Issue 02 2018 by The Tower

THE

The Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School || September

TOWER Issue 02 MMXVIII

The Details Colophon The Tower is printed by Streeter Printing Company in Mira Mesa, CA. For this issue’s layout, the Staff used Adobe InDesign, Adobe CC (CS9), and Photoshop CC (CS9) to arrange photographs and graphics. We printed and distributed 500 copies of Issue 02 to the Bishop’s community. Typefaces included Eskapade on our cover, Minion Pro for our headlines and covers, and Times New Roman for our body text. Issue 02 and previous issues of The Tower are available digitally on issuu.com.

Philosophy The Tower is a student-run publication at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, CA. Writers and editors work together to enhance the Bishop’s community and stimulate meaningful conversation through the collection and distribution of news and other information. The Tower aims to educate The Bishop’s community about issues that pertain to the experience of young adults. Sections of The Tower include Academic, Sports, Arts, Culture, Local, Beyond, Opinion, and The Bell.

Policy All materials featured in The Tower are student-done and/or from the Bishop’s community. All articles reflect The Tower’s philosophy and goal to deliver relevant content to the Bishop’s community. The Tower works with the administration by communicating about sensitive topics to ensure the safety of Bishop’s students and to confirm all topics are approached in an appropriate manner. The Tower does not engage in prior review of its issues, and publishes anonymous quotes when the privacy of an individual is a concern.

Contributors

Editors-in-Chief: Sara Michael Isabelle Kenagy Amy Carlyle Copy Editors: Leah Parsons Jake Stenger Graphics Assistant: Olivia Ralph Sports Editor: Alyssa Huynh Faculty Advisor: Ms. Laine Remignanti Staff Writers: Kendall Forte, Ethan Franco, Carly Phoon, Harper White, Sophie Pilarski, Maggie Keefe, Alex Cotton, Kyle Berlage, Sariah Hossain, Alina Kureshi, Michelle Wang

Contact

The Bishop’s School 7607 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 Email: thetower@bishops.com Instagram: @thebishopstower Twitter: @thebishopstower Facebook: TBS The Tower

From an Editor-in-Chief Many have heard of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park in Illinois. It’s where you can find many of his famous designs; a mecca for architecture connoisseurs. La Jolla is akin to the Oak Park of Irving Gill’s work. In a small several-block area, there are five Gill buildings: The Women’s Club, The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Recreation Center, Wisteria Cottage, and, of course, Bishop’s. His work spans San Diego and Southern California, but La Jolla holds Gill’s heart and soul. It was here that he found his main benefactor, partner, and I would even go as far as to say muse: Ellen Browning Scripps. It was with Scripps that Gill was able to develop his personal jewel, our school. Bishop’s exemplifies the Gill style. In this issue, Sariah Hossain (‘22) explores the architecture of this campus in a new way: she examines the effect of architecture on our learning and personal growth. Sariah’s points would certainly make Ms. Scripps proud of the legacy of education she started. Jake Stenger (‘19) takes us further into the local culture by examining the surf tradition that has shaped La Jolla’s commercial and recreational life for years. His analysis of the history and significance of surf culture takes us to the roots of a pastime that so many Bishopians currently relish in. Issue 02 is certainly one for the quintessential local. It paints a picture of La Jolla’s history and how it informs and molds our current experiences. From the artistic sophistication that has attracted ambitious collectors to the gritty surf culture that inspired Tom Wolfe to write The Pumphouse Gang, La Jolla remains our constant backdrop here on campus. My whole life I have been waiting to leave this sheltered albeit beautiful community but as I read this issue and pencil in my college list simultaneously, I am reminded of the luck I have been granted. This campus and town are small havens we all get to pass through, and I hope to keep that in mind as I lounge on the senior lawn and take in the awe-inspiring view of Gill’s creation. Isabelle Kenagy (‘19)

The Details

Sports Still Got Game Leah Parsons

Cover Story The Architecture of Learning Sariah Hossain

Culture Food for Thought Sara Michael

IN THIS ISSUE

Local

Opinion

Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Backyard: A Playgroud of Waves Jake Stenger

Of Sound Mind and Body Alyssa Huynh

Beyond The Higher Education Game Amy Carlyle Dearly Departed Carly Phoon

The Bell Voices from the Quad Maggie Keefe Quiz Top Ten

COVER STORY THE ARCHITECTURE OF LEARNING Sariah Hossain

he motto of The Bishop’s School. It puts Ellen Browning Scripps’ and school architect Irving Gill’s fundamental wishes for the school into three concise words. Working in tandem to plan and design our first buildings, Scripps and Gill took that ideal and translated it into the campus that surrounds us. Their goal was to foster an environment of, yes, honor and integrity, but also of the academic excellence Bishop’s is now known for. Various factors affect that academic excellence–upbringing, motivation,

“Simplicitas, serenitas, sinceritas.” amount of sleep–but our physical environment is one of the biggest. These surroundings have subconscious effects on the way students’ brains function. In a school environment, habits like maintaining focus and retaining information are priorities. Scripps selected Gill to design the school because she was confident that he would use his skill set to create the optimal environment for students, and he delivered. Every circle, arch, and square–the most common shapes in Gill’s works–

The Bishop’s School, as seen from above.

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has a purpose. Take a look around the quad–follow the line of Bentham’s domed roof and the peaks of the archway lining the Gilman offices. Curves like these are some of the figures most pleasing to the human eye. Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins University conducted an experiment: they created ten sets of images, 25 shapes on each. Each shape was a slight variation on the same figure: one more rounded, one with sharper edges, one wider, one slimmer. Visitors marked their most preferred and least preferred shape on

ACADEMIC

a ballot. The rounded shapes were significantly more popular. Another experiment from University of Toronto looked at people’s preferences in architecture. Test subjects were shown 200 images–some of rooms with round columns and oval ottomans and others with harsh lines and square coffee tables. The first type of room was called beautiful almost twice as often as the second, and brain scans taken during the experiment showed that observing the rounded figures resulted in increased brain activity. Gill knew that the utmost priority when designing a space should be how those using it feel while they’re in it. As his mentor Louis Sullivan famously stated, “form ever follows function.” Gill knew how Scripps wanted the students to react to the campus and designed the buildings accordingly. On a smaller, classroom-size scale, color has one of the largest impacts on our learning ability. The color palette of a room helps define its purpose. What do you feel when you walk into a classroom? Tired? Energized? Subconsciously, connections are formed between the sight of a color and a mood or feeling. Our brains are doing too many things at the same time; making associations like these are like shortcuts, and we all know the im-

portance of efficiency as Bishopians. According to the Smithsonian Institution, shorter wavelengths like greens and blues stimulate the visual cortex in a way that increases creativity

are the aspects of our environment that end up helping us most. “My absolute favorite place to study on campus is right in the middle of the quad,” comments Charlie Johnson (‘22). “I love how green the grass is and we’re so lucky to have such a beautiful landscape at our school.” Next to appropriate colors, windows in a classroom are essential. The American Institute of Architects found that abundant natural light boosted serotonin levels in teenagers’ brains. Serotonin, often called the “happy chemical,” transmits signals between your nerve cells and contributes to overall well-being. The right colors and the right light give us a learning environment tailored to the largest amount of productivity. Think of your favorite spots on campus to study. Does it add up? A Salford University study in 2013 claimed that well-designed classrooms could improve student performance by 25%. Although they lived more than a century earlier, it seems that Scripps and Gill knew it. The smooth lines of Bentham Hall, the lush greens of the ivy and the quad, the arched windows lining our walkways–each one is a crucial factor in our performance at this school. Our campus is beautiful for a reason. Take advantage of it.

“Every circle, arch, and square the most common shapes in Gill’s works has a purpose.” and reduces stress (which could counteract the sea of red that is the senior rec room). Blue keeps you awake, and green helps you remember–both useful aids in a school setting. Muted shades of green and blue are the colors we see most often in Bishop’s classrooms. Sometimes a little bland, yes, but they

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SPORTS STILL GOT GAME Leah Parsons

icture this: your soccer coach, sprinting down the field in victory after scoring the winning goal. Or your volleyball coach, diving to the floor to save the ball. How about your tennis coach, leaping to hit a powerful backhand while the crowd cheers? Meet three coaches from three different corners of Bishop’s who have their own unique and impressive athletic backstories.

Assistant Director of Athletics and football coach Mr. Shane Walton (‘98) did not play many sports in his youth; rather, he was immersed in soccer at age three and continues to compete today in a men’s league, alongside some of the same people he played with at age ten. Even though it seems like his specialty now, Coach Walton did not participate in organized football until he entered ninth grade at Bishop’s. Before joining the team, he played tackle football for fun with the kids in his neighborhood on the only grassy area they had: the one in front of juvenile hall. “In my neighborhood there are like three or four guys who made it to the National Football League (NFL), so it’s kind of funny because it’s a small neighborhood but there are a bunch of guys who played professionally,” he said. Coach Walton eventually went on to play football at Notre Dame, and after this enjoyed time as a safety in the NFL.

Mr. Shane Walton

Throughout high school at Bishop’s Coach Walton participated in the varsity soccer team that won CIF ten years straight. For this reason, he was initially recruited to Notre Dame for soccer, which he played his freshman year. Something about college football drew him in, and he became involved in football for the rest of his three years in college. “I just remember being on the soccer field at Notre Dame at practice and the football field was right next to ours, and all I could think about at soccer practice was the football team, so I wanted to be over there,” he said. After college, Coach Walton transitioned to the NFL. He injured his back and had surgery on it during his rookie year with the St. Louis Rams, and needed surgery again after being signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, the injury prevented him from playing to his full potential, which put him off football for a few years. “That part was very difficult for me because I didn’t get to go out on my own terms. I would have rather just not have been good enough and lived with it. Then there’s not what ifs, but if you’re injured then there’s so many what ifs,” he said. Thankfully, Coach Walton was able to transition back into the sport through coaching, where he can impart his wisdom from the many years he spent playing.

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SPORTS Associate Director of Admissions and Middle School Boys’ Lacrosse coach Mr. Francis Donald grew up in Dallas playing many sports from a young age, including (but not limited to) soccer, baseball, football, ice hockey, basketball, and swimming. In seventh grade, a coach at his school introduced him to lacrosse, and the sport caught his full attention. He continued to play throughout high school and into his years at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. Mr. Donald accredited the East Coast culture as the catalyst for his focus and passion toward lacrosse. “I was used to playing lots of sports [in high school] and then all the sudden I was focusing on one sport [in college], so my skill level jumped exponentially, and it was just a really cool culture. Upstate New York is where lacrosse originated with the Native Americans,” Mr. Donald said. He explained how for the Iroquois tribe, lacrosse is a “way of life,” demonstrated by their practice of placing miniature lacrosse sticks in baby cradles. This passion for his sport took Coach Donald to the World Lacrosse Championships in Israel last summer, where he volunteered to coach the Ugandan team and learned new skills such as how to coach in another language. “I’m in touch with [the Ugandan team] everyday, through Facebook and WhatsApp and Instagram. It was nice because they truly appreciated the experience, and they want more, so we’re trying to figure out how to get them more,” he said about his plans to return.

Mr. Francis Donald

Ms. Cayla Liptak, a Health and Physical Education teacher as well as field hockey and lacrosse coach, is filled with contagious energy and passion. She, similarly to Coach Donald, had dabbled in a variety of sports during her childhood in Connecticut. The long list includes soccer, basketball, softball, and swim team. But, through high school, lacrosse crept into first place for her, due to its fast pace and the excitement it brought as a relatively new and obscure sport. Coach Liptak chose to continue her lacrosse career at Bowdoin College in Maine. She played there for all four years except sophomore year, when she took up an opportunity to play on the Wesleyan College team as part of an exchange program. “It was a very exciting atmosphere, and I’ve been able to maintain friendships with those teammates from Wesleyan even though it was such a brief four or five months with them. It was really a powerful experience,” she said.

Ms. Cayla Liptak

Just like Coach Donald, Coach Liptak had the pleasure of observing lacrosse in the context of a different culture when she took her women’s youth club team last year to the World Cup in England. She noted that “quite a few teams had traditional dances they would do kind of like psych-up dances before, and national anthems were always playing. It was a different environment.”

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CULTURE FOOD FOR THOUGHT Sara Michael

From left to right: Ms. Laura Rivas, Ms. Sara Sweet, and Ms. Ana Delgadillo smile together in the kitchen.

amales are arguably the most difficult food to craft. To master this recipe, one must soak corn husks, knead the dough by hand until it’s so soft it can float in a glass of water, season the filling, fold the filling into the dough, and boil the tamales until they’re the right texture. Too soft, and they’re mushy; too hard, and they’re chalky. And yet, despite the hard labour it takes to create a single tamale, the Kitchen Staff prepares enough tamales to feed 1,000 people. Of course, the Kitchen Staff only cooks tamales once or twice a year, but the hours spent creating this dish represent the labor put into the food we eat everyday. Director of Food Services Ms. Sara Sweet oversees the whole Kitchen Staff. Ms. Sweet, agile and delightfully smiley, is a talker. When I first interviewed her, she warned me that she has a habit of rambling on, but as soon as

our interview began, it became apparent that Ms. Sweet is a master of duality: she is both a thoughtful listener and a charming conversationalist. She and Head Chef Mr. Fernando Figueroa work closely in tandem, sharing recipes, calculations, and nutritional information with each other. Mr. Figueroa, who came to Bishop’s ten years ago, is a very methodical man; he zeroes in on details, which in part has to do with accommodating different diets in his previous job at a retirement home. Mr. Figueroa never thought that he’d work at a school until Ms. Sweet let him know about the opportunity. As a registered dietician who worked for the United States Health Department, Ms. Sweet also never thought she’d end up working at a school. She was initially reluctant because she thought school lunches meant hotdogs everyday. However, once she came to

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Bishop’s, she fell in love with the school. She said, “I think that we’re really lucky here because the school is supportive of making more from- scratch, healthy, homemade food, and we have a great kitchen that was rebuilt four years ago.” The newly remodeled kitchen is well-equipped for feeding such a large population of students and adults. There are four ovens, a mixer that functions as a cheese processor when needed, multiple stoves, a freezer and fridge the size of a room, and pots that can hold 200 pounds of food each. Being precise with numbers and calculations is crucial when cooking for 1,000 people. Ms. Sweet explained that, on average, they use around 240 pounds of meat daily. Mr. Figueroa explained the process of cooking food for such a big group of people. He shared that they typically purchase the food at least two or three days in advance to ensure that the food

CULTURE

From left to right: Ms. Maria Moreno, Mr. Tyler Hanson, and Mr. Fernando Figueroa stand together in front of the kitchen machinery.

is prepared in time for lunch everyday. Ms. Sweet had a similar perspective. She said, “It’s always a challenge because there are so many people, and people like different things. Even if you and I went out together to the same restaurant, we might order different things. It’s hard to try and please everybody. Some people don’t eat meat, and some people only want meat. It’s hard

with the number of people to keep up and to keep everybody happy, but everybody here is very happy to work here.” Asides from Ms. Sweet and Mr. Figueroa, the Kitchen Staff is composed of Mr. Antonio and Mrs. Ana Delgadillo, Mr. Tyler Hanson, Ms. Maria Moreno, and Ms. Laura Rivas. Mr. and Mrs. Delgadillo started working at Bishop’s

“It’s always a challenge because there are so many people, and people like different things. If you and I went out together to the same restaurant, we might order different things. It’s hard to try and please everybody. Some people don’t eat meat, and some people only want meat. It’s hard with the number of people to keep up and to keep everybody happy.” - Ms. Sara Sweet Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower

in the 1980’s, and Mr. Hanson, who runs the vegetarian section, started working at Bishop’s a few years ago. Before Bishop’s Mr. Hanson spent a year opening a restaurant in South Africa. Kitchen assistants Ms. Moreno and Ms. Rivas, have been at Bishop’s for 15 and three years respectively and are both very passionate about cooking. There’s a central goal that unifies the Kitchen Staff, and that is to bring happiness to the campus through food. So maybe next time you grab a meal from the cafeteria, pause and think of the force behind the food.

Mr. Delgadillo announced his retirement as the Tower staff sends this issue to print, and the Bishop’s community gathered on Thursday, September 20, to thank him for his years of service and wish him the best.

LOCAL

BISHOP’S BACKYARD: A PLAYGROUND OF WAVES Jake Stenger

an Diego’s twisting coastline is packed with waves of every kind: points, wedges, beach breaks, reefs, winter and summer waves, and everything in between. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most heavily surfed regions in the continent. Many breaks stand out under the right conditions, but none of them in the county are more iconic and important to the sport’s history than Windansea. Surfing began at Windansea in the 1930s, and during the decades following it shaped the Southern California surf culture like no other. Many innovative board shapers (craftsmen who create new board designs) took inspiration from the wave and its riders, including Bob Simmons, the first shaper to apply hydrodynamic theory to make faster boards. He died surfing Windansea in 1954. Many progressive surfers have also called the wave home, including many that pioneered big-wave riding. Just some notable Windansea surfers include Butch Van Artsdalen, who grew up surfing in La Jolla in the 50s and went to Hawaii to earn the name “Mr. Pipeline,” and Skip Frye, known for his smooth surfing style and longboard shaping. Frye was also one of the founding members of the Windansea Surf Club, a local group that established the skill of the locals in 1960s competitions and still exists today. For some, Windansea’s most iconic aspect is its localism. Stories abound of unfriendly and sometimes violent encounters between locals and

outsiders. La Jolla native and avid bodyboarder Kaiden Marouf (‘19) described Windansea locals simply as “aggres-

explained, “It’s not always really good here, so when it is, you really have to compete for waves.” It can be hard to

Windansea’s historic shack in front of the iconic surf break.

sive.” When surf gets good, there are bound to be many dozens of locals and non-locals all vying for waves in a small area. Kevin Barber (‘19), local La Jolla surfer and Bishop’s surf team member,

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catch anything, but respect and experience can go a long way. Anyone paddling out should make sure to honor the basic rules of surf etiquette. Locals can often be found re-

LOCAL laxing under the historic palm-front shack built on the sandstone shore facing the main peak. The structure was

first constructed in 1964, and was reconstructed in 2016 after high tides and waves destroyed it. The wave itself is almost as instantly recognizable as the shack: it

breaks nothing quite like waves elsewhere in the county. The deep water off of La Jolla allows waves to hit shore at

higher speeds than other areas, creating waves that can be hollow and fast with the right wind and swell. The rock ledges form a peak that offers lefts and rights, but there are other take off spots

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in the vicinity. It picks up a wide range of swells, making it a consistent, go-to spot for many surfers year-round. Windansea and surrounding spots are a mere ten minute walk from Bishop’s, and it’s no surprise that many students have grown up surfing the breaks and relaxing on the beach. Kaiden summed up the area’s appeal: “There are a lot of things to do: you can hang on the rocks, you can go and womp, and it’s a great spot to surf. There’s a lot of stuff around it, too.” But he advises beginning surfers to, “go to La Jolla Shores. It will be more fun at the shores, and more mellow.” Indeed, without the natural prowess and years of experience of a waterman like Kaiden, it is easy to find yourself stuck in the impact zone or bashed against the rocks. Even experienced surfers can find themselves in difficult positions. Kevin said, “One time I was paddling back out, and my friend was getting barreled on a slightly overhead day, and we were in the wrong spot and ended up getting our leashes tangled in the middle of a huge set. We got held under for two waves together in the middle of super crowded Big Rock.” Whether you enjoy the shade of the shack with friends or paddling out on an overhead day, Windansea is sure to somehow influence every Bishop’s student. With a busy schedule, it can be easy to forget that the beach is only a three minute from campus. Do yourself the favor of remembering every once in a while.

BEYOND COLLEGE BOARD: THE HIGHER EDUCATION GAME Amy Carlyle

he inconspicuous-yet-omnipresent College Board floats in every high schooler’s mind. It is inescapable for students applying to college, even to the point of criticism: upon googling the organization, nearly every webpage title reads something like: All About the College Board’s Monopoly on College. What really is this company that so heavily shapes the road to college?

CHANCE

The Members & Their Mission An elected Board of Trustees governs the College Board. The Chair and Vice Chair are elected every two years, and the other trustees every four. This term’s president is Mr. Douglas Christiansen, who also works at Vanderbilt University as Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, and Associate Professor. Nearly every trustee is professionally affiliated with a university, whether as various provosts, deans or professors; these schools in-

clude Villanova University, University of Florida, University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, Amherst College, Washington University in St. Louis, and Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. Some of the trustees also are superintendents of U.S. school districts. This Board of Trustees is responsible for coordinating legal and financial actions on behalf of the College Board. They follow a set of bylaws to make sure that the College Board is doing the job it is intended to do. According to Chapter One Section B of the bylaws, the College Board’s purpose is to “develop and coordinate activities related to student academic preparation, admission, financial aid, and success in postsecondary/higher education. In carrying out these activities the College Board is committed to access and equity for all students.” The College Board also offers memberships to high schools, both in and outside of the United States, that offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the Preliminary SAT (PSAT). There are thousands of member high schools today including Bishop’s, who joined in 1983. These schools are not responsible for nor do they contribute to the actions of the College Board; their involvement ends with students taking the tests.

A Rocky History The College Board has experienced its fair share of scandals throughout its existence. One of the most significant events in its history happened in 2014 when Manuel Alfaro, the former executive director of assessment design and development for the College

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Board, was accused of disseminating unpublished SAT test questions. After bizarre arrangements, legal threats, and general confusion, the story came to an end when the FBI conducted a raid on the executive’s home, according to Reuters. The FBI found proof of 400 unpublished test questions being released before the appropriate time. Prior to his crime, Alfaro had already quit working for the College Board; at the time of the raid, he had taken to his LinkedIn account to openly criticize the College Board’s test creation methods. He also claimed that the College Board, when partnering with U.S. school districts to administer SAT tests, was dishonest when explaining how the tests were created and describing the College Board’s process. This allegation has since been proven false. Most recently, the College Board made headlines after reusing old

TITLE DEED 123 UNIVERSITY BLVD Rent - SAT $47.50 “

” With 1 Subject Test $95.50

“

” 2 Subject Tests

$117.50

“

” 3 Subject Tests

$139.50

“

” Essay

$64.50 to be paid to: The College Board!

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW SCHOOL!

MONO POLY Amy Carlyle

can easily cost hundreds of dollars depending on how many the student is taking. AP exams also add up, costing $94 each in 2018. Ironic, considering the College Board is officially labeled a not-for-profit organization. As a nonprofit, it is also exempt from taxes. However, to make its services more readily available to a variety of students, the College Board offers fee waivers for eligible students; these can be attained through college counselors, according to the College Board website.

LUXURY TAX

On its website, the College Board states that, “Qualified colleges, universities, nonprofit scholarship services, and educational organizations pay a license fee to use this information to recruit students and manage enrollment in connection with educational or scholarship programs.” The fee for

Student Search Service

PAY $75K test questions on the August 2018 SAT. The problem was originally caught by students, according to the Los Angeles Times: test takers realized that their August exam contained questions identical to ones they had studied off an old exam administered in Asia. The College Board responded via Twitter and addressed the issue, saying that scores could be canceled depending on the results of their investigation. Luckily for those students at Bishop’s and beyond who took the exam, not all scores were canceled: the SAT scores were only invalidated for students who were found guilty of cheating or of having already seen the test questions. Still, problems such as this raise doubts about the College Board’s validity.

A Very Pricey Nonprofit The full array of College Board tests that a student takes by the end of high school may be taxing on a student’s mind, but also draining on their family’s wallet: SAT subject tests alone

One lesser known point of revenue for the College Board is through their Student Search Service, a program students can opt into when taking exams like the PSAT. The College Board lures students into signing up by claiming that it, “connects students with information about educational and financial aid opportunities from nearly 1700 colleges, universities, scholarship programs and educational organizations.” In other words, it will supposedly streamline the college search process. However, students soon may realize that the valuable information given to them by the Search Service much closer resembles spam. Now, where is the money in this? The College Board explicitly states that they do not sell personal information; no student data is given to colleges or universities for a price. Nonetheless, the College Board still profits off of student signups. Instead of selling student information, the College Board charges a licensing fee for colleges and universities who want to find students through the Search Service.

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one student name is $0.43; for an information update (if the student takes the PSAT again and opts in to the Search Service again, for instance), the fee is $0.21. Despite its ambiguity, the College Board has remained an important installation in the United States since its inception in 1900. As of now, it seems the College Board monopoly will play on, and remain a vital bridge to cross on the road to college.

BEYOND DEARLY DEPARTED Carly Phoon

n June 18, Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known as the singer, rapper, and songwriter XXXTentacion, was shot to death. The news spread instantly. X was an inspiration to some, just another artist to others, unknown to more. But after June 18, everybody knew about X’s death from the ensuing debate regarding how to memorialize him. While the circumstances of his death created shock and anger, the debate mostly stemmed from something less concrete: X was a gifted–and highly controversial–artist. Emotional songs, haunting lyrics, over a dozen felony charges. (These included charges of domestic battery and witness tampering.) For many, it was impossible to see the art but be blind to the artist. Regardless of where Bishop’s students’ opinions fell, that debate complicated feelings. Instead of the usual, peaceful grievance, online controversy around X created a heated tangle of emotions. Should an artist’s legacy be defined by his work, or do his deeds overshadow his work?

School Counselor Ms. Megan Broderick (‘98) advised to conflicted students, “Remember [artists’]their humanity. They might be gifted with an amazing talent, but they are still subject to the temptations of the world. Remember that valuing the gift they gave to the world is still okay, no matter what their choices were or what happened at the end of their life.” As the summer came to a close, the tangle of emotions settled in the dust, leaving students who felt connected to X to reflect on the impact of his music. “He helped me realize that I shouldn’t blame myself if I’m not always happy or have dark thoughts,” said an anonymous Bishop’s student. “When I was going through struggles, I could somehow seem to relate to his songs… When it was confirmed he died, I sort of broke down crying and I just played his music for hours on repeat. He was probably the artist who I have listened to the most in my entire life, and his music helped me a lot,” said Bennett Treitler (‘21).

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An anonymous student reflected, “He talked about getting depressed as a teenager in America, and I think a lot of teenagers can relate to that. There’s not really an artist who talks about the topics he does, the way he does. I was upset that he wasn’t going to make more music. It sounds kind of selfish, but his music was just helping so many people, and it was kind of like, what now?” Though X’s death certainly initiated the most controversy, there were more than a few deaths of influential people this summer that hit hard: Avicii, Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, Aretha Franklin. We hear about deaths each year. But due to a pattern of circumstances, this summer made us blink harder, feel heavier, think deeper–it delivered a slap toin the face, a stunning reality check. “I think we glamorize their lives, but they’re still humans who suffer, just like the rest of us,” said Ms. Broderick. We unconsciously associate great talent and success with invincibility. “We like to think that people in that

BEYOND lifestyle are safer, somehow protected... they are at the same level of risk as any of us.” Many students and faculty at Bishop’s have felt the loss of these people–figures who served as inspirations and constants in the whirlwind of life. “As a minority myself, it’s good to see someone that achieves what Aretha Franklin achieved. The strength of the woman, to me, inspires me to appreciate more–to be more open about women’s rights and the impact that women have in our society,” said Spanish teacher Mr. Greggory Luna. William Olson (‘19) said, “Avicii’s music was always a constant place to go for energetic EDM [electronic dance music] melodies that transported me to a blissful state… I was pretty shocked and saddened that the world won’t ever hear any new forms of his musical expression.” “My dad introduced me to Aretha Franklin’s music when I was very young. When I was little, “Respect” was one of my favorite songs, and I would just dance around in my room in my diaper to this song. As I got older, I kept listening to her music and it was almost like she was always there, whether I was feeling sad and had to listen to one of her ballads, or was feeling happy and excited and was listening to one of her anthems. Her voice and her music was a big part of my growing up,” said Sydney Gerlach (‘20). Bishop’s grief has been mostly invisible. Every day, we still trek across the quad, crank out homework assignments, leave a rut in the hallway carpets, carry on with our lives. By no means has Bishop’s been drastically impaired by this summer’s events–but some of us carry a burden, with an oc-

“When I was going through struggles, I could somehow seem to relate to his songs.” - Bennett Treitler (‘21) casional sharp pang of sadness. These removed deaths still affect us. Ms. Broderick advised the Bishop’s community, “A lot of times, people here just try to power through. Once you start talking about things out loud, it always gives you a better understanding.” The Bishop’s whirlwind is rapidly picking up momentum. Don’t be afraid to open discussion, with the consolation that many are tangled in the same emotions–and, that after an artist passes, their work will continue to comfort, influence, inspire. “… got no choice but to carry on…” (XXXTentacion, “Carry On”)

Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower

SPORTS OF SOUND BODY AND MIND Alyssa Huynh

or many athletes, sports are not only a way to stay healthy, but also to stay happy; sports can act as a stress-reliever, but what happens when that athlete no longer has the outlet they have come to rely on? The main concern about long-term injuries is always about the time necessary for the body to heal, never about what an extended period of inactivity will do for the mind. Sports are often a safe haven. Many people rely on athletics when stressed about school; when they want to momentarily escape reality; or when they want to lift their spirits. It is important to understand the drawbacks to not playing sports or participating in physical activity. According to Sport Science Institute, the most common emotional reactions for injured athletes are sadness, isolation, irritability, lack of motivation, anger, frustration, changes in appetite, sleep disturbance, and disengagement. The emotional reactions can come in stages or all at once; they can last a few hours or even weeks. Coping mechanisms differ with each athlete and each injury. Most athletes do not seek help because it can be seen as a sign of weakness; they think they can just push through it like how they push through physical challenges in their respective sports. It is important for the athlete to surround themselves with supporters and to stay involved with their team. Participation can go a long way for the mind; it can make a person feel less isolated and as a result less likely to isolate themselves. Arman Samimi (‘20) tore his ACL during the height of his soccer career. After months of injury he seems to be back better than ever in a somewhat miraculous, yet still unfinished recovery. Arman tributes his healing to his

supporters: “With the support of my family and friends, I never doubted for one second that I would be back stronger than ever when I was allowed to play again. I realized how grateful I am to be healthy again, and I give thanks to God every day that I am healthy.” When an elite athlete gets injured and is forced to spend some time away from the sport it is a shock to their systems. The significant shift from almost daily, intense training to nothing at all can really affect one’s mental health. Feeling idle and unmotivated is extremely common with drastic schedule changes. The effect on an athlete’s mind during long-term injuries is comparable to an actor when they have finished a production. It is called post-performance depression: actors often go from daily six hour rehearsals to doing nothing when a show’s production ends, which can sometimes result in a loss of self-purpose and confidence. When asked what he says to athletes to encourage them during rough times, Bishop’s Athletic Trainer Jason Charlebois shares, “Well I would tell them it’s not the end of the world. They’ll get through it. There are plenty of athletes who have gone through, probably, the exact same thing. The reality is you can get back to a high level of play once you get through it.” Softball commit Shelby Maier (‘19) is an apt example of a high level athlete getting back to their normal athletic status after a long-term injury, which, in her case was a torn ACL. The first month of her injury was definitely not a picnic in the park: “I thought I was going to get decommitted, and

that I was never going to be able to play softball at the same level ever again. It was just really stressful, and it was something I have been working for my whole life. I thought it would be taken away in a split second.” Luckily that was not the case, now Shelby is thriving and working hard to continue to improve her game. High-level athletes should never forget the importance of mental health and strength and the power of a support team. Getting injured is a traumatic experience and it is made even more difficult if someone deals with it alone. Lonely thoughts are a stressedout athlete’s worst enemy. The brain is the control center so no matter how healed or strong one’s body is, it means nothing if the mind is still struggling.

“The reality is you can get back to a high level of play once you get through it.”

Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower

Personally, my biggest challenges have always been looking at the big picture: having the confidence in myself, believing that I could get through it, or having faith that nothing was over.

The Bell

Nestled inside the Bishop Johnson Tower is a bell. Though tucked away from view and hardly ever rung, everyone knows it is there. The bell has become a prize to find — students have attempted to reach the top of the tower for decades. Needless to say, the bell is a much sought-after icon on the Bishop’s campus. The Tower has its very own bell; though not mysterious and more easily accessible, it aims to stir the same excitement as the physical bell. Home to lighter news and satire alike— such as Top Ten, Bachelor/Bachelorette, and Who Wore it Better—the Bell intends to serve as a relief from the depth of the magazine and bring joy to the Bishop’s community.

Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower

Voices From The Quad Maggie Keefe

Students share their opinions on a question revolving around student life at Bishop’s and beyond. This month’s question is....

Which class has the best retreat? Sophia Forsyth (‘21) “I am 50/50 when it comes to retreats. I enjoyed the free time on our last retreat and believe more free time would make them more enjoyable.” Will Keefe (‘23) “I didn’t really enjoy the seventh grade retreat to Camp Stevens but thought the eighth grade one was fun. The activities we did were awesome and I preferred this year’s reatreat over last’s.” Zaina Ghouri (‘22) “I think the Catalina retreat was the best. I liked the snorkeling activity that we did but cabins the year before were more comfortable.” Dhruvi Banerjee (‘21) “Senior retreats are probably the best because you have bonded with everyone by then and you can reminisce on your high schoool experience. The ninth grade retreat wasn’t as enjoyable because it was really dirty and too hot to have fun.” 20

Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower

WHICH BISHOP’S BUILDING ARE YOU?

1. How do you prefer to study? a. At the beach b. Alone in a quiet space c. While listening to a podcast d. While bopping to hype music e. With plenty of snacks 2. What is your favorite food? a. Rolled ice cream b. Tea c. Dragon’s Breath d. Protein bars e. Everything 3. What is your favorite clothing type? a. Smock b. Light cardigan c. Lab coat d. Anything you can work out in e. Sweats If you chose mostly A’s, you are Gilman: You are a creative person who spent your summer building your art portfolio. If you chose mostly B’s, you are the Library: You are very studious, and don’t need snacks when you work (at least, not out in the open).

4. How do you spend your free time? a. Painting b. Reading c. At Math Club d. Exercising e. Eating 5. What is your favorite TV show? a. Project Runway b. Riverdale c. Bill Nye the Science Guy d. American Ninja Warrior e. Chopped

6. What is your favorite app? a. Pinterest b. Audible c. Desmos d. Hudl e. Postmates If you chose mostly C’s, you are the Science Center: You are a logical person who enjoys thought-provoking questions and headaches. If you chose mostly D’s, you are the Gym: You enjoy working up a sweat If you chose mostly E’s, you are the Dining Hall: You like eating, but don’t we all?

Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower

Top Ten Things You’ll Find in a Bishop’s Student’s Backpack

06.

Your car keys on a lanyard from a college you probably won’t get into

02.

Oil-blotting sheets because u greasy

07.

An extra polo because you’re #sweaty

03.

A textbook your teacher made you buy that you never use

08.

Miscellaneous crumbs

04.

Failed tests crumpled at the bottom

09.

Chapstick because your lips are as dry as your fourth period lecture

05.

A weird mango smelling flash drive?

10.

Actual tears

01.

The library laptop you never returned (shame on you!!!)

Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower

- PHOTO CREDITS -

THE DETAILS Table of Contents — Pages 4-5, PC: Hannah Young (‘19) ACADEMIC The Architecture of Learning — Page 6, PC: Hannah Young (‘19) SPORTS Still Got Game — Pages 8-9, Photos courtesy of bishops.com CULTURE Food for Thought — Pages 10-11, Photos and art by Sara Michael (‘19) LOCAL Bishop’s Backyard: A Playground of Waves — Pages 12-13, PC: Jake Stenger (‘19) BEYOND The Higher Education Game — Pages 14-15, Art by Amy Carlyle (‘20) Dearly Departed — Pages 16-17, Art by Carly Phoon (‘20) THE BELL The Bell Cover — Page 19, PC: Hannah Young (‘19) Voices on the Quad — Page 20, Photos and art by Maggie Keefe (‘21) Top Ten — Page 22, Art by Carly Phoon (‘20) Front and back cover photography thanks to Amy Carlyle (‘20)

Issue 02 • September 2018 • The Tower