposal to happen would be when these states promise to continually invest in the Higher Education Act every five years. Some Republicans have pushed a plan that would decrease the amount of debt for the act. However, it would remove some of the student aid programs.

s t a f f

Staff Writer

Due to the Republican bill, college students have lost around $15 billion for federal aid. The Aim Higher Act brings relief to students and parents by decreasing the cost of college while allowing students to graduate with a quality career degree. Around 11 of the programs are available to high-school students who have already graduated but exclude those who are in extreme poverty or undocumented immigrants.

It also requires some to take the General Education Development test which certifies having high school level academic skills.

The Democrats also wanted to create a proposal to fund low-income families by increasing Pell Grants, a grant that provides aid for students who require financial assistance, need to pay for college, or have not received their bachelor’s degree. This grant can remove the loans of students.

These Democrat bills could increase the federal funding for helping students in financial need which includes the homeless, foster care students, or students caring for their own children and could impact the lives of millions of students while providing financial relief for their families. srivera@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of ARTMATERIALSONLINECOM and VECTORSTOCK.COM

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Writers

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Features Staff

Sports Staff

By ANABELL XU

Staff Writer

Water. The great H2O. The three molecules that sustain life on this planet that we search for everywhere in pursuit of life outside of our homeworld. We know that it exists out there—on Mars, Saturn’s Enceladus, Jupiter’s Europa and Ganymede, even on comets. And yet, we still were unable to determine whether or not the Moon was a host to any water at all—until now.

On Aug. 21, scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had their first true confirmation that water does exist in some form on the Moon. Specifically, in packs of ice hidden inside intensely cold craters. While it isn’t exactly pure water (only about 30% of the ice is water, the rest is moon debris and various dust particles), the discovery still has some pretty exciting ramifications.

But first, a little history: this isn’t the first time scientists have cried “Water on the Moon!” before their excitement died down. In fact, we’ve had claims that various astronomers have discovered either ice or water, but these discoveries were inductions made from certain patches of the moon that seemed more reflective than the rest. The problem with that induction is that it’s possible that scientists were just observing a particularly reflective patch of dirt. But this time, NASA used the Moon Mineralogy Mapper instrument on the Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter to measure the absorption rate of infrared light in areas where water was suspected to have accumulated.

It worked. We now know for sure that there is water on the Moon, and most of it is clustered around its southern hemisphere and shaded from the Sun in craters.

The discovery has sparked excitement among many experts and investors looking to begin traveling to the Moon and maybe even setting up infrastructure there. It will make Mars missions more affordable for SpaceX and for NASA,” said Philip Metzger, a planetary scientist at the University of Central Florida. The water could serve three crucial purposes: producing drinking water, generating oxygen, and serving as an ingredient for rocket fuel. All of these resources are necessary for both continued exploration and basic survival on the Moon and would save NASA and SpaceX thousands of dollars.

Of course, this also means that it is possible that the creation of rocket fuel and oxygen from readilyavailable water supplies could spark the beginning of a permanent colony set up on the Moon, paving the way for further space exploration. But any action that will be taken on this revolutionary discovery will still be in its infancy, and we may have to wait a few more years until we hear more about the water on the Moon. axu@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of FREEPIK.COM and 1001FONTS.COM

Frances Cheung, Trinity Chhay, and Maggie Wong Sandi Khine and Maruko Myint Reiko Inoue and Tanya Lee Cynthia Lin and Alyssa Rave Cassidy Chhay and Rachel Lee Brandon Chen and Ariana Parizadeh Justin Cun and Christine Law Jeremy Du and Margaret Lin Camille Marquez Jocelyn Liao and Natalie Samadi Vivian Kwang Josie Chen and Conner Hua Tiffany Liang Jocelyn Thao Paul Lee

Academics Staff

Calendar Staff

Campus Focus Staff Center Spread Staff Photography Staff

Design Staff

Copy Editor Staff

Adviser

Oishika Chattopadhya, Emily Chen, Shumin Chen, Justin Chen, Kylie Ha,Alex Kim, Robinson Lee, Iris Lim, Kayli Mak, Samantha Rivera, Kaitlyn Tran, Sarah Wang, Anabell Xu, Anya Yang, Roselind Zeng Ailin Atasoy, Jasmine Grace Castro, Manasvi Chandra, Becky Chen, Jocelyn Chin, Abby Choy, Phillip Gan, Conner Hua, Alexis Kim, Michelle Lee, Robinson Lee, Kaitlin Lee, Anncine Lin, Kayli Mak, Arina Miyadi, Michael Tin, Katie Wen, Anabell Xu Oishika Chattopadhyay, Shu Min Chen, Leslie Chen, Emma Chen, Jocelyn Chin, Kylie Ha, Alexis Kim, Samantha Rivera, Noel Shil, Kali Tam, Chuanchun Tang, Michael Tin, Cindy Tse, Anya Yang, Nancy Zhang, Ashley Zhao Tanvi Batra, Becky Chen, Jeslyn Chou, Gavin Do, Ally Fung, Phillip Gan, Kylie Ha, Parisa Haq, Misha Hsueh, Jessilin Lee, Michelle Lee, Jenny Qiu, Cindy Tse, Sarah Wang, Rebecca Xu, Anya Yang, Kobe Yu, Nancy Zhang Ailin Atasoy, Moriah Chang, Oishika Chattopadhyay, Becky Chen, Emma Chen, Jocelyn Chin, Collin Gaja, Misha Hsueh, Kaitlin Lee, Michelle Lee, Robinson Lee, Lisza Lo, Swetha Somasundaram, Rebecca Tao, Cindy Tse, Christie Wang, Caitlin Wang Tanvi Batra, Jasmine Castro, Manasvi Chandra, Justin Chen, Collin Gaja, Misha Hsueh, Arina Miyadi, Jasmine Oang, Swetha Somasundaram, Kali Tam, Chuanchun Tang, Christie Wang, Melody Yang, Nancy Zhang Emma Chen, Leslie Chen, Jeslyn Chou, Abby Choy, Ally Fung, Phillip Gan, Jolene Huey, Noel Shil, Swetha Somasundaram, Ella Tang, Rebecca Tao, Michael Tin, Kaitlyn Tran, Rebecca Xu, Melody Yang Ailin Atasoy, Tanvi Batra, Jocelyn Chin, Emily Chen, Cadence Chen, Jennifer Fuerte, Yoko Inoue, Alex Kim, Iris Lim, Anncine Lin, Lisza Lo, Jasmine Oang, Caitlin Wang, Katie Wen, Melody Yang, Kobe Yu, Ashley Zhao Katie Wen Iris Lim Shumin Chen, Gavin Do, Jennifer Fuerte, Ally Fung, Parisa Haq, Jessilin Lee, Iris Lim, Anncine Lin, Lisza Lo, Kali Tam, Kaitlyn Tran, Caitlin Wang, Christie Wang, Sarah Wang, Kobe Yu Abby Choy, Arina Miyadi, Ashley Zhao, Cadence Chen, Ella Tang, Emily Chen, Gavin Do, Jenny Qiu, Jessilin Lee, Leslie Chen, Moriah Chang, Roselind Zeng, Samantha Rivera, Yoko Inoue Jasmine Castro, Manasvi Chandra, Moriah Chang, Shumin Chen, Justin Chen, Cadence Chen, Leslie Chen, Becky Chen, Jeslyn Chou, Collin Gaja, Parisa Haq, Yoko Inoue, Kaitlin Lee, Kayli Mak, Jasmine Oang, Jenny Qiu, Charles Su, Anabell Xu, Rebecca Xu, Roselind Zeng Mrs. Lee

Publication Information: The Apache Pow Wow is a student publication distributed monthly throughout the school year. The paper has been continuously published since Arcadia High School opened in 1952. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinion page reflect the opinion of The Apache Pow Wow editorial board. A student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: The Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, email ads.powwow@gmail.com. Advertisement rates vary from $25 for a side strip advertisement to $100 for a full-page advertisement, with square and popup advertisement options available.

Photo courtesy of VIDEOBLOCKS.DOM

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By ANABELL XU

theapachepowwow.net

September 2018

Dangerous love songs Staff Writer

“I’m not that kind of person Who can fall in and out of love with you That’s not what love’s supposed to do” —“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by the Backstreet Boys Pop songs are pretty formulaic these days.

Artists receive acclaim when they announce that they’ve written their own songs, which just goes to show how much of our music isn’t actually written by the artists themselves. John Seabrook, the writer of the book The Song Machine, claimed that songwriting is “an impersonal, assembly-line-driven process that would make Henry Ford proud.”

No matter how many times songs sound incredibly similar, no matter how many times artists sample each other’s songs, and no matter how many times the two same people (songwriters Lukasz Gottwald and Max Martin) churn out hits like their songs “Halo”, “Party in the U.S.A”, and “One More Night”, people will listen. The numbers and dollars associated with some of the biggest songs ever released in the past two decades—most of which are love songs or have something to do with romance— don’t lie. People can’t fall out of love with love songs. There’s one reason why love songs are so dominant in the music world, and it’s not anything new.

“Cause girls like you run ‘round with guys like me ‘Til sundown when I come through I need a girl like you, yeah yeah” —“Girls Like You” by Maroon 5 We’ve all been a part of, rolled our eyes at,

or quietly accepted the boy band craze. Bands like NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, One Direction, and even various K-pop groups have reigned supreme over the charts. There’s pretty much one universally accepted reason for their popularity: young girls tend to think that the boy bands are hot. Also, the songs are pretty appealing.

Have you ever noticed that many love songs, especially ones from boy bands, never have proper nouns in them? There are so many mentions of “you” and “your” and “our” and “we” that I’m pretty sure my English teacher would have a stroke if I turned in an essay that vague.

In fact, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”, 2017’s most popular song, features around 100 variations of “you”, “your”, “we”, “us”, and “baby”.

The lack of names or even characteristics that would isolate certain people from the listening demographic (eye color, hair length, body shape, age) is pretty telling of an industry that exists based on the romantic appeal of its artists. No reasonable company would want to skip out on a potential money-making hub, so the people referenced in many songs are inten-

tionally kept nameless and featureless.

“I’m in magazines Full of model teens So far above you So read them and hate yourself Then pay me to tell you I love you” —“Repeat Stuff” by Bo Burnham So what’s the problem with all this?

What’s wrong with having our favorite artists never actually mention any names? Well, there isn’t really a problem at first glance. Artists need to make money, and the songs where nobody feels left out bring people happiness as they imagine themselves as the subjects of those songs, consciously or not.

The problem arises when you see people defining their identity in these songs. There are people out there, believe it or not, who are obsessed with One Direction and write pretty graphic fanfiction about the band. It’s pretty undeniable that a popular singer has at least one person whose life mainly revolves around him or her. It’s called celebrity worship syndrome, and it’s pretty terrifying.

Love songs remain vague to attract an

audience for the singer. The singer continues to sing ambiguous love songs because they’re popular and bring in money. The love songs can lead to a romantic attraction being formed by the listener. But when that attraction grows into a full-on obsession, that’s when we need to really start thinking about the consequences of allowing people to find romantic worth in love songs by people whom they don’t even really know. And sure, it doesn’t happen to everyone. But the terrifying realization is that in a world where depression and anxiety rates are skyrocketing, people are looking for validation and love more and more. That’s where the love song steps in.

Songs make you feel good, and there’s no problem in that. Sometimes we just listen to vent our feelings in a way we can’t articulate.

But if a person’s dependence grows too strong on this feeling, on this validation—and he or she starts acting on that desperation and obsession for companionship that he or she believes can be found in this singer and the song—we’re endangering both the fan and the artist. We’ve seen it happen before in Christina Grimmie’s tragic murder, and we might see it happen again. “Obsessions in my head don’t connect with my intellect It’s called obsession can you handle it?

It’s connected to the hip sound and it moves with the underground” —“Obsessions” by Suede axu@apachepowwow.net

Graphics courtesy of PIXABAY.COM

By KAITLIN LEE Staff Writer

His name was Sunny. He was a sandywhite Maltese-Poodle mix (but I am still convinced he had some terrier and cat in him) with floppy ears, chocolate-brown eyes, and a soft snout that started balding as he got older. He loved chasing balls, sleeping in his custommade dog house, and going on road-trips. And he was my best friend. When I was sad, he’d press his face into my chest and lick my tears.

And when I was happy, he would be too. It was a beautiful relationship that you can only find between dog and human, something that I would marvel at every day.

He died during the summer when he ran away for the second time in his entire life. I don’t know what happened exactly, but all I do know is that I’ll never be able to hold him again. I look at the place near the glass door

where he used to sit, and I realize he’s not there.

The hardest part of losing anyone—dog, parent, sibling, friend—is the continuous realization you have that they’re never coming back. You’ll see something—a place you shared memories with them, random photos on your social media, even just someone talking about their own dog or parent or whoever—and you feel the sinking sensation of loss. And you will keep bumping into those things throughout life, and you’ll still feel loss, no matter how long ago it was. During the first week when Sunny was no longer with me, I felt a mix of sadness, anger, and bargaining. I was upset that even though I had, for the first time in my life, genuinely prayed to a greater being, he didn’t survive. I kept on scolding myself for not spending more time with Sunny.

I also wondered what the point of loving a person or any being that enters your life was when they’re all eventually going to die. I had planned to take him to the mountains to see the snow again, and I had wanted to take my senior photo with him, but all that time planning was wasted now that he’s dead. Why should I plan to do fun things with the people I love? Why should I love people when eventually I will lose them?

Losing anyone is hard on the soul. It’s even harder on the mind. Loss is cold and hard and holds back no punches, unfortunately. But that doesn’t mean you become cold and hard yourself. I’m so glad that I brought Sunny into my heart because he gave me so much joy in the time we did have, and that’s the only thing I could ask for. Yes, I am still sad that he’s gone

(I’m sobbing at my desk as I write this), but I am also grateful. It’s going to be tough to pick up the pieces and move on completely, but I am so glad that he was a piece of my life for a while. So, here’s to Sunny, wherever he may be, and I hope that someone is up there, throwing him a ball until I join him. klee@apachepowwow.net

Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM and THEODYSSEYONLINE.COM Photo courtesy of MUSICTRUTH.COM

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September 2018

By KAYLI MAK

Staff Writer

I spent the majority of my free time on the first day of school whining about all the personal information I was forced to reveal to my classmates. It’s a tradition that evokes a feeling of deep dread from quite a few students. In fact, at a certain point, the only way to get through so many icebreaker activities is to relentlessly mock them.

“After I graduate from college, I aspire to be a hermit living in a coniferous forest in Slovakia.”

“My favorite color is a red. Red, but not too red.”

In school, many of us just want to get through the day and somehow make it back to bed for a couple of hours. So, with rooms filled with already-weary teenagers, many of whom have grown past the stage of making friends with everyone, being coerced into repeating our names, dream occupations, and other random facts is a negative experience for some. Teachers often say that this is the first step toward bonding with our fellow classmates, and that by the end of the year, we are going to be an incredibly close family. However, this is a lofty goal to set.

If I am going to bond with any of these people, it is most likely not going to be because we bond over our mutual love for the color red. Also, it probably is not going to be because we were both born in October. That is just not how friendships (or any relationships, really) work out. Relationships work themselves out much more smoothly when they form naturally, not when people are squeezed together so hard that they have to talk to each other. We are not those dolls that toddlers smash together, shrieking, “Kiss!” We are human beings with free will, and we can form relationships without the help of outside influence.

I personally believe that everything works better naturally. My best friendships have come about through purely coincidental encounters and random twists of fate. We were not pressed together by eager teachers or rigged classroom social experiments. People were not trying to control things that are not supposed to be controlled. Allowing events to unfold without force is one of the great beauties of life, and similarly, that is how school-based friendships should form. The metaphorical ice will melt naturally, and there will be no need for breaking it. kmak@apachepowwow.net

Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM and ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

the g-a-p in the wage gap’s stats

By CONNER HUA

Photography Editor

One of the most divisive issues plaguing society today is the issue of gender equality.

The term “79 cents to a dollar” is a common statistic claimed by Presidential administrations, activist groups, and everyday citizens.

“Women earn 79 cents for every dollar a man makes.” Thus, the term “79 cents to a dollar” has become widespread in arguments of gender equality, spreading false information about the true state of the income gap in the U.S. Genderbased discrimination in terms of income equality is such a prevalent and polarizing issue in American politics because the White House, throughout various administrations and many activist groups across the nation, continues to perpetrate this myth of “79 cents to a dollar”.

The issue in it is that it sparks outrage from progressive groups over an issue whose statistics need to be put into question.

According to an article by Forbes, The White House Equal Pay website reports that on average, “full-time working women earn just 78 cents for every dollar a man earns.” We can see this false statistic being further taken advantage by other groups such as The American Association of University Women, the National Organization for Women, and many more. Whether it’s being used for shock factor, or attempting to spark conversation about gender equality, choosing this specific statistic is bad in that it brings the credibility of said organization and the entire fight on income inequality into question. The real issue with the “79 cents to a dollar” statistic is that the initial studies that concluded this income gap failed to consider many factors.

This data was first found by the U.S Census Bureau (USCB) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) by taking the median of women’s and men’s earnings and finding the difference—21

cents. There are various factors that contribute to the inaccuracy of this statistic: it doesn’t account for differences in career choices, work experience, education, and a whole plethora of factors that cannot be accounted for by simply looking at the difference in men and women’s median wages. Furthermore, this wage gap that the USCB and BLS provides doesn’t account for the disparities in income between races.

Race plays an equally, if not a more impactful, role on income equality in the U.S. While some may perceive the wage gap to be insubstantial, by looking at the wage gap between genders and races, the issue of income equality seems to worsen in the U.S. An extremely clear, inherent error in the way this statistic was obtained is that it doesn’t compare equal work done by men and women.

For statistics comparing hopefully equal pay, the data should be achieved by looking at equal work done, right? Unfortunately, the obtainment of this statistic was a sadly misguided, and poorly thought out process. We can’t be comparing income equality by simply taking all the wages of men and women and finding the median. The “79 cents to a dollar” isn’t looking at a man and woman with equal work experience, doing the same work, for the same number of hours getting paid different salaries. Instead, the USCB and BLS are creating misconceptions in the American public through this statistic that’s been flawed since the get go.

A study conducted by Francine Blau and Lawrence Kahn of Cornell University found that 50% of the USCB’s “wage gap” between men and women in the U.S. can be attributed to factors under a woman’s control such as choice of career/industry. Another 14% of the wage gap could be accounted for by the level of ex-

perience or the difference in the years of experience between men and women. Finally 38% of the wage gap was unexplained, and could be the result of gender-based discrimination. This leaves the wage gap at a total difference of 8 cents, not even considering various other factors that Blau and Kahn’s study didn’t cover; a sharp contrast to a 21 cent difference.

In 2009, three economists followed a group of MBA graduates from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. They were able to conclude that women with kids had a wage gap twice as large than women without.

This is due to the fact that society’s gender norms leave women with a disproportionately larger share of child-care. Women commonly begin to bear children in their 20’s and 30’s, and as a result, statistics point to the fact that, many women across the U.S. may leave work or temporarily stop working, by choice, to care for their children, bred from a social construct that women are the caregivers. It is apparent how this period of unpaid leave, or maternity leave, could detriment statistics on income inequality. In fact, former president Barack Obama in a town hall meeting commented on the inaccuracy of the “79 cents to a dollar” myth. He stated, “What folks will tell you sometimes is you can’t really compare the situation, because a lot of women, by choice, end up working less when they have kids, decide to stay home, and so it’s not the same thing.”

An additional point that adds to this myth of “79 cents to a dollar” is the fact that some jobs require extremely specific hours. For example, jobs in the business industry tend to require set hours, whereas other jobs, such as the science or tech industry, tend to have more flexible hours. Claudia Goldin, an economist

at Harvard, explored wage gaps in various careers. Her research showed that industries with more specific hours such as business tended to have larger wage gaps than careers in science or technology, with a close to nothing wage gap.

This is because, once again, women tend to take on a disproportionate part in childcare. If these women aren’t available when their jobs require it due to them needing to take care of children, it could reflect poorly.

I’m not saying gender-based discrimination, or income inequality, isn’t a prevalent issue in society that needs to be addressed.

What’s important to note is that news headlines or shock-factor statistics you see in mainstream media may be incorrect or just manipulating certain data in order to achieve a jaw-dropping headline. It’s crucial for the American public to do research and get educated before becoming champions of social justice. Refusing to always question information can lead to a sense of discredibility and a loss of trust. For example, in this instance, the gender equality movement was put a few steps behind when multiple studies were released discrediting the “79 cents to a dollar”, just after progressive groups had plastered this statistic across all of its platforms hoping to incite change. Moving forward, our society as a whole needs to remember to always question the information presented to us.

Whether it’s minor information like whether or not a tomato is a vegetable, or more impactful information, like the true state of gender equality in the U.S., the spread and endorsement of misinformation in the media and everyday lives of U.S. citizens can have devastating impacts. chua@apachepowwow.net

Graphic courtesy of THENATIONALISTS.ORG

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September 2018

By ROBINSON LEE Staff Writer

The most pressing issue within the minds of American citizens everywhere is not how to solve poverty nor is it how to create a just and prosperous government. Yet, it is a question that haunts us everytime we stare into it. It’s all around us, wherever we go, and we cannot escape from it. It is the lifelong question of which computer is better, a Macintosh or a Windows PC? For clarification, this article will define Personal Computer or PC as a laptop or desktop computer that runs any version of Windows, excluding tablets or any other portable device. Although the two computers are not exactly an apple to apple comparison, both computers will be judged based on general factors of needs of work, school, personal life, and type of usage.

First off, it is a universal and indisputable fact that Windows PCs are cheaper than Macs. Windows has been around $300 with the more expensive side edging itself up to $1000. Compared to the average range of a Mac being about $1000 to $1800, a Windows machine can be purchased for a much cheaper price. Another major boon for Windows is that it is easily modifiable with an arsenal of mix and match pieces that could replace broken parts or improve the general computer, unlike the Mac which requires a full replacement due to its compact and complex hardware. This also makes Windows arguably better for gamers as the potential for improved processing power and memory is critical to any serious PC gamer. In fact, there is a whole market dedicated to Windows parts with different companies that produce different products, so customization is unrestricted. Finally, with the addition of the Windows Store on Windows 10, there are thousands of free applications offered to customize the software of your computer. Yet despite these benefits, a Mac could be better for other uses.

Macs are slick. They simply look extremely cool, inside and out. The look and design of the Mac is manufactured specifically for the aesthetic look. Every single part of the software and its apps are designed to appeal to look visually fantastic compared to Windows. Furthermore, Apple has great customer service. Apple Stores are specifically made to support Mac and Apple products along with other Apple specific tech support compared to the difficulty of finding a repairer for a Windows and getting the necessary pieces. Speaking of other Apple products, the Mac is part of the Apple family which is famous for its synergy. If you have an iPhone or an iPad then it is easily connectable to a Mac and you can share a singuler account among all devices. Not to mention that it is simple and easy to share documents, pictures, and data with other Apple product users and family members. Though Windows has the power when it comes to sheer volume of free apps to use, Macs win in quality with built-in apps such as Garageband and iMovie being at the top of their respective categories as freeware in music and video editing. Finally, you can run Windows on a Mac. With the help of a software app called Boot Camp, you can have your Mac switch between Windows 10 and MacOS, arguably taking advantage of both operating systems, though not all opportunities of Windows can be taken advantage of due to the nature of differences between memory, hardware differences, and downloads.

So which one is best for you? For a cheap computer for getting through classes, perhaps try a lightweight Windows. For completely perfect presentations with a lax budget, get a Mac. For gamers, Windows is a must. For artists, a Mac looks beautiful. It’s important to find the right computer for the optimal situation. Which one is right for you? rlee@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of DREAMSTIME.COM and DRIBBLE.COM

By CAITLIN WANG Some people find Snapchat complicated or hard to navigate. The features of the popular social media app can be on the difficult side when it comes to navigating. Here are some extra features on Snapchat that not many people have discovered that’ll make your Snapchats stand out!

Three filters on one photo: A few years ago, Snapchat filters were way more popular than they are now. However, the filters are still just as fun to play around with. It’s possible to add a normal picture filter, your location, and the temperature all in one! This is a great hack to use if you take a nice “view” or nature photo. To do it, first, choose any filter. To secure it, keep one finger on the screen while your other finger scrolls to find another filter to input. After securing the second filter, hold down your finger to implement the last filter of your choice.

Change the color of single letters: Most people use the typical white Snapchat font in most of their photos taken on the app. But it doesn’t hurt to use various different colors in one word, every once in a while. This hack is good for birthday snaps. Just imagine having the letter ‘o’ be pink and the

Staff Writer

letter ‘n’ in blue all in the same word and photo! First, type out your words, then use the ‘T’ icon to get the largest font. Choose the color that you want to use first, then press select to highlight any chosen word. Move the highlight to any letter, then select any color.

Photoshop: Besides filters and texts, many users assume there is not much you can do to a photo on Snapchat, unlike Instagram, where you can fix and reshape any original photo.

What few people know is with Tint Brush, you can actually change the color of your snaps. For example, you can turn a blue flower into a red one using the special feature. First tap the scissors and paintbrush features, then choose your color and outline the image you want to change. After you lift your finger, a new color appears.

Screenshotting: It’s such an embarrassment if you ac-

cidentally screenshot your friend’s snap story or streak photo. They get a notification, making things extremely awkward. To avoid this at all costs and still get the screenshot you want, turn on your airplane mode and screenshot the photo. Afterwards, immediately log out of the app. You can log back in and turn off airplane mode after a few short moments.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that Snapchat is a great form of entertainment. These hacks can be useful for those who have had Snapchat since 2015 or those who have just made an account. Use these hacks to your advantage, whether it be taking an “aesthetic” photo of your friends or a silly photo of yourself with whipped cream all over your mouth. cwang@theapachepowwow.net Graphic courtesy of SNAPCHAT.COM

September 2018

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-able

Locations

By OISHIKA CHATTOPADHYAY

Staff Writer

Instagram is known for its unique landscapes and aesthetically pleasing pictures.

Users of the platform have been visiting places that are idiosyncratic and alluring, such as abandoned buildings and even “psychedelic laundromats,” as NBC puts it. People come to these sites and take their pictures, so when clicking on the location tag on Instagram of that location, all of these offbeat pictures come up.

Some of these photo locations, known as playgrounds, are in Los Angeles (LA).

People frequently take pictures at the Museum of Ice Cream. All of the different ice cream exhibits set a perfect color scheme of Neapolitan ice cream—chocolate brown, strawberry pink, and vanilla white. Many people take pictures here because a simple, cute color scheme is already set out, and the backgrounds are very uniform. Some backgrounds have little yellow bananas on them, and others are full of small chocolate ice cream cones.

Another Instagram playground in LA is the Paul Smith Pink Wall. This pink wall is a completely blank solid pink canvas and is perfect to take pictures of people in front of. Many friends and family like to pose together.

A common question is, “Why would someone go out on a search for an Instagram playground?” On the app, aesthetic is incredibly important, and these playgrounds are perfect for that. But how exactly do they work? Instagram playgrounds are open to everyone; whoever shows up is allowed to take a picture there. Most playgrounds started out as just a random place that caught the public’s eye. After receiving an absurd amount of attention, managers swooped in and bought out whatever businesses resided there or worked out a contract with them. Next, many managers put a price on Instagram playgrounds, which can vary from $18 to $45.

Many people still pay the price to take these pictures, mostly because they see it as worth it. This trend is incredibly popular with millennials and Gen-Z’ers, mostly because they are the ones who usually use Instagram. At the end of the day, Instagram playgrounds are a product of consumer and demand. These playgrounds are popping up all over the place, such as Los Angeles, New York, Shanghai, and more.

ochattopadhyay@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of INSTAGRAM.COM, LA.RACKED.COM, and LOCALADVENTURER.COM

Of Self-Driving Cars Begins to Blur

By CHRISTIE WANG Dara Khosrowshahi took over Uber as its chief executive last August, he considered shutting down the company’s money-losing and self-driving vehicle division.

However, a visit to Pittsburgh this spring changed that. Khosrowshahi and other Uber executives were briefed on the state of the company’s existing research based in Pittsburgh. The group was subsequently impressed by the progress in testing driverless cars in both Pittsburgh and Arizona.

Reportedly, the meeting concluded on an optimistic note with the leaders energized and convinced that Uber needed to forge ahead with self-driving cars.

Yet, just when spirits were upbeat and confidence was high, one of Uber’s autonomous cars struck and killed a woman who was pushing a bicycle across a street in Tempe, Arizona. The video from the Mar. 18 collision showed a distracted safety driver failing to react in time as the vehicle barreled into the pedestrian. Instantly, the accident threw Uber’s autonomous vehicle efforts into disarray and forced the suspension of self-driving car tests in cities. Months later, Uber executives were torn over what to do with the autonomous business.

Sides are pushing Khosrowshahi to seek partnerships or sales while another argues that self-driving technology is essential to Uber’s success in the future.

Khosrowshahi himself remains undecided, although he has expressed desire to collaborate with companies with the same goals. Internal debates have occurred during which stiff competition is in a race

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to occupy a potential self-driving technology market. Recently, top engineers have left the project while Uber’s cars have returned to the road but with human drivers at the wheel. The issue of whether or not to sell the autonomous vehicles is complicated by Uber’s stated intention to publicly sell self-driving cars by the end of 2019. Currently, the company is valued at $62 billion and has racked up losses since 2009. Therefore, Khosrowshahi has been shedding money-losing businesses since he joined Uber.

When Uber made its interest in self-driving public, it hired 40 researchers and scientists from the National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University in 2015.

In 2016, Uber acquired Otto, a self-driving truck start-up. Furthermore, in its excitement, Uber started testing its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco in 2016 without a permit from California’s Division of Motor Vehicles. All these controversies all point to an important question: Will Uber be able to sustain itself and eventually attain its goal of self-driving cars? If they do, there is still to be a long path to success.

cwang@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of DIGITALTRENDS.COM, I3CONNECT.COM, KOBINI.COM, and UBER.COM

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By ANYA YANG Staff Writer

High school relationships can be complicated, especially since students are already dealing with plenty of stress and pressure from school. Some say that a healthy relationship can alleviate the anxieties of school. Others claim that inevitably short-lived relationships can make students lose sight of what’s important in life. There are many pros and cons to dating in high school, and these are just a few.

Pro 1: Dating in high school can give you experience! Starting off with a significant other in school can prepare you for future relationships. You can learn about what type of personality you’re attracted to, gender preference, etc.

It teaches valuable lessons, and introduces you to the world of dating!

Pro 2: You have a special person you can depend

on! Platonic relationships are completely different from romantic ones. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend gives a sense of security and happiness, and you can count on your significant other with anything.

Pro 3: Studies show that teenagers learn more emotionally from romantic relationships. Senior researchers at Denver Public School District found that family, friends, and school staff don’t have the same effect on adolescents as do romantic relationships. They spent most of their time engaging in relationships, causing both positive and negative emotions to be intensified.

Con 1: It probably won’t last. Only 2%

By PARISA HAQ

of high school relationships lead to marriage, which some argue is the end goal of dating. 54% of high school sweethearts who marry as teenagers last for only ten years or less. At age 16, relationships usually last an average of two years. These statistics, compiled after multiple studies, prove that it’s difficult to keep a lasting relationship in high school.

Con 2: High school is too busy. Whether you’re dealing with AP classes or teachers, it’s exhausting! Sports and extracurriculars can make it even harder to balance academics and a social life. Adding a huge commitment like a relationship can just make things even more stressful.

September 2018

Con 3: A romantic relationship can drive a wedge between you and your friends. Putting so much time aside for one person can separate you from your friends, family, and teachers.

There are lots of pros and cons to having a relationship in high school, but everyone is different and the pros and cons aren’t guaranteed. You may prioritize grades and college, but someone else might want to experience what it’s like to be in an intimate and loving relationship. In the end, just find out what you think is best for you! ayang@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of DESIGNBUNDLES.NET, FONTSPACE.COM, and PNGTREE.COM

Staff Writer

High school is a time for new experiences and, of course, knowledge. AHS offers so many new opportunities for all of its students. From Advanced Theatre to Math Team—and tons of other clubs—the possibilities are simply endless. Being a new fish in a big sea, tons of clubs and teams catch my eye. However, another thing about high school is what comes after it—for most of us anyway—college! What we choose to be a part of in high school can physically shape our future and make a permanent stamp on our lives. So what can we do from the beginning—freshmen year— to impress ourselves and to create a path for what’s to come. Ask for advice from none other than our fellow upperclassmen.

The question is: What do you regret not knowing or not doing as a freshman? Here is what they said.

“I wish I would have tried out for speech and debate when I was a freshman,” said senior Bridgette Yang. She continued, “I never knew I would have enjoyed it this much or else I would have joined earlier to have more time on the team.”

Along with that, senior Phoebe Lu stated, ”I wish I did Beginners Theatre.”

To join in with what some wished would’ve happened, junior Sally Ho said, ”I wish I was more social.” She went on to say, ”Like having school spirit or going to my [water polo] team bonding events because it made the year really good when I did start going.” Sally wrapped up by explaining that she wished she had hung out with her friends more.

Having a four-year commitment or trying out for some team while you’re young is crucial, especially when you embark on some of the most important years of your life. Sophomore Ryan Abeyratne wished that as a freshman, he would have had the confidence to try out for the Boys’ Volleyball team. Despite being able to try out in the upcoming years, it will always be something that he wished he would’ve done.

If you’re a freshman—like myself—and you’re scared and don’t know what to do, ask someone you look up to. Choose something that not only you enjoy but will benefit the future of your time at AHS or even longer. If you are still confused, ask a Link Crew leader, a teacher, a counselor, or even one of the many seniors roaming the campus who are highly experienced in this area. Don’t regret what could’ve been and do it now!

phaq@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of ISTOCK.COM and 1001FONTS.COM

September 2018

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STUDY MUSIC DOES MUSIC AFFECT OUR STUDYING?

By JESLYN CHOU Staff Writer

Many students listen to music while they study or do homework, but is it as beneficial to our productivity as we think it is? To answer this question, I’ve interviewed students on this topic and asked for the best tips that enhance their study session.

Freshman Sarah Kwang expressed that her favorite pop songs help her focus on her work. She also added that, “It’s just background noise because it makes me feel happier.” Simply put, Sarah believes the music that she enjoys can lead to a more positive, focused, and stress-free work environment.

In contrast with the previous statement, junior Megan Wang said the best genre to listen to is classical music, specifically Mozart, Bach, Chopin, and Beethoven. To support her answer she claimed that, “Studies have shown that it boosts brain function.”

Freshman Amy Muliadi has responded differently, replying that it depends on the subject. With subjects that are easier for her, she will play more calming music. In subjects that

are more time intensive, she’ll opt for no music at all. Amy also said that her favorite songs may not be the best option, as they can distract her and cause inefficient studying.

Agreeing with Amy’s sentiments, senior Zoya

Lastly, I interviewed freshman Nicole Klatt. She noted that orchestral music, or no music at all, benefits her most. Nicole stated, “The music genre depends. Listening to calming music by Mozart or exhilarating music by Tchaikovsky

Haq said the music she listens to depends on the subject she’s studying. To explain, she stated, “For instance, for math, I would listen to pop or electric music, or other upbeat songs in general.”

However, for reading and writing, she would choose classical music, or orchestral covers of pop songs.

could engage your focus.”

She claimed that, “Studies have shown that it boosts brain function.”

Freshman Amy Muliadi has responded differently, replying that it depends on the subject. With subjects that are easier for her, she will play more calming music. In subjects that

By JENNY QIU Ever since Arcadia Unified School District first started passing Chromebooks out, students have either enjoyed its benefits or complained about its uselessness. As the school year begins, students are getting back into using their chromebooks and have formed their own opinions about these laptops.

“I’ve been using a chromebook since 7th grade and I’ve always like it due to how simple and quick it is to work with,” said sophomore Katherine Sun. “It’s very straightforward to use and provides an abundance of resources.

Also, it’s more compact than sheets of paper and good for the environment.” Because of its easily accessed resources and its ability to store a lot of information, Katherine enjoys its beneficial features. Similarly, other students need their chromebooks everyday to get through their daily classes.

“I can easily carry my chromebook around school and it’s really convenient since it’s super small and light,” said junior Emma Liao. “Also, since the school blocks websites like Facebook and Instagram, I can focus on getting my work done quicker.” On the other hand, while Katherine and Emma rely on their chromebooks, others have different opinions.

“Sometimes, I forget to charge my chromebook or even bring it since not all my classes use them. Also, I feel like chromebooks

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are more time intensive, she’ll opt for no music at all. Amy also says that her favorite songs may not be the best option, as they can distract her and cause inefficient studying.

There are many websites compiling data into pros and cons lists, and there are both positives and negatives to listening to music while studying.

Based on studies, scientists have found that music can boost creativity as well as relieve stress and anxiety. Music played in the background can also help you focus on your task, more than if there was simply silence.

The effects of listening to music while studying are solely based on the student. If they are easily distracted, it may not be the best idea, while multi-taskers can benefit greatly from this practice.

jchou@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of MYCUTEGRAPHICS.COM, VECTEEZY.COM, ZIBBET.COM, and1001FONTS.COM

Staff Writer

can be a distraction to certain students who just play games instead of using them to learn. In fact, I’ve seen chromebooks get ruined and they have to be replaced, which is probably expensive,” said freshman Eileen Zhang. Unfortunately, Eileen has experienced the disadvantages of having a chromebook. Often, students will be distracted and get off task, which makes it extremely difficult for them to learn and pay attention in class.

Although there are some disadvantages to

chromebook, some people see both perspectives such as sophomore Kate Silah. “Chromebooks are distracting in certain situations, but in other situations, for example, English, they’re good for word processing as well as helpful with research,” she said. Although, chromebooks can be distracting at times, they also have their benefits, depending on the situation.

“With a chromebook, students have the ability to get information right at their fingertips. It is not easy for many students who have

bad penmanship and listening skills to write physically on a piece of paper. The chromebooks allows students to type faster than they can write and it also has features like spell check. However, I have seen students abuse them by playing games during class.” As a teacher, Mr. Gerry Wang has experienced these situations often. He believes that a chromebook is a useful tool that is easily abused by students.

“It’s only useful in a disciplined environment and for undisciplined students, it becomes more harmful to the learning process.”

Despite the many disadvantages of a chromebook, there are many benefits such as the variety of resources that the chromebook features. Students may have different opinions, but they all, to some extent, see the usefulness that a chromebook provides as a tool. However, this tool can still be easily abused, depending on the students. Chromebooks are a privilege for the students of Arcadia to have, so take advantage of their features and use it to its fullest extent!

jqiu@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of DRIBBBLE.COM, PNGTREE.COM, STOCKPHOTOS.COM VECTEEZY.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM

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SCHOOL

theapachepowwow.net

September 2018

By IRIS LIM

Going back to school is extremely stre lazy days binge-watching Netflix to sleepl Throughout my first few days, I have alread energy that AHS students exert. The stude ing vibes. For instance, they all seem to carr homework, and school-related-extracurricu realized there are so many shy freshmen, my others. Another vibe I have consistently pic with amazing confidence. Confidence is a t people can just keep their heads high and w vibes I have gotten are the athletes who a hard in every subject, and they always seem not least, the most interesting vibe I have p there are so many musically inclined stude the morning, at lunch, and even after schoo talent and determination. AHS, with its dive

September 2018

centerspread.powwow@gmail.com

Staff Writer

essful. We have to suddenly shift from our less nights cramming a ton of homework. dy picked up the many vibes and types of ents at AHS give me smart and hardworkry many textbooks, talk about their classes, ulars everywhere around school. I have also yself included, who should try to open up to cked up on is that there are so many people trait I see and respect all over school. Many walk like a professional model. Some other are strong and extremely fit and try really m to get a high grade on every test. Last but picked out is the musically talented. At AHS, ents everywhere. These students practice in ol. I am always extremely impressed by their ersity in vibes, surely is an interesting place! ilim@apachepowwow.net

Graphic courtesy of VECTEEZY.COM and DAFONT.COM

VIBES

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By REBECCA TAO

MADE EASY

September 2018

Staff Writer

We all know MLA format too well. From its double spacing to peculiar citing methods, formatting your paper with these guidelines is tedious but also necessary. Why does school require us to use the MLA format, and how should we do it correctly?

MLA stands for Modern Language Association, which is one of the two most commonly used academic writing styles along with APA. MLA covers not only formatting, but also punctuation, quotations, documentation of sources, and citations. One critical reason why this formatting system is implemented is to avoid plagiarism by setting a standard for quoting and citing the sources. Plagiarism is considered one of the most horrendous academic crimes with corollaries, such as not receiving credit for your paper or a visit to the Dean’s office. Furthermore, papers with the same consistency in format and style make it easier for teachers to look over and grade. Because MLA sets a standard, teachers have a style they can rely on and pass onto their students instead of creating their own writing style requirements that are individual to them. This reduces confusion and saves time and extra steps for both the pupil and the lecturer.

The goal of the MLA format is to set a list of standards that are simple to follow—but what exact rules does it include? For starters, the page settings should be adjusted so that the margins are all one inch on all sides. Moving forward, 12-point Times New Roman font is the most widely used and accepted typeface. The paper should also be double-spaced, and a header of your last name and the page number should be present on every page at the top half-inch mark. For the first page, you should include (in this order) your name, instructor’s name, class and period, and the date (Day/Month/Year). If you have multiple group members working on one paper, names should be written alphabetically by their last name in listing order (ex: Lana Condor, Janel Parrish, and Rebecca Zhou). The title should be centered, one line below the heading. Henceforth, the “Works Cited” page should be on its own separate page, and sources should be listed alphabetically.

If a citation spills onto a second line, a hanging indent is needed. To avoid confusion, downloading the add-on “EasyBib” is highly recommended.

Although it is full of rules and requirements, MLA format is underappreciated for its role in simplifying writing stylization and reducing the amount of time needed for a paper to be graded. By following the MLA format, we are developing a useful habit as the same format will be utilized in college and other academic settings. rtao@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM and JERZ.SETONHILL.EDU

September 2018

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Why You Should Learn a New

Language

By MELODY YANG

Staff Writer

Nowadays, many high schools encourage, or even require, students to learn more than one language. With all the benefits of knowing multiple languages, it’s no wonder why schools would promote the learning of them.

Language impacts every part of the world as it is the mode people use to communicate and express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. People who are multilingual are able to connect and form relationships with a wider range of people. Being able to communicate with someone else in their native tongue is a huge gift that can allow you to build deep connections with people of different cultures and establish crosscultural friendships.

Many studies have proven that learn-

ing new languages can have benefits for our brains and thinking. For example, multilingual people have been shown to have improved memories and betterthinking skills as compared to those who are monolingual. New brain networks are established and created when you learn a new language, resulting in a more efficient brain. Studies have also shown that the brain increases in size when you learn a new language. Areas of the brain that are important to learning gain volume as a result of learning a new language, so becoming multilingual can actually make you smarter! Another added benefit is that each language you learn becomes easier than the one before since your brain is able to identify language learning techniques and apply them to additional ones that you learn. Your brain will also be able to find connections between different languages,

enabling you to learn more of them in a shorter amount of time. Due to the fact that brain activity is increased through this process, multilingual people are at a smaller risk of mental decline and getting dementia and Alzheimer’s. By speaking more than one language, you are able to exercise your brain, which is key to delaying dementia and a decline in thinking ability.

In a world with a global economy, being able to communicate in different languages is becoming increasingly important. Companies often have to form business relationships and communicate with foreign partners, which is impossible to do without multilingual employees. This leads to another huge advantage of learning a new language: increased job opportunities. In a society where more companies need people who can speak more than one language, knowing a second language can

greatly improve the prospects of getting a job. The ability to speak multiple languages is something that all companies prize, so being able to will set you apart from all other applicants and increase your chances of getting a job.

Through learning a new language, you are able to communicate with a wider range of people, become smarter, stave off dementia, and increase your employment prospects. The best part is that anyone can learn a new language no matter how old they are and still gain all of these benefits. With so many resources available and all these benefits, there’s no reason not to learn a new language. The ability to communicate with others is definitely a gift that is worth the work! myang@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of VECTEEZY.COM

Thank You, Ms. Patterson! tino, his predecessor State Senator Carol Liu, Luis Lopez for 51st Assembly, [and] Jeanette Mann for PCC Board of Trustees.

As students, we sometimes forget to The YD have also volunteered at several express our gratitude for all of the phenomOktoberfest[s], the big fundraiser for the enal staff members of AHS. One of Pasadena United Headquarters.” which is Ms. Kathy Patterson, who Yiming Ye, former ASB Presihas been enjoying the beginning dent, was able to attend the 2016 months of her retirement since June.

She was AHS’ ASB Accountant from Sept. 20, 1999 to December 2007 and from April 2013 to June 21, 2018. As the Facilities Manager from January 2008 to March 2013, she “facilitated the moves in and out of the temporary housing for teachers and administrative staff” and “acted as their liaison with District Facility and Construction Management Staff”.

Not only was she an extraordinary ASB Accountant and Facilities Manager, she also served as a full-time adviser for Young Democrats (YD) since 2004. Before that, she “had assisted a teacher who was the adviser.” Her main focus for the club “has been to provide volunteering oppor- State Democratic Convention in San Jose tunities. Students have volunteered at the as a delegate.”

Pasadena United Democratic HeadquarYiming commented that Ms. Patterters and on several individual campaigns son’s incredible involvement with Young including State Senator Anthony Portan- Democrats is not only acknowledged in

By ALLY FUNG

Staff Writer

Arcadia, but also acknolwledged by “the Los Angeles County Democratic Party as the female Democrat of the Year for the 41st Assembly District at their FDR Dinner on October 21st.”

Ms. Patterson’s plans for retirement include continuing to advise YD, “serving on [the] LA Democratic County Central Committee, and volunteering at the midterm election.” She also “may do some substitute teaching next year” and she “wants to travel.” Her advice for all Apaches is “to follow your dreams and be passionate about it. You can and do make a difference.”

Staying true to the advice she gives, she’s proof that we all truly make a difference. Ms. Patterson, a huge congratulations for being honored as the female Democrat of the Year for the 41st Assembly District. You are an unsung hero to all Apaches and we are inspired by all the passion you’ve shown in your service.

We can’t wait to see all of the incredible things you’ll do in the future!

afung@apachepowwow.net Graphics courtesy of WIKIA.COM and PUREPNG.COM

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By EMMA CHEN

September 2018

Staff Writer

Pointe shoes were introduced to the ballet world in 1832 to create the fairy-like illusion of flying. So, what goes into the making of the magical shoe that allows ballerinas to spend hours and hours dancing on the tips of their toes? The answer is two words: paper and glue.

Pointe shoes are the boxy-looking ballet shoes with the shiny ribbons that ballerinas wear. They definitely look beautiful and are an honor to wear, but some dancers describe them as little torture devices. As pretty as ballet appears to be on stage, dancing en-pointe shoes can be extremely painful if the proper technique is not used. Foot cramps, bunions, blisters, and unattached toe nails are common when it comes to a pointe dancer.

First, let’s talk about the parts of a pointe shoe. The platform is the flat, bottom part of the shoe that enables dancers to stand on their toes.

The part of the shoe in which the toes are bound is called the box. The platform is the part of the shoe that lies flat on top of one’s toes when one is standing flat. The sole of the shoe is known as the shank. A dancer’s foot,ankle strength and flexibility determines how hard or soft her shank will be. The side wings are the sides of the pointe shoe that keep the foot from moving around in the shoe, and the heel piece clings to

By ANYA YANG

the dancer’s heel so the shoe won’t fall off while dancing. The ribbons that the ballerinas must sew onto the shoe are made of a beautiful satin fabric that can be thought of as the finishing touch.

Pointe shoes look dainty and pretty, but anyone who has heard the sound of or touched a pointe shoe knows that they are rock hard and strong. After all, they do have to support the dancer’s entire body weight on a tiny platform! The tip of the shoe is a box comprised of densely packed layers of fabric, cardboard, and paper hardened by glue. The rest of the shoe is made of leather, cotton, and satin. Each and every shoe is handmade and crafted to fit the dancer’s foot best. Pointe shoes are not one-size-fits-all!

Ballet is a beautiful art form that dancers and nondancers alike can love and enjoy, and it definitely wouldn’t be the same without the magic of pointe shoes. echen@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of BEAUTYCOLORCODES.COM, VECTORSTOCK.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM

Staff Writer

2017 was a disastrous year for Hollywood.

Movie attendance was at its lowest in 25 years, and new releases were poorly received. Wall Street and Hollywood insiders braced themselves for yet another catastrophic year but were pleasantly surprised when movie attendance skyrocketed up to 15.6%. Analysts have equated 2018’s success to the cultural diversity in recent movies and the astonishingly popular sequels.

“Diversity and inclusion in film are paying off big,” comScore box-office analyst Paul Dergarabedian explained. “Black Panther was important on so many levels: box office, culturally, and how it resonated with audiences around the world.

It set the tone in a lot of ways in how the year was going to be different, but much more exciting and financially more robust than anyone had imagined.”

Dergarabedian’s words proved to be true when yet another culturally diverse movie, Crazy Rich Asians, topped the box office with a staggering $76 million. The second weekend after its release surpassed the first weekend and was seen as a watershed moment for Asian-Americans.

Diversity isn’t the only thing keeping the box office up. Sequels and series reigned at theaters this summer! Incredibles 2, Mission: Impos-

sible- Fallout, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

and Deadpool 2 are just a few of the most popular sequel movies. The success of these sequels is remarkable, considering movie series usually don’t do well. In 2016, moviegoers complained about many unnecessary sequels that seemed to be made simply for business purposes. However, 2018’s hit follow-ups are a completely different story.

Surprisingly enough, documentaries also contributed to 2018’s summer rebound. Three Identical Strangers, the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary RBG and the Mr. Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? are just a few of the documentaries that ended up making over $10 million. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? alone made $22 million.

The 2018 domestic revenue hit $6 billion faster than any year in history. It represented an 8% uptick over 2017, and according to a Hollywood Reporter, the “revenue for the full year could set a new record, eclipsing the $11.4 billion collected in 2016.”

2018’s clever mix of documentaries, Disney films, highly anticipated sequels, and culturally diverse movies blended together to save Hollywood from 2017’s dreadful box office numbers and attendance. If 2019 continues using this incredible algorithm, Hollywood will continue to flourish! ayang@apachepowwow.com Photo courtesy of DEADLINE.COM Graphic courtesy of 1001FONTS.COM

September 2018

By NANCY ZHANG

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arcadiaperformingarts@gmail.net

Staff Writer

Nowadays, modern music frequently gets thrown under the bus by people who accuse rappers of mumbling and focusing on immoral topics. All the songs sound similar and have a fairly catchy rhythm that interest millions of teens and millennials. Despite this, they are often criticized for having meaningless lyrics. In contrast, older music is frequently praised for its heartfelt melodies and heartbreaking ballads.

However, much of the older 20th-century music contains outdated messages of damsels in distress and is almost strictly about romance.

Despite many people believing that the lyrics and style hold more depth in older songs, there is not much diversity in the morals of the songs because it is rare to see any classic stray from the topic of being in love.

In terms of musicality, note combinations in older songs have larger ranges. There is a more recognizable distinction in the melodies of different songs since there was a wider variety of instruments used then than nowadays. A lot of times, the instrumentals in modern music are synthetic and made with recycled sound or

are electronically focused. Because fewer instruments can be identified in modern music, the tone (i.e. the sounds being made, such as a cat’s meow in comparison to a trumpet) is not very diverse. This is one of the main differences between old music and modern music.

In addition, the volume of music has exponentially increased as time progressed. According to a study on “intrinsic loudness”, popular mainstream music has gotten louder over the last 60 years, since the 1950s. This was measured by comparing the loudness of a song to other songs played on the same setting of an amplifier. For example, if we compared Drake’s “In My Feelings” to Sir Elton John’s “Your Song”, the difference in volume would be quite drastic. While Drake’s song boasts a deafening bass that thumps in your chest, Elton John’s music typically gives you the sensation of floating down the river in a peaceful state of reverie. Of course, this example is pretty specific. However, both songs generally represent the overall feeling of songs in each generation.

Furthermore, the music genres themselves have changed much since the 20th century.

Those songs are now labeled as “classics” or “oldies”, and are usually emotional ballads per-

fect for serenading. However, the musical charts these days are topped by rappers such as Cardi B. At the same time, some rappers might be R&B singers. Genres back then were very clear.

If the singer was a country singer, then his or her songs would be country songs. Today, artists can fit multiple genres into their music and cause the style of music to become less clear.

For example, Nelly is a well known R&B artist, but he has also won a country music award.

Also, new genres have emerged such as electric folk, best represented by Bon Iver. Evidently, the specific genre that singers and songwriters are presently included in has become increasingly muddled.

The messages in songs are considerably more controversial today than they were 50 years ago. While today’s music revolves around less talked about topics like XXXTentacion’s iconic “Jocelyn Flores”, older songs like Elvis Presley’s famous “Can’t Help Falling in Love” maintain the common theme of falling in love.

With society beginning to discuss silenced topics such as gender equality and racism, singers have also begun to sing about them in their songs. This tends to cause more offense to people than a song about old-fashioned romance

By ELLA TANG Staff Writer

As teenagers in the 2010s, we have all watched movies. With so many years of film under the world’s belt, there are now a variety of different themes and stories that fit everyone’s preferences. We watch movies for the stories they tell and also the meaning of them. Moreover, some movies are more interesting than books because of how well the stories are acted out. Therefore, actors help make movies special.

Most of the time people only like the heroes in movies such as Harry Potter, Avengers, etc.

We like heroes because of the good things they do and because of how well the script is written. However, most of us never really like the villains. Think about it—the villains do all the bad things, and the heroes help everyone; and the films are made so that we are biased toward the heroes. No one will choose the villains before getting more information about their past.

Meanwhile, those villains are also acted out by actors just like the heroes are. They use their excellent skills to act out the characters and express how a villain should be like in a movie. However, some actors are getting disrespected because of the roles they have taken.

All they did was do their best to make the movie better. But, in our point of view, we only see the bad side of the actors. If this is the only thing we will see, then liking the character is impossible—or even liking the actors behind those

characters. The actors who play the role of a villain have done nothing wrong. All they did was act out their best and bring the characters to life no matter how good or bad the characters were.

After pondering the role of the actors in movies, we forget the reason as to why we watch movies. We watch movies because they show stories in different ways and bring them into reality. We watch them because of how well the actors act. Therefore, don’t dislike actors because of the characters they played. Although those evil villains may appear to us in our mind with the face of those actors, the actors are not those villains. Always remember to separate reality from fiction.

In conclusion, don’t ever think that an actor is bad just because of his or her character in certain movies. Those villains may try to stop the main character from growing or from living. However, the actors are not villains themselves. In reality, they may also be nice people who are willing to help others. Therefore, don’t dislike anyone before really getting to understand that person’s life and personality. etang@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of PINTEREST.COM, VECTEEZY.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM

would have. Although it may be a good thing that less accepted morals are being introduced to the musical world, it might be difficult for older generations to accept certain songs that use derogatory terms in the lyrics.

All in all, these points conclude that the quality of music was technically better in our parents’ youth than that in current music. The melody is more appealing to our ears in older songs because musicians did not have the computer programs to quickly come up with catchy tunes, so they spent a lot of time manually polishing them out. In addition, the songs were more peaceful in terms of volume and interpreted meanings. Yet, music is perceived differently by different individuals and there can never be a set answer to what sounds people appreciate. So despite the arguments put out, there will always be somebody who prefers the catchiness of Wiz Khalifa over Amy Winehouse. It all depends on the environment and culture they were brought up in and their own unique taste in music. nzhang@apachepowwow.com Photos courtesy of DREAMSTIME.COM, STJOECOT.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM

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sports.powwow@gmail.com

September 2018

TACKLING THE SEASON

By COLLIN GAJA

Staff Writer

The season is looking great so far for Boys Varsity Football. With a 1-1 record so far, the boys are starting off strong and are unrelenting.

On the Friday of the first week of school, the Apaches faced off against La Salle High School (LSHS) in their first game of the season. Winning 64-0, the boys decimated the opponents, leaving no room for mercy or a score. The

game started off a bit slow, as both teams’ offense and defense seemed to be on par. Neither team seemed to be able to score a single point. However, this all changed in the second quarter as the boys broke through their defense and scored their first point. It wasn’t over yet, as all throughout the second quarter, the boys were scoring point after point. By the end of the second quarter, the boys scored 50-0, leaving LSHS in the dust. This unprecedented event hasn’t been seen in recent years. Camera opera-

tor Jake Gamst stated, “Arcadia just kept down on the La Salle team with what I would call a historic 50 point lead in that single quarter alone.” By the third quarter, the boys managed to reach 58 points with LSHS still unable to score a single point. Finally, in the fourth quarter, the boys finished the game with an astounding score of 64 points. The boys ended their win with a complete sweep as LSHS left without a single point. The boys have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with and made a

PLAYERS IN ACTION The Apaches faced off the players from La Salle High School, passionately determined to win. Ultimately, the game ended 64-0, and the Apaches won a historic victory.

name for themselves at the start of the season.

Their next game took place on Aug. 24 at Cathedral High School (CHS). The boys came in feeling strong and confident as their last win boosted their morale. The boys started off the game with a strong offense and defense. The game was close as CHS took the lead with 0-6. Their first quarter against CHS was long and hard, as they had a much stronger defense and offense, which led to a difficult first quarter. This was clearly exemplified in the second quarter as Arcadia took the lead with a score of 10-6. The team was briefly able to break CHS’ defense and managed to score 10 points uncontested. However, their victory was short lived as by the end of the second quarter CHS was able to surpass Arcadia and reclaim the lead of 10-12 points. Jake commented that “quarter two was long and strenuous on both teams [as] they both struggled back and forth for the ball.” These ultimately ended up as the only additional points that the Apaches scored that game, as in quarter three the boys couldn’t fend off CHS’ offense, allowing them to score 10-27. The boys, worn out and tired, couldn’t manage CHS’ offense and by the final round, CHS ended the game 10-33.

Yet, the Boys Varsity Football team is still looking promising, as the players made a name for themselves and proved themselves worthy in their division. Utilizing strong offense and defense, the boys were able to play on par with some of their toughest opponents. The boys played amazingly against their opponents so far, and we wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season! cgaja@apachepowwow.net Photo by PARISA HAQ

MAKING WAVES TO PACIFIC LEAGUE

By JASMINE OANG

Staff Writer

Boys Varsity Water Polo started practicing a few weeks before school started in preparation for the Pacific League season that started on Aug. 23 with a game against Alta Loma High School (ALHS). Co-Captain junior Christian Lowe described the team’s summer practices saying, “To prep for the season [in the] summer, we communicated and met with each other to review plays.” When school started, the boys began “prepping during [their] morning workouts” and focusing on “the outlook of practice and what [skills] to go over” to maximize their productivity.

During a typical morning workout, the team members lift weights to “build muscle” while focusing on other skills during practice, like “stamina, so [that they] can last longer in the water.” Senior Matthew Gao explained how “in the pool [they] focus a lot on ball handling, shooting, scrimmage drills, and leg workouts” to pinpoint certain fundamentals.

As for the game against ALHS, the team fought hard but struggled to pull through in the second quarter. Christian offered his opinion and stated, ”It was a very close and tough game.

Everything started going downhill [and] soon four of our starters were kicked out of the game to watch on the bench, and we ended up losing 11-16.” For Matthew, a valuable lesson from the game was to “never judge the possibility of the game by a team’s size or strength” noting that ALHS had “powerful shots” and it was just “an unlucky game” for miscellaneous reasons. However, adding on to what Christian mentioned about four players being removed, Matthew emphasized, “Our subs did an amazing job; they were not able to keep up, but they fought hard.” The season is still fresh and the boys have many opportunities to improve.

One of those opportunities was a match against Temple City High School on Aug. 28. During the first quarter, the team kept up well with its tough opponents trailing only 5-6 before the second half. Describing the team’s energy, Christian added, “We came out to match our opponent’s intensity.” However, he noted, “As we started making more and more mistakes in the second half, we fell apart as a team, slowly giving up goals that shouldn’t have [gone] in,” and added, “We couldn’t communicate well enough so that we, as a team, were on the [same] page. Because of this, we weren’t able to make good passes or make good shots.” As

FIRST OF THE SEASON Boys Varsity Water Polo played its first match against Atla Loma High School (ALHS), finishing 11-16. a result, the team lost 12-18. Not to worry, the team learned a lot from this game including that the players, in Christian’s words, are “not as bad as [they] thought,” and that it can “work harder because every game is winnable.”

The same diligent work ethic paid off during a game against Glendora High School (GHS) on Aug. 30. Before the game, GHS was undefeated with a league record of 2-0. Starting out, the boys struggled with scoring and went 0-3 in shot attempts. However, the Apaches, or the “underdogs” as Christian noted, “rallied and pulled together in the third quarter,

remembering it wasn’t over.” After fighting a close game, the team gained the advantage and won 9-7. Christian reflected, “This has changed our outlook by telling us that even though a team is rated higher than us, they can be beaten through hard work and perseverance.”

As of now, the team is 1-3 in league but is already working towards making improvements and building team chemistry. Good luck Apaches, you can do it! joang@apachepowwow.net Photo courtesy of ELLA CHO

September 2018

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By NANCY ZHANG

Staff Writer

Joining a sports team can be simultaneously exciting and incredibly daunting. On the one hand, it is the perfect opportunity to become passionate in something beneficial to your physical health as well as a chance to make new friends.

On the other hand, a sports team requires extreme dedication and commitment. It will have to become a priority when compared to other activities that students might be used to indulging in during their free time, such as hanging out with friends or finishing homework. Their schedule for after school practices, games, and special events will be directly juxtaposed against other important and prioritized extracurriculars such as volunteering or music lessons. Studentathletes will see the benefits of inclusion in the tight chemistry of a team, but not before having to deal with the struggles of fitting in homework for harder classes and maintaining a social life outside of school. So with all that being said, is joining a sports team really worth the extra effort?

“Yes,” said sophomore Maureen Zhang, a track and field athlete mainly focused on hurdles and short distance. She humorously acknowledges that “being a part of the track team sig-

nificantly increased [her] level of daily pain.”

By stating this, Maureen truthfully recognized that the physical effort exerted in track and field causes her to frequently be tired and sore. Yet, she still immediately said, “Yes, it is worth the extra effort.” She stated that it also positively impacted her life by forcing her to improve her time management and social skills, thus changing her old methods of organization that would not work in high school. The sudden responsibility she faces daily is an experience that will be useful to her later in life. Rather than letting the scheduling conflicts damage her motivation, she utilizes it to “learn how to balance extracurriculars and school work.” Maureen is also in the ASB class council, so she is the epitome of a busy bee. “While the afterschool time commitment has greatly affected my ability to join other clubs and organizations,” she said, “the bonds I’ve made with my teammates have created friendships I know I can count on.”

Sophomore Chalmers Tse from Boys Varsity Swim agrees completely. He repeated Maureen’s belief of time commitment almost exactly by stating that “joining a sport does take a lot of time and energy, but it allows you to develop your time management skills and the exercise you need.” Once again, here is an ambitious

student-athlete willing to balance the difficult commitment of a sport because it improves his time management skills rather than degrading it as is popular belief. Furthermore, he reiterated the significant social bonds made within his sports team by saying that they “brought [him] closer to [his] friends, especially during meets or bonding events which made swim that much more fun.” Chalmers also mentioned that he made “new bonds with upperclassmen” despite being just a freshman last year.

In addition, being on a sports team can provide support for hesitant or timid freshmen in becoming more approachable while expanding their social circles, according to sophomore Justin Wu. Justin is a volleyball player who believes that a sports team can have a positive impact on making new friendships.

He explained how “it was easy to bond with other[s] through a common passion” of volleyball and that making and “having friends made the season a lot more enjoyable.”

Justin’s main concern with being on a sports team is the strict time commitment and responsibility that comes with extra practices and games. He is also a part of Band, another notoriously timeconsuming group, so he understands the differences in both. “Daily practices after school forced me to be more productive in shorter pe-

riods of time, and the time commitments gave me less time to relax,” he recalled honestly.

There is quite a common theme in the opinions of student-athletes on the consequences, both positive and negative, of being bound to a sports team. These three student-athletes, for example, all appreciate the experience of bonding with fellow teammates and enjoy being introduced to new people in new settings who are enthusiastic about the same activity. However, they are also vividly aware of the difficult schedules they need to maintain. Still, they don’t appear to regret their decision in joining a sports team their freshman year. In fact, it actually helped them transition into high school life by helping them develop time management skills and make new friends. So to all the freshmen who are unsure of whether or not to try out for a sports team because of the intimidating dedication it requires, the experiences of Maureen, Chalmers, and Justin have hopefully convinced you to give it a chance. The benefits can outnumber the possible challenges and positively impact your life. nzhang@apachepowwow.net Photo by PARISA HAQ Graphic courtesy of CLIPARTXTRAS. COM, PIXABAY.COM, and 1001FONTS.COM

ATHLETE PROFILE: TIFFANY LO

By JUSTIN CHEN

Staff Writer

As the school year begins, so do fall sports. Junior Tiffany Lo, a player on the Girls Varsity Golf team, voiced her thoughts for this coming season, as well as for her own individual tournament play outside of school.

Tiffany first remarked on her performance last year, both on the team and as an individual.

She said, “I’ve improved a lot from last year.

After playing so many tournaments over the summer, my short game, accuracy, and game sense have all immensely improved.” Tiffany also mentioned that “practicing isn’t always necessarily the way to get better. For me, just playing a lot of courses helped me improve.”

Through intense hard work and many hours out on the golf course, it seems that Tiffany’s determination has paid off. She recently qualified into the Toyota Tour Cup (TTC), which is a tournament organization for more advanced golfers all around California. With Southern California being arguably the most competitive area for junior golfers in the U.S., qualifying into TTC is no easy feat. Tiffany noted, “It took a lot, and I mean a lot, of tournaments to earn my spot on TTC. And man was it worth it.”

As for last year’s golf season, our Apaches made it to the first round of CIF before being knocked out. Tiffany commented, “Yeah, it sucked. But we still won our league and made it to round one of CIF. This year, we are going to top that.” Tiffany’s confidence emanates throughout the team, as everyone shares Tiffany’s dream of winning CIF. Speaking of dreams, Tiffany’s goal has always been to “win CIF and build a stronger team, both as friends and on the course”. And with some practice, the dream doesn’t seem that farfetched. “It’s definitely within reach. We’ll just have to play at the top of our game,” said Tiffany.

Just recently, Tiffany and the girls played at the two-day Chappy Wheeler Tournament in Palm Desert. The team was competing against 18 other teams from around Southern California, so the girls had to bring their A-game if they wanted a chance at the title. Although the girls didn’t do as well as they had hoped, our Apaches still had a great time and placed 5th.

Tiffany, the low medalist for the team, commented, “We had a great time because even though we didn’t do as well as we wanted to, we bonded a lot with each other because the team stayed overnight and ate dinner together, and I believe we grew a lot closer that weekend.”

TOP QUALIFIER Junior Tiffany Luo smiles after qualifying for the prestigious and competitive Toyota Tour Cup (TTC).

As for Tiffany’s practicing, she has been “practicing more, not just on the range, but also on the course more and getting more involved with the game.” With countless drills and plenty of hours of sweat and practice, Tiffany’s eyes are tunnel-visioned on the CIF

title. And she isn’t losing focus. We wish you the best of luck Tiffany and hope you continue pursuing your endeavors in golf! jchen@apachepowwow.net Photo by KALI TAM

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By YOKO INOUE Staff Writer

Studio Ghibli is famous for its meaningful and impactful movies. Below are some of its most popular ones that everyone should watch.

My Neighbor Totoro: My Neighbor Totoro is about two girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside so that they can live closer to their hospitalized mother. In their new home, they discover many magical creatures, such as the makkuro kurosukes, small blob-like creatures created out of soot.

Mei goes out into the forest and finds odd creatures. She follows them deeper into the forest to a much larger version of them, and she decides to call it Totoro.

Whenever you’re feeling down, My Neighbor Totoro will surely bring a smile back on your face. Watching Satsuki and Mei go on their many adventures with their furry friends is a truly fun sight to see. Even the songs make you want to march along with the beat.

The Wind Rises:

The Wind Rises is about the life of Jiro Horikoshi during World War II. After saving a young girl named Nahoko and her maid when a deadly earthquake struck, they meet again as adults. Jiro and Nahoko fall in love, but Nahoko has tuberculosis and will not live long.

This movie is truly touching to watch as you see Jiro struggle with the troubles in his life, and how Nahoko is always providing comfort for him. The ending will bring you to tears as you see Nahoko’s spirit telling Jiro to live his life to the fullest. The song for the movie is also very lovely and emotional since it was based on the true story of a girl who wanted to be a pilot but could never be one.

Howl’s Moving Castle: Howl’s Moving Castle was originally a book written by Diana Wynne Jones. The movie adaptation follows the adventures of Sophie, who was cursed to be an old lady by the Wicked Witch of the West and goes to a Wizard named Howl for help. At Howl’s home, she works as a housekeeper and begins to fall in love with him.

If you haven’t seen Howl’s Moving Castle yet, you definitely should. Although the movie

By MELODY YANG

Staff Writer

For many, chewing gum has become a daily habit, but only a few tend to think about the pros and cons it entails. Chewing gum can have many health benefits when enjoyed in moderation, but can also damage your body when done excessively.

There is a huge list of benefits chewing gum can have on your body, one of which is that it can actually relieve and help heartburn issues. When you chew gum, extra saliva is produced, and once the saliva is swallowed, it works to balance stomach acids. It is even able to push the acids back, preventing heartburn from occurring. It is said that chewing gum for 30 minutes can relieve heartburn for at least three hours. The extra saliva produced by chewing gum is also able to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, freshening your breath. People who chew gum gener-

can get a bit strange with Sophie’s sudden age change, it keeps you hooked as you wonder what Sophie’s going to do next. Not only is Sophie hardworking and courageous, but she also has a no-nonsense personality that just makes you want to laugh and cheer her on.

Spirited Away: While moving to the countryside, Chihiro’s parents took a wrong turn and ended up passing through a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, Chihiro’s parents find open restaurants and decide to eat and pay later. Chihiro, deciding not to eat and instead explore, discovers that the place her family stumbled upon was a bathhouse where gods go to relax. She goes back to her parents only to find them turned into pigs.

Chihiro faces humorous but difficult hardships as she attempts to change her parents back to human and avoid the same fate as them.

The music for Spirited Away is haunting yet memorable. The songs match perfectly with the slightly creepy vibe the movie portrays.

Once you watch it, you will forever remember a bloated Faceless dripping and emptying the contents of his stomach as he chases after Chi-

ally have a sweeter breath due to the fact that they have a lower amount of bacteria in their mouths.

One of the biggest advantages of chewing gum is that it can help people lose weight.

Chewing gum can prevent comfort eating since it replicates the chewing motion of when you actually eat something and reduces the urge to eat. Breaking the habit of snacking in unhealthy proportions can ultimately lead to weight loss. Gum is also known for being able to help with cravings and even lower a person’s appetite.

Despise all these benefits, there are also many cons to chewing gum. It is known to cause bloating, excess wear on your teeth, and tooth decay. When you chew gum, you swallow air in the process, which then reacts with the bacteria found in your digestive tract.

Sugar alcohols found in gum, such as xylitol, are unable to be completely digested, leading to gas and bloating. Many chewing gums

September 2018

contents of his stomach as he chases after Chihiro.

Pom Poko: As humans began to tear down their forest, shapeshifting raccoons fight to preserve their home and prevent extinction.

While Pom Poko is not as well-known as Studio Ghibli’s other movies, it is still just as impactful. Watching the raccoons struggle to keep their homes, with some even sacrificing themselves, will bring tears to your eyes. They do their best to survive and even pretend to be humans. This movie is definitely worth watching because it makes you sympathize with the animals. Although their forest was torn down, the raccoons never let go of the memory of their home.

Whether you like comedic films or ones that make you feel warm inside, Studio Ghibli has a movie for everyone to enjoy. yinoue@apachepowwow.net

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contain high levels of sugar that contribute to tooth decay if too much is chewed. The sugar promotes bacterial growth around and in our teeth and gums despite the extra saliva reducing some of their numbers. The exposure to more sugar can eventually lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

The best way to prevent this from happening, while still gaining the benefits of chewing gum, is to opt for a sugarless gum instead.

There are many benefits to chewing gum, but there are also many risks. However, measures can be taken to prevent disadvantages from happening while reaping the benefits at the same time. Chewing gum can become a healthy habit, but only if done in moderation.

Happy chewing! myang@apachepowwow.net

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September 2018

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By IRIS LIM

By JASMINE OANG

Staff Writer

As homework starts to pile up and the weather finally starts to cool down, it’s time to plan trips to the pumpkin patches, movies, and bonfires with your friends and family. Here’s a bucket list of fun adventures to start this season right!

Pumpkin Patch/Corn Maze Bright oranges, contrasting whites, and other warm colors give off the perfect autumn vibe. You can snap pictures, pick out a pumpkin to carve, or just spend the day having fun! It can be a great thing to add to your fall to-do list.

Some pumpkin patches even have corn mazes and haunted hayrides, making the trip even better. Just don’t get lost in the corn maze and discover a dead body…(Where are my Bones buds?)

Friday Night Lights Since fall also marks the return of school, it’s important to note that it’s also football season! Sports might not be your thing, but there are so many great reasons to go. Join the Red Sea and get dressed up in red and gold while singing, chanting, and making memories! The games are a great way to channel your Apache spirit, get cheap, delicious baked potatoes and nachos, and hang out with everyone. Our football team has been doing fairly well too, so it’s a win-win situation.

Hot Cocoa & S’mores Bonfire Who doesn’t love s’mores and hot cocoa? Since the weather is finally cooling down, circling around a campfire, singing, laughing, and making memories is a great way to hang out with your friends (you guys can spill some tea). It’s a fun excuse to eat chocolate and marshmallows!

Horror Movie Night Fall is also the time to be hyped up for Halloween! Or, if you’re looking for a great way to stir up the night, pop some popcorn, grab some fuzzy blankets, and hop on the couch!

Throw on a few horror movies such as A Quiet Place, or Truth or Dare. If you’re looking to finish off the night happy, I recommend To All the Boys I’ve Ever Loved Before or a Disney movie.

Bake Cookies!

You could probably combine this with one of the other activities but, who doesn’t love cookies? Warm, chocolatey cookies, fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk on a cool day is just the perfect way to make a long school day better.

Don’t worry if you don’t get to baking cookies because winter is right around the corner and you know what that means...

MORE COOKIES! joang@apachepowwow.net

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Staff Writer

Straws have been a very controversial topic in the last year. Many people say that abolishing straws won’t make a difference, while many others—including myself—believe that straws really do create a huge difference. For instance, Americans alone use 500 million straws a day. Because of this, 71% of seabirds and 30% of sea turtles have been found with straws in their stomachs. Others believe plastic straws are so small that it doesn’t really matter when compared to plastic bags. In this article, I want to explain the pros of going strawless and some straw alternatives you can use.

Why do straws matter? I agree that straws are a really small element of the billions of pounds of plastic trash, but it’s better to start somewhere than nowhere. Some people believe that these straws are recyclable. In fact, straws are not recyclable since disposable straws are typically a byproduct of petroleum. Because of this, straws will only continue to fill up landfills and our ocean.

With these statistics, by 2050 there will be more straws in the ocean than actual fish. Straws are already affecting sea life; turtles, whales, fish, and seabirds are ingesting them and are choking to death. Some turtles have even gotten straws stuck in their nostrils, preventing them from being able to breathe. Straws are horrible for the environment, can cause danger to marine life, and will sooner or later affect us as well.

So, what can you do? Straws are in high demand in the U.S. because Americans use approximately 1.6 straws a day. When you use a straw, you should try to find ones that are recyclable or compostable. The most popular recyclable straws are ones that are food-grade stainless steel and glass, while the most popular compostable straws are bamboo and paper straws. Food-grade stainless steel straws are perfect for cold drinks, are super durable, are dishwasher safe, and have an aesthetic, sleek look. Glass straws are easy to clean, compatible to almost any drink, especially smoothies, and are dishwasher safe. The only con about glass straws is that they are extremely brittle. Paper straws are cheap, kid-friendly, have many intricate designs, and are great for outside events. A con is that paper straws are a one-time-use. Bamboo straws are my personal favorite because of their versatility in all types of drinks and, the fact that they are naturally antibacterial, dishwasher safe, and child-friendly. Even businesses, such as Starbucks and Alaskan Airlines, are contributing to this cause by vowing to go strawless within the next few years.

To conclude, I hope you have learned the many dangers of one-time-use plastic straws and learned about many alternatives. Hopefully, you can learn to stop using plastic straws! ilim@apachepowwow.net

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By ALEXIS KIM

Staff Writer

Living in California, you’ve likely seen how abundant succulents are in plant nurseries all around the area! Because succulents are desert plants, many people assume that they do not need much care if they are able to survive the harsh conditions. But this is not always the case, especially for most common indoor succulents. However, if you follow this guide, you’ll be able to keep your plants happy and healthy!

If you are new to indoor succulent care, it is recommended that you start with naturally green succulents—Haworthia, Jades, Gasterias, and Vicks—as they do not require as much light as the brightly colored ones.

Because they are made for the consistently sunny environments that you, luckily, experience in Los Angeles, you’ll want to keep your plants near a window that receives light all day or the otherwise brightest spot in your house. If you find that rough brown patches have formed on the leaves, your succulent may be sunburnt from too much exposure to the sun.

One of the most common questions about succulents is how much water they require, and the answer may surprise you. They don’t need frequent watering, but they like their soil to be drenched first and then allowed to dry over a few days. This replicates a desert environment, as the roots will soak up as much water from the rain as possible before a drought. Use a watering can instead of a spray bottle to soak the soil, and wait until it is completely dry to water it again. This will depend on the plant and location, so if your succulent dries in five days, then water every five days. During the cooler months, this number might change depending on the dormant period of your plant, so you’ll want to do a little bit of research to prevent overwatering.

Lastly, although it seems like a lot of work, succulents are actually relatively low-maintenance plants, so don’t be afraid to try. Plus, they’re super cute and perfect for making a small indoor garden. If you have gone out to buy a succulent, I want to welcome you to this wonderful world of tiny plants! I hope that you’ll enjoy this adorable addition to your home. akim@apachepowwow.net

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By KATIE WEN Staff Writer The start of a new school year brings both joy and stress for many students. Seniors experience their final first day of high school while freshmen walk through the halls feeling the emotions of excitement, confusionl, and nervousness all at once. Senior Alex Yen walks into school at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesdays while the rest of his peers are sleeping in. While the late start Wednesdays elicit mixed reactions from students, it’s all the same to SMW members such as Alex, who come to school early on Wednesdays. He added, the late start Wednesdays “give the opportunity for clubs and other organizations to have more time for meetings.” In regards to stress level, Alex admitted that “senior year has been more stressful than my other three years of high school.”

Things seem to bode well for junior Clarisse Cao, a member of the school’s choir, who is excited to reunite with her friends. She explained, “So far, it’s been wonderful getting to know and cooperating with so many different people. I’m glad to be back in choir.

I’ve missed singing with my friends and learning new repertoire.”

However, sophomores like Lauren Kai are slowly adapting to the stress of their second year of high school. “All of my upperclassmen friends told me that sophomore year went by like a breeze, but this year is going by really slow for me compared to last year,” sighed Lauren. Nevertheless, she is ready to tackle on new responsibilities and is looking forward to water polo season.

Although the year has just begun, we are sure that 20182019 school year will provide students with new challenges, new memories, and new opportunities to grow.

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September 2018