OPINIONS ‘Roland’ on up
Roland Fang K-pop is LIFE As a junior in high school, I have been through many periods of trauma and stress due to a variety of things including enormous loads of homework, personal emotions, and grief. Despite all these problems that I have faced, a surprising factor played a role in relieving my stress every single time; that one thing is none other than K-pop. Yes, I’m talking about South Korean pop music. It has drastically altered my life in more ways than I can even imagine. I still remember the first Korean song I ever heard about seven years ago when I was still a miniature little fourth grader. Even then, I was already going through some forms of stress thanks to a project. However, as I was researching for my project, I unintentionally stumbled across a Korean online radio station. At the time, I didn’t know how much a three minute song would impact my life and turn it into what it is today. From that point on, I began to gain interest in Korean pop music. Eventually, K-pop influenced me even more when I became acquainted with Korean dramas. They have transformed my life by presenting me with South Korean culture. In the past few years, that influence has developed dramatically as I taught myself how to read and write in the Korean language. It proved to be arduous since I didn’t understand many Korean words, but today, I understand several common Korean words and phrases. In spite of being of Chinese descent, I might even know more Korean than Mandarin. My tenacious affinity with K-pop and Korean culture allowed me to persevere in my learning. By the time I became a sophomore in high school, my way of life finally changed. Ever since I was a child, I had an unyielding dream to become a doctor. Nevertheless, that dream was abandoned as my devotion towards K-pop and Korean culture elevated to heights that I never would have expected it to reach. Because of this, I had a newfound dream of being known by the whole world as a Korean pop star and actor. I commenced in instructing myself how to sing and dance well. As of today, I still am practicing, despite knowing that I will probably never be able to enter the Seoul spotlight. K-pop has also changed my outlook on life. When my friends ask me for my opinion on a popular Western song, show, or movie, I am usually bewildered by what they are ranting about. It has made me realize that my real enemies are people who dislike Korean music or don’t know anything about it. I was exasperated when some of my friends announced that they listened to K-pop when “Gangnam Style” rose in popularity. Furthermore, it makes me see life differently, like in math class whenever I see an infinity sign or an f(x), which are the name of some K-pop groups. Ultimately, K-pop is something that I passionately believe in and a method to eat away my stress. It even got me through a period of grief when a loved one passed away, and it also gave me new dreams. Everyone should find something that gives them hope when something is wrong. It can be anything, even something as meager as listening to a song, because it has the potential to mature into something larger. That one little thing can make a huge difference on our lives; it can provide us with endless dreams and a new attitude towards life.
THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014
Editorial
4
Students need more options, access to technology From the new Smarter Balanced working on a computer. Anyone who has Assessment Consortium (SBAC) tests ever tried to type an essay on their phone to the new standards can attest to typos and eye requiring computer strain. Although 96.7 percent use, Common Core is of students have Internet trying to bring everyone access through mobile up to speed in terms of devices, only 74.6 percent 21st century technology, actually own a computer– but what about all the and only one in three own students without the a printer. requisite digital tools? While some proponents Over 80 percent of the may argue that schools students at San Gabriel provide resources such come from low income as libraries and career backgrounds. A survey of centers for students to use 425 students conducted computers and printers, Infographic by Kristy Duong by The Matador showed time and convenience are that 74.6 percent have access to a computer two factors that inhibit students’ utilization and 91.5 percent have Internet access. of said resources, especially with the wide However, with the implementation of array of extracurriculars that much of the Common Core, 100 percent will need to student body participates in. With the use technology to complete assignments operating hours of these facilities constantly in newly-designed courses. The problem in conflict with the numerous practices and is that less than 75 percent have access to meetings held before and after school, many the required technology. students are unable to make the most of Some teachers argue most students their opportunities. Are students supposed have access to the Internet on phones to neglect their extracurriculars just because and tablets, but that is incomparable to they do not own their own computers?
It is true that the school holds events that promote, encourage, and even give away technology for student usage; however, there remains an integral problem–these happenings are rarely publicized on a schoolwide level, and many students in need are not aware of their options. For example, at the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Information Fair on Oct. 2, several tutoring services offered free tablets simply for signing up and completing a minimum hour requirement. At first glance, the fair seemed like an excellent opportunity, but upon further inspection, lacked student interest and attendance. The reason? Lack of publicity. While trying to address the lack of available technology on a case-to-case basis may not be the most efficient nor the most cost-efficient, the school could provide additional resources by doing things like extending computer lab and library operation hours or providing devices that students can access the Internet from. If California’s Board of Education is trying to move into the 21st century, students who cannot afford the technology should at least be provided with regular access.
Students should not feel intimidated to express concerns C arol i na Garci a With both new and old policies being enforced this year, San Gabriel students have been left dazed at the new changes. However, rather than talking to administration, students have adopted the idea that they have no say and that their opinions are insignificant to the school. On the contrary, school administrators are eager to hear students’ concerns and opinions about San Gabriel’s issues and policies, or any other worries students might have. Despite this, students seem to be avoiding the administration offices out of fear of what the administrators will say, wondering if they will even listen. Despite the fact that the walls of administrators’ offices never hear a thing, the amount of complaints about school issues whispered in the hallways is overwhelming. However, students are talking about the things that are bothering them in all the wrong places. Talking to one’s friend during a bathroom break is not going to solve the problem one has with reduced lunch portions. Talking to an administrator, however, will have a greater effect. While some students fear talking to administrators, others are using the opportunity to benefit themselves. “I believe that administrators do listen to me,” junior Kelly Chu said. “Ms. Gutierrez spent an hour talking to me, trying to find a solution to the problem I had with my schedule.” An event known as Lunch with the Principal, which is organized by the administrators, lets students ask questions and freely voice their concerns to the principal. Because of the blackouts, the date of the event is Oct. 10. San Gabriel students need to start voicing their opinions; administrators are here throughout most of the day if a student is unhappy about certain things. Such as class schedules, problems with other students or personal issues. If students have issues, they should speak to an administrators, who are always willing to listen to students ideas’ and concerns.
Illustration by Emmanuel Maresca
Illustration by Cassandra Chen