The Epitaph, Volume 58, Issue 3, 2020-2021 by The Epitaph

HHS welcomes new guidance counselor

Prioritize resource students

Senior works with quantum computers

‘Bring manly men back’

Pandemic privilege in sports

News 3

Opinion 6

Lifestyles 11

Arts & Culture 12

Sports 14

The Epitaph Vol. 58 Issue 3 Homestead High School 21370 Homestead Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

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Thursday, February 4, 2021

LGHS sexual abuse video sparks reflection from administration

Photo courtesy of Anushka Sanyal

By Naomi Baron and Shreya Partha

courtesy of Rylee Tayrn PhotoYu Photo courtesy of Tiffany

MUSTANG PEER SUPPORT: Venting sessions were put in place to make a difference.

Mustang Peer Support aims to provide students with space to discuss By Lia Klebanov

Mental health during distance learning is a particularly important topic for sophomores Radhika Agarwal and Hetal Kurani and junior Frank Hobson, the executive creators of Mustang Peer Support. School-based therapist Sarah Loyd is the adviser for the program designed to assist those struggling with mental health. For Agarwal, who came up with the idea, supporting students through challenging circumstances is the ultimate goal. “I feel like I’ve grown up in a loving family and [am] very fortunate,” Agarwal said in a Zoom interview. “[However] when I came to high school, I realized that wasn’t the case for most kids. They were going through struggles that no kid should ever have to go through.” Rather than being a club, this organization aims to provide someone willing to listen and encouraging advice through venting sessions, Agarwal said. Students can attend to talk about their lives and problems they may be facing. Agarwal said the first venting session, held during lunch on Jan. 13, discussed a variety of topics including well-known stress factors of distance learning, such as lacking interpersonal connection, feeling overwhelmed and having trouble with the amount of homework given. Additionally, it was crucial to the organizers to create a safe space for students to share their experiences without any judgment, Kurani said in a Zoom interview. “The primary purpose of our venting sessions specifically is to create an environment and a community where people feel comfortable sharing what they’re going through,” Kurani said. “If they’re having a bad day or they’ve had a bad week and they want to talk about it, we want to let them know people are there for them.”

See VENTING SESSIONS, Page 3

Los Gatos High School senior Natalie ucate students and staff on sexual assault Brooks posted a video to Instagram on Jan. or what to do when a situation arises. At 1, documenting the stories and reactions of HHS, Giglio said he conducts a three-day sexual assault survivors at her high school. professional development training before The video quickly began circulating school starts in which he goes over school among FUHSD students, as well as stu- procedures and how teachers should act dents from Santa Clara Unified and Sara- around students. toga Joint Union school districts. Additionally, teachers watch mandatory LGHS junior Jeannine Dorfman said videos and take quizzes to learn how to be while she doesn’t think cases of sexual a mandated reporter and recognize signs assault are extremely high at LGHS, they of harassment, Giglio said. are not rare, either. In fact, in July 2020, El Since the 2017 district update, the numGato News, LGHS’s student publication, ber of Title IX investigations at HHS has reported that dozens of students had come decreased drastically, according to data forward as survivors of sexual assault. provided by Gross in an email. During Brooks’ video emphasizes the problem the 2018-2019 school year there were only at LGHS, but has extendtwo Title IX investigations ed beyond her comat HHS. In the 2019-2020 munity, catching the school year, there were no We definitely need to do attention of students investigations at HHS and a better job of educating and administrators from only three total in the disFUHSD. trict. students and teachers as Principal Greg Giglio As a way to get more infar as what to do. said in a Zoom interview formation from students on – Dean of students, that he did watch the their experiences, Givideo and thought it was glio said administraMaria Trejo brave of the students to tion sent a form last come forward with their school year to all stustories, but also said he hopes the culture dents asking about their experiences with at HHS is different. sexual harassment on campus. “I would like to hope that we don’t have “We definitely heard some concerns a place that sounds as horrible as what was that girls were not treated as well as they mentioned in [that] video,” Giglio said. should be,” Giglio said. “[What] I think we FUHSD assistant superintendent Trudy can do better is to build up the trust [beGross said in a Zoom interview that steps tween students and administrators] so that have been taken in recent years to reduce if something does happen, folks can feel cases of sexual assault, harassment and comfortable enough to come forward and discrimination on campuses. report.” When allegations of sexual assault Additionally, administrators are trying are made in a school, an investigation is to provide more resources for students to launched, following the procedures listed access when they feel unsafe. One way is in the Title IX, Gender Equity section of with a scannable logo designed for stuCalifornia’s Education Code (Ed Code), dents to use when they need support, dean according to California Department of Ed- Maria Trejo said. Teachers will put this scanner on their doors and inside their ucation. While there has only been one Title classrooms. While the stories in Brooks’ video are IX investigation in our district this school year and none at HHS, Gross said, this has specific to LGHS, they did catch the eye of not always been the case. In the 2017-2018 HHS administrators, Giglio said. He said school year, seven of the 14 investigations he found it difficult to watch the video and not see similarities between their campus in the district involved students at HHS. Even though there was legislation be- and HHS. fore 2017, it was directed toward Number of Gender Equity (Title IX) investigations per year (2017-2020) managers being ed15 ucated about sexual FUHSD assault than staff, HHS Gross said. Once Ed Code was updated to include 10 staff the following school year, several district administrators attended a conference in the 5 summer of 2017. Gross said the conference improved their skills in training staff about sex0 ual harassment. 2018 2019 2020 2017 Trejo said that During the 2017-18 school year, the legislation and Ed Code as a school, we were updated. Since then, the number of Title IX investiganeed to do better tions has dropped significantly. to inform and ed-

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TOP SCHOLAR AWARD: Sanyal was recognized in the 80th RegeneronTalent Search.

Anushka Sanyal named top finalist in science competition

By Macy Li Senior Anushka Sanyal was named a Top 40 Finalist in the 80th Regeneron Talent Search, the country’s most prestigious and long-standing STEM competition, for her work on finding treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Among the 1,760 total applications, 40 seniors were selected from high schools in the U.S. and beyond, Sanyal said. As a finalist, she will participate in the finals from Mar. 10 to Mar. 17, according to a press release from Regeneron. For the competition, Sanyal said participants conducted university-caliber research in fields they were passionate about and wrote research papers.

See SCIENCE COMPETITION, Page 2

CCI club plans to create green wall on campus By Joshua Cantwell-Nahrung and Mae Richardson The Climate Change Initiative club is experimenting with the idea of planting a green wall on campus. The idea, proposed by club activities director and junior Frank Hobson, is meant to bring more liveliness to the campus and represent the club as a whole. As of now, the green wall is set to be planted on the side of the auditorium, but an exact date has not been set yet for when the wall will be planted, Hobson said in a Zoom interview.

See GREEN WALL, Page 2 Photo courtesy of Frank Hobson

NEW GREEN WALL: CCI club pro-

poses green wall on campus.

PAGE DESIGN BY NAOMI BARON AND EVELYN SOLIS

News

Thursday, February 4, 2021

NEWS IN A MINUTE By Madhavi Karthik

National:

By Naomi Baron

Today is Feb. 4, 2021, the 34th day of 2021. There are 331 more days until the end of this new year. On this day in history in 1789, 232 years ago, the newly established United States unanimously voted George Washington as its first president. Since President Washington’s election, however, there has never been a unanimously elected president in the United States. In fact, according to the National Archives, President Reagan was the closest president to be unanimously voted into office, receiving 97.58% of the electoral vote in 1984. The transition of power from one president to the next is a crucial part of our democracy that has evolved greatly since Washington’s presidency. One of this country’s greatest accomplishments was its first peaceful transition of power between politicians from opposing parties: Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, according to History.com. The events exhibited at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 showed just how much times have changed. According to The New York Times, on Jan. 6 the U.S. Capitol was raided by President Donald Trump’s supporters who believed the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. Tens of thousands of protesters invaded the Capitol with guns and tear gas, NBC News reported. This raid on the Capitol will be an event that will go into history books as a hitch in the American democracy. It is imperative to keep in mind that while not every president will be unanimously elected, as George Washington was, we must respect and have faith in our political system, which, as Americans, we pride ourselves on.

Local:

Santa Clara County establishes COVID-19 vaccination sites: Around 30,000 Santa Clara County residents per week are targeted to be vaccinated for COVID-19, according to NBC. There are six vaccination sites in the county including mass

vaccination sites at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds and Berger Drive. The county is vaccinating residents who are ages 75 years and older. However, the limited vaccine supply is challenging for vaccinating sites. For updates about vaccine distribution, visit sccfreevax.org.

Green wall

International:

Thousands protest Dutch government’s coronavirus restrictions: Thousands of people gathered at the Museumplein square in Amsterdam on Jan. 17 in objection to local coronavirus regulations, according to The New York Times. Videos showed no one wore a mask during the unauthorized protest. The Netherlands, along with many European nations, is currently on lockdown until Feb. 9. Authorities turned down the request for the protest in order to decrease cases, but the protest still took place. To break up the crowds, the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service sent riot police who used water cannons and attack dogs, The New York Times reported.

Photos courtesy of CCI

Continued from Page 1 “[The wall is] going to be Giglio and [facilities manager] something that’s going to take Toby Mockler,” Hobson said, a long time to do,” club officer “Depending on how big the and senior Hasith Basnayake wall is, and if it reaches two stosaid in a Zoom interview. “It’s ries, then we’ll have to get state definitely not going to be some- approval, as well.” thing that While CCI is we’ll be able “When future students and even confident that a to finish in current underclassmen come on green wall is an excellent idea a couple of months or campus and see it, [I want it] to that will bring even by the be something that is appealing to the community closer together, end of the them.” school year, it comes with — Hasith Basnayake (12) but it’s defia few setbacks, most notably its nitely something [Hobson] and the rest of cost. The cost to maintain the us want to have finished for fu- wall, let alone build the wall is high, Hobson said. ture students to see.” With full club support beThe club has not finalized hind the project, the idea now the budget yet, but initial estineeds to be approved by the mates suggest the cost will fall school, and possibly the state, within the $10,000 range, Hobson said. Hobson said. “[To get approval for twhe Building the wall, let alone project], we need to have an getting the proper approval for interview with [principal] Greg it, will prove to be a daunting

CCI CLUB OFFICERS: Hobson and Basnayake are greatly con-

tributing to the planning of the green wall.

task for the club, Hobson said. However, it comes with many benefits for the future, including environmental benefits, such as noise reduction, better air quality and possible energy cost reduction, according to Ambius. The club believes the wall will be appealing to students, and be seen as a statement of beauty, while also making the campus feel more alive, Basnayake said.

“When future students and even current underclassmen come on campus and they see it, [I want it] to be something that is appealing to them, and that adds a green vibe to campus,” Basnayake said. “It will also remind us that Homestead students are taking steps to be more active in furthering a green mission, and that it is also a remnant of what CCI club has done on campus as well.”

Science competition Continued from Page 1 “You’re creating something that has never been created by another scientist,” Sanyal said. “You’re discovering something that has never been discovered before.” Sanyal said she worked at a local university, where she delved into research on RNA lariats — a type of RNA structure that has rarely been studied in regards to neurodegenerative diseases afPhoto courtesy of Anushka Sanyal

NAOMI’S DAY IN HISTORY

North Carolina passes nondiscrimination laws against the LGBTQ community: North Carolina municapalties Hillsborough, Carrboro and Chapel Hill passed legislation the week of Jan. 10 to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in public areas, according to NBC. This legislation was introduced to reduce outcries against the HB2 bill, which prohibited transgender members from using the bathroom of their choice in 2016. The compromised bill repealed that legislation. In the future, officials in different areas of North Carolina will cast their votes as well. North Carolina joins the 47 other states that outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ members.

IN THE FUTURE: Sanyal wants to continue doing research, regardless of where she ends up pursuing higher education.

fecting the nervous system. Yet, scientists did not understand how this phenomenon occurred, or how to use this information to derive treatments for the diseases, she said. “Through my research, I found it was possible to use other structures, like circular RNA, which mimic the positive effects of RNA lariats but lack the detrimental effects,” Sanyal said. Prior to entering the competition, she said she had already begun researching this specific topic. Sanyal said she started working on this project in the summer before her junior year, visiting the lab and determining her approach. “Every week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, I would leave school after lunch and head to the lab, because I had a free seventh period,” Sanyal said. During this time, Sanyal said she worked and conducted physical experiments. Afterwards, when social dis-

tancing restrictions were implemented, Sanyal said she began to process all of her collected data and materials. “After overcoming many challenges during my experimentation and putting forth an immense amount of time toward this, I was very honored to learn that I had [been named a finalist],” Sanyal said. “As someone who has done research for many years, this is the most prestigious competition. It’s a chance you only get once in your lifetime.” When she was first named a Top 300 Scholar in early January 2021, both she and HHS were awarded $2,000 by the Regeneron Talent Search competition. According to Society for Science, the money the school received should be used for funding STEM-related activities. “A lot of other schools, including ones in the FUHSD, offer classes for students directed toward research,” Sanyal said. “While I recognize that $2,000 is

[not sufficient to fund] or organize an entire class, I hope the money will go somewhere to encourage student research at HHS.” Sanyal said she wants teachers to foster an environment that inspires students to take the initiative and conduct their own experiments both inside and outside the classroom. She would also like HHS to use the money to support students who struggle with grasping science concepts taught at school. “I am a student tutor, so I think it would be amazing if our school could provide more support for them, like funding opportunities for them to learn beyond what is currently taught,” Sanyal said. In the future, Sanyal said she wants to continue doing research, regardless of where she ends up pursuing higher education. “I would also love to pursue a career in medicine, because I believe it’s the perfect intersection of theoretical concepts and their real-life impacts,” Sanyal said. PAGE DESIGN BY JOSHUA CANTWELL-NAHRUNG

News

Thursday, February 4, 2021

New guidance counselor eager to build community Venting Chan’s experience as student during pandemic gives insight sessions By Bobby Gorelick

Continued from Page 1 he said he began searching for a college where he could obtain a master’s degree. “I was admitted into Cal State Long Beach’s school counseling program,” Chan said. “I was able to really get my hands on the different aspects of the studies behind school counseling and worked alongside all different grade levels through internship programs.” Chan graduated in May 2020, finishing his schooling in remote learning. This experience provided him with a unique perspective on what students are going through, he said. “I understand on a personal level how difficult it is to go from having a very structured life to complete chaos and disarray when everything went remote,” Chan said. “I did have a hard time adjusting, as everyone probably did, so relating my personal experience to what my students are going through really makes things feel more personal.” Chan said he is excited to help as many students as he can this semester, regardless of

the virtual setting. He said he is eager to build a community and relationships with students, staff and families as well as provide services to students to help them be successful. “I hope whoever is able to read or learn more about [me] can understand that I am an ally to them, no matter what is going on in their lives,” Chan said. “I’m willing to be someone to just listen and care for my students.” Photo courtesy of Derek Chan

New guidance counselor Der- service to students.” ek Chan is a music enthusiast and Prior to college, Chan said eclectic sports fan with a passion he was interested in sports and for social emotional wellness. sports medicine. However, when Chan has taken over the case- he was in college, he worked with load of students students from with last names k i n d e r g a rSan through Z, ten to eighth “I understand on a personwhich was pregrade at an al level how difficult it is viously handled after school to go from having a very by retired councare program. structured life to complete selor Leslie OgaThis allowed chaos and disarray when wa-Boon. him to realDuring his seize he wanted everything went remote” nior year at Casto work with — Derek Chan tro Valley High, students. Chan said in a Chan said Zoom interview, he was unhe took a psysure of what chology course, which eventually he wanted to do with a major in led him to majoring in psychol- psychology, but an adviser pointogy in college and to his current ed him in the right direction job. by telling him he had already “This course allowed me to fulfilled many of the credits rebegin my journey into mental quired for a minor in counseling. health and student services and “She opened that door for me is where I first found my passion and was able to get me into that for social emotional learning counseling minor, and quickand wellness,” Chan said. “[It] ly,” Chan said. “I was able to go allowed me to begin my foun- ahead and find the beauty bedational studies and be able to hind school counseling.” become an educator and someOnce Chan knew he wanted one who can provide a holistic to find a career in counseling,

NEW GUIDANCE COUNSELOR: Derek Chan graduated from California State University Long Beach with a M.S. in guidance services.

Spread love not the virus

Choir tackles singing valentines in virtual learning By Alyssa Zimmerman Singing valentines has been a long-standing tradition for the choir. The fundraiser allows students to purchase a song to be performed by choir members around Valentine’s Day. Usually, a small group would go classroom to classroom, performing music and choreography for the recipient of the valentine. Although choir can no longer deliver their songs in person, nothing can keep them from spreading the love, co-president of choir leadership and senior Emily Blake said in a Zoom interview.

Choir will distribute videos of its members performing on Wednesday, Feb. 10 during the first five minutes of advisory. Students will order their singing valentines a week prior by Wednesday, Feb. 3. The proceeds will go into choir’s general fund, choir teacher Jeff Morton said in a Zoom interview. Even though a virtual performance lacks the charm of a faceto-face interaction, it provides some unexpected advantages, Blake said. “It won’t be as embarrassing for the receiver to get a singing Photo courtesy of Jeff Morton

CHOIR HARMONIZES VIRTUALLY: Creating videos is a far-cry from the high

energy of in-person singing valentines performance.

valentine,” Blake said, “because they don’t have to be in the front of the room while people dance around them.” Additionally, the choir has discovered programs and skills that have helped create their virtual performances, Morton said. “Communication, especially in a time like this, is extremely important. [So is] distribution of workload and the way you project yourself onto others,” Blake said. “You want yourself to be known as reachable, welcoming and accessible.” Although the choir hasn’t experienced glaring technical difficulties when creating videos, Blake said it’s more fun to prepare them in class, and other difficulties have arisen with the new distribution method. “It’s a lot more work for choir leadership. We have to organize how things are getting places and worry about digital formatting and storage spaces,” Blake said. “In real life you’re able to quickly fix the mistake, but virtually, it’s much harder to advertise and get to people.” While distribution is certainly difficult, ensuring the videos

Editors & Reporters Nika Bondar Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Sahil Venkatesan Managing Editor Saanvi Thakur Senior News Naomi Baron Junior News Madhavi Karthik Shreya Partha Senior Opinion Junior Opinion Ritaja Subrahmanya Senior Lifestyles Leila Salam Junior Lifestyles Karuna Chandran Senior Arts & Culture Saanvi Thakur Junior Arts & Culture Amber Birrell Senior Sports Nitya Kashyap Junior Sports Raymond Ranbhise Creative Liaision Miya Liu

Senior Design Elaine Huang Seoyoung Hwang Junior Design Senior Social Media Allen Zhang Senior Multimedia Miya Liu Junior Multimedia Mae Richardson Copy Editor Allen Zhang Business Manager Yukari E. Zapata Reporter Josh Cantwell-Nahrung Reporter Bobby Gorelick Reporter Sofia Jimenez Reporter Christine Kim Reporter Lia Klebanov Reporter Macy Li Reporter Erin Loh

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

Xochitl Neely Ashley Orozco Plata Hope Saena Evelyn Solis Ariana Juliette Tejeda Moreno Jack Xu Alyssa Zimmerman

Adviser Natalie Owsley

are enjoyable is also a factor, choir leader and junior ThienNhi Vu said in an email. “Usually, making harmonies is easier,” Vu said. “It comes much more naturally when we’re together. This year, we had to appoint people in the group to arrange harmonies.” Advertising is the biggest challenge the group is facing, Morton said, without morning announcements or a substantial audience for the weekly bulletin to rely on. “It’s hard to get information out,” Blake said. “Social media platforms are our main way for [communicating] now.” Despite the obstacles, choir hasn’t given up on sharing their love for music, Blake said. “Singing valentines is a fun project, and everyone knows them,” Blake said. “People [want to] embarrass their friends or send them to their crush.” Morton said singing valentines will still be fun for students, regardless of changes in how they’re delivered. “But,” Morton said with a laugh, “I’m ready for [distance learning] to end.”

Logging into a Zoom meeting organized by Mustang Peer Support is the first step to participating. A facilitator is there to greet those arriving, while the rest are in a separate breakout room for continued discussion. Prior to joining, participants are required to change their username, Loyd said in a Zoom interview, since anonymity is one of the benefits of the discussion environment. “The student gets to pick a name that they would like from a list, followed by their student ID. That way I can look them up if I need to intervene with them and [it] allows me to follow up, as well,” Loyd said. “There [are] norms set as far as being respectful, [and] everything’s confidential.” In contrast with 2019 statistics, mental health visits, including teens at emergency divisions, during the period of March 2020 until October 2020, increased by 31%. Stress caused by the pandemic can lead to difficulty concentrating and increase fear, according to CDC. “98% of students I see are struggling with remote learning, whether it be lack of motivation, struggling grades, [or] just [being] kind of apathetic,” Loyd said. “Students who had straight A’s and were passionate about school, just don’t like school anymore, and that’s hard to see.” There were some present at the meeting who chose not to participate in the discussions, but ended up staying for the whole hour, which was rewarding, Agarwal said, because it meant students appreciated the opportunity. “Even after the meeting ended, everyone who got to speak thanked us at the end for hosting and setting this up,” Agarwal said. “To be honest, it wasn’t one of those fake ‘Thank you’s’ you tell your teacher after class ends. It was genuine.” After seeing the success from the first meeting, Mustang Peer Support plans to host more events like this in the future and possibly develop peer support groups, Kurani said. Recognizing the potential, Loyd said she hopes it will help those struggling to know they are not alone. “I think there’s great power in hearing a peer go through the same things you’re going through. It’s one thing for me as an adult to give someone advice or to listen,” Loyd said. “[However] I think it’s more powerful when it’s someone your age, going through the exact same thing.

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The Epitaph is a non-profit publication at Homestead High School, 21370 Homestead Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014. The Epitaph is a forum for student expression and not subject to prior review, in accordance to Education Code 48907. The staff is comprised of HHS Journalism students. Views expressed do not necessarily represent views of the school, its staff or the district. Editorials are opinions of the editorial board. The Epitaph welcomes letters to the editor but reserves the right to edit submissions. Letters should be limited to 300 words. Include contact information. Unsigned letters cannot be published, but names will be withheld upon request. Send via homestead. epitaph@gmail.com, or drop letters in the newsroom or the office mailbox. If The Epitaph has made an error, please send corrections to homestead.epitaph@gmail.com. The corrections will be published in the corrections box for the next issue. To reach the Epitaph staff in C102 call (408) 522-2572 or fax (408) 738-8531.

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PAGE DESIGN BY ARIANA TEJEDA MORENO

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Opinion STAFF EDITORIAL

College Board needs to start prioritizing quality not quantity

By Sahil Venkatesan It has been almost a month since the attack on our Capitol, and I want to focus on the reactions of Republican politicians — particularly Mitch McConnell. I was surprisingly reassured when Mitch McConnell’s address began with “The United States Senate will not be intimidated,” according to CNBC. His words gave me hope that Republicans would see what they, along with former President Trump had done to the country. I thought at the end of the day, violent terrorists invading our Capitol would be enough to break the partisan divide hanging over the Senate. It was later reported by the New York Times that McConnell was pleased about the impeachment of Trump, and I thought my hopes were being confirmed. Then, McConnell refused to convene the Senate to have a trial for Trump’s conviction. He was trying to appeal to both sides. On the Senate floor just 13 days after the attack, McConnell publicly stated the Capitol mob was provoked by Trump, according to CNN, but he still refused to endorse the conviction of Trump. I then realized what was happening; McConnell is using the riot to distance the Republican party from Trump. After all, Trump lost the Republicans the House, Senate and presidency. His leadership of the party led to disaster, and he has been impeached twice. Trump has left a stain on the Republican Party that McConnell is desperately trying to wipe away. It is why I don’t believe McConnell actually cares about Trump’s conviction trial. To him, it is a political opportunity for Republicans to do what Trump’s cabinet officials have been doing best: jumping ship to preserve their reputations and power.

tively affect student’s abilities to perform well on AP tests this year. The biggest drawback to distance learning — the lack of hands-on activities — is a major contributing factor affecting students’ abilities to understand the material taught in class. In classes like AP environmental science and AP physics, labs are meant to help students retain the information they’ve learned in a practical setting. With the absence of labs and hands-on activities, students are not able to gain a deeper understanding of the material to the extent that will allow them to succeed on AP tests. In fact, students who don’t engage in hands-on learning were 1.5 times more likely to fail a course than students who did, according to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. For some, it is not enough to read out of a textbook to fully understand the material. Furthermore, the transi-

tion to distance learning was undoubtedly bound to slow down the pace of courses — AP or otherwise. In fact, the New York Times reported that by September 2021, it is expected that students will have fallen almost a year behind in their learning. At HHS, this is made worse by the fact that our new schedule loses 45 minutes of instruction per class, which was previously delivered on Mondays. It is no surprise students are learning more slowly than they normally would, and teachers are having trouble covering all the content needed for students to perform well on AP tests. With students learning at a reduced pace, it is unrealistic for College Board to expect students to learn a full year of content with so many additional limitations. It seems like College Board can’t get it right. They toggle between the one extreme of judging knowledge with only one question last year to overwhelming students this year

with a full-length test. We do not expect College Board to cut the test as drastically as they did last year, but we do expect them to minimize the content tested to accommodate the ways in which schools have adapted to the pandemic.

Illustration by Shreya Partha

THE PARTISAN PARTY

When schools transitioned from in-person learning to distance learning last year, many factors were left uncertain. Among them was how AP tests would be administered. When College Board restructured AP exams in the spring, they only included content students learned up until that point. For example, classes like APUSH limited the content students were tested on, only requiring students to recollect information from five periods instead of all nine. While we commend College Board for adapting to a virtual AP test in an efficient manner, the approach they took this year fell short of the expectations many students had. Instead of continuing the precedent they set when the pandemic began, as of Jan. 27, all AP exams will cover the full content in each course, according to College Board’s website. By doing this, College Board is ignoring the many components that will nega-

DROWNING IN TESTS: Col-

lege Board fails to recognize and acknowledge the different obstacles during distance learning.

Riots reveal double standard among police By Ritaja Subrahmanya The recent riots in Washington have shone a light on one of the biggest problems in America: law enforcement’s double standard. According to CNN, a mere 61 people were arrested during the riots on Jan. 6 compared to the 316 arrests made in Washington during racial injustice protests on June 8. The Washington insurrection was more dangerous than the protests in June. Rioters broke into the Capitol chanting “hang Pence,” according to CNN. Yet, while these rioters went home freely and were not peacefully arrested until days later, people of color were beaten and jailed last summer for asking for basic human rights, according to the Washington Post. This inequality is not a onetime occurrence. During protests in Kenosha over the shooting of Jacob Blake, officers were seen thanking white ‘militia members’ who had come to help them while ordering peaceful protesters to leave the streets, according to Human Rights Watch. In Washington, an officer was

recorded taking selfies with rioters, according to the Washington Post. Rather than doing their job protecting citizens, police officers are encouraging the dangerous behaviors of white supremacists. Law enforcement has a long history of over-policing people of color while underplaying threats of white protesters. When white rioters took over a wildlife refuge in Oregon to oppose new land policies in 2016, federal agents peacefully negotiated with the rioters, according to AP News. However, during racial injustice protests, federal agents took drastic action, dispersing tear gas and using batons, according to Amnesty International. The stark difference in treatment shows that while white people can take over federal land, people of color cannot even protect their freedoms without fearing for their lives. Police have been complicit with the behaviors of white supremacists for far too long. They shouldn’t harm any peaceful protester, regardless of race, but should respect everyone’s first amendment right to assemble.

Illustration by Ritaja Subrahmanya

Infographic by Miya Liu, Shreya Partha, and Ritaja Subrahmanya

HOLD POLICE ACCOUNTABLE: At the raid on the Capitol, police

refused to use significant force against white rioters.

PAGE DESIGN BY LIA KLEBANOV

Opinion

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Homelessness: hard lives Refugee crisis heightens during made worse pandemic COVID-19 has aggravated pre-existing homelessness

Countries discriminate against refugees in plans to combat COVID-19

By Ariana Tejeda Moreno

By Madhavi Karthik

Illustration by Shreya Partha

HIGH PRICE HOUSING: Hous-

ing can be extremely expensive in the Bay Area, making homelessness extensively worse.

of the coronavirus. When shelter-in-place orders were put into effect in March 2020, the number of people who lived on the streets in San Francisco grew 400%, according to ABC7 News. More than 10 months later, it is no surprise with the increasing number of coronavirus cases and inability to receive proper health care, the number of deaths has also risen, according to the Mercury News. Deaths in the homeless communities in San Francisco increased by 123%, according to the Mercury News. Additionally, the annual count to track the number of homeless people has been canceled due to the coronavirus and the risk of exposing volunteers, according to the San Francisco Examiner. While the reasoning behind preventing the count is valid, it is important now more than ever to pay importance to homeless people, as they are struggling to an extent. However, because the pandemic has aggravated the situation of these homeless individuals and families, there is no better time than now to work on acquiring an accurate count of people without housing. With California being home to one-fourth of the nation’s homeless population, according to KPBS, we need to do better to make hard lives easier. As active community members, we need to pay attention to the challenges of homeless people in our cities. We have a responsibility to take steps to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus among people without homes, especially knowing most are incapable of bettering their situation on their own.

Government officials in places of privilege are putting themselves first while managing the pandemic and are failing to acknowledge those who are most vulnerable. Refugees around the world are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and drastic improvements are needed. In early 2020, the United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees appealed for $33 million to improve living conditions in refugee camps during the pandemic, according to Foreign Policy. It is important that organizations are mindful of underrepresented groups when combating the pandemic. Despite these efforts, refugees are underrepresented in nationwide plans in response to the pandemic. Host countries with large populations of refugees are facing difficulties in managing coronavirus cases. For example, precautionary measures that prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and sanitizing stations, are difficult to implement in refugee camps, Foreign Policy reported. Without basic health services and necessities like soap and hand washing stations, refugees are more susceptible to contracting the virus. Refugees must not be forgotten when combating the virus, regardless of whether they have documentation deemed proper by the government. They should not be treated inferiorly merely based on where their citizenship lies. Additionally, host countries have an insufficient amount of resources needed to keep the

Illustration by Shreya Partha

Homelessness was a problem before the pandemic and will continue being one long after COVID-19 has passed, according to the Mercury News. Homelessness is already a tremendous issue in the Bay Area with the San Francisco Chronicle reporting that 35,000 people are living without a home. Before the pandemic, the Bay Area’s high cost of living was a challenging factor for homeless people to face. In fact, most entry-level jobs — offering an average salary of $25,000 to $53,000 — don’t pay enough to be able to afford to rent or purchase a home in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. However, the cost of living has always been a source of suffering for homeless people. The coronavirus has only made matters worse. The cost of living seems inconsequential when considering additional difficulties that have been introduced as a result

REFUGEES SEEK SANCTUARY: Millions risk their lives due to

unsafe living conditions, but many countries closed their borders.

coronavirus surge in refugee camps under control. For example, the 13 square kilometer Kutupalong Camp in Bangladesh is home to about 600,000 people, making it difficult for refugees to social distance, according to the United Nations Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. To compound the problem, many government officials are creating harmful policies that target refugees. For instance, Lebanon instituted curfews and movement restrictions specifically against its 1.5 million Syrian refugees, according to Freedom House. These curfews contribute to the scarcity of aid refugees receive, as now workers have limited time slots to provide health services. Leaders of host countries need to take into account how their policies will affect ref-

ugees who are already struggling to survive. According to the UNHCR, 90 countries are not accepting refugees, including children, who are seeking asylum. Refugees are in dire need of sanctuary as they face unlivable circumstances in their home country, such as war violence and unsanitary living conditions. Everyone deserves a chance for survival, and it is both unacceptable and disheartening to see refugees turned away when asking for asylum. During this taxing time, countries need to create more inclusive policies to combat the pandemic. Neglecting to accept someone based on citizenship will not help the state of the virus. The legal status of a person’s citizenship should not determine whether or not they receive basic rights.

World leaders must take economic action

Globalization may be the way to save the post-pandemic world By Miya Liu that is out of our control. In August, former President Donald Trump reimposed a 10% tariff on Candian aluminum, and Canada responded by imposing $2.7 billion worth of tariffs on U.S. aluminum, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. This action severely

tested the limits of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement by disrespecting and disrupting foreign relations. With the freedom provided by not engaging in trade wars, world leaders will also be able to strengthen and heal their own economies. But, they must first recognize that their own countries need to face the virus proactively. Enacting widespread mandates and vaccinations to combat the virus is

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ed for 10.2% of the global GDP in 2016, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. With this massive blow to the world economy, world leaders and major corporations must step up to protect jobs and production. This is a time for nations to come together and support each other through lowering tariffs and promoting free trade. If we lash out to protect our own economies, it will result in backlash

Illustr ation

International relations bring economies to another level of efficiency, allowing even the poorest countries to have access to worldwide markets and enabling powerful nations to extend their cultural and political influence. It leads to a more competitive market by encouraging innovation and also provides poorer countries with resources to advance technologically, giving them a higher chance of economic growth. The percent of trade of the world’s gross domestic product steadily grew from 27.3% in 1972 to 60.8% in 2008, but it hasn’t risen since, according to the World Bank. This stagnation sets a difficult stage to push for increased international trade. Along with the slowed global interaction, the pandemic damaged the global economy as a whole, which shrunk by about 0.9% in 2020, according to the United Nations. COVID-19 has destroyed international industries like tourism, which account-

GLOBAL FREE TRADE: The global economy has shrunk, requiring amicable relations for recovery.

the way to reduce the spread and save lives. By engaging in free trade and providing other countries with needed resources, leaders will be able to focus on domestic success. To support healthy economic globalization, world leaders must support their workforce, like President Joe Biden’s new Buy American policies and support college education, according to Investotopia. The Biden administration’s new economic plan places an emphasis on reducing taxes for the middle class and also making college free for those earning under $125,000 yearly, according to Investotopia. A strong economy will allow America to enter the global market with confidence, but for globalization to be effective, America needs to be ready to reduce tariffs and collaborate with other nations to achieve the goal that best suits the greater population. PAGE DESIGN BY CHRISTINE KIM

Opinion

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Distance learning: a blessing in disguise

Take time to learn about alternative career choices, futures By Lia Klebanov

OFF THE RECORD

By Shreya Partha

Despite how unbalanced COVID-19 has made my life in the past year, one of the things I am most grateful for is being able to say that I have had a roof over my head and food to eat every day. Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky, even before the pandemic. In reality, the coronavirus has magnified already existing food insecurity issues. Before the coronavirus, a staggering 13.7 million households, 10.5% of all U.S. households, experienced food insecurity. The pandemic has only aggravated this problem. In fact, at a new peak of 23%, food insecurity more than doubled due to the economic crisis, according to an estimate by researchers at Northwestern University. In perspective, that means nearly one in every four households experienced food insecurity in the past year. It is expected that the coronavirus will put a dent in many avenues of the nation’s economy. But, after suffering for so long, it’s time to end this issue and save more people from dying of starvation or going weeks without food. Being able to adapt to the circumstances should be our main priority. Food is a basic necessity, but for many, the option isn’t there. Instead, they are left to starve for days on end and rely on food banks, which have already been strained by the pandemic, according to The Wall Street Journal. In fact, “food banks do everything they can to make sure families have food … there’s no end in sight, but we can’t be the only solution,” Zuani Villareal, spokeswoman for Feeding America, a network of over 200 food banks, said. Making a tangible effort to help food banks will help lessen the strain and the growing starvation. Although food insecurity had been an issue before the pandemic, its worsening should be a wakeup call for all of us to put a strong stop to the growing hunger epidemic.

Having a plan for what happens after high school graduation, whether it be a 4-year, community college, work or the military, is something many Bay Area students have down by the end of their freshman year. It is not a bad thing to know what you want to achieve in the future, but not everyone takes into account the curveballs life throws, especially a pandemic none of us have planned for. In 2020, 61% of teenagers reported they had an increased amount of stress put on them to maintain good grades, and 59% of high schoolers said they planned on going to a four year university, according to Finances Online. Not even considering the overbearing course load, extracurricular activities and ever-present stress of standardized testing, all of the pressure to choose the right path is daunting. However, there is no set path everyone needs to take. Being influenced at a young age by peers who already know what they want to do can pressure students into copying this trend and choosing an area of study based on the people around them. What your peer may be doing for the rest of their lives stems from their passions and not necessarily your passions. Trying to replicate what others do can lead to an unfit journey and waste pre-

cious time. With COVID-19 restrictions and closures of universities, 49% of students from the class of 2020 have altered their arrangements regarding college, according to Junior Achievement and PMI Educational Foundation. On one hand, the reason behind this might be the loss of opportunities and the desire to put the best foot forward. On the other hand, rethinking what you want to do with your life is another valid point. Normally, rushing from high school to college leads to this not even being a consideration since there is so little time in between. Students now have the chance to truly contemplate what their future might look like later down the road and make a better decision about their next steps in life. Usually, the fast-paced in-person school year does not allow anyone to sit and prioritize. This year, most high school students have spent significant time at home, which has led them to reflect on their own experiences and realize it is acceptable to do what is not normally done. Researching possible community colleges, military options or simply taking a gap year to explore the world are all options that may not have been considered beforehand. Peer pressure usually accom-

Illustration by Shreya Partha

PICKING WHAT’S RIGHT: Choosing to do something out of the norm can be intimidating at first but will pay off in the end.

panies the idea of a stereotypical life following high school. If someone wanted to pursue a different path, fellow students’ thoughts could heavily influence them in both negative and positive ways. However, limited social interaction with others during distance learning among all grade levels permits students to let go of their insecurities and pursue what truly interests them without

the fear of being judged. There is never one right way to approach interests or problems. Leveraging this unique time to think about the infinite options that may have seemed out of reach before can prove to be beneficial. The opportunity we now have to take extra time in order to think more deeply about the future does not come around often and should be taken advantage of.

Resource students need prioritization now more than ever Limited IEP services leave critical impact on student life skills By Hope Saena Distance learning has severely affected resource students and caused major adjustments to their daily lives, which has taken a toll on their education. Being unable to practice daily life skills has impacted their ability to live independently, and as a result, their education needs to be a priority. According to the California Department of

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Education, services from the individualized education program, a program all resource students are eligible to enroll in and provides weekly services such as speech therapy and therapeutic recreation, have been extremely limited due to COVID-19. Through these services, students in special education are able to gain support in skills crucial to independent living. As these services disappear, so do the life skills students have been practicing daily. Since IEP services have become extremely limited, student schedules, which help them operate throughout the day, have gone through massive changes. The canceled specialized classes were interactive and not only fo-

art

LIMITING NEEDED EDUCATION: Distance learning and limiting

IEP services poses a threat to students practicing life skills.

cused on the student’s learning, but on enhancing life skills as well. However, in distance learning, the engaging environment isn’t as present as it used to be. Practicing good behavior, interacting with others and speaking are skills difficult to maintain as the virtual environment resource students are now taught in does not accommodate their needs. Additionally, as we stay in quarantine, interactions with others besides those in our household are limited, which can deeply hurt those in the process of learning how to interact with people in the real world. According to the Los Angeles Times, 760,000 California resource students have had inconsistent learning since the beginning of school shutdowns. Though the environment resource students are taught in is not as ideal as before, resource teachers are doing their best to continue to meet those IEP expectations, as well as implement new ways for students to learn, according to Azusa Pacific University. Interactive apps, class activities and one-onone meetings in breakout rooms over Zoom are some ways teachers are making sure their students are staying on track with their learning. However, resource students strongly rely on their teachers to help them navi-

gate through class sessions. With teachers unable to be physically present, some parents are now needed more than ever to help their children move forward with their education. Even before the pandemic, parents of resource students have always needed to prioritize their child’s education, providing extra focus and making decisions to benefit their educational needs. According to TuftsNow, parents of resource students are relied on to encourage and help ensure their children are active during class. Depending on the child’s needs, some parents are even required to be present in class, as their child may not be able to maintain focus or may need assistance following along with the teacher. This creates difficulties for parents to overcome as they also have other priorities such as working or taking care of other children. Parents of resource students should not have to choose between working and making sure their child is actively learning. The pandemic has drastically changed our lives and the way we learn, but resource students have endured a much more severe and strenuous change to their daily lives. The prioritization of their education is necessary to ensure they will continue to learn crucial life skills in order to live individually in the future. PAGE DESIGN BY RAYMOND RANBHISE

Lifestyles POV: Importance of representing all Americans

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Racial based representation in politics increases with new presidency By Yukari E. Zapata Growing up, I was never interested in the news — let alone politics. It never caught my attention, and all the stories seemed upsetting and uncomfortable to listen to. I remember always leaving my living room when my parents turned on the news because it freaked me out to hear all of the awful things happening in the country, and even more so knowing that no one in charge was doing anything to solve said issues. It wasn’t until the 2016 presidential election when politics in media started to catch my attention. I remember my older sister telling me Hillary Clinton was the first woman to run as a presidential candidate for a major political party. Little feminist me was ecstatic to know a woman could possibly lead our country. During the 2016 election, my eyes were glued to the polls, and I can remember the exact moment when I saw the red circle brighten to signal Donald Trump’s victory. It’s no shock to say the next four years with Trump as president were some of the worst years of many people’s lives, including mine. From the awful acts Trump passed, such as having an Individual Mandate penalty on Obamacare, to mishandling the pandemic, Trump’s presidency left thousands financially and emotionally hurt. Since then, I’ve become more

interested in politics and the state of the country. I began to notice drastic disparities in minority representation in politics. Looking back at Obama’s terms in office, it was personally astonishing seeing more people of color in charge of different branches of government. Although the cabinet and representative positions were filled primarily by men, there was a good amount of ethnic representation. When I see the numbers of people of color being involved in government increase, it makes me feel like not only my Hispanic people but all people of color are being represented. After a long history of minorities being silenced in government, witnessing people being heard and fighting for rights made me more motivated to contribute to the movement. Although a lot of terrible things occurred during Trump’s

four years, I feel like his presidency created a sense of urgency for a lot of political leaders to stand up for change. During Trump’s term, many new people of color were elected to the House of Representatives and the Senate like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Raphael Warnock. Witnessing representation in my country has been incredible. This representation is especially impactful to me as a woman of color because it is proof people like me can have a voice in government. After witnessing the growth in the country, I have become more inspired to take action in the things that really matter to me and to stand up for what I believe in without the fear of being the only one to do so. As a fellow Democrat and Biden-Harris supporter myself, I was ecstatic at the idea of not

only supporting Joe Biden for president but also supporting Kamala Harris as the first female vice president. When the news came out that Joe Biden had won the presidency, I felt an indescribable feeling knowing Kamala Harris will be the first woman to serve as vice president. It was also great knowing positive change will occur now that Biden has taken office. In Biden’s first few days in office, he has already passed many pieces of important legislation that have positively affected many Americans, such as passing the COVID-19 Relief Bill. As this country moves into a new presidency with better leaders, I hope more representation for minorities in politics will follow. Our country deserves true representation of its people, from all races, genders, sexualities and more. Photo illustration by Yukari E. Zapata

REPRESENTATION IN GOVERNMENT: In past years, there have been huge racial changes in office, and more and more

people of color have begun to hold political positions.

sight

A deeper look at inclusivity Women share their path to progress By Karuna Chandran and Leila Salam

Women in STEM

Photo courtesy of Riya Gupta

In a world where everyone is fighting for social change, sophomore Hetal Kurani started an organization called Girls For Med, combining her love of feminism and medicine. Kurani said she hopes her organization will make an impact on the mindsets of young females and empower them to pursue their dreams in science. “A lot of girls get discouraged from pursuing medical careers because they see males performing well, and they think that there isn’t enough room for them to be good at the same things,” Kurani said in a Zoom interview. “And the sad reality of it is that there isn’t enough room, so it’s really up to us as women to make enough room for ourselves, which is really the main goal of this organization.” Photo courtesy of Hetal Kurani

STEM fields are overwhelm- into colleges for STEM proingly dominant in the Bay Area. grams,’” Gupta said. “[I know] Recently, there has been a big I’m not working any less hard push for women to go into than the guys, so why are you science, technology, engineer- assuming it’s easier for me?” ing and mathematics, Junior Gupta said despite the miRiya Gupta said. Interested in croaggressions, being a woman STEM since in STEM in the she was very Bay Area has young, Gupta several benefits said she has because of the ex p e r i e n c e d emphasis on microaggresgetting women sions and was and girls into exposed to the STEM. sexist mentali“Honestly, if ties that come I didn’t live in with being a this area with SEXISM IN STEM: Hard work is woman in a this many peodismissed as luck. traditionally ple showing male-dominated field. so many opportunities to me, “Everybody sees women I probably wouldn’t have gone as emotional,” Gupta said in a into STEM,” Gupta said. Zoom interview. “And in STEM, In addition to having more equations are very logical [and] opportunities, Gupta said she rigid, it means you need to be was influenced by the women in logical and to the point, very her life who are also in STEM. problem-solving oriented. And “I think my experience in because [of this], [women are general has been pretty positive seen as] not [being] wired for because both my mom and dad logical problem solving.” are in STEM,” Gupta said. “My Gupta shared her frustra- mom has always been a role tions about the sexist remarks model for me. Because my mom and jealousies of her peers. is an engineer, that’s a big part “I honestly get more frus- of the reason I haven’t really felt trated when people are like, like I can’t be an engineer. So ‘Well, you’re a woman, so it’s I’m like, ‘well if my mom can do easier for you to be accepted it, then so can I.’”

Making way for women

COMBINE YOUR PASSIONS: Kurani’s organization mixes her interests.

Photo courtesy of Anna Perronne

GROWING UP EMPOWERED: Child-

hood memories inspire her journey.

WEA president gives inSenior Anna Perronne got involved and became president of Women’s Empowerment Ambassadors because of her passion to inspire and uplift women, she said. “I wanted to make it so other people could have the same experience I have in my family of feeling empowered to do what I want,” Perronne said in a Zoom interview. Perronne said after her own positive experiences growing up in a very accepting household, she wanted to work towards making sure every woman has the same experience. “I think it’s important to humbly listen to others’ stories and to admit that you don’t understand everything,” Perrone said. “Like I said, awareness is really important when you’re wanting to make a change or to be more inclusive.”

THE DAY DREAMER By Karuna Chandran Some days, you just want to dwell on the past while remembering what things were like with no responsibilities. Pure endless bliss. It is for this very reason that I love to watch cartoons. Sometimes, it feels nice to just immerse myself in a world with a guaranteed happy ending. One day, I was talking to one of my friends, and she happened to bring up this cartoon made for young children that I used to watch in my free time called “My Little Pony.” I remember her asking me whether I still watched that show, and I said, “No, of course not!” Now technically this was true (the newest season hadn’t come on Netflix at that time), but I remember my friend saying, “I’m so glad you stopped watching that show!” I think up until then I had thought my friend was laughing with me. As it turns out, the whole time she was laughing at me. That incident angered me. I didn’t understand why people were practically ridiculed by society just for enjoying shows that bring them joy and happiness. I didn’t understand the limits and categories forced on me. However, as I grew up, I realized there was no logical reason why I should stop being myself. I came to the understanding that I really shouldn’t have let these societally imposed restrictions stop me from having a good time. Soon, I found out I wasn’t the only one. There were tons of people all over the internet who were also considered much too old to watch the show, but who had developed a sort of cult following. Learning this made me feel a little less alone in my desire to cling to childhood nostalgia and hold it tight. After all, everyone goes through life at their own pace. And chances are, when you are reading this column, I will probably be sitting on my beanbag unapologetically bingeing my favorite shows. PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLEY OROZCO

In-Depth

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Echoes of the pAst

Scan here to read more about Black influence and explore more Black-owned businesses!

Every February, Black History Month celebrates the contributions of Black figures in modern society. Black culture can be seen currently and historically through pop culture, language, science and more, truly proving to be the present of the past.

Unprofessional to fashion trend Black culture has influenced today’s society

Present:

protection for African Americans’ hair, as they keep our hair growing strong without us continuously manipulating it too much, causing damage and breakage. When white people started wearing box braids, they were seen as “unique trendsetters.” They didn’t do enough research to understand that certain hair isn’t made for box braids. White people’s hair is thinner. Thinner hair doesn’t hold the braid as well, , and wearing box braids could cause people with thin hair to lose hair if they keep them in too long. An even worse example of a stolen hairstyle that has occured is cornrows, a style in which your hair is braided close to the scalp in a straight or curved line from the front of your head all the way to the back. The popularity of cornrows outside of Black culture is an issue because white people -- in particular, white celebrities -- took over the hairstyle and changed the name like it was theirs to change. Instead of calling the braids cornrows, the proper name for the style, they chose to call them

“boxer braids.” This issue is major because it takes the spotlight away from the Black community, which tends to never gets the spotlight, especially when it comes to things we were doing long before they became popular in mainstream culture. Fashion choices, such as acrylic nails, are also an issue. According to Vice.com African Americans were called derogatory terms for having the long colorful nails that are so popular today. If it weren’t for celebrities making colorful, acrylic nails a trend, African Americans would still be getting called derogatory names for their cultural choice. Black culture is so much more than this. By learning the history behind our cultural “trends,” you can avoid being offensive or disrespectful. You can learn to be more respectful by knowing the proper names for these things and showing appreciation for the Black culture that brought them to you.

Past: The Civil Rights Movement spurred in the late 1950s due to the discrimination African Americans experienced decades after slavery was abolished, according to History.com. Segregation was common in public accommodations such as schools. This was because the “Jim Crow Laws,” which were discriminatory against Black people, were implemented in the late 19th century in the South. Rosa Parks sat at the front of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, where only white people were allowed to sit, on Dec. 1, 1955. When Parks refused to give up her seat for a white male, she was arrested. The Montgomery Improvement Association, an organization consisting of Black people looking for change, then boycotted the Montgomery bus system for 381 days. The Supreme Court deemed segregated seating as unconstitutional on Nov. 14, 1956.

Photo courtesy of NASA Marshall Space

By Madhavi Karthik

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Visit The Cookout at 1350 Pear Avenue, Mountain View

Visit LeYou Ethiopian at 1100 N. First Suite, San Jose

Photos courtesy of The Cookout and LeYou Ethiopian

A chronology of Black history By Erin Loh

1873 1870

1865

Feb. 3: The 15th Amendment is ratified, giving Black men the right to vote. However, due to the implementation of Jim Crow laws like literacy tests and poll taxes, which were meant to dicriminate against African Americans, many African Americans were prevented from voting.

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.” - Malcolm X

Photo courtesy of Harper’s Weekly

1900

Juneteenth

June 19: The 1st Juneteenth is celebrated in Texas when General Gordon Granger issues the order that all slaves are free under the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth is a widely recognized holiday to commemorate the end of slavery.

“We saw in the election a lot of states put obstacles in the way for people to vote, [like] stricter voter ID laws. When you look at who that impacts the most, it’s people of color ... We should be finding ways to make it easier for people to vote, not harder.” - Marc Gonzales, U.S. History teacher

1873

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Photo courtesy of Austin History Center

15th Amendment

Colfax Massacre

April 13: The Colfax massacre erupts at a Louisiana courthouse fueled by racial and political tensions over the 1872 governor election. A group of 300 white Democratic men attacks the Black Republicans, leaving 150 African Americans and three white men dead.

Photo courtesy of Bettmann Archive

1965

1950

Malcolm X

Feb. 21: Malcolm X is assassinated. A prominent civil rights leader, Malcolm X argued that African Americans should defend themselves against racial violence, challenging the views of Martin Luther King Jr., who urged his followers to protest peacefully.

1976

2020

Black History

Feb 1976: Black History Month is first celebrated. President Gerald Ford, in his Message of Observance, writes, “We can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

larger white population has participated in BLM protests, social movement expert Douglas McAdam said. Additionally, a Monmouth University poll found that 76% of Americans consider racial and ethnic discrimmination a big problem in the U.S, as opposed to 51% in 2015. Photo courtesy of BlackPast and Getty Images

The etymology of Ebonics Yeet w

By Miya Liu About Woke 80% of English words are Queen taken from over 350 languages, according to Dictionary.com. snatch This makes the language difficult to standardize and even harder to enforce its correct usage. African American Vernacular English (AAVE), also known as Ebonics, has roots in the American South as a dialect used by enslaved people to communicate with their captors. AAVE has been classified as a second language, when it is simply part of the diverse English language. These text bubbles above are vocabulary that mainstream groups have popularized into slang.

George Floyd

May 25: George Floyd is killed after his neck was pinned underneath white police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee for at least 8 minutes and 15 seconds. His death gives way to a rise of Black Lives Matter protests across the nation. “I think it’s actually really sad that a man’s [death had to go] viral for awareness to be spread [about these injustices].” -Rylee Taryn (10)

“My family sent out over 100 letters to encourage people to vote in the Jan. 5 runoffs. Writing the letters was important since this year Georgia suddenly turned blue, likely because of Stacey Abrams’ work, [and] we really owe it to the Black voters showing up.” -Katy Tsao (12)

2000 2021

Raphael Warnock

Jan. 5: Raphael Warnock becomes the first Black person to be elected to the Senate from Georgia. His and Sen. Jon Ossoff’s victory give Democrats a majority in the Senate.

Photo courtesy of Katy Tsao

1870

1976

Owner Aida Taya said her mission is “to showcase Ethiopian culture and cuisine” through her cooking.

1965

“I [hope to] create a family environment [with our food],” Co-owner Rod McGee said in a phone interview.

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Supporting Black businesses

An estimated 15 to 26 million people participated in the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020, making it the largest movement in the U.S, according to The New York Times. Sparked by the deaths of George Floyd and others, the BLM organization fights against police brutality and racism. In contrast to the 1960 racial protests, a much

2020

By Xochitl Neely

The origin of Black culture has rarely been credited to the Black community. Many things that are trendy now weren’t trendy when African Americans wore them, but soon became trendy once white people started wearing them. African Americans are seen as “hood” when wearing something that is just meant to keep their hair looking nice, such as durags, which are head caps originally used in Black culture to help hold in place braids or dreadlocks. Once white people started wearing them, they became more popular, and suddenly, durags were the new craze. Meanwhile, in the Black community our hair is seen as unprofessional and wild because white people don’t understand it. In the Black community, our hair is our history. For example, box braids are a type of braiding style that consists of multiple small or large square-shaped boxes that are then braided down with additional braiding hair and dipped in hot water to seal the ends. Their popularity in mainstream culture became a problem because people outside the Black community were wearing them. Box braids are a form of

By Madhavi Karthik and Erin Loh

2021

After graduating from Morgan Park High School at 16 years old, Mae Jemison attended Stanford University, earning two bachelor’s degrees, one in chemical engineering and one in African and African American studies, according to WomensHistory.org. She was the president of the Black Student Union and one of the few persons of color in her class. Unfortunately, she faced discrimination in the classroom from her peers, Jemison said in a New York Times article. “Race is always an issue in the United States,” Jemison said in the article. “You always run into people who aren’t comfortable with you.” Later, she attended Weill Cornell Medical College, worked as a general practitioner and served in the West Africa Peace Corps for two years. When Jemison applied as an astronaut to NASA’s space program in 1987, she was accepted to be one of the 15 crew members on the space shuttle Endeavour, according to Britannica. On Sep. 12, 1992, Jeminson became the first African American woman in space. “I felt connected with infinity,” Jemison said.

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By Miya Liu

Spot the difference

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Infinity...

PAGE DESIGN BY MADHAVI KARTHIK, MIYA LIU AND ERIN LOH ILLUSTRATIONS BY KATHERINE O’DELL

In-Depth

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Echoes of the pAst

Scan here to read more about Black influence and explore more Black-owned businesses!

Unprofessional to fashion trend Black culture has influenced today’s society

Present:

Photo courtesy of NASA Marshall Space

By Madhavi Karthik

“

Visit The Cookout at 1350 Pear Avenue, Mountain View

Visit LeYou Ethiopian at 1100 N. First Suite, San Jose

Photos courtesy of The Cookout and LeYou Ethiopian

A chronology of Black history By Erin Loh

1873 1870

1865

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.” - Malcolm X

Photo courtesy of Harper’s Weekly

1900

Juneteenth

1873

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1865

Photo courtesy of Austin History Center

15th Amendment

Colfax Massacre

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Jan. 5: Raphael Warnock becomes the first Black person to be elected to the Senate from Georgia. His and Sen. Jon Ossoff’s victory give Democrats a majority in the Senate.

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Owner Aida Taya said her mission is “to showcase Ethiopian culture and cuisine” through her cooking.

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“I [hope to] create a family environment [with our food],” Co-owner Rod McGee said in a phone interview.

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Supporting Black businesses

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By Madhavi Karthik and Erin Loh

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Lifestyles

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Bridging the gap NAHS students reflect on gender expectations in the arts By Erin Loh They say art is a reflection of the soul. Though this may be the liberating reason for many people’s artwork, others may encounter the fear of judgement, especially those in the minority gender of the art field: males. In college and below, the visual arts field has a gender gap of significantly fewer male participants than female. According to The Art of Education University, in 2019 only 23% of the AP Studio Art portfolios submitted to the College Board were by males. Similarly, in Homestead’s National Art Honor Society, out of around 30 club members only a few are male, said junior and vice president of NAHS Eunjin Choi. One member of NAHS, junior Andrew Lopez said he has felt the negative effects of the gender gap. Following his sister’s footsteps, Lopez said he has been interested in art from a young age, and now particularly enjoys digital art and painting. “Art is a really big aspect of my life,” Lopez said in a Zoom interview. “It’s part of my childhood so I’ve carried it on to my teenage years because it’s been practically the only way to express my emotions and my feelings.”

While Lopez has family and friends to support him, he said he constantly feels the pressure of toxic masculinity in his artwork. Since elementary school, lopez said he has been asked why he draws “feminine” things. “I was influenced by my sister, so I drew things like flowers, cacti and dogs [which] don’t sound like feminine things at all,” Lopez said. “[But my elementary school peers] just thought it was a feminine thing to draw and I shouldn’t be drawing that because I’m male. And then, that affected me so much that subconsciously [now], whenever I’m making a new piece, I ask myself, ‘Is this too feminine?’ ‘How do I add male charm,’ ‘How do I make this more masculine?’” Like Lopez, Choi said she likes drawing flowers and became interested in art when she was young. “I don’t think that [flowers are] just restricted to females because it’s just my personal interest,” Choi said in a Zoom interview. “I just like to draw something [I consider] pretty.” Choi attends art classes outside of school, where she said the majority of the students are also female.

“It is just easier to share ideas and maybe share experience when you’re with the same gender,” Choi said. “[But] I think art is more than just gender, it’s creativity and expressing ideas. So I don’t actually feel like there’s a difference between communicating with a different gender.” On the other side of the gap, Lopez said he has no male friends interested in art. He said he has avoided attending art activities in the past because there were no males on the participants list. “It’s really important to me to have a lot of people by my side who are interested in the same things as me, but [at the same time] know what the struggle is of having to shelter emotions, [because] it’s really looked down upon for men to show emotion and art is all about expressions,” Lopez said. Emotions can also be associated with female stereotypes, junior NAHS member Florence Wang said. Like Lopez, Wang uses art as a creative outlet to express her thoughts and emotions, and said she has been subject to the stereotype that women are emotional. Additionally, Wang said the opposing stereotype exists for men.

“There’s the whole thing about men aren’t supposed to cry,” Wang said in a Zoom interview, “but I think that stereotype is pushed on by other men.” Choi said there is another stereotype she has seen regarding females and the arts. “There’s a stereotype [that] art is for girls and math or STEM subjects are for males,” she said. “I think that pushes forward the gender gap in the arts. Although Choi acknowledges the stereotypes that contribute to the gender gap in art fields, she said she still encourages males to join art activities. “No one is trying to [contribute to] gender-based discrimination,” Choi said. “We’re really nice people and always open to difference. Anyone can join Art club and do art activities and [get to] know each other. So I think it’s a really good place to start.” From being a young and inexperienced artist to a dedicated member of NAHS, Lopez said there have been many changes since elementary school. While he stays aware of how masculine he makes a piece of art, he recognizes that subjects of his artwork are not just for girls, despite what others may say.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Lopez

“MANLY” AND BOLD: By creating contrast, Lopez said his artwork has a greater impact on the viewer’s eyes. Photo courtesy of Andrew Lopez

CREATING “GIRLY” ART: Lopez said

he uses soft colors to depict a sense of cuteness.

“I have a painting of a very bad cherry blossom I drew in sixth grade [on my wall],” Lopez said. “But I keep it up to remind myself it’s not a bad thing to have. It’s not girly. It’s normal.”

Break a leg High school drama students learn life skills, prepare for the future By Karuna Chandran As high school students push through homework, standardized tests and extracurriculars, many also use the fleeting four year period to prepare for a future in the workplace. Students such as senior Janani Jayanth have found that the drama program has taught them valuable life skills, most importantly the skill of empathizing with others. “You get a different worldview because you’re playing different characters,” Jayanth said in a Zoom interview. “That’s what acting can do for you. [It can] show you how this character might think this way and another character might be totally different so you don’t get too fixated on your opinion.” The drama program has three levels ranging from the mainstream class all the way to the honors level in addition to a stagecrafting course. Jayanth said she is a naturally shy person, but still felt welcomed in the drama community. “Everyone here is so comfortable and confident, and I’m not really [like] that [because] naturally I tend to be more reserved,” Jayanth said. “But I found that even with that, everyone still wanted to get to know me … sometimes if you’re not talkative, people don’t pay attention to you, but in drama clubs everyone tries to get to know you.” The element of teamwork is something junior Barbara Saunders said she wholeheartedly believes in. Despite the competition for roles, she said, there is a strong sense of community. “Not just for acting. I think

Photo by Miya Liu

for a lot of passions, sometimes you’re not going to feel good enough,” Saunders said in a Zoom interview. “Sometimes you’re going to feel like there’s another better person, but I feel like instead of letting that take you down, it should take you up and [allow you to] move forward.” Saunders, as part of the advanced drama class, was given the opportunity to have a different kind of role in production as a co-director. “[As a director,] you have the authority to create something,” Saunders said. “ And of course the actors contribute a lot to that creation, but you have to help them out with that. It’s also just really nice to see how it all comes into play near the end.” Some of the students in the program do drama as a hobby, but others, such as junior Helen Beyer, hope to try to pursue it as a full-time career. “I kind of [want to] just go to Los Angeles and live there for a couple of years, and if something happens then something happens. That would be really awesome,” Beyer said in a Zoom in-

Photo courtesy of Helen Beyer

Photo courtesy of Barbara Saunders

Photo courtesy of Janani Jayanth

Photo courtesy of Helen Beyer

terview. “But I also do think that if I get older and it’s not what I will really want anymore, my second choice is to be a teacher, and not just any teacher; I want to be a drama teacher.” Overall, Beyer said that with the opportunity to try new things in high school, if something arises that truly brings you joy, you should be sure to pursue it, no holds barred. “Especially at this school where there’s just a lot to do,

sometimes it can get a little bit READY SET ACTION: Drama students overwhelming,” Beyer said. “Defi- find a sense of community in the pronitely in my years of high school, gram while learning to focus on their [I] have been overwhelmed, but own self-growth. having something that can ground you and can just take you back to reality for a couple seconds and you’re just like, Scan the QR code to watch our video on ‘I’m doing what local downtown Sunnyvale restaurants and makes me happy,’ how they are dealing with the pandemic! that’s the stuff.” PAGE DESIGN BY JACK XU

Exploring local restaurants

Lifestyles

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Coping with school closure

Students debate over schools reopening By Lia Klebanov in person instead of using office hours, and she would have more access to fellow classmates, she said. Many schools, especially in Europe, have been kept open throughout the entirety of the year with strict health regulations, according to The New York Times. Most recently, after the holidays, France sent students back to learning in classrooms despite the chances of exposure. As of Jan. 23, the country has had 3 million COVID-19 cases overall in comparison with the U.S., which has 25 million and counting. The situation is particularly dire in California, which leads with the highest number of U.S. cases, according to Johns Hopkins University CSSE. The president of France, Emmanuel Macron has sacrificed the reopening of other facilities, including leisure activities and restaurants, in order for students to be sent back, according to The Local FR news website. It is believed schools are not the source of the high COVID-19 cases in Europe, which is why they have remained open. In contrast, many school districts in the U.S. believe having little to no positive cases are essential for reopening, according

to The Washington Post. Boimann said she believes it is unfair other countries and even nearby school districts are handling the situation in a different manner. School and health are both important, in her opinion, and one can’t just be ignored. “It’s pretty frustrating because I want to have that high school ex-

Photo by Roopa Srinivas

LEARNING FROM HOME: Roopa Srinivas hopes to come back to school and return to normal, but she feels HHS made the right decision in closing.

Get with the programming By Miya Liu A self-described “pretty big programming nerd,” Senior Eric Pedley’s aspirations to be a computer scientist stemmed from a physics sandbox game. In middle school, Pedley discovered Garry’s Mod, a highly customizable open world game with creative player freedom. He got into programming for about a week and then didn’t really touch it again, he said. Later in life, Pedley went through the progression of computer science classes. Although he enjoyed programming, it stayed solely an academic activity. However, in the second semester of AP computer science, Pedley signed up for a Hackathon with a couple of friends. The 24-hour-long event that focused on completing a software project made him rethink programming as a hobby. Pedley joined an online Hack Club*, discovering more local programmers and attending four more Hackathons. “[Hackathons] were really useful,” Pedley said in a Zoom interview. “They’re basically how I started programming outside of APCS.” Pedley said he draws inspiration for projects out of his other interests. KanyeZone*, a game similar to Pong was inspired from a line in a Kanye West song. “I’m just doing projects for fun,” Pedley said. “My latest one is programming an algorithm to play the game KanyeZone. I’m coding a bot that uses computer vision to look at the screen, determine where the head is and where your title is. And then it does some math to figure out

which direction to move in.” Pedley said he has a mix of projects, ranging from hacking a computer game to working with quantum computers — a type of technology created to significantly increase computers’ processing speed. Pedley has been working with the IBM Quantum Experience*, a website that allows students to experiment with quantum computing. “IBM has a website where you can create quantum computer circuits and run them on real quantum computers,” Pedley said. “On their website, there’s a drag and drop menu for building a quantum circuit and that turns it into code [which you send them to] run on their computers and they give you the results.” IBM provides tutorials with complicated math equations and complex numbers that Pedley said he has been figuring out on notebook paper. “This is basically just me looking at the equations and being like, ‘Okay, how did they get to this point,’ so it’s like actually doing the math myself,” Pedley said. “It’s as if you have a math equation in your textbook and you try to prove to yourself that it works.” Quantum computing has incredible power that can solve an arithmetic task — which would take a supercomputer 10,000 years — in 200 seconds, according to BBC, but currently, Pedley is exploring possible personal projects he can do with low level quantum circuits which only have a few qubits — a unit of quantum information. Pedley said he is taking advan-

perience — not just to be at home and study all the time,” Boimann said. “To me, it’s frustrating [that] other schools opened [and the] district continues to deliberate and deliberate and not take action.” With the differing priorities surrounding schools, Boimann said the fact that other non-es-

Photo courtesy of Eric Pedley

QUANTUM COMPUTING EXPERIENCE: As Pedley continues learning,

he aspires to be a computer research scientist.

tage of this free access while it’s still available. “I think they’re letting people experiment for free [because] there’s no commercially viable uses for quantum computers,” Pedley said. “It’s in the [research and development] stage and they want people to discover new algorithms for quantum computers. It would accelerate the progress towards useful algorithms.” After developing his interest in computer science, Pedley has applied as a major in the field and he said he hopes to pursue a career as a research scientist. “Being a research scientist is appealing because you don’t have to worry about the business side of things,” Pedley said. “It’s interesting because you’re trying to make cutting edge stuff.” *Visit these links and see more images by scanning this QR code.

sential establishments opened before HHS has allowed students to return is questionable to her. She believes schools should have a satisfactory plan that does not avoid the risks of reopening schools, but instead keeps the numbers under control. “The possible risks could obviously be that the COVID-19 rates would get higher [or] someone would get infected,” Boimann said. “But then again, you have to think about enforcing strict regulations with people coming [to] our school. I think, above all, school [and academics are] important.” However, staying safe is the most important thing no matter what personal wishes may be, Srinivas said. She can relate to other frustrated students, but it is unreasonable to expect the district to prioritize anything above health concerns. Ultimately, Srinivas said, the best way to prevent getting sick is to stay home. “I don’t want to risk anything,” Srinivas said. “If I go back to school and somebody has COVID or they are asymptomatic, nobody will know, but then it can get passed to somebody else. [Going] back when everything is much safer [is the right choice] for everybody.”

Red Cross club: spreading the word By Ariana Tejeda Moreno The Red Cross is a volunteer club that allows members to spread awareness about global issues. In the Red Cross club, members are highly encouraged to volunteer for activities that help the community, senior and member Maira Pedraza said. Events like Promoting the Difference allow students to take an active role in spreading awareness on humanitarian issues within their community. “We [as a club] are trying to promote awareness for disasters around the world, such as fires in California,” senior and co-president Emily Cheng said in a Zoom interview. Officers post about the topics on the club’s Instagram page and present issues during club meetings. They are meant to spread awareness about the humanitarian crises and ways anyone can help the community, senior and co-president Allison Lee said. They provide this information so people can learn more Photo courtesy of Maira Pedraza

about staying safe and these resources are available for everyone to use Lee said. Spreading awareness can motivate people like Pedraza, who said she was inspired to volunteer more after joining the club. “In a way, I changed my perspective on what I should be doing,” Pedraza said. “It got me to help out more in the community.” Pedraza said she volunteered to make a post covering the topic of rising Arctic temperatures. This process started with research on global issues and included ways students could help. Pedrazas post was uploaded onto the club’s Instagram page. The journey of spreading awareness is important to everyone involved: co-presidents, officers and members of the club, Lee said. “It’s something that we strive to do to bring awareness and to have community members more aware of a humanitarian crisis,” Lee said. Photo courtesy of Maira Pedraza

In the ongoing debate about reopening schools, students and administrators weigh the benefits of in-person instruction against the risks of increasing COVID-19 exposure. Some, like sophomore Roopa Srinivas, believe going back is not an option at this moment due to the number of cases. Others, like sophomore Tamar Boimann, look at a variety of other schools as examples and desperately want to return. After a period of adjustment to online learning, sophomore Shobitha Meduri said in a Zoom interview she believes the new method has some good aspects to it. Improving her skills in expediting school work and focus have been some of the benefits of the experience, she said. “If I’m actually in school, and I come back home [to] start my homework, I sometimes get distracted really fast,” Meduri said. “Ever since online school started, there are [stricter] deadlines, so I just immediately get started.” Challenges concerning communication can’t be overlooked and will always be present during distance learning, which has since required different methods, Srinivas said. It is easier for her to explain questions to teachers

CLUB MEMBER ACTIVITY: Red Cross member Maira Pedraza informs others with her post on rising Arctic temperatures.

PAGE DESIGN BY YUKARI E. ZAPATA

Arts & Culture

Thursday, February 4, 2021

‘Make men manly again'

Candace Owens’ tweet reveals importance of redefining masculinity By Macy Li

is unacceptable. From her tweet, it is clear she views clothing as a leading indicator of how “manly” someone is, which should not be the case. When we hear the word “masculinity,” society has conditioned us into thinking about a series of traits: toughness, aggressiveness, independence, a muscular body type and more. However, neither clothes nor these surface-level assets should serve to define or restrict men. Rather, it is time for us to redefine masculinity and abandon traditional gender expectations. Because, in truth, what makes a man is his own self. It is his courage and ability to break away from society’s definitions and shape his own character and virtues based on the ideals he be- TOXIC GENDER EXPECTATIONS: Men should lieves in. not be restricted by society's ingrained limitations. ogue y of V

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regions, men have dressed in all styles and types of flowing attire besides pants. After I discovered skirts were historically symbols of masculinity, despite being more commonly associated with women today, I realized how made-up the gender expectations ingrained in society are. Since the clothes we attribute to women in the U.S. were once globally symbolic of men, there is an obvious lack of a singular and rigid set of gender rules spanning throughout history. Yet, many people like Owens neglect to realize this and attack men for not conforming to their ideas of “manliness” when they wear skirts or dresses. It is disappointing for me to see these widespread gender stereotypes and expectations on social media and beyond, which accentuates the need for greater efforts to combat these perceptions. While Owens is entitled to her own preferences in a relationship, forcing others to adhere to her definition of masculinity

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Her words effectively highlight the prevalence of toxic masculinity in our society and the ultimate importance of redefining what it means to be a man. Toxic masculinity is the set of behaviors and beliefs that revolve around suppressing emotions and utilizing violence as an indicator of power, according to The New York Times. This emerges as a result of society expecting and teaching boys to be “tough all the time," along with how openly expressing their feelings is a sign of weakness. These toxic gender expectations force men into strict gender-binary boxes, sorting colors, clothes and hobbies into the binary scheme: male and female. I can clearly see the effects of these expectations in Owens’ tweet, which displays her belief that a piece of clothing has the potential to make someone less “manly.” Men in Scotland originally wore kilts into battle, and men in Rome wore togas on a day-to-day basis, according to Teen Vogue. Throughout all eras and global

Pictured on the cover of Vogue, 26-year-old singer Harry Styles posed in a ruffled gown with floral embroidery, attracting the attention of millions across the world. As the first solo man on the cover, his appearance in a dress ricocheted through social media, stirring up both praise and controversy. After Vogue released the images, right-wing commentator Candace Owens publicly expressed her criticism of his outfit and posted a viral tweet, calling for society to “bring back manly men.” She stated the world could not survive without strong males and declared the “steady feminization” of men in western countries was an outright attack. When I first discovered her message on Twitter, I was surprised she genuinely seemed to believe the popularization of men in dresses could signal the end of masculinity. What shocked me even more was that it had gained over 100,000 likes in the span of only a few days, exposing the number of people who share this skewed perception.

‘Bridgerton': a step to inclusivity A new era of fashion trends Racial diversity proven possible

COVID-19 changes fashion industry

By Leila Salam

By Amber Birrell Photo courtesy of Netflix

BRIDGERTON’S CASTING DIVERSITY: Actors like Rege-Jean Page show

small steps towards inclusivity.

movies like “Pride and Prejudice” all consisting of predominantly white casts. While it is quite sad for such a pitiful amount of representation to be groundbreaking, “Bridgerton” has shown that it is possible to include more people of color in period pieces — something the rest of Hollywood should take note of. Positive representation is so impactful because it shapes public image and perception. The effects of minority representation in media are felt largely because of the educational impact media has on viewers who have little or no direct contact with the minorities portrayed on their screen, according to Vice. Because of this educational impact, if Hollywood starts to embrace the benefits of positive minority representation, the impacts will be felt beyond just the film industry. While “Bridgerton” is not the best example of the progress necessary for actual change, the show’s cast serves as a reminder to Hollywood that inclusion is completely possible — even in genres that have been so overwhelmingly white for so long.

It's no secret the fashion industry has drastically changed over the past year. If somebody told me a year ago that masks would be in fashion, I wouldn't have believed them. Even though wearing a mask is mandatory, designers like Tory Burch and Christian Siriano have incorporated them into the latest fashion designs. Masks are now more like an accessory as people match them to their outfits, and they are becoming a part of this new normal we are all adapting to. As the need for masks becomes more and more evident, the mask industry is soaring, and by 2027, it is predicted that the mask market will be worth over $31.8 billion, according to Polaris Market Research. It's crazy to think that a year ago, masks were not something I would even think about wearing, but now, people use them as fashion statements. In addition to masks, athleisure wear has also become increasingly popular because people are spending more time at home, meaning there’s less time to be spent worrying about outfits. I, for one, have been living in hoodies and leggings for the past nine months, so it comes as no surprise to me that others have been doing the same. Because of this sudden popularity in athleisure wear, many brands are trying to get a piece of this market. North Face, Levi’s and Louis Vuitton are all focusing on producing more athleisure wear, CNBC reported. The increase in production of athlei-

sure wear is great because now there is a lot more variety in what you can buy throughout the market. Athleisure wear is versatile and comfortable, making it the perfect trend for quarantine. However, these markets are not the only things changing among the fashion industry. Fashion shows are now becoming more easily available to the average person because many brands including Gucci and Versace are streaming their shows online. This change is great because many fashion lovers can't afford to go to a physical show, but now they can watch it from the comfort of their home and enjoy this one-of-a-kind fashion experience. The fashion industry has done a great job of adapting during the pandemic. These changes in the industry are more than likely to continue after the pandemic because they have been very successful.

Illustration by Amber Birrell

As someone who does not frequently watch period pieces about old English people, I was hardly surprised by “Bridgerton.” The elaborate dresses, the hierarchical drama, the fixation on marriage and status — none of it was new. However, one thing I noticed that set “Bridegerton” apart is the casting of people of color in a few main character roles. The show features actors like RégeJean Page, Ruby Barker, Adjoa Andoh and Golda Rosheuvel. While the cast is still predominantly white, the fact that people of color are in the cast is proof that inclusion is possible in Hollywood. The characters of color in “Bridgerton” portray people who go through challenges and trials that have absolutely nothing to do with their race. While including non-white characters brings added cultural context, the focus of these characters is more on overcoming challenges like wealth and status gaps, dealing with the mental health of family members and fighting for women’s rights. This kind of representation of people of color having life experiences and struggles that do not have anything to do with their race is rare, especially in period pieces. Simply by including more people of color in the “Bridgerton” cast, subtle progress has been made on the road to achieving more representation for minorities in media. Some of the harm that comes from this lack of representation includes “the fallacy codified by all-white versions of period pieces makes people believe in a world in which people of color did not exist,” according to the Washington Post. The fact is, people of color did exist in these time periods. An estimated 20,000 free Black people lived in London in the early 19th century, according to the Washington Post, yet most 19th century movies and shows seem to exclude them altogether. In my experience, period dramas tend to have overwhelmingly white casts with popular shows like “Downton Abbey” and

New year, new music Mix up your music tastes for the new year with this playlist filled with small artists.

NEW FASHION TRENDS: COVID-19

has caused masks to go in style.

PAGE DESIGN BY MACY LI

Arts & Culture

An era of activism

Thursday, February 4, 2021

A new definition of life

The new face of Instagram

What makes your life special?

By Ashley Orozco

By Seoyoung Hwang

come an open topic of conversation. Influencers started to openly address their mental health issues and talk about the importance of prioritizing your mental health during the pandemic. This led to others posting motivational quotes along with infographics on anxiety and depression. Another event that caused a nationwide uproar on social media was the 2020 election. Racial issues were the main topic of debate on Instagram; these posts consisted of political views and people trying to persuade others to have the same views. I hadn’t seen this much debate over a single Instagram post before. Gender stereotypes also got recognition when males on TikTok started to paint their nails and wear skirts. They were tired of toxic masculinity, with reason. These posts migrated from TikTok to Instagram in no time. Following this, women started to openly discuss how Photo courtesy of Rappler they were tired of being sexualized and the unrealistic beauty standards society has placed on them. In the past, I didn’t like Instagram because it was a place where people pretended to be perfect. This made me feel bad about myself, so I stayed away from the app. This new side of Instagram allows me to relate to many posts and learn something new while informing others on issues, EXPLORING CURRENT MATTERS: showing how Instagram is Instagram provides users with a platform to raise awareness and advocate for issues. changing for the better.

“What is it that makes you ...YOU?” This idea is driven out through the newest Disney-Pixar film “Soul,” which premiered on Disney+ on Dec. 25 and takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery. Middle school band director Joe Gardner gets an opportunity to play with a renowned jazz club. As a performer myself, I could relate to how happy Joe was when he landed the gig. But before he gets his chance, he falls into a hole and lands in The Great Before, a place where souls receive personality traits. There, Joe meets soul 22, who has no interest in going down to Earth. 22 doesn’t have anything she is good at. I relate to this because I think of myself similarly. Later on, they both go down to Earth; however, 22 winds up in Joe’s body and Joe, in the body of a cat, which I thought was an interesting plot twist. There, soul 22 experiences life and understands souls aren’t meant to do anything in their lifetime except live surrounded by the people they love. This movie helped me understand no matter what I do in the future, if I make everyday worth living with the people I love, my life will be fulfilling. Like soul 22, I’m in a phase of trying to discover what I like, and I know what it feels like when I can’t find the right spark for me. Joe learns from

2020 was a year full of changes. School, friendships and even social media were affected by this memorable yet chaotic year, but Instagram changed the most. In the past, Instagram was used more for aesthetics and selfies, but that changed after the Black Lives Matter movement. This was when I saw people stop posting selfies and start spreading awareness of pressing issues. After that, making posts with infographics and data became an everyday occurrence. I frequently shared these posts and even made some myself. I shared what I felt needed more attention, like infographics on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and cultural appropriation, which helped educate people who follow me. This was effective because every time I saw anything on different issues like mental health, I was able to spread information by reposting it on my story. Mental health has slowly be-

Photo courtesy of The Reel Bits

HOLLYWOOD CONFESSIONS By Amber Birrell

WHAT IS LIFE: ‘Soul’ inspires viewers to find a deeper meaning in life.

22 that even something as small as leaves falling can make you happy. He continues to learn that life isn’t just about success and money and the standards for success are different for everyone. The movie’s themes made me think about the little things around me I haven’t appreciated before. I now realize it’s important to not be obsessed with getting a good job and earning a lot of money in the future; instead, I should enjoy my life and my surroundings.

‘Soul’ Genre: Fantasy Release date: Dec. 25, 2020

Podcasting – an easy way to get your voice heard Creating content is easier than ever By Evelyn Solis Listening to podcasts these past couple of months has helped me get through the pandemic. I love listening to my favorite podcasts like “Teenager Therapy” and the true-crime show “My Favorite Murder.” It is so easy to listen to entertaining and informative media while being able to do my chores. I have thought of starting my own podcast; however, I have always found excuses to not pick up a microphone and start talking. I would tell myself that ‘I don’t have the right equipment’ and ‘no one will listen, so what’s the point.’ However, after talking to juniors Andrea David and Ashley Vaca, who are uploading their podcast episodes to Spotify and other apps, I learned that all you need is courage and motivation to start one. Not much is needed to start a podcast — not even an expensive, five-star rated microphone. All you need is a passion to share your thoughts, a bit of research and careful consideration of what goes into the making of a podcast

to start your own platform of en- to listen in on our conversations [because] it feels like they’re with tertainment. With over 30 million podcast us,” David said. episodes available with a click of On their podcast, “Fever a button, you may have thought Dream,” Vaca and David enjoy of starting your own podcast just discussing stories about their lives as teenagers, their friendlike David and Vaca did. Wanting to find a platform ships and school drama, as well where they could express them- as sharing their opinions on selves and inspired by their fa- trending stories. To them, podcasting is not vorite Youtubers, Vaca and David only about producing content first thought about uploading or gaining views but also more videos to their Youtube channel. However, enjoying the process of due to the pandemic, creating their episodes. I found Vaca and Dameeting up with each vid’s podcast to be a other got increasingly good way to listen to difmore difficult with the ferent opinions on varistay-at-home orders; a podcast felt like a ous topics. Apart from more practical opsharing their opinions, tion. they also enjoy discussing personal anec“[Podcasting is] a dotes like going through good way [for people] to express themselves, and a Tumblr phase in middle everyone has school and an opinion. reviewing Illustration by Shreya Partha different It’s good to hear othrestaurants. er people’s Vaca said starting their perspectives podcast was … [and for] listeners, it’s STUDENTS CREATE PODCASTS: not challenging and all of fun for them Students find a fun way to share stories.

the resources needed are accessible with a bit of research. Anchor, the website they use to help them upload their content to various platforms, is free along with other programs like iMovie, Soundtrap and Zoom. If you are interested in starting your own podcast with your friends or even by yourself, countless resources on the internet can help you understand how to start creating a platform. Additionally, you have a never-ending list of topics to discuss and explore. Depending on your interests and experiences, your podcast can be about traveling or your love for mathematics. Although podcasting may seem like a complicated process to start, Vaca and David are proof that creating an entertaining platform with a couple of inexpensive resources is feasible. Everyone has unique stories to tell and strong opinions to share, and with enthusiasm and motivation, anyone can start their own podcast.

I recently realized the media fails to show the whole picture in regards to coming out because in reality, many people struggle to come out to loved ones in fear of not being accepted. The movie “Love, Simon” is a good example of how a family should still love their child despite their sexual orientation but unfortunately, not many teens get to experience this fairytale ending, and the media fails to show this less-mentioned side to coming out. Oftentimes, movies that cover LGBTQ experiences show the main character struggling to come out, but the moment they do, they are accepted by their family and friends. However, what TV shows and movies do not tell you is that this is a very rare reaction. In fact, many teens do not have this experience. The truth is, around 40% of homeless teens identify as LGBTQ, and 43% of these teens were forced out by parents because of how they identify, according to a study done by the Williams Institute at UCLA Law. While it is a small and important step forward for movies like “Love, Simon’’ to have positive themes, it is important to emphasize that this coming out experience is not representative of the many struggles teens face when coming out to family and friends. TV shows and movies do not show how kids are forced from their homes, and the consequences of parents rejecting their children in this way are undeniable. This is damaging because people aren’t aware of what is happening behind closed doors to teens all over the nation. While having positive LGBTQ themes in movies is important, we cannot ignore that this is not a reality for many teens at home. Therefore, it is important that the media brings light to this issue in hope that it may help somebody.

PAGE DESIGN BY AMBER BIRRELL AND XOCHITL NEELY

Sports

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Athletes should wait their turn in time of crisis Sports are unnecessary, frivolous during pandemic

By Karuna Chandran and Ritaja Subrahmanya

RAYMOND RANTS

By Raymond Ranbhise Do you know the worst honor a team can have? Being dead last in the worst NFL division, in which the first place team is the Washington Football Team. That’s where the Eagles are. The Eagles won the Super Bowl three years ago but have fallen so far to the point where they have to bench their backup quarterback so they can tank the game to get a higher draft pick. Before the 2021 season started, the NFL draft took place. The Eagles had a chance to get a good wide receiver, which is something they have needed for a while now. Instead, they drafted Jalen Reagor in the first round, which was a horrible pick considering they could have picked Justin Jefferson, who is now the best rookie wide receiver. Then, the Eagles picked quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round. This was a controversial pick. Sure, they needed a backup quarterback, but drafting a quarterback that high isn’t smart. The Eagles started horribly in the 2021 season, with quarterback Carson Wentz throwing 14 interceptions in 10 games. Not only that, but in Wentz’s 12 starts, the Eagles went 3-8-1. Another thing that didn’t help was the Eagles’ horrible offensive line. Wentz got sacked 40 times in 10 games. Then the Eagles started Hurts. Nothing really went wrong until week 17, when head coach Doug Peterson benched Hurts in favor of Nate Sudfield, a move that cost them the game. Players including Miles Sanders and Jason Kelce were outraged. Two more players were held back from confronting Peterson about the decision postgame. This resulted in Peterson being fired. If the front office made better draft decisions, they could have had so much talent. Instead, they horribly mismanaged them, now they are in the dumpster of the worst NFL division.

Almost 2 million people worldwide have died from the coronavirus, and ICU beds are still filling up across the country, according to Johns Hopkins. And yet, many sports leagues have decided they cannot postpone athletics for the time being. The privilege athletes have in our country is shocking. While COVID-19 regulations bar people from visiting their families, athletes are permitted to travel across the country for games. Rules are being bent for sports, allowing athletes to practice even while schools remain closed, according to the Mercury News. This culture is a dangerous practice as athletics events are not essential and should not be given additional liberties. Across the nation, a shortage of coronavirus tests still remains a major problem, and instead of allowing those tests to go to those who need it more, major sports leagues continue to hog coronavirus tests among other essential sanitation supplies for their athletes, according to USA Today. Sports teams have jumped the line for COVID-19 testing, a luxury hospitals and essential workers do not have. In fact, both college and professional athletes are tested more frequently than nurses, according to the Washington Post. It is important we don’t waste tests on frivolous activities like

sports when people’s lives are at stake. Professional sports can and should take a hiatus until the coronavirus situation betters. Sports professionals get paid much more than the average person, with the average NFL player earning a whopping $2 million per season, according to the Washington Post. These players can survive the pandemic without their paychecks, whereas normal Americans do not share that luxury. In fact, the pandemic has caused millions across the country to lose their jobs, forcing them onto the streets Photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left): AP News, LA Times, Golf.com, New York Times, The Undefeated, NPR. without sufficient money SPORTS STILL HAPPENING: Despite safety precautions, outbreaks have or food, according to the started to occur in leagues such as the NFL, according to CNBC. Washington Post. cording to ESPN. have been reported as of Jan. 22, In addition to divertIn fact, with the close contact according to the Orlando Sentiing crucial resources from essential facilities and businesses, between players, COVID-19 can nel. All in all, the pandemic is not the continuation of profession- easily spread, as seen in many real sports is also contributing to cent games, according to CNBC. something that can be treated the already staggering number Once athletes are on the field, like a game, with people’s lives of cases nationwide, further bur- how many health factors can re- played out like chess pieces. Sports must be sacrificed dening the nation’s already heav- ally be controlled? Indeed, according to CNBC, during these trying times so the ily-strained healthcare system. Sports games are not a hy- the NFL has confirmed 70 new country can recover from such a gienic environment. Even with cases as of Jan. 5. Despite the devastating situation. And then, once America starts guidelines in the MLB against staggering numbers, they have habits such as spitting, it is hard still committed to playing the Su- opening up, you can bet we will to eliminate things that have be- perbowl as scheduled in Florida, be in the stands cheering our facome an element of the game, ac- where 13,719 new cases per day vorite teams on.

Students, staff enjoy cycling for recreation

Community members share cycling stories, give advice By Allen Zhang For many members of the HHS community, simply hopping on a bicycle is more than just getting exercise; it’s also a great source of recreation. Senior Andrew Schaub said in a Zoom interview he first learned to cycle when he was six years old but started going on longer bike rides in high school. Schaub said he joined a mountain bike race team in January 2020, and before the pandemic, used to practice with the team a couple of times a week. Last year, he rode in three century rides, which are 100-mile bike rides, and many more 50-mile rides. “Then, I started riding [on

roads] with my friend,” he said. “Our rides kept getting [longer,] and we started to explore more and ride a lot.” Schaub said cycling appeals to him because he enjoys the scenery as he goes on long rides. “[Especially] when you’re mountain biking, you get to see a lot of trails, and you get to do it pretty quickly,” Schaub said. “There’s lots of fun features.” Math teacher Gary Auten, who has been cycling since he was 22, said in a Zoom interview that he also enjoys being able to see more parts of the Bay Area. “I can get to the coast in less than two hours and be in the

Santa Cruz Mountains pretty quickly without [encountering] a lot of cars or people,” Auten said. “Having that freedom to get out and to move around the Bay Area and see places that I wouldn’t normally see is probably the [best part of cycling].” One trip Schaub said he particularly enjoyed was to San Francisco and back. “That was really fun because we got to ride through the city, but then [we] also rode back on some roads that were a little bit more in the mountains, and we saw some nature,” Schaub said. “We [also] rode across the Golden Gate Bridge [and] down Lombard Street. That was pretty fun.” But for Schaub, cycling isn’t all about the thrill of the sport. “It’s really fun to ride on bikes with friends,” he said. “My favorite part is riding with my friends because it’s a fun sport to do. You can go really fast and pretty far, and you get to see a lot more when you’re on your bike.” Senior Avanti Abhyankar said she shares a similar stance. She said in a Zoom interview she recently started cycling with her father. Photo courtesy of Elaine Huang “My dad wanted to get back into cycling [because] he really Photo courtesy of Andrew Schaub enjoys it, and he just needed NEED FOR SPEED: Schaub bikes down a dirt path during a National a push … As an incentive to Interscholastic Cycling Association race in Redding, California.

start, we bike to a Los Altos bagel shop and ... there, we get to take bagels home, and it’s a treat at the end of a bike ride,” Abhyankar said. Now, the father-daughter pair cycles together for two hours each Sunday. “I’d say [my favorite part is] spending time with my dad,” she said. “I really enjoy bonding with him in an outdoorsy way, … We push each other, [and] I think that’s the best part.” Auten said he also recognizes the benefits of riding with other people, especially those who are equally as enthusiastic about the sport. “It’s fun to go out with people on a social ride who enjoy being outside and push me,” Auten said. “Part of that pressure to keep up with a group pushes me probably more than I would otherwise do on my own, and I like that feeling.” However, Auten said he also sees the benefits in riding alone. “I also like biking alone, because then, I don’t have to worry about pacing myself to others or waiting for someone. I enjoy having that independence,” he said. For those interested in cycling, Auten said he recommends taking it easy at first. “Don’t expect too much,” he said. “Go out with the idea of having fun and being with people who you like.” PAGE DESIGN BY NITYA KASHYAP

Sports Virtual PE challenges students to overcome obstacles By Mae Richardson All classes face difficulties during distance learning and physical education is no exception. However, students and PE teachers are working to make the best out of this difficult situation. In their classes, many PE teachers are utilizing an app called Volt Athletics, which includes a series of workouts that target strengthening muscles, senior Misha Studenkov said in a Zoom interview. “After the teacher sets up the workout, he watches us on Zoom to make sure we’re not slacking off,” Studenkov said. “For the rest of the class time, we do supplementary workouts.” Studenkov said he enjoys the selection of exercises because they target different parts of the body. However, he said, they are probably not suf-

Thursday, February 4, 2021

ficient enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “I think they could be more difficult and I don’t get very tired after them,” Studenkov said. “[I would have] to work out more to see more significant effects.” Meanwhile, sophomore Benjamin Fejes said there are different challenges students face during Zoom PE classes. For example, Fejes said in a Zoom interview, it is difficult to multitask by listening to the teacher and doing the workouts. “It’s more difficult to coordinate everything, and I have to take my headset off [to perform the exercises,] so I can’t always hear what the teacher is saying,” Fejes said. Senior Miu Matsumoto said in a Zoom interview that it is harder to communicate injuries or sickness.

Photo courtesy of Seoyoon Hwang

VIRTUAL PE CLASS: Students in Lisa Nakamatsu’s 6th period class

perform exercises from Volt Athletics.

“Since we are doing remote learning and the teacher can see every move, we have to give 100% or more for every exercise, otherwise we may not get credit,” Matsumoto said. “In person, we had more chances to rest, but now it’s hard to communicate our condition and [if] we have injuries to our teacher.” In addition, freshman Seoyoon Hwang said in a Zoom interview that it is hard to get credit sometimes because the camera does not always catch everything. “Sometimes my camera might be at a difficult angle to see me doing the exercises [without me realizing],” Hwang said. “Since my teacher is screen-sharing videos, it’s hard to hear her if she is telling me to [adjust] my camera angle.” When comparing virtual PE to in-person PE, Hwang said the virtual PE exercises are repetitive and it would be more enjoyable to do in-person PE, which involves sports. “[Instead of] having the same schedule everyday, I would like to try running for half a mile or something besides the workouts,” Hwang said. In contrast, Studenkov said he finds virtual PE more enjoyable than the in-person PE class from his freshman year. “I was not really athletic in my freshman year, but this year I am much more so. I also enjoy PE more now since my mentality [toward physical education] has changed.”

Coaches form lifelong relationships

Bicycling club rides through pandemic

Club officers working to create best member experience By Jack Xu During the pandemic, lockdown measures have forced the HHS bicycling club to cancel its club bike rides, sophomore and bicycling club secretary Mason Carter said in a Zoom interview. “Bicycling club has been greatly affected because it’s a club with a lot of outdoor activities. We Illustration by Jack Xu usually meet in person, SWITCHING TO ZOOM: Outdoor bike rides talk about the rides or go and workshops paused by pandemic. over new things, and then “But, now we’re … not able to we go out and ride,” Carter said. “Before, we were still able to do do any of the repair events bethe ride with everybody [wearing] cause we’re not allowed to meet masks and [practicing] proper in person and have to do them social distancing, but because of [virtually], making it more diffithe new regulations, we haven’t cult,” Rao said. Kim said he would love to been able to do that, which has made it really hard for us to run have the workshops in person so people can get their hands on the the club.” Currently, the club focuses bike and actually see the differon bike workshops, and mainte- ent parts more clearly. Recently, nance demos. President Kaleb the club has been posting their Kim said in a Zoom interview workshops as videos so members that the club has covered patch- can watch and try to learn from ing flat tires and ways to lubricate them, but it’s been difficult to try and clean bike chains and other to demonstrate everything in one related bike repair lessons, and video, Carter said. “Bicycling club has been afhe would love to have workshop in person for members to see fected since it’s an outdoor sports club, and because of the pandemparts of the bike more clearly. Before the pandemic, the club ic with all the guidelines we have regularly held workshops [and] to follow now,” Carter said. “By interactive repair events where it the time this [pandemic] ends, taught people to fix and maintain we’d love to meet our whole club their bikes, vice president and together in person and will have a lot more rides in the future.” sophomore Arvind Rao said. Photo courtesy of Katie Heaney

Coaches reveal their experience working with athletes By Madhavi Karthik

Matt Wright History teacher Matt Wright has coached basketball for seven years and is currently the varsity boys basketball coach. An alumnus of Lynbrook High School, Wright played football, basketball, baseball and track and field during high school. Wright said in a Zoom interview he played football for four years and pursued basketball during his sophomore year to stay in shape for football. Wright minored in Athletic Coaching at University of California, Santa Barbara and first coached football at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, California. Once he was hired as a teacher at HHS, Wright shadowed PE coach Shawn Hook, who was the basketball coach at the time. Hook was also Wright’s former football coach in high school. “I had a relationship with him from my own high school years and then we’d stayed in contact for a long time,” Wright said. “He helped me get the job in the district, and then I started helping him out with the basketball program.” As an athlete who learned how to balance schoolwork and

practice, Wright said he understands the challenges his players experience. “The key thing here is they are student athletes. The student part comes first,” Wright said. “So, I think that’s important for me to remember and [it’s] good that I experienced it myself.”

Katie Heaney Algebra 2/trigonometry and AP statistics teacher Katie Heaney started coaching JV Field Hockey six years ago at Prospect High School, and taught math there before moving to HHS. Heaney grew up in Cupertino and did gymnastics throughout high school. Heaney said she had always wanted to coach, but was unsure which sport she could instruct. “When I was in high school, I always admired the teachers who coached a sport,” Heaney said in a Zoom interview. “I always had a bit of jealousy for teachers who were able to coach a sport because it provides another way of interacting with students that’s different from in the classroom.” With the help of her friend Mallory Gauthier, a varsity field

hockey coach, Heaney said she learned drills and the rules of the sport. Heaney’s favorite part about coaching is the relationships she has developed with her players, she said. “I noticed since I started coaching that athletes see me not only as a math teacher but also as an on-campus coach, and it changes the relationship between me and that athlete,” Heaney said. “I think that role garners me a little bit more respect in a lot of student athletes’ eyes.”

Heather Bonvechio Resource department teacher Heather Bonvechio has coached girls varsity water polo at HHS since 2014. Bonvechio played water polo at Mountain View High School and continued at California Lutheran University. Bonvechio said in a Zoom interview it is important for her to form relationships with her athletes. “In terms of the relationship that you can develop between coaches and players, it’s more casual than a teacher-student relationship,” Bonvechio said. “I feel

like you just have the ability to have deeper conversations about life and the learning HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE: Coach Katie Heaney moments are just dif- did gymnastics as her primary sport. ferent than in the classroom.” Bonvechio also said she hopes to cultivate long-lasting bonds with team members so her players are can what they Photo courtesy of Andy Aronson love. THE GAME PLAN: Coach Matt Wright forms strategies “[I want] for a game against CHS. them to have fun, especialPhoto courtesy of Heather Bonvechio ly in the area we live in, [which is so] academically competitive and intense,” Bonvechio said. “Being able to provide a space for the girls to step away from that and sort of escape a little bit is something that water polo provided for me in college, and I want to be able to provide [the FROM THE SIDELINES: Coach Heather same] for them.” Bonvechio provides assistance. PAGE DESIGN BY LEILA SALAM

Spotlight

Thursday, February 4, 2021

The Road Road to Tomorrow Students help out their community through different forms of activism, leading to a better tomorrow

Photo courtesy of Clara Hinds

“We want to make sure that every student has access to a place where they can do their schoolwork." - Clara Hinds (10) @desks_for_students_hhs

BAKING PROJECT CA: Sopho-

more Amelia wCraciun started an Instagram account called Baking Project CA to sell baked goods to raise money for medical facilities.

1 1

Photo courtesy of Mahima Maru

DESKS FOR STUDENTS: Sopho-

STARTING VEGAN EATS: Sisters Mahima

more Clara Hinds started the HHS chapter of Desks for Students to help combat education inequality.

Maru and Jahnavi Maru (sophomore and HHS alum respectively) started Vegan Eats after learning about animal cruelty.

Photo courtesy of Amelia Craciun

Path to acceptance

Student promotes inclusivity, advocates for the transgender community

“The cancer [organizations] that I donate to are [personal to me because] my grandpa passed away [due to cancer]. I hope that it'll help the families and children and [seniors] who are in need.” - Amelia Craciun (10)

@bakingprojectca

By Karuna Chandran and Ritaja Subrahmanya [This] isn't the case at all.” Many members of the transgender and neurodivergent communities use neopronouns: pronouns that don’t conform to the social expectations of gender, St. Thomas said. “So it's kind of being acquainted with LGBT[Q] spaces on the internet and seeing people use neopronouns,’” St. Thomas said. “There are huge master lists of different neopronouns and a lot of people will go through them and [say], ‘I think this makes me feel good in reference to my gender so I'm going to add it to a list of pronouns that I'm okay with.’” Nonbinary people as well as those who use neopronouns share many experiences, St. Thomas said. Both groups find ways to represent their gender without it being strictly masculine or femininine; however, there are distinctions between using certain pronouns and one’s gender, St. Thomas said. “It's important to note that pronouns don't always equal gender,” St Thomas said. “In a lot of cases they do but, for example, I'm comfortable with he/him [pronouns] but I don't identify as a boy.” St. Thomas said they have always been open with their identity. In fact, they often share resources on their Instagram about the nonbinary and transgender communities to help others gain a better understanding. However, despite many nonbinary and transgender people finding community online, St. Thomas said a lot of people they know have been harassed for using neopronouns. “I'm passionate about making sure that other people are okay because I have a lot of friends who have been harassed for using neopro“This generation [is] all acnouns [or] just for being trans in general,” tivists for different issues, St. Thomas said. “[This] goes completely against my morals, and so when I see and we thought we should join that, I call it out. I'm pretty proud to be who I am, so talking about [my idenin [to promote veganism]. This tity] comes naturally.” is the time [when] things are St. Thomas asks students to respect transgender and nonreally changing in the world.” binary people and let go of -Mahima Maru (10) streotypes against the com@v3gan_eats munities. “The best thing is to let go of your judg-

ments for them [and support] the trans [community], be cautious of your words and make an effort to include trans people in your activism, especially the trans people that wouldn't stereotypically fit your idea of what a trans person looks like,” St. Thomas said. Overall, St. Thomas said that in order for the transgender community to exist freely, people need to simply understand that they are humans, just like everyone else. “Being trans is a good thing,” St. Thomas said. “One of the reasons that neopronouns are so great is that it allows trans people to express their gender in a way that really truly makes them happy." Photo courtesy of BBCof BBC Photo courtesy

“I'm nonbinary,” sophomore Isa St. Thomas, who uses xe/xem, they/them and he/him pronouns said in a Zoom interview. “When I posted on Instagram, people would call me pretty and [use] feminine terms, and I realized that I didn't really like how it made me feel, so I came to the conclusion that maybe I'm not cisgender.” Words, especially those relating to a person’s identity, have the power to make someone feel that they belong in an ever-changing world. “At its root, gender is a social construct,” St. Thomas said. “For some people, gender can be something more abstract, and you might want to connect it to something that just makes you happy.” While no one has been outright transphobic to St. Thomas, they said they have seen people being ignorant towards the transgender and nonbinary communities. “One of the [problems] I've seen at Homestead is people don't realize how common it is to be transgender,” St. Thomas said. “I had a conversation last year where we were talking about non gender specific bathrooms and someone said, ‘there's probably only one trans kid at Homestead so it doesn't matter.’

NORMALIZE TRANSGENDER RIGHTS: Represen-

tation and equality for the transgender community is long overdue after facing harassment and discrimination.

PAGE DESIGN BY KARUNA CHANDRAN, RITAJA SUBRAHMANYA AND SAANVI THAKUR