SECTIONS
News: pg. 2-4 Opinion: pg. 5-7 Features: pg. 8-10 In-Depth: pg. 11-13 Sports: pg. 14-16
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Four years, four track stars
USED WITH PERMISSION OF CHARLIE CHIANG The 4x100 team competes at the Arcadia Invitational.
BY CHELSEA LEE
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n the red rubber track of the 2022 Stanford invitational, Lynbrook’s girls varsity 4x100 team sped through the finish line with a time of 47.82 seconds, not only topping their personal records but also trumping Lynbrook’s all-time record of 48.06 seconds from 1978. This year’s groundbreaking time landed seniors Alyssa Meng, Alison Tjoe, Vanessa Su and
story continues on pg. 16 || sports
AV Expo: Ethics and engineering BY ELLIU HUANG
T assumption, derived from colonialism, that there was a neat hierarchical organization of races and that intelligent varied by race,” said Heather Dron, historian and research fellow at the Sterilization and Social Justice Lab at the University of Michigan. Advertised as a progressive quest for healthy babies, the eugenics movement burgeoned and became entrenched in 20th century America. Eugenic doctrines were codified in immigration restrictions, sterilization programs
he National Autonomous Vehicle Expo on April 16 and 17 increased awareness of the future of autonomous vehicles. Organized by senior Joe Lin and his team of volunteers, many of whom are Lynbrook students, the AV Expo partnered with Partners for Autonomous Vehicle Education to cover the engineering and algorithmic aspects as well as the ethics and policy making for AVs. The AV Expo also hosted a hackathon for the 250 participants to gain first-hand experience in the AV industry. Welcoming both experienced and novice programmers, the AVExpo held seminars covering topics across all skill levels. Novice researchers could explore machine learning in “A gentle introduction to artificial intelligence” by UC San Diego Machine Learning Instructor Malachi
story continues on pg. 11 || in-depth
story continues on pg. 4 || news
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY SHARLENE CHEN
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hite skin, blonde hair and blue eyes: the archetype of the Aryan race, deemed by German dictator Adolf Hitler to be the pinnacle of humankind. While the putative master race draws associations with Hitler’s persecution and genocide of European Jews, this linchpin of Nazi ideology has historical foundations within the U.S. decades before Hitler’s rise to power. From forced sterilization to legal policy preventing procreation, eugenics has been the dark, overlooked underbelly of American and Californian history. Coined in the late 19th century, the term
“eugenics” refers to the pseudoscience of improving the human race by “breeding out” disease, disabilities and undesirable characteristics. In its distilled form, eugenics involves eradicating genetically “unfit” individuals and preserving those who align with the Nordic complexion. Eugenicists posited that feeblemindedness, criminality and poverty were genetically transmissible, and they controlled the reproduction of “inferior” populations such as people of color, immigrants and the disabled. “During the peak of eugenic popularity, eugenicists often shared a baseline
Lynbrook students’ tattoos BY RIA PHELAN
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s the stigma against them declines, tattoos have become more common among young adults. Once a taboo activity, getting a tattoo was seen as rebellious, antisocial and the mark of an outcast. Tattoos have evolved into a way for people to express themselves and recognize important symbols in their life. Although most Lynbrook students are not yet 18, some have made plans to get tattoos later on and started planning possible designs. Three seniors at Lynbrook with tattoos are Manya Marri, Skye Amani and Tammi Trujillo. In California, one must be at least 18 years old in order to receive a tattoo as getting one
story continues on pg. 8 || features
Editors’ Picks • Learning is limitless for ACT students with switch-adapted toys pg. 3 • Snapchat: Fostering friendships or competition? pg. 4 • Mr. Clarke cultivates his garden pg. 10 • Teachers endure burnout pg. 12
A USED WITH PERMISSION OF SKYE AMANI B USED WITH PERMISSION OF SKYE AMANI A. Skye, her mom and her grandmother share the same musical note tatoo. B. Skye Amani shows her heart tattoo to represent her heart condition.
• Boys volleyball serves on and off the court pg. 15
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NEWS
the Epic lhsepic.com
Breakdance rookies battle Letter from the Editors Hey Lynbrook, Happy painful AP season! We know that life is striking you with countless panic attacks, so we wanted to bring you a comforting constant: the Epic! If you are an underclassman and don’t know what is happening, good for you. But bad for you, you will soon be doomed like the rest of us. We have a variety of stories that will calm your nerves. Learn about how teachers are overcoming the challenge of balancing work with personal commitments, which will show you how we are all in this together. Additionally, read our feature on Mr. Clarke’s garden to turn your backyard into a dream haven where you can relax while crying about your endless work. If you prefer to evade your problems by exploring deep topics that transport you to another dimension of thought, we have a meaningful staff editorial calling on the community to be more inclusive of people with visible and invisible disabilities. Check out the opinion story about the lack of media coverage of BIPOC male trailblazers who challenge traditional gender fashion norms and an in-depth story about how COVID-19 and the Russo-Ukraine war are affecting the number of surrogate mothers around the world. As always, you can email (enc.epic@ gmail.com) your Letter to the Editors (200 words or less) or Guest Essay (500 words or less). We would love to hear your opinions, and if deemed timely and important to the broad Lynbrook community, we will publish them in our print paper and/or website. We would also like to thank everyone who applied to be on the Epic’s staff. We received a record number of applicants and are so glad to welcome all the new staffers to our publication! Congratulations! Anyways, we wish you all the best of luck in the rest of your AP tests! Don’t fret! You got this! Cheers, Mei Corricello & Bennie Chang Editors-in-Chief 2021-22
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reakdance Club has been known for its entertaining performances at rallies and occasionally in the quad. In the past, Breakdance Club has performed at various school events such as Winter Rally Valkyrie shows. They will also be performing at the upcoming ASB x Indesign fashion show. To close the year, they hosted a Rookie of the Year competition to ignite friendly competition and bring the talent out in their members and to inspire Lynbrook students to join the club next year. This annual dance battle is hosted to provide club members with a battling experience, which can be challenging because one must respond to their opponent and outdance them. The competition is typically friendly, unless a dancer chooses to get competitive. “The Rookie of the Year usually becomes an officer the following year because they show us their potential and talent, and they want to be an officer,” said senior Andrew Chang, Breakdance Club CoPresident and winner of the 2019 Rookie of the Year Battle. The Rookie of the Year competition is a battle between club members. Participants work their way through the brackets through week-long dance-offs and are judged by club officers who decide the winner for each round. On April 15, there was a cypher that
decided the brackets in which the members were placed. Members engaged in the first day of battle on April 29, and the competition will conclude on May 6. This year, five members participated, and the battle was thrilling and full of talent. The battle
LEFT: Sophomore Gio Cabaltica strikes a break dance move on one hand. RIGHT: Senior Andrew Chang powerfully kicks his legs in a break dance move.
was also a learning experience f o r
DEEKSHA RAJ—EPIC GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY CHELSEA LEE
BY DEEKSHA RAJ
dancers to learn f r o m t h e i r peers. “It’s a fun way to end the year and it’s also a really crucial experience for members to get experience in a tournament,” Chang said. Since the brackets are decided randomly, participants must work hard to prepare for whoever they are forced to a dance-off with. Members practice both inside and outside of school as well as through cyphers, where dancers form a circle and dance in it one after another. Cyphers throughout the year helped members feel comfortable with dancing and learn freestyle dancing. All members were encouraged to participate in the Rookie of the Year battle due to its tournament style — most members did not have prior experience battling one another. Breakdance Club has been working hard throughout the year to improve their skills, explore the art of breakdancing and entertain the school. Overall, the club’s performances this year have been successful, and the battle was an exciting conclusion to their season.
Adding responsibility: Chris Baugh to be math department lead “Having taught for so long, I decided that it is a good opportunity r. Baugh for me to is the advance myself best math professionally, teacher I’ve ever so I decided to had,” said senior Jojo apply,” Baugh Azevedo, who was in said. Chris Baugh’s class for As the math three years. “I could department have not gone this far lead, Baugh without him. I’m really plans to make happy that I learned a the classroom lot when he was my environment math teacher.” better for Since 2005, Baugh students, has taught Algebra 1, find the right Geometry and Algebra amount of 2, and starting in the AMY LIU — EPIC homework to 2022-23 school year, Baugh poses in front of his wall of thank-you cards from give to students he will add the math students through the years. to decrease department lead stress and create more opportunities for position to his responsibilities. The math department lead is in charge students to work collaboratively in groups. Baugh has developed strong bonds with of managing the department budget, attending department lead meetings and the other math teachers over his five years communicating with administration and of teaching at Lynbrook. He hopes that these teachers in the department. Department relationships can stimulate change. “All of the teachers here are very strong leads are a three-year commitment and are selected every cycle through application. teachers,” Baugh said. “In my experience, I’ve When applications opened this year, Baugh never seen a more dedicated and professional group of people that are committed to not decided to give it a shot. BY AMY LIU
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only teaching students math but also making students, Baugh’s classroom is an inclusive and joyful place to learn. sure they understand and appreciate it.” “He likes to tease you and joke with you,” To Baugh, the most rewarding part of being a math teacher is watching his students Azevedo said. “He is always understanding overcome challenges. Baugh feels a sense of and flexible when it comes to homework and purpose in lifting his students up and helping tutorial hours.” Baugh hopes his tenure will be impactful them understand math concepts. on the student “I teach students that are perceived to body. be at the lower “I’m really end of the math excited to do this spectrum,” Baugh and hopefully said. “I like that be a positive Lynbrook students influence on the are very dedicated department and and hardworking, contribute to a but within that, positive change I feel like that in school culture,” there is a lot of Baugh said. “But competition, and it’s going to take sometimes the all of us together: students that I It’s going to take serve are ridiculed me in the lead because they’re role, admin, not in honors or students, the AP classes. I feel other teachers like I get to be their and parents. If we advocate and talk want to change, to other leaders at we have to do it the school about together.” the things that AMY LIU — EPIC they need.” Baugh helps freshman Paula Martinez Alburja with factoring According to his and solving a quadratic formula.
May 03, 2022
NEWS
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Precalculus classes discover art using Desmos BY NICOLE GE
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he ticking clock on freshman Valerie Shu’s graphic illustration looks deceivingly simple. However, she spent hours experimenting to make the second hand move and pause each second in Desmos. Polynomial equations with sliders create the cats’ wagging tails, bringing life to the comfy room in Shu’s art. On March 28, Precalculus Honors and Precalculus students graphed polar curves for a project through Desmos. It was the first time this project was assigned, and students explored this creative aspect of graphing while also reviewing various functions learned throughout the course of the year. Students created a title and an artist statement, a description of what the student intends for viewers to explore and understand through their art. Students also implemented color by customizing the shade of inequalities and worked with animations by using the moving sliders feature. “They not only learned in terms of the math but also discovered the various tools available on Desmos that they would normally not bother to use,” Precalculus Honors teacher Vivian Frazita said. “Being able to use the sliders to animate something is pretty cool.” Art pieces ranged from the solar system to vases of flowers. Some students combined many elements in their art piece to experiment with more types of functions. “My art piece depicts a pig strolling around at night,” sophomore Apurva Krishnamurthy said. “I also have windmills that spin nearby and flashing stars across
Shu’s Desmos art piece, “Nine Lives in Perspective,” features nine cats each created with a different equation.
the sky.” One common challenge among students was finding the right positioning of elements in their art pieces, which they solved by guessing and checking continuously. Students found the process rewarding, proud to have created an art piece through graphing. “The most interesting aspect of the project was how you could integrate a message into your work and create a whole story based off of the image,” Krishnamurthy said. “The project was really fun because I was able
to explore a side of math that I had never known about.” Students also discovered various new tools in Desmos that they had not known about before. “From this project, I learned a lot of things about using Desmos, such as creating folders to organize equations and making different colors for our graphs,” sophomore Hannah Ding said. However, the tools available on Desmos were not novel to all students. In both 2020 and 2021, Shu participated in the Desmos
Learning is limitless with switch-adapted toys GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY ANUSHKA ANAND SAMYUKTA SARMA — EPIC
Global Math Art Contest, winning first place in the age group for 15 and 16 year olds in 2021. She first learned about the competition while doing homework on Desmos, and she was eager to try something new and out of her comfort zone. She named her art piece “Nine Lives in Perspective,” which was inspired by the belief that cats have nine lives. However, the most astounding part of her work was that each cat was distinct in mathematical nature: Linear, parabolic, cubic, exponential, logarithmic, sine, arcsine, elliptic and Bezier curves distinguished each of the nine cats’ composition, coat and color. The piece was brought to life with the ticking clock and the cats’ wagging tails. “In my second time participating, I wanted to incorporate a bunch of different types of equations, which brought up the idea of cats,” Shu said. “The clock animation was a detail that was especially difficult to make.” Her experience in the contest gave her valuable experience working with various equations and matching graphs to what she has in mind. “Making art on Desmos definitely helped me become more familiar with transformations and visualize d i f f e r e n t equations,” Shu said. “Now, in my Algebra 2/ Trigonometry class, I don’t Scan to see the struggle as much artwork in Desmos! with graphing.”
Elizabeth Louie and Ronald Choi named employees of the year BY CRYSTAL QIAN
Elizabeth Louie
With the guidance of Maker Nexus instructors, Lynbrook student volunteers created switch-adapted toys by soldering and connecting wires to larger external buttons.
BY SAMYUKTA SARMA
at Maker Nexus in Sunnyvale, Limitless Learning welcomes anyone with an interest hildren begin their education with in serving disabled people with switchtoys: learning the different senses, the adapted toys. The first two workshops were alphabet, colors and more. For children held on April 2 and 23, respectively, and and adults with motor disabilities, small most attendees were Lynbrook students. switches on electronic toys limit their access Attendees soldered and rerouted the to education and development. The student- wiring of the electronic components of toys run organization to connect larger Limitless Learning buttons externally, has set out to using materials and People with special needs are aid people with instructions provided disabilities in their excluded in their everyday by Abiram and RePlay access to equitable for Kids, a larger lives. Switch-adapting toys learning tools through partner organization helps them be included. switch-adapted toy of Limitless Learning. workshops. Most attendees Limitless Learning learned on the job, Freya Ishizaki, is a nonprofit taught by Maker Junior organization founded Nexus instructors. by junior Riya Abiram “The first in January 2022. workshop we held Inspired by her was the first time I did grandfather’s brain injury, Abiram founded any soldering or switch adapting,” junior and Limitless Learning with the mission to make Limitless Learning secretary Freya Ishizaki switch-adapted toys — toys that have been said. “It’s not necessary to know how to do rerouted to larger switches — determined either before joining.” to make technology and education more The two workshops produced a total of accessible for people with disabilities. 30 adapted toys, including musical giraffe “I observed him really struggling to do guitars, remote-controlled cars and night most basic tasks, so I was researching ways lights. These toys primarily go to the Morgan to make the day-to-day equipment we use Autism Center, where they are given to more accessible, and that’s when I came children, as well as Greater Learning, an across switch-adapting toys,” Abiram said. adult learning center. Through workshops held once a month “People with disabilities use toys into
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their adulthood,” Abiram said. “They are used for development, not only for playing.” Switch-adapted toys provide education disguised as fun, a vital tool to the development of motor skills for individuals with special needs. Being successful in controlling an element of their environment encourages those who find difficulty with motor skills to continue attempting to learn. It also fosters childrens’ confidence in their own abilities and immerses them in activities able-bodied children can participate in, helping to form community connections. “Having an organization like Limitless Learning really brings special needs people back into an inclusive community,” said Allison Wu, sophomore and the secretary and treasurer of Viking Buddies. “There’s a stigma around special needs kids, especially at school, and it causes them to feel like a whole other group. In reality, special needs kids, especially in your own age group, have the same interests as you. It might be harder to communicate with them, so I think having an organization to help them bridge that gap and make a connection will definitely help.” The next workshop will be in May and is open to all students. Limitless Learning is also looking for toy donations to be switchadapted at workshops. “People with special needs are excluded in their everyday lives, and toys are not typically made to be easy to use and accessible for everyone,” Ishizaki said. “Switch-adapting toys helps them be included.”
After her first teaching stint in France, Louie returned to the Bay Area and eventually settled at Lynbrook, drawn to its motivated students, supportive administration and striking similarity to her own high school. Louie’s favorite aspect of teaching is witnessing her students discover the value of learning French. In a STEM-dominated milieu, she enjoys complementing students’ STEM education with humanities to foster a well-rounded education. “Some students didn’t understand or see the importance or value of learning the language, but over the years of having me as their teacher, they really opened up their perspectives, and I love that,” Louie said.
Ronald Choi Choi, who has worked at Lynbrook for 11 years, s e r v e s as one of Ly n b ro o k ’ s n i g h t custodians, tending after the general maintenance and cleaning of classrooms. He chooses to continue working at Lynbrook for its wonderful teachers, coworkers and students. “I was so surprised when I was awarded,” Choi said. “They spoiled me with what should really belong to the whole team.”
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May 03, 2022
NEWS
AV Expo drives engineering and ethics
Upcoming Viking Events Studio 74 Romeo & Juliet Romance, tragedy and sword fighting will take the spotlight in the quad for Studio 74’s outdoor production of “Romeo & Juliet.” Evening shows are on May 6, 7 and 13, and a morning show is on May 14. Pops Concert The bands, orchestras and choirs will unite on the evenings of May 18 and 19 for the school year’s final concert. ASB x Indesign Fashion Show Students can “Escape From Reality” and their AP tests by viewing Indesign’s most imaginative pieces showcased at the third fashion show of this year. Models will walk down the runway on May 20 in the quad. Silsilay The American Indo Student Association will immerse students in South Asian dances, singing, food and cultural wear at the annual Silsilay event on May 22 in the auditorium. Memorial Day holiday - No school May 30 marks the day we take a pause to remember those who fearlessly served our country in the armed military forces. Enjoy the day off! By Chelsea Lee and Amy Liu Photo by Amy Liu
BY ELLIU HUANG
Story continued from front page. Mabie, while advanced programmers could delve deeper into “Advancing autonomous perception with 4D imaging radar” by Mahmoud Saadat, co-founder of Zadar Labs. Beyond the engineering aspect of AVs, there were also sessions that focused on public policy and real-world deployment of AVs. In particular, “Autonomous vehicles program overview” by Miguel Acosta from the California DMV revealed the rigorous testing and development of AVs before fully deploying them on the streets. “If one of these automated vehicles gets into a car accident, who’s
responsible?” Lin said. “Is it the person who purchased the AV? Or is it the company’s fault since they produced the algorithm?” “The path to autonomy” by AV Product Developer at Stantec GenerationAV, Katie Clothier, taught the five levels of the development of AVs. Level 1 introduces basic autonomous controls, such as cruise control, and level 5 evolves into full automation. These sessions covering the ethics and policy making of AVs provide additional benefits and insight into the intricacies of the AV industry. “We use AV technology to empower communities that don’t have easy access to transportation,” Lin said. In addition to the myriad of seminars, the AV Expo also hosted a hackathon to give participants hands-on experience in the field of AVs. Contestants were tasked with pitching a possible improvement to current AV Senior Joe Lin sits in a self-driving car. ELLIU HUANG—EPIC GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY ANUSHKA ANAND
technology. For example, freshmen Rishabh Sahoo, Hao Gu and Anish Bhethanabotla developed AI Eye, a machine learning algorithm to detect whether drivers were drowsy or awake based on images of their eyes. “From the seminars and hackathon, I learned a lot more about how autonomous vehicles work because it’s a relatively new topic,” Sahoo said. The AVExpo increased awareness of not only the engineering and algorithmic but also the ethical and political aspects of AVs, inspiring the next generation to explore the complex and multifaceted AV industry through seminars and hands-on experiences.
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OPINION
the Epic lhsepic.com
Harry Styles isn’t the epitome of androgynous fashion
4 198 Elton John has been seen as an icon in male fashion for his continuous flow of outrageous fashion statements, this gown from his December 1984 concert being no different.
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Known for his eccentric style sense and impact on modern hip hop and trap music, Young Thug reinforced his unique style with the cover of his No, My Name IS Jeremy mixtape.
Billy Porter can easily be seen as one of the most unapologetic male artists in Western media that has blown media sites away with his innovative outfits. The same can be said about this outfit at the 2019 Oscars. GRA
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his 1997 birthday suit inspired by King Louis rejection at their expression, it is these XIV. Closer to home is Prince, a musician facets of K–Pop that not only grow its remembered through generations for his international fanbase but also redefine andogynous style and flamboyant character. masculinity on a global scale. Further down the line, more expressive From EXO member Kai’s crop tops personal styles became popular in Western in music videos to Stray Kid member culture, from Young Thug’s dress on the No, Felix’s skirt photoshoots, all of the choices My Name is JEFFREY mixtape cover to Lil Nas show a fluidity and disregard of gender X’s outfit at the 2020 Grammys. All of these stereotypes that many artists from other outfits did more than Harry Styles’s poorly cultures are hesitant to express. Outfits curated editorial by actually redefining what like these are still not as common in masculine fashion could be. Western media, as they tend to relate to This stronger sense of personal style the stereotype that one’s fashion sense and nonconformity of is a result of gender norms is mainly their sexual expressed through orientation, both the spontaneity w h i c h “Because white men are and purpose of the strengthens the overrepresented in media, outfits. These outfits presence of toxic people overlook other were not meant to masculinity. artists who did it first, such be the statement of “When people as Prince or Billy Porter.” the occasion or had a who don’t know particular point to get or aren’t familiar across; instead, they with K-Pop Suanna Zhong, seemed to stem from see it, they can Senior preference and comfort. jump to a lot The lack of public of conclusions attention for said outfits about the artist,” contrasts sharply to junior and LHS that for Styles’s calculated wardrobe choices, Ravens member Maia Bline said. “But in with some earlier trendsetters even receiving the past few years, people have been more derision for their choices. open to a less strictly masculine style This rundown of celebrity fashion’s role in and have a more inclusive perception of redefining masculinity would be incomplete others and their styles thanks to K-Pop.” without looking at the greater influence Evidently, the difference in media K-Pop has had on universal fashion standards treatment towards Harry Styles and other and redefinition of gender norms. Arguably artists that have expressed androgynous one of the most alluring aspects of the K-Pop fashion shows a repetitive and sickening industry is its idols’ elaborate self expression, double standard of some receiving praise namely in dress and attire. This aspect is for the same thing others get ridiculed for. reflected in both male and female Only when celebrities of color idols’ remarkable garner the same recognition costumes and of their work in combating makeup. Despite gender norms can the mainstream male fashion industry move forward in a meaningful Bad Bunny way. has secured his position as an influential Together, Stray Kids Puerto Rican has constantly been producer and seen as a group that has rapper through redefined K-Pop with both his fashion both their music and and music. His visuals, but Australian“Yo Perreo Sola” Korean member Felix music video was takes it a step further no different. with their Noeasy era Cawaii photoshoot.
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ashion has long been a form of selfexpression, but as androgynous or gender non-conforming fashion begins to enter the mainstream, public figures have often received polarizing media attention for their outfits. However, Harry Styles is often the artist who receives credit for his work to break boundaries. Not to say that Styles doesn’t have a unique sense of style or that he hasn’t challenged gender norms in his own way, but his recognition steals
the spotlight from many other celebrities, namely people of color, who have done just as much — if not more — to defy gender norms with their fashion. Even more so, Style’s outfits tend to be specifically curated to gain attention instead of stemming from his personal fashion sense. The media’s fixation on Styles can be seen through the uproar his simple, sheer Gucci shirt received at the 2019 Met Gala — a small touch that received more media coverage than the outfits of all the other celebrities combined. In recent years, Styles has been on the cover of several Vogue issues in feminine styles or silhouettes. Despite the general Twitter uproar regarding his outfits, there was greater support for his revolutionary style than bemoaning for the loss of traditional masculinity. Yet all of these outfits were specifically curated for media attention. Several were heavily influenced by icons before him such as Prince and Bowie and reflect none of Styles’s personal style. “Trends like white boy of the month and craze for Harry Styles overrepresent white men in media,” Indesign President and senior Suanna Zhong said. “So many people overlook other artists who did it first, such as Prince or Billy Porter. However, with artists like Lil Nas X using their platform to be unapologetic and taking bold moves to defy gender norms, we will slowly move in the right direction.” Other artists who don’t receive due attention for their work to break gender norms have wardrobe choices that are more reflective of their own personality. Furthermore, these figures were breaking gender roles before Styles entered the scene. Of the most iconic are Sir Elton John’s diverse and astonishing outfits, such as his 1975 Dodger stadium performance outfit studded with sequins or
2020
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Why does appearance matter in the workplace? BY JASMINE RIHAL
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n the majority of professional environments, there has been an everlasting negative prejudice against those with tattoos, brightly dyed hair and afros. But a person’s appearance should not matter in the workplace as only their skills truly matter. The negative connotation of tattoos has led it to become one form of appearance-based discrimination. Despite younger generations becoming more open and accepting of the concept, the negative connotation of tattoos has led it to become one form of appearancebased discrimination. However, unlike the negative stereotype of tattoos, they actually represent one’s artistic and sensitive side — some get a tattoo of an important individual’s name or an important symbol. “If your tattoo is a tattoo of your kids’ names then that’s a whole different type of tattoo,” Spanish teacher Michael Esquivel
said. “You can’t paint with a broad brush and describe people with tattoos with just the same adjectives, as they are all different and unique.” People who have brightly-colored hair have also experienced discrimination in the workplace, they are percieved as immature and unprofessional. Some people have strict notions about what makes up a professional appearance. “I’m disappointed that people are discriminated against but not surprised.” chemistry teacher Jessica Lu said. “People are discriminated against in the workplace for having dyed hair, visible tattoos and more.” Brightly colored hair shouldn’t be something that is judged upon, but rather a positive trait that makes a person stand out. Similar to tattoos, they represent a person’s own unique style. “At the end of the day, it’s just hair, and it’s a way for me to express my creativity and have fun, and maybe for others to make a
statement, ” junior Venus Dhanda said. Hair color isn’t the only form of discrimination when it comes to hair in the workplace, there is also prejudice against those with afros. A common false assumption is that people who have afro hair are ghetto or unprofessional. This can date all the way back to the 19th century when black women were forced to cover their hair because it was seen as a threat towards white women. “It’s a part of our culture and we should be proud of it;, it is nothing to be ashamed of,” Archbishop Mitty junior Kaitlyn Arzú said. “To me and probably to others, my hair is a way to express my confidence and artistic side.” These different appearances shouldn’t be things that are looked down upon and cost people their chance to work in an environment where they are respected. Instead, they help express a person’s unique personality in a positive way and their artistic side. ELIZABETH CHENG — EPIC
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May 03, 2022
OPINION
Including students with disabilities psychological disorders. Jokes involving the r-word or light-hearted references to anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD and other disorders can be extremely harmful toward individuals with these disabilities. In addition, teachers and administration should place an emphasis on shutting down this behavior by educating students for a lot of the students without disabilities, it’s really important to learn to understand about empathy and how to interact with that those around you may perceive things students with special needs through platforms like Advisory. Modules presented differently than you do.” The school also has programs such as the during the advisory period are an effective Academic Community Transition program way to educate a large number of students that help high school students with moderate at once. Viking Buddies aims to provide to severe learning and behavioral disabilities transition into the community by teaching institutionalized opportunities for general them life and vocational skills. In addition, education students to be able to make Voyager students are students with mild to friends with students with special needs. moderate disabilities who are on a diploma Barnes believes that the most important step track in which they earn their high school toward inclusion is eliminating separation by providing diploma during opportunities the graduation for interactions ceremony in their between differently senior year. abled students. S t u d e n t s “I like the [Viking and staff should Buddies] dances,” continue to be ACT student respectful and Russel Cheung inclusive toward said. “They’re fun individuals with because there’s disabilities. They food and friends.” should allow ASB should greater flexibility also maintain to students with communication disabilities to ELIZABETH CHENG—THE EPIC with the Special accommodate New buildings like the GSS are wheelchair-accessible. E d u c a t i o n them and create a more accepting environment. Students with Department in order to extend invitations disabilities should not be treated as helpless, for school-wide events to all students. For but rather differently-abled and just as example, ASB could reach out to ACT students capable of achieving success. One area where by sending Legislative Representatives general education high school students often to classrooms. Certain barriers, such as fall short in interactions with students with transportation to events, can limit these special needs is by using a cold or mocking opportunities, but through collaborations of tone when referring to their differently abled ASB and the Special Education Department, Lynbrook should be able to plan accessible peers. “I see the way people treat these students, events for ACT students, or use its platform and you can see the tone difference,” Barnes to promote inclusion programs. Rather than said. “There are so many different types relying on Viking Buddies to hold events for of strengths, and I feel like people don’t ACT students, ASB should work to include appreciate that enough. It comes down to them into pre-existing school-wide activities. Individual students can also take it upon being kind and having integrity.” Students must consciously work to not themselves to reach out to ACT students, normalize jokes about mental disabilities and either as part of initiatives such as Viking Buddies or on their own time. “We’re sort of in our own little space here,” ACT teacher Dave Herz said. “We don’t really get that much interaction with General Education students, but even just a ‘Hello’ or ‘Have a great day’ would be really useful for these students and it would be a great first step. The more people that interact with students with READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE disabilities the more comfortable they become.”
Staff Editorial
The Voice of the Epic
ELIZABETH CHENG—THE EPIC Almost all bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
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bleism is defined as “discrimination in favor of able-bodied people.” Personal and systemic ableism is frequently witnessed throughout most high schools, including Lynbrook, and needs to be addressed by raising awareness to improve school climate. The Lynbrook community should work to create an inclusive environment for students with disabilities and be more conscious of possible ableist actions in their daily actions and words. The formal definition of a disability is a “a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.” Disabilities can be categorized into eight sub categories, including mobility or physical disabilities, spinal cord disabilities, head injuries, vision disabilities, hearing disabilities, cognitive/learning disabilities, psychological disorders and invisible disabilities. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, later changed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1990, was enacted by Congress in 1975 and protects the rights of people with disabilities to receive an education. Disabilities affect 14.4% of all students, and in the 2018-19 school year, 7.5 million children with disabilities in the U.S. received education tailored to their individual needs. Lynbrook has done its part in including students with disabilities through programs like Viking Buddies, designed to create a comfortable environment for all individuals. “Inclusion and integration of students of all abilities is mutually beneficial,” junior and Viking Buddies President Lucy Barnes said. “It not only creates these valuable peer relationships with people with disabilities, but it also helps to foster empathy. I think
ELIZABETH CHENG—THE EPIC Entrances to the quad includes both stairs and and a wheelchair-acessible ramp.
*the Epic staff voted 36-0 in favor of this stance.
BY NEHA AYYER// IN MY OPINION
“What will people say?”
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looked in awe at my mother getting dressed for a party in traditional Indian clothes, jewelry and makeup. It was expected of me to dress similarly, but I couldn’t help feeling that it simply wasn’t me. My dad and brother were both wearing jeans and a shirt, a style with which I was much more comfortable. I asked my mother if I could wear fancy pants and a shirt instead of a dress. She looked at me and said the phrase that I will hear for the rest of my life: “What will people think?” When I was younger, I didn’t pay attention to the rhetorical question and continued to follow my parents’ advice. But, as I grew older and started to hear it more, I realized that the question perpetuates the idea that reputation matters most and people must think highly of you so you can succeed in life. I’ve been taught to put other people’s opinions over my own feelings. When my family attended an event, I was forced to hide my true emotions behind a facade of happiness. I was told that I needed to smile at all times to look approachable. I was told I wouldn’t be likable if I didn’t always show them the best version of myself. So, I promptly changed my habits. I altered my personality to fit others and my interests to those of the person I was conversing with as a way to become relatable. With my friends, I talk loudly and make unfunny jokes, but with my relatives, I’m quiet and reserved. I’ve developed different identities and it’s hard to juggle these characters while trying to find my true personality. But years of hiding my true feelings from my friends and family in order to be a likable person have led to an inability to process my feelings in front of other people and talk freely. I was so absorbed in trying to please everyone and being likable that I lost who I truly am. I still have a long way to reach that point in my life where I can discard what other people think, but I’m slowly changing my attitude. I’ve started to chip away at the wall I’ve built around myself and realized that I can talk about my feelings to some people without judgment. Although rebuilding myself into a new person might not be achievable, I’m one step closer to being my true self rather than being someone who lives for the validation of others.
OPINION
May 03, 2022
BY MYLES KIM // IN MY OPINION
The art of creating problems by running away
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he incessant noise that fills my head with doubts and carries my pessimistic attitude is briefly lost in the wind as I ride out my fantasies as an outlaw in Red Dead Redemption 2, or lose myself in the philosophy of consciousness in Westworld. People often have different reasons to consume media: some find it as a distraction or merely seek entertainment, while others ponder about the messages behind their
favorite video games or books — I do it for all of the above, but mainly to escape the dull routine of my daily life. When I was younger my father bought my first video game console, the Xbox 360. Back then, I never thought about the nuances of my experiences: life, death, climate change or the next presidential election. I was just a kid who liked playing video games. The problems I concerned myself with consisted of which meal to choose at lunch that day. I guess it just comes with growing older, the scaling of your problems and walking up those endless flights of stairs. As I grew older, the hopeful optimism I once held for my future and the world shattered like glass. The refusal of nations to work toward the common good has created a generation characterized by traits of powerlessness, uncertainty and pessimism. After all, what is the point of going through more than a decade of schooling, if it amounts to nothing? Why should I not just sit in my room, close the blinds and pick up that controller? When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it pushed me away from human interaction and left me feeling isolated and alone. The lack of regard for human life amplified feelings of powerlessness and the desire to ignore it all.
Multiplayer games became unappealing, and my focus shifted toward singleplayer games that allow me to become the protagonist and dissolve my feelings under new characters and stories. As I am writing this, living through the most affluent period of human history, what makes our reality upsetting is that despite all this “progress”, we cannot seem to get our act together. Why fret any further, when I can stuff my head full of fictional worlds more appealing than our own? That incessant noise that I often find myself burying under fictional stories, is not going anywhere — no matter how many hours I sink into my favorite games. Eventually, that noise will become too deafening to ignore. There is no point in arguing that future generations will not feel the same way as I do to a greater degree. There is no point in arguing that future generations will inherit a world ravaged by our mismanagement. But, if life really has no meaning, then I should try to enjoy the time I have left. The world is still on fire, but at least there is one guy having fun. Will this column about my worldview and pessimistic attitude change anything? Perhaps it will, but what do I know — I am just a kid who likes playing video games.
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Driving into a new world of independence BY SRUTHI MEDEPALLI
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s Lynbrook students hurry to class, they’re greeted by a procession of student drivers rushing to get the best parking spots. As the final class bell rings, a similar herd of students run to their cars to beat after-school traffic, head home and commute to extracurricular activities. Driving is a significant symbol of independence for teenagers, allowing them the freedom to independently travel long distances. However, concerns regarding the price of insurance, time investment required for driving lessons and general purpose of driving in high school often arise among the school community. Lynbrook students have expressed varying opinions on the purpose of driving in high school and whether it’s necessary.
Snapchat: Friendships or competition? BY SUSANNA TANG
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pproximately 319 million users every day tap on the iconic white ghost centered within a yellow box to reply to a friend’s “snap” — a picture or short video. Snapchat’s mission is to “empower people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world and have fun together.” However, with the addition of streak counts and Snap Map, an interactive map that allows users to share their locations with friends, Snapchat’s optimistic mission is masked with users’ compulsive desires to maintain streaks and to illustrate a perfect life. After two consecutive days of back-andforth snaps between two users, a number indicating a streak count appears next to each user’s name. The addictive nature of Snapchat’s streaks comes from natural desires for dopamine rewards by continuing markers. The higher the number is, the more disappointment a broken streak would cause, often putting pressure on both sides of a friendship to add on to the streak to avoid taking the blame of the loss. “When my parents took my phone, I deleted all of my apps, so I lost my highest streak LE TAB of around 1,000,” NS O C freshman Rayyan Ghafoor said. “I felt horrible because I had just lost all of my hard work.” S n a p c h a t allows users to communicate with each other through short disappearing snaps, creating a welcoming environment for those who feel anxious communicating with peers in person. Many even utilize Snapchat’s short-lived features to start small conversations with someone. Oftentimes, however, communication through snaps consists of meaningless to no conversations; many chats are chains of idle photos of ceilings, grounds or half of a face. To many teens, the continuous sending of snaps between two friends proves commitment to a friendship, and leaving a friend on “opened” or “delivered” can show disinterest. This type of communication can lead to a false sense of friendship that revolves around the momentary attention of another. “Many people just mindlessly send streaks on Snapchat,” Ghafoor said. “You could be doing much more productive things in your life than sending streaks.”
SRUTHI MEDEPALLI — EPIC
“Honestly, driving is slightly scary. The first part of driver’s ed was all statistics on how many people die in car-related accidents each year, and it made me worry about how all it would take is one small mistake for me to crash — or for another driver to crash into me — and injure or kill someone. I don’t really enjoy driving, but I like that it gives me freedom to go places.” — Ava Tse, Sophomore
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MYLES KIM
Another one of Snapchat’s most enjoyed features is its filters. Although they are used for humorous intentions, some of the most popular Snapchat filters distort one’s face by altering the facial features or skin tones, which may suggest unrealistic beauty ideals and act as a temporary cure for facial dysmorphia, only to accentuate the condition when the filters are gone. Seeing a digitally modified version of oneself every day can be detrimental to mental health and can deter one from being content with their real appearances. “Beauty filters make us compare ourselves to something that is not real,” school-based therapist Jenna Starnes said. “And our minds are bad at determining what’s real and not. As you’re seeing someone’s picture, you see someone who looks beautiful and you think to yourself, ‘I don’t look like that.’ But we don’t think, ‘this person doesn’t actually look like that’ either.” Snap Map allows users to see their friends’ locations and the time they were last active. The Bitmojis, or personalized avatars, of friends who have enabled the sharing of their location appear on their current location on the map. Many parents and teens have expressed concerns about Snap Map’s invasion of privacy, as it allows users to see the whereabouts of their friends down to the street name and exact layout of the building, encouraging predators to stalk their victims.
“Snap Map also feeds into feelings of missing out,” Starnes said. “The worst case scenario is that you find your group of friends together without you. This could lead to the thoughts, ‘Am I missing out? Am I being excluded?’” Many teens acknowledge the harm that Snapchat’s competitive culture can cause, yet they cannot seem to terminate the addiction. A few steps one can take toward overcoming the addiction is to turn off all notifications and to remove the app from one’s homescreen. Although the best thing to do is delete the app, the toughest step is getting past the initial withdrawal, so Starnes suggests users to distract themselves and to pay attention to the positive things that they are experiencing away from Snapchat.
SRUTHI MEDEPALLI — EPIC
“My motivation to drive in high school was to be able to drive anywhere without my parents. If I wanted to go somewhere far, I wouldn’t need to ask them to drive me there, especially since they would drop me off and pick me up hours later. But practicing with my parents was stressful. Taking any turn was complemented with criticism because it would either be too fast or too slow.” — Anirudh Nandakumar, Junior
SRUTHI MEDEPALLI — EPIC
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY EMMA CONSTABLE
“Even though my initial motivation to drive was gaining independence, I didn’t quite get that. For small things, my parents will occasionally let me drive, but in general, I do not drive even though I have my license. My parents are wary of if the benefits of driving outweigh the risks for a high schooler. Though it sucks, it is an understandable concern that is an overlooked reality of giving a teenager the ability to drive.” — Avni Mangla, Junior
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FEATURES
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BY MEI CORRICELLO//MY HOBBY IS
AWARD WINNING: REVIEWING THE YEAR’S BEST FILMS BY MEERA NAMBIAR, KATIE CHIN AND CATHERINE ZHOU
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inning the biggest award of the night, Best Picture, CODA tells the story of a girl from a deaf family exploring singing while trying to help her family’s fishing business. The title stands for Children of Deaf Adults and made history by being the first movie from a streaming service to win the award. Though movies from other well known services have been nominated, Apple TV+ is the first to win Best Picture, reflecting the transition of movie experiences from theaters to homes. Set in a small town, Ruby, the only hearing person in her family, works with her family and interprets for the family. When she joins the school choir, she is encouraged by her teacher to pursue singing, though this causes conflict between her and her family as her parents believe she should focus on the business. The film balances both Ruby and her parents’ views, showing parts of Ruby’s choir concert in the family’s perspective without sound, and it beautifully portrays Ruby’s struggle choosing between her family and her future. Though somewhat predictable, the movie’s genuine messages on family and stellar performances by the deaf cast and Emilia Jones make it the right choice for Best Picture.
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riveting and impassioned tale of a father determined to shape his talented daughters into superstars, King Richard brought home the Best Actor Award for Will Smith’s inspiring performance as Richard Williams, the notorious, headstrong father of tennis celebrities Venus and Serena Williams. The film features countless raw, poignant scenes, such as a tear-jerking moment as Venus reels from a significant loss on the court. Delicately straying away from the typical cliches of sports dramas, King Richard presents an astounding display of humanity and highlights the Williams sisters’ stirring ambition through rousing tennis sequences and a medley of whimsical and fierce soundtracks. The film does not neglect to depict Williams’ infamous obstinacy and rigidity, yet simultaneously highlights his adoration and respect for his daughters. Smith astutely portrays the vulnerability of a father yearning to shield his daughters from the pitfalls of fame and the persistence to build a life for his family outside the streets of Compton. The film offers a sober perspective on police brutality in the neighborhood and systemic racism as Williams attempts to carve a career for his girls in a white-dominated sport. King Richard brings a rare authenticity to the big screen and Smith’s zealous performance is unparalleled, making it most deserving of its acclaim and the Best Actor Award.
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ci-fi epic Dune swept the Oscars with wins in cinematography, editing, score, visual effects, production design and sound. Director Denis Villeneuve crafted an engrossing film that whisks audiences into an electrifying, mythical and otherworldly universe. Centered around Paul Atreides, a prophesied messiah and future duke of the House Atreides, the film captures his journey toward becoming a leader of his people and bringing peace to planet Arrakis, a desolate desert planet home to the most valuable resource in the universe. As the film weaves between multilayered themes, Villenueve immerses viewers into the plot with awe-inspiring visuals. Every frame is filled with meticulously designed costumes, realistic sets and visual effects that breathe life into Herbert’s futuristic universe. The film also conveys vast discrepancies of scale, as exhibited by the massive sandworms looming before tiny men and intricate transport ornithopters flying over grand landscapes. In addition, the score ties the film together and evokes a distinctive, mesmeric feel. Composer Hans Zimmer experimented with an exotic mix of choral, rock, vocal and electronic sounds to convey both the beauty and the danger of the Dune universe. The talented team behind Dune set a new precedent for the technical quality of future big-screen films, and the film is an exceptional sci-fi spectacle that is truly worthy of six Oscar wins. GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS BY FEATURES SECTION
Knock down the house: My path in politics
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lexandria Ocasio-Cortez stood with her hand over her mouth with a look of disbelief on her face as the final polling numbers flashed across the TV screen in a bar in the Bronx. She had just beaten longtime incumbent congressman Joe Crowley for a seat in the House of Representatives. Just months ago, she was a bartenderturned-political-candidate whom Crowley refused to even show up to debates for. In 2019, I watched the Netflix documentary “Knock Down the House,” which follows recently elected congressmen’s journeys of running grassroots campaigns against wealthy incumbents. Watching Representative OcasioCortez and candidates Cori Bush, Amy Vilela and Paula-Jean Swearengin advocate for their constituents’ basic demands, I saw a version of my future self dedicated to tackling the U.S.’s corrupt political institutions and restoring the public’s faith in government. As an ambitious and progressive biracial woman in America like the candidates in the film, I am someone who aspires to take advantage of our supposedly equitable democracy and make my own mark. However, the looming establishment of our polarized political landscape, along with historically oppressive systems against women and people of color, has long stood in our way. As I graduate high school, my peers and I have curated visions not only for our own futures but also for the future of our country. I’m passionate about reforming our approach to LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, immigration, healthcare, the justice system, the electoral system, campaign finance and more, and doing it all on account of my constituents’ wishes. I want to eliminate the deceitful nature of our current system, where politicians are constantly trying to persuade and out-maneuver voters instead of approaching them with respect and integrity. Inspired by people like AOC, Bush, Vilela and Swearengin, who have all broken barriers before me, I see an open path to change — one that I can take part in. Seeing how these people have fought for themselves and the people they represent while keeping their integrity through grassroots campaigns, I aim to one day also work with the incredible support of Americans to address the roots of campaign finance issues.
May 03, 2022
FEATURES
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THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF SUPERSTITIONS BY TIMOTHY KIM
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the Americas have risen out of beliefs in luck and prosperity. In South America, avoiding sweeping a broom over one’s feet is common as doing so is often linked to preventing marriage. The practice of eating GR AP HI C
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lthough some may think of superstitions as far-fetched beliefs that hold little significance, they are still practiced as a way of carrying on traditions and preserving culture. Superstitions, practices developed because of a common desire to exert personal control over one’s environment , date back to traditions from centuries ago and have been passed down as a way of bringing fortune or preventing bad luck through habitual actions. Practices such as picking pennies off sidewalks for good luck or avoiding black cats are so common that they are second nature for many people. Superstitions in America are linked to strong religious beliefs that developed from the past. Going back centuries to European folklore, many superstitions arose out of fear of certain concepts going against Christian beliefs and subsequently bringing bad luck.“A common American superstition is knocking on wood for good luck,” junior Kevin Davies said. “I don’t believe in it, but there’s nothing to lose by just doing it.” Although people tend to stop believing in superstitions as they grow older, superstitions that seem realistic continue to find their way into everyday life. For example, people believe that the number 13 is unlucky, and go to great lengths to avoid it. Elevators all across the world often are missing 13th floors. The number 13 has several allusions to Christianity and the Bible that relate it to negative events, the most important being that the 13th guest was the disciple who
betrayed Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, causing Europeans to label the number as unlucky since then. In a similar religious allusion, crossing fingers for good luck originated in medieval Europe, s i n c e crossed fingers resemble a cross, a symbol of great
religious significance. Other countries have superstitions that are practiced avoiding religious omens, and many have implications for health and security blended with religion to spread positive habits. “A superstition that is common in Hindu culture is the practice of taking shoes off before entering a house,” sophomore Rochan Kavulli said. “Many other cultures follow it, and it prevents bad luck, but I imagine it also has hygienic implications.” Besides just in the U.S., superstitions in
12 grapes at midnight of a new year brings good luck in Latin America, with the practice traced back
to Spain. Cultural superstitions truly are globally shared, as they run deep in the traditions of Middle Eastern and African cultures, often having religious origins. The belief in the Evil Eye, which has been depicted as early as the 6th century B.C.E. most often as a glaring malevolent eye stemming from
hatred, bringing bad luck. Followers of Islam burn incense and recite religious scriptures to ward off the Evil Eye. Various Asian cultures have developed their own superstitions as well. “One superstition in Hindu culture that my family practices is that if I accidentally touch a book with my feet, I have to touch it with my right hand and touch my forehead,” Kavulli said. “It’s a sign of respect because those objects are forms of God in a sense. I’m not religious myself, but I practice the superstition because it’s a tradition that I was taught as a child.” Another prevalent superstition among Hindus is the abstinence of cutting hair and nails on certain days after sunset. “ I ’ v e been taught is to not cut hair or nails after sunset because that is when God enters the h o u s e h o l d ,” junior Satvik Shreesha said. “I’m not sure about any bad effects resulting from not following the superstition, but it’s just disrespectful to God overall. It’s been ingrained in me, so I just like to follow it.” In Chinese culture, eating noodles on one’s birthday for longevity represents a way to live longer. “I believe this superstition originated with an old Chinese legend,” Davies said. “I think that in general, even if many don’t believe in superstitions, they still perform them because it is part of their culture and tradition.” Even if superstitions are less prevalent in daily life today, they are more than just simple beliefs that arose randomly, instead having rich cultural origins.
Viking bodies become canvases for personality BY RIA PHELAN
tattoo, she had already gotten five tiny stick-and-poke tattoos done. It was Story continued from the front page. completely different getting the large tattoo professionally done when she was legal. is a permanent decision. Students need to “It hurt so badly!” Marri said. “The small wait until they are 18 to get one professionally ones didn’t hurt, but this one was my entire done by a tattoo artist. However, a recent back so I felt like I was dying for almost trend for students under 18 is to take a risk three hours. They also had to go back over to create their own using the stick-and-poke everything they already tattooed at the end method. to make sure it looked clean — that part was Although the impulse to get started on a the absolute worst.” tattoo collection is tempting, all three seniors Amani, who decided to get a tattoo done advise against stick-and-poke tattoos for after her 18th birthday, experiments with a students under 18. They never look as clean unique method to avoid most of the pain for as professionally done ones and have a high her tattoos. chance of infection. “I put numbing cream on before I got my Marri’s interest started with stick-andtattoo, and I couldn’t feel anything for a good poke designs, homemade tattoos made with 45 minutes,” Amani said. “After it wore off, needle and ink. By the time Marri turned 18 it really hurt but it was bearable knowing it in February was almost done.” 2021 and Numbing cream has its own benefits and was ready tradeoffs, and ultimately, it is up to each to get a individual to evaluate their pain tolerance f o r m a l in the specific part of the body they want p a r l o r tattooed. After getting the tattoo, the aftercare to ensure the skin heals properly is a temporary but demanding process. This includes washing with antimicrobial soap and water one to two times a day and applying antibacterial or Vaseline ointment twice a day. “After getting such a large tattoo, it was really hard to do the aftercare for it,” Marri said. “There was a lot of scabbing and it was PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION OF SKYE AMANI, TAMMI TRUJILLO, MANYA MARRI super itchy.”
Marri wanted a way to recognize important parts of herself and events in her life through the art form of tattoos. Her first tattoo of a small moon was the start of her collection. “I got my first tattoo after I really accepted myself and my personality,” Marri said., “ It’s small and simple so I know I will never regret it.” While Marri got her tattoo as a way to express her personality through art, Trujillo chose some of her designs to honor her older sister. “I got my snake tattoo because my sister planned to get it when she turned 18,” Trujillo said. “And the 13 was more sentimental because it was my sister’s soccer number and is my mom’s favorite number.” Tattoos are often concealed and covered up due to parents not supporting them. Luckily for Amani, her parents supported all of her tattoos — she even has a few matching ones with her mom, like her triplet music note tattoo to attest to their love of music. “My mom and I have a few matching tattoos,” Amani said. “Especially this anatomical heart one with flowers growing out of it, because we both have small heart conditions.” Trujillo also has matching tattoos with her parents. “We all have matching ‘kanji’ tattoos, which is my sister’s name, Rei, in Japanese, meaning light,” Trujillo said. Marri, on the other hand, has only told her parents about one of her six tattoos. “I have yet to tell my parents about the large one and most of the small ones,” Marri said. “They know about the moon on my shoulder and got so mad, but I get why. The depiction of a successful person doesn’t have
tattoos, but I don’t think that should matter.” Regardless, all three seniors and many more students have plans to get more tattoos once they save up some money and find inspiration for their next design. They all hope to explore this art form further to commemorate events and parts of themselves. “Getting tattoos is so therapeutic,” Marri said. “I feel so much better and alive after I get one. It’s probably the adrenaline rush but it makes me wanna get so many more in the future.” While waiting to reach the age requirement for tattoos, students can contemplate important symbols in their life. When the time comes, this reflection will make a professionally done tattoo meaningful and beautiful.
May 03, 2022
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picky. From the amount of sunlight they receive to the pH level of their soil, there are a myriad of factors that must be considered when planting. For English teacher David Clarke, monitoring plants’ soil preferences is one of the many things he does to care for his quarter-acre home and garden. Every week, he spends 20 to 30 hours tending his garden, from daily watering to weekend weeding, winter preparing to spring tidying. Deciduous, evergreens, fruits trees, vines, vegetables, succulents, shrubs, annuals, perennials, bulbs and more — he has them all. “Some people might find this garden a little chaotic, but that’s part of the charm — to constantly learn about new plants and what they want,” Clarke said. His journey with gardening started with his construction work, where he worked on interior construction and landscaping. When he bought his own home more than 20 years ago, he turned the fixer-upper into a dream home in and out, remodeling the house interior and beautifying the yards. “All the jobs I have had since my 30s have been academic, which is very much desk and
intellectual work,” Clarke said. “So it’s very nice to have physical outlets as well. I got into gardening because although it’s delayed gratification, you produce your own reward as you go along.” He spends entire weekends among his plants, trimming, weeding and harvesting the fruits of his labor. In his home, nothing is ever wasted. Clarke and his wife compost kitchen scraps in worm bins and process all wood clippings in a wood chipper for landscaping purposes. Everything in Clarke’s garden is carefully thought out. He advises aspiring gardeners to plan years ahead of how they want their garden to look before beginning to plant, especially for long-term projects like trees. He also strongly encourages them to find mentors by communicating with other fellow gardeners in their community to shorten the learning curve, something he wishes he had done when he first began gardening. “Many people don’t know this, but irises have a really strong scent and people breed them for it,” Clarke said. “I have one that smells like root beer, and the standard scent is kind of like sour cream frosting. It is really intense. You should go smell it.”
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Gardening is similar to teaching or being a student. That’s a lot of what gardening is — being able to project into the future and knowing you’re not going to see a result until later.
PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION OF DAVID CLARKE
Some people might find this garden a little chaotic, but that’s part of the charm — to constantly learn about new plants and what they want.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS BY CATHERINE ZHOU, LINA MEZZEREG
IN-DEPTH
the Epic
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California’s little-known history of eugenics BY CRYSTAL QIAN AND ELIZABETH CHENG
Story continued from front page. and even “fitter family contests” rooted in Anglo-Saxon superiority. In 1896, Connecticut implemented the U.S.’s first eugenics policy, which prohibited marriages between epileptic individuals. In 1927, the Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell infamously legitimized compulsory sterilization laws, opening the floodgates to a generation of minority victimization and forced sterilizations. Throughout the 20th century, 32 states contained federally funded sterilization programs, in which more than 60,000 people across the country were coercively sterilized. “Buck v. Bell really set the implicit in our scientific theory.” precedent for the treatment of people In 1909, California’s passage of the with disabilities,” said Cat Sanchez, Asexualization Act authorized state Co-Chair of the Stanford Disability institutions to sterilize mentally ill patients Initiative. “This rendered people and prisoners, particularly sex offenders who had developmental or mental and those serving a life sentence. Two more health disabilities as being lesser and laws passed in 1914 and 1917 widened the having fewer rights than others.” range of sterilization to encompass anyone T h e with “hereditary p ro p a ga t i o n insanity or incurable of eugenic chronic mania or initiatives Hitler was an admirer of dementia.” California, across the whose sterilization the American eugenics U.S. not only procedures primarily movement. controlled occurred in mental marginalized hospitals, became populations Daniel Kevles home to some of the but also Professor Emeritus of largest sterilization perpetuated History at Yale University hospitals in the the status country, including quo, one Sonoma State that favored Hospital and Patton a white, State Hospital. able-bodied Recording more than 5,000 sterilizations, patriarchy. California, the country’s Sonoma State Hospital was California’s eugenics spearhead, became the leading institution for the “feebleminded” third state to enact sterilization in the 20th century. The hospital sterilized laws in 1909. For the next 70 years, women deemed sexually deviant or California tallied 20,000 involuntary promiscuous through procedures such as sterilizations — one-third of the hysterectomies and tubal ligations. In the country’s total — a disproportionate 1960s, Sonoma also conducted human number of which were performed on experiments involving harmful doses of Hispanic, African American or Native radiation that resulted in severe injury and American women. Sterilization even death. programs targeted minority While American eugenics has fallen under populations with no due process, the shadow of Nazism, it was the impetus for anyone lawmakers deemed behind the Nazis’ demonization, sterilization unworthy to procreate were forcibly and euthanasia of Jews and other non-Aryan sterilized. groups. The fundamental ideas behind “The category of ‘feebleminded’ these acts were predicated on the belief of applied to a wide swath of people Aryan supremacy, a concept deeply rooted that we might not call disabled today in the American eugenics movement and — people who had sexual behavior underpinned by prolific eugenics research that fell outside social norms, women funded by the U.S. who were assaulted, people who “Hitler was an admirer of the American scored poorly on IQ tests,” Dron said. eugenics movement and the sterilization “One of the lessons that people take laws in the United States,” said Daniel Kevles, from eugenics is that classist, racist Professor Emeritus of History, History of or ableist assumptions are often Medicine and American Studies at Yale
University. “When it came time for the Nazis to write their own version of sterilization laws, they turned to the legal rationale in Buck v. Bell, but more importantly, they also turned to the sterilization laws in California.” Founded in Pasadena, Calif. in 1928, the Human Betterment Foundation was a eugenics organization dedicated to compiling and distributing information about sterilization. The HBF maintained a close relationship with Germany until World War II, and the Nazis modeled their eugenics laws on the HBF’s sterilization research and legislation. The Carnegie Institute and the Rockefeller Foundation also played pivotal roles in establishing and funding eugenic institutions in Germany. The eugenics movement lost momentum following the horrors of Nazi Germany — yet eugenic practices are not confined to the past. In 2010, approximately 148 women received unauthorized sterilizations in California prisons. Modern eugenics has taken form in genetic engineering, a development consistent with the advancement of scientific technology. Prenatal testing detects potential health
challenges and genetic variations such as Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis; in the U.S., 67% of fetuses detected to have Down syndrome are aborted. In addition, ethical conversations have surrounded CRISPR-Cas9 technology, a gene-editing tool that precisely alters DNA sequences and modifies gene function. Although CRISPR has demonstrated efficacy in curing disease in plants and animals, critics contend that CRISPR has the potential to perpetuate eugenics by eliminating undesirable characteristics from the gene pool. “The only situation where genetic engineering is understandable is if the child has some fatal disease,” junior and Intersections Co-President Riya Abiram said. “If it’s anything about the way they look and it doesn’t involve their quality of life, then it should be considered eugenics.” Reparations and disavowals have begun, with Caltech removing the name of eugenicists Robert Andrews Millikan and Ezra Seymour Gosney from campus buildings in 2021. In July of the same year, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved $7.5 million in reparations for survivors of state-sanctioned sterilizations; approximately 600 women are eligible for $25,000 each. “The payments to survivors that the program will provide are small compared to the harm done,” Darnovsky said. “Sadly, most of the people who were sterilized under California’s eugenics law have died, but the program helps in other ways. We really haven’t had a historical reckoning in this country with eugenics in the sense of acknowledging its persistent legacies. There’s so much more that has to be done to unpack these histories, the persistence of these ideas and the resurgence in some circles.”
ANWEN HUANG — EPIC GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY IN-DEPTH SECTION
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May 03, 2022
IN-DEPTH
Teachers endure burnout BY JASON SHAN AND SAM SARMA
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ANWEN HUANG — EPIC
n the wake of a growing mental health epidemic, FUHSD has implemented a variety of emotional support services, from Homeroom modules to the HAERT Program. However, declining mental health is not a crisis affecting that only affects students, but one that teachers face as well. Post-isolation, many school districts have seen increased levels of stress, particularly burnout, among teachers. To combat this rise, FUHSD has sought to support the emotional wellbeing of its staff. The RAND Corporation’s 2021 State of the U.S. Teacher Survey found that 27% of teachers experienced depression-like symptoms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a rate that almost triples the percentage in other adults. This upward trend among teachers follows others, including an increase in symptoms consistent with generalized anxiety and less job satisfaction. While FUHSD alleviated some of the hardships students faced during distance learning by changing the grading system to be pass-fail and making Wednesdays asynchronous, teachers continued carrying a similar workload to pre-isolation school, on top of being forced to adapt to an online environment. Many teachers found it difficult to engage their students, who were reluctant to unmute or turn on their cameras. Remote learning also proved to be a hotbed for
unprecedented problems such as Internet issues, unfamiliarity with new technology, student absences and Zoom-bombing. Online social behaviors, coupled with a lack of personal connection with their students, caused distance learning to be a highly ungratifying and an impersonal experience for some teachers. “Many of the challenges I faced last year were in trying to figure out how much students were learning,” history teacher Nhat Nguyen said. “With remote learning, it’s hard to maintain the level of interaction that is necessary for learning.” Distance learning also blurred boundaries between a teacher’s personal and work life. The State of the U.S. Teacher Survey found that one-third of teachers had to care for their own children while teaching during the pandemic, adding difficulty to managing lessons at home. Moreover, students almost exclusively see their teachers in class, which can cause interactions outside of the classroom and exposure to a teacher’s personal life to be uncomfortable for students, leading to an overall lack of empathy and consideration for teachers. “I know that students have a lot to deal with and a lot of stress, so I don’t fault them for not understanding what teachers are going through,” Nguyen said. “But there are times when students act or behave in ways that make it seem like they expect that a teacher has nothing else to worry about when we have other things to do.” Additionally, Lynbrook’s competitive culture means teachers are held to lofty standards in order to satisfy academic demands. “If you aren’t on top of your planning and your curriculum, you kind of get eaten alive at a school like Lynbrook,” Spanish teacher Kim Revilla said. “As a teacher, you have to be on top of your game all the time because the kids are learning at such a high level that they’re going to notice even small mistakes, which puts extra pressure on teachers. At the same time, I do want students to know that we all make mistakes and I try to acknowledge when I make a mistake. We are all going to make mistakes, but it’s what we do after that is important.” The well-being of both students and teachers is important because they influence each other: A teacher’s mental health affects how they perform and consequently impacts students, and the stress of students affects the environment of a teacher’s classroom. “We often say that classrooms are a
collective nervous sys te m ,” said Beck Engwerda, director of Strategic Partnerships at Mindful Schools, an organization that pushes for a healthy culture in schools. “If everyone is positive and feeling great within the room, you can pick up on that. And on the other side if others are actions surrounding feeling really stressful, then people absorb and social-emotional learning,” Associate that as well.” Superintendent Trudy Gross said. “And while Since the beginning of the school year, the Lynbrook administration and PTSA that has been largely focused on students, have taken teacher well-being and mental the work that is occurring with staff health into particular care, hosting multiple members is part of wellness for all of us. So events including Staff Appreciation Week, really, anytime we are working to create a during which students shared kind words to more positive climate, it benefits everyone.” Aside from events and resources that teachers, and Staff Care Week, during which are administration-provided, well-being teachers were delighted with a variety of is extremely necessary for teachers to stress-relieving treats on campus, ranging from 15-minute massages to aromatherapy prioritize and take into their own hands. “I think it’s important cinnamon rolls. Other to be kind to yourself teacher-care events because it really has include meditation “I think it’s important been a hard couple of and yoga sessions years,” Revilla said. “I to be kind to yourself and campus walks. try to be honest with because it really has District policies myself about where I also provide ample been a hard couple of am, and sometimes that personal necessity years.” means acknowledging leave and sick days. Kim Revilla, that I just don’t have “Our aim for the energy to do X, Y Spanish teacher these events is to and Z. I’ve been trying recognize self care to take the pressure off and make teachers of feeling like we have feel appreciated,” to get to certain places in our curriculum Principal Maria Jackson said. “But if a teacher is really struggling with their mental health, and trying to be patient with myself and my students; it’s definitely a work in progress.” there are district resources that can help.” Even the smallest actions from students The Employee Assistance Program and can go a long way to relieve a part of teachers’ WorkLife Services Benefit are some of the resources available on the FUHSD website, stress. And the well-being of teachers offering a network of financial, legal experts directly contributes to a positive classroom and clinicians to district staff. Another more environment for all. “Students can help teachers by just recent addition to the district’s resources is Care Solace, a program available to every communicating,” Nguyen said. “Even FUHSD community member, that focuses criticism is better than silence, since silence on providing substance abuse and mental can lead a teacher feeling unsure of how to health help. Although it has mostly been help students. The communication doesn’t utilized by teenagers in the district, 16% of even have to be about school; a simple ‘How has your day been?’ allows for a teacher to Care Solace users in FUHSD were adults. “Over the last few years, we have also feel like there’s at least some interaction been increasing the number of conversations going on.”
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY ANWEN HUANG AND NEHA AYYER
Ramadan helps Muslims explore religious identity and build character BY SAMIYA ANWAR AND AUDREY SUN
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ach year, more than 1.7 billion Muslims participate in the holy month of Ramadan. During the ninth month of the lunar year, Muslims practice selfdiscipline and sacrifice, abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset and nourishing their relationship with Allah. Islam is based on the revelations the Prophet Muhammad had from God, referred to in Islam as Allah, in the 7th century. “The Quran was revealed in this month and is divided into 30 portions,” West Valley Muslim Association Imam Sheikh Alauddin ElBakri said. “Each portion is recited every night during Ramadan by the Imam.” Some of the Five Pillars are mentioned in the Quran and are the core beliefs of Islam. The
Five Pillars are Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Hajj and Sawm. Sawm means “to fast” — a vital component of Ramadan. Through the interim deprivation of food and water, Muslims grow closer to Allah and learn valuable lessons of discipline, gratitude and self-control. “Fasting is challenging during the first few weeks,” sophomore Ziyad Attia said. “It isn’t challenging for the entire time because you build discipline as the month goes on.” Fasting during Ramadan usually lasts for 10 to 19 hours and often coincides with other necessary activities like school or work, making it a time for endurance. “I wake up everyday at around 4:30 to eat as much protein and carbs as possible,” Attia said. “After eating, I usually go back to sleep until school starts, where I fast the whole day. Then from 7:30-7:40 p.m., we’re allowed to break our fast and start eating again.” Ramadan fasting also results in having to pause physical activities. “I paused my basketball practices
and gym sessions.” Attita said. “I usually go to the gym at night, but during Ramadan, I am often completely drained of energy, so I don’t participate in many physical activities.” Fasting as a way to feel a unity with God, which Muslims refer to as “Ummah,” is also practiced by some beyond Ramadan. Muslims who follow the actions of Sunnah, the practices of Prophet Muhammad, fast every Monday and Thursday all year round. “By focusing on religion and school, the month goes by really fast,” junior and Muslim Student Association Vice President Bilal Shibab said. While many think that Ramadan is only about fasting, the holiday is also one where Muslims practice removing bad habits and negativity from their lives. “There is so much more to the holiday than than abstaining from eating and drinking,” junior and Muslim Student Association President Abdulrahman Naveed said. “It’s a way to build your
relationship with God by participating in acts of worship, giving to charity and bonding with your family and friends.” Ramadan helps Muslims to change their habits and become more grateful for what they have. “A few hours of hunger and thirst can humble us,” ElBakri said. “Ramadan is also about caring for others. We often donate to nearby charities and others who are in need.” Ramadan brings a sense of purpose to Muslims and strengthens their faith in Allah. It also builds character in Muslims and strengthens their relationship with Allah and their own family. “Ramadan brings my family closer,” Attita said. “It allows us to build closer connections with each other.”
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY SAMIYA ANWAR AND RIA PHELAN
IN-DEPTH
May 03, 2022
Global crises create surrogate shortage BY TANIKA ANBU AND ANUSHKA ANAND
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a surrogate in close proximity to eliminate the complications of international travel. However, this is not a viable option for those hoping to take advantage of competitive costs internationally. “Especially with a pandemic it definitely seems hard for surrogates and intended parents to coordinate given all the travel restrictions and new variants,” junior Sravya Vakkalanka said. Even for successful surrogate pregnancies, there are often complications. Travel restrictions and commercial flight cancellations can prevent parents from uniting with their newborns quickly. “No mother thinks such complications would happen to them,” Levin said. “You want to be with your child, so you’re constantly adjusting, accepting and adapting.” While waiting for intended parents to find suitable transportation during the war, surrogate mothers may find themselves left to care for the child in addition to the children they already have. Many surrogate mothers don’t want to be bound to anything more than their ninemonth service, contributing to the increasing shortage. A m i d increasing complications due to COVID-19 and the U k r a i n e
c o n f l i c t , surrogacy rates have declined and the industry may be permanently impacted even as the global pandemic gradually improves.
SAMIYA ANWAR — EPIC
““I know an expectant mother who had to take five flights over the course of a rom the scare of new COVID-19 variants week just to get into the country where her to vaccine reluctance, prospective carrier was,” English teacher Erin Levin, who parents and surrogate mothers have personally used a surrogate, said. faced a variety of new issues amid the Prior to the war, the COVID-19 pandemic pandemic. Exacerbated even further by played the largest part in creating the the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, surrogate shortage. Research shows serious the global surrogacy industry is facing consequences for women who have or had an unprecedented shortage of surrogate COVID-19, such as increased risk of premature mothers. Amid the lingering effects of the or still-birth. Since many intended parents COVID-19 pandemic, surrogate mothers feared their surrogate mother could contract must adhere to certain protocols, such as the virus, they have required surrogate receiving vaccines and staying away from mothers to get vaccinated, test frequently or large crowds, which has compounded stay away from large gatherings. Pregnancy struggles. itself naturally After the U.S., presents hazards to Ukraine is the both the mother and second most popular child, but increasingly You want to be with your destination for serious consequences child, so you’re constantly surrogacy, largely due associated with adjusting, accepting and to its cheap services. contracting COVID-19 adapting. While surrogacy in as a pregnant woman the U.S. costs more has scared more than $100,000, surrogate mothers Ukrainian equivalents out of the industry, Erin Levin, are marketed at furthering the English Teacher roughly $30,000 to surrogacy shortage. $50,000. Furthermore, An estimated 2,000 some surrogate to 2,500 children are mothers may refuse born through surrogacy in Ukraine each to follow these nuanced protocols. Unable to year, and at least 1,500 couples living in the accept certain guidelines in their surrogate U.S., U.K., Ireland and Australia are currently contracts, many mothers have left the using Ukrainian surrogates, with their business as they either don’t want to get embryos stored in Ukrainian clinics. vaccinated or don’t wish to avoid gatherings. The war in Ukraine has inhibited The pandemic has also caused a backlog international travel, impeding the country’s in the international surrogacy markets. surrogacy process. A majority of fertility With numerous lockdowns and travel clinics in Ukraine are located in Kyiv, which is restrictions, intended parents and surrogate currently being targeted by Russian troops. mothers in different countries faced a new Some clinics in the neighboring Georgia are wave of challenges, such as delayed egg preparing to transfer embryos from Ukraine retrievals and embryo transfers. Due to these to their facilities, but they face difficulties — unpredictable processes, many surrogate they rely on commercial flights to transfer mothers now opt out of international the embryos, which has faced increasing surrogacy jobs to maintain easy access to cancellations due to the war. the intended family, who often also desire
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GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY NICOLE GE
SPORTS
the Epic lhsepic.com
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Boats, oars and ergometers: Lynbrook’s rowers BY SOPHIE AU
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s the whistle sounds, rowers speed across the lake in unison, navigating along the shoreline to reach the finish line. For sophomores Vera Chu, Christie Kim and Vinay Venkatesh, the breeze in the air and the sound of oars beating against cold water is music to their ears. It may come as a surprise that there are many rowers at Lynbrook. Training at quiet reservoirs and shorelines, rowing has become a meaningful and enjoyable sport for Chu, Kim and Venkatesh. Kim was introduced to rowing by a family friend. Her brother tried rowing, enjoyed it and was recruited to college for rowing, so Kim followed in his footsteps at the Los Gatos Rowing Club. She tried rowing during a week-long summer camp in summer 2020, then joined the novice team for the fall season. “Initially, I was scared about getting blisters because my brother’s hands were always absolutely shredded up and because of how intense the sport looked, but I ended up loving it,” Kim said. Watching Instagram videos of Kim rowing with the Los Gatos Rowing Club, Chu became fascinated with the sport, and she also tried rowing in a week-long summer camp. “There was something really exciting about being on the water and hearing it run underneath the boat,” Chu said. She continued to learn in a novice development camp for a month after the camp. By fall 2021, she tried out for the Redwood Scullers competitive team and has been racing since then. Venkatesh started rowing over
quarantine during his freshman year, also Not all training happens on the water. with the Los Gatos Rowing Club. Encouraged Land days are used for rowers to build to find outdoor sports due to the COVID-19 up strength for demanding rowing meets. pandemic, he came across rowing. Training involves exercises ergometers, or “I gave it a try for like a week or so,” rowing machines, to build up arm and core Venkatesh said. “The people on my team strength involved in rowing. were super nice, so I ended up joining.” “Land practices are days when we train Rowers enter competitions immediately on the machine, with the focus of building after joining teams. Chu had trained in camps essential muscles and becoming a stronger for a month, so she had the background and athlete,” Kim said. “Our actual technique and skill to get accustomed to meets. Jumping overall stroke is improved upon during water into competitive teams right away and days, when we actually go out in boats.” competing at nationals as a first meet was With hours of training under their belt, difficult for Venkatesh, rowers participate in as he needed to catch up regional meets, known on building speed. as regattas, which are Push through that awkward There are two types held immediately after phase because once you’re of competitive rowing: the season starts. Fall able to get your stroke sweeping and sculling. season races are 5,000 down, it’s a really nice Sweeping involves meters long, while spring teams of two, four or season races are 2,000 feeling to be on the water. eight, where each rower meters long. Regional rows with one oar on meets vary depending Vinay Venkatesh, one side of the boat. on the number of boats Sophomore Rower Sculling involves one, and participating clubs, two, or four people and but they can see up to involves using two oars thousands of teams to generate speed. at each regatta. Boats “A benefit of sculling is that it is easier for are placed into categories, which take into the boat to be set because each person uses consideration types of rowing and number two oars, and you can easily tell whether of people per boat, and are further split into or not the blades are even,” Chu said. “In classes A, B, and C that compete separately. sweeping boats, you really have to work Though rowing is a team sport, coaches together and complement the others in your assign individuals into a class A, B or C boat boat so the boat doesn’t dip to one side.” based on their abilities through an ergometer Both sweeping boats and four-person time trial. Competitiveness in the training scull boats usually have a coxswain, or room increases when preparing for meets commander, who sits facing forward to steer because of boat placements, but the desire to the boat as rowers face the opposite direction improve has also bonded the team. of the boat’s motion. “The competitiveness is what unifies the
team and strengthens the team spirit,” Venkatesh said. “At the end of the day, you guys are all going to be friends. But at practice, sometimes you just have to go as hard as you can — taking a seat from your best friend maybe.” However, their success was not without challenges. Training alone and not seeing progress despite the work put in can be demotivating. However, as athletes strive to row on faster class A boats or establish new personal records, training is still worth it. “You just have to get better, and you just have to do it,” Chu said, “Or else you’re going to fall down the ranks of your club — you’re gonna be at the bottom.” Special rows like a breakfast row, where the team rows 20 kilometers and returns for breakfast, keep rowers excited for fun rowing events throughout the year. Kim’s club also celebrates personal records, which motivates her teammates and her to push themselves to row faster. “We have a PR Bell,” Kim said. “Everyone who PRs gets to ring a bell and that’s just the thing for us.” For athletes interested in rowing, making new friends makes the experience more enjoyable and worthwhile. In addition, patience is key when trying rowing for the first time. “It’s awkward when you start, like getting into a tippy boat or rowing backwards and not being able to see where you’re going,” Venkatesh said. “Push through that awkward phase because once you’re able to get your stroke down, it’s a really nice feeling to be on the water.”
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOS BY SUSANNA TANG
BY AMISHI CHANDRA
Hitting the ball out of the park
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he sound of cheering hits my 7-yearold ears, and I jolt up in bed before the break of dawn. Disgruntled, I run through all the possible scenarios of why people are cheering at the television at 3 a.m. I promised myself I would never watch this adult sport, cricket, or try to understand
it. Someone had just caught a ball and was dancing on the field and pointing to someone in the crowd. I rolled my eyes with annoyance. What was the point in watching a game where a bunch of men tried to hit a ball and score runs? I thought it was a complete waste of time. My mind changed as my dad explained to me how cricket is a sport that requires patience and hard work. He tried to convince me of the entrancing feeling of hitting the ball, the adrenaline rush as the players run back and forth and how gratifying watching it with family can be. Yet to me, it was just cricket, a yearly sensation called the Indian Premier League, IPL, which draws in millions of people for two months. Fast forward three years and I am visiting India with my family. My cousins and uncles rumble through the house at 7 a.m., the sound of shouting piercing the air. Someone drags the covers off my head, demanding I join them. I follow them to the beatenup park and watch as everyone around me starts setting up the game. I don’t know the game’s rules, too chaotic for me to learn. I
would have rather been anywhere else than standing here watching the bat hit the ball and listening to one of my cousins give me a play-by-play. However, there is a method to the madness, and I watch in awe as everyone comes together and starts planning their strategy. My dad runs forward and throws the ball, my cousin hits the ball and it goes flying. Everyone on the batting side cheers, and suddenly, this ridiculous game starts to hold meaning for me. I find myself joining in, relishing the teamwork, bonding with my family and practicing my leadership. Suddenly, everything clicks: I understand why my dad wakes up and dedicates his time to cricket. His most cherished memories originate from cricket; growing up, cricket was a way for him to connect with his peers. Now, I use cricket to connect to my culture. Come sixth grade, I find myself waking up at the break of dawn and watching the team play, except this time they aren’t faceless, and it was me and my family cheering at the top of our lungs for our favorite team. As I started growing up and watching the game, I
learned more about these players. They deal with millions of eyes and the weight of India on their shoulders, as cricket is India’s sport. Yet they ignore the rash comments and zone into the game. At the end of the day, they are proud to represent India. It was amazing watching all the politics and language barriers break down between players from New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Britain, so these players could work together to win. They became my role models, and I aspired to have their mindset and dedication, to be able to work diligently under pressure and always be proud of what I was doing. I still use everything I learned from them today as a way for me to nod back at my culture and all the lessons I have learned. Now, every year around March, I am the one who wakes up early and switches on the TV. I pick my favorite team, Mumbai Indians, from the ten different teams that play in the IPL and cheer my heart out for them, learning how to connect to my culture and family. Until the next game!
SPORTS
May 03, 2022
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Boys volleyball serves on and off the court BY EMMA CONSTABLE
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eating hearts and suspended breaths lock spectators in anticipation as a serve echoes off the gym walls. As the ball soars over the net, the sidelines erupt in cheers and chants, engaging the varsity boys volleyball team in five intense sets against their rival Monta Vista on March 23. With a winning score of 3-2, the team’s victory marked its first against Monta Vista in six years, and on April 15, the team secured an impressive second win of 3-2. Boys varsity volleyball is currently ranked third in Santa Clara Valley Athletic League’s De Anza division, after Fremont and Los Gatos. Following a third victory of 2-0 against Monta Vista on April 23, the team was ranked seventh in northern California by Bay to Bay, a popular Bay Area volleyball club consisting of many successful players whose schools often dominate its top 10 spots. The Saint Francis, Mountain View, Clovis West and Bellarmine volleyball teams often drift in and out of the top four. The team’s
persistence and coordination has helped to secure wins against rivals such as Monta Vista, Saratoga and Los Gatos. Volleyball is as much of a mental game as it is a physical one, and players must rely on nonverbal cues to develop both a strong defense and an unrelenting offense. Due to communication mishaps on the court, the team has also experienced several difficult losses, including a 3-2 loss to Homestead on March 25 and a 3-2 loss to Cupertino on April 1. “Those were moments where we weren’t able to come together as one cohesive group,” senior and captain Kyle Wyatt said. “It was a good reality check that any team can beat us if we don’t focus during our games.” Off the court, the team’s rigorous training schedule ensures that players learn to move as an interdependent unit. Every weekday, the team builds endurance with various drills before playing a scrimmage to simulate games. Team captains and seniors Derek Liu, Kyle Wyatt and Andy Xu occasionally influence practices by deciding what skills to focus on, such as communication. The team also addresses strategies
that worked for opponents after analyzing video clips of particularly tough games. Much of the team has been playing together for several years, contributing to a strong team dynamic as players are already familiar with each other. However, new members, including one freshman, have also had success integrating into the team, boosting fluid interactions and overall performance during games. This season is marked by a shift in skill level across the board due to strong players from opposing teams graduating last year, but beyond physical skill level, the team attributes its successes to players’ genuine dedication to the team and its progress. As a former volleyball player himself, coach Kevin Lord acts as a centering force who keeps players accountable, and the team’s unified approach to games is bolstered by an intent to check in with each other during gameplay rather than blindly pursuing the goal of winning. Additionally, the team’s parents have greatly supported players throughout the season by preparing meals and snacks before games. “I really have to commend the team parents this year,” Liu said. “We always have a table with food out there ready for us, and we also have lots of parents in the audience all the time.”
Close relationships among players have also been fostered outside of games and practices. The team’s Instagram, @ lhsmensvball, highlights the lighthearted aspects of the sport with group photos and videos of “wholesome volleyball moments.” The team has bonded over conditioning during winter break, laser tag and lunches at Chipotle. Inevitably, being on the varsity boys volleyball team has led to treasured experiences and heartfelt memories for many players. “When I came onto the team I was pretty serious, but then I realized that it’s still a time to have fun,” Liu said. “We have a lot of funny photos, and we like to keep things lighthearted.” As the season end approaches, the team hopes to qualify for the Central Coast Section Championships — a goal within reach after winning critical games against Monta Vista on April 15 and against Homestead on April 27, their senior night. The team’s final home game will be against Cupertino on May 4.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOS BY AUDREY SUN AND LAUREN LIU
SPORTS
May 03, 2022
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Four years, four track stars, one historic record broken BY CHELSEA LEE
paved the way for them in their track journeys. Wang says said. “And so I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can that without her brother, she likely would not have even tried push our limits and how much our time can improve when Story continued from front page. track. Seeing his determination as Lynbrook’s track & field we truly do run a clean race.” team captain and as a walk-on Division I track athlete at San In reaction to the triumph of their dreams, the team Claire Wang in first place in the Central Coast Section League Jose State University inspired her to work hard in the sport. remembers Meng putting a hand to her mouth in amazement, and eighth in the ranks of all high school California teams. He helps her improve her technique on the track and helps Su and Wang hugging and Tjoe in such disbelief that she just In this sprint relay event, each member of a four-person Lynbrook jumpers as an assistant coach. For Tjoe, her sister, stared at the time and waited, thinking that the judges had team takes a turn running 100 meters, handing off a baton as who also did high school track, always comforted her when calculated their time incorrectly and were going to bring they switch to the next teammate. The success of Lynbrook’s she lost confidence. When Tjoe’s sister was at Lynbrook, she out a correction. Their success also shocked many of their team started from their freshman year. Being the sole always made sure everyone was included and gave them the competitors. freshmen varsity track athletes at Lynbrook, there was a support and encouragement they needed. “When they announced our team, there were a bunch of strong camaraderie between them. Through their four years as a power unit, the team has people who were like, ‘Wow, that team does not look fast’ “We understood what we had all been through, and no achieved their ambitious goals. The first time they broke because we’re Asian,” Wang said. “But when they announced one else could really empathize with us,” Meng said. “Being the milestone of 50 seconds was in their freshman year our time, the reaction was, ‘Where did they get that time a 4x100 team throughout all four years definitely gave us the at the Quicksilver Invitational, where they from?’ I thought it was cool to time to bond.” achieved a time of 49.88 seconds. In their shatter whatever stereotypes As they consistently trained sophomore and junior years, they had for us, and I hope they together for six days a week on they attempted to break saw us win. I would have loved and off season, their connection the 49-second barrier, but to see their expressions when we I thought it was kind of cool to with each other as teammates the COVID-19 pandemic cut won.” shatter whatever stereotypes they grew rapidly. Their strong their season short. Their After the race, members of had for us, and I hope they saw chemistry and trust motivate senior year was their final another team thanked them us win. I would have loved to see them to keep improving and chance to achieve a new for giving them hope and their expressions when we won. allow them to sprint and pass significant personal record representation as people of batons without hesitation. before graduation, and with color in track & field. With “Just the amount of time this extra motivation, they the knowledge of the impact Claire Wang, we spent together made our surpassed the 49-second they made, the team hopes to Senior varsity 4x100 runner friendship even closer than milestone and broke 48 disprove racial stereotypes and before,” Su said. “We’ve gotten so seconds only a week after show others that Lynbrook is an used to being around each other, that. athletically competitive school. we’re like family.” Of all their meets and Scan the QR code to watch a video of their race “I hope that going forward, The team’s coach, Bernie Ramos, also helped the team milestones, the team’s proudest accomplishment is qualifying when people see the name Lynbrook, they don’t doubt us become the runners they are today. His understanding of for and attending the 2022 Arcadia Invitational — a national anymore, and they have trust that we’ll perform well and each teammate’s learning strategies allows him to curate annual high school track & field meet that is one of the most compete well,” Wang said. customized workouts and schedules that tailor to each prestigious and competitive in the U.S. Attending this meet After graduating from Lynbrook, Wang and Meng will individual’s needs and help them improve as a team. He also has been one of their dreams since freshman year. They not move on to run Division III track & field at Johns Hopkins focuses on building positive mentalities in them so they can only attended the invitational but also won first place in University and New York University, respectively. When Su do their best without getting burnt out, rather than focusing the women’s 4x100 open division among 40 highly-ranked goes to UC Davis and Tjoe goes to UC Santa Barbara, they on breaking records. teams from 26 states. They achieved a time of 47.81 seconds hope to do club track or intramural sports. “A lot of the goal was just trying to build that strong — a time one-hundredth of a second faster than the record“From what I’ve seen from coaching, when an mindset and have the competence to know that they can breaking time they recorded at the Stanford Invitational just underclassmen class sees their upperclassmen do so well, outperform themselves if they allow it,” Ramos said. a week prior. it really sparks motivation in them,” Ramos said. “They are Wang’s older brother and Tjoe’s older sister have also “In Arcadia, even though our time did improve a little, going to make a huge impact on our younger athletes because been the main role models for their younger sisters and there’s still a lot that we can clean up with our handoffs,” Tjoe they had that year to share with these people.”
Vanessa Su
Alyssa Meng
Lynbrook’s 4x1 team holds up the numbers of their record breaking time. Claire Wang
Allison Tjoe CHELSEA LEE — EPIC PHOTOS BY MALCOLM SLANEY
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