Volume 35 • Issue 4 February 2, 2018 University Prep 8000 25th Ave. NE, Seattle Your ears and nipples line up
ST H T 0 NE 8
25TH AV E NE
$KRT $KRT
DURKAN PA G E
SKIP
The senior class is responsible for 41% of all late slips Page 3
GRIP
Sitting down with Seattle’s mayor to discuss the opiate crisis Page 10
SIP
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Driving around town trying to find the best cup of coffee Page 11
SUGAR-FREE SEATTLE
NEWS
An overview of the “Sweetened Beverage Tax” EXEMPT FROM THE TAX
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The focus of an increased BY MICHELE MATUSZEWSKI tax on sugary drinks is to very new year brings promote healthier choices. fireworks, endless The law states that “a minresolutions just waitimum of $500,000 per year ing to be broken and new for at least the first five laws. As is the case with years … shall be dedicated one of the latest additions to” the evaluation of the of the Seattle City Council, bill’s impact on “behavior, it’s not uncommon for health and economic outnewly signed laws to be comes.” Essentially, the put into effect on the first bill will be evaluated by of the new year. how effectively it has met The Sweetened Beverage its goal. Tax went into effect on While the bill has poJan. 1. The official docutential to increase overall ment, released by the city clerk’s office, states “Beverages commonly that “all drinks and referred to as soda, beverages commonly pop, cola, soft drinks, referred sports drinks, energy to as soda, pop, cola, drinks, sweetened iced soft drinks, teas and coffees” shall sports drinks, be taxed. energy drinks, sweetened public health in Seattle, iced teas and coffees” shall critics say the bill is unfair. be taxed. According to the The tax will be paid by Sweetened Beverage Tax distributors of the drinks. Racial Equity Toolkit, a When a convenience store document released by orders a shipment of soda the Seattle City Council, or other beverage from the “whites and high-income retailer, they pay a 1.75 Americans are more likely cent tax on that transacto drink diet soda comtion. pared to communities Certain beverages, of color and low-income including milk-based, Americans.” Because diet alcoholic and medicinal beverages are one of the drinks, are exempt from bill’s exemptions, it leaves the tax.
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Diet Sodas: Described by the bill as “any berverage that contains fewer than 40 calories per 12-ounce serving.
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Beverage for Medicinal Use: “Any beverage for medical use.”
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Fruit or Vegetable Juice: “Any beverage consisting of 100 percent natural fruit or vegetavble juice.”
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Milk-Based Beverages: “Any beverage in which natural milk is the primary ingredient.
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Alcoholic Beverages: “Any alcoholic beverage.”
2 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
PHOTO: MICHO MATUSZEWSKI
the question of whether or not the bill is ethically fair. While it has been suggested this is due to unsubstantial scientific research on artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, the real reason us unclear. According to The Seattle Times, diet beverages were named exempt from the tax when “then-Councilmember Tim Burgess [cited] unclear health findings on artificial sweeteners and concerns about job losses.” Burgess’ critique stemmed from a larger controversy regarding the bill: how it will affect the
consumer. A soda tax in Philadelphia showed little impact on business revenue, according to Harvard University professor of public health Sara Bleich. However, since the Seattle and Philadelphia economies have their differences, Bleich is unsure how things will turn out, as stated in a Seattle Times article. Since the tax is still new and more substantial compared to other taxes of its kind, it’s hard to estimate how it will affect life in Seattle.
A new tax on sweetened beverages may affect the prices in UPrep’s own Commons.
AN UNCOMMON CHANGE Since the newly enacted bill taxes distributors of beverages, University Prep’s own Commons Café is now subject to the new law. While many of the bevareges in the commons are exempt from the tax, such as fruit juices, sparking water and diet sodas, many other drinks such as iced tea and Gatorade will have to be taxed. “The prices per case [of beverage] have gone up significantly based on the ounce per bottle,”
Director of the Commons Café Karen Baber said. While Baber wants to keep current drink prices where they are, higher cost means that shifts may incidentally occur. “The price from the distributor [to the commons] goes up. That means our cost goes up, that means there is the potential that the cost of the drinks will go up,” Baber said. “I will say that some things probably will go up, some of the more popular
items.” As of yet, no changes have been made to prices in the commons. Since the tax has only been in effect for about a month, it’s hard to say how much it will end up affecting prices in the commons, or if the tax rate itself will fluxuate in the coming year. “We’re going to try to hold [the prices] where they are now. I’m looking into alternatives perhaps, so we don’t have to raise prices,” Baber said.
ARE WE DONE YET? Fighting against the last year of high school; senioritis is striking again BY MELISSA FUNES his year’s senior class racked up a record-high number of late slips and absences in first semester, causing both students and staff to question their case of senioritis. College counselor Britten Nelson believes that senior tardiness follows a consistent pattern every year, making this year’s class no exception. “I think once people complete their college applications, they’re ready to be done with everyone and everything at University Prep,” Nelson said. Senior Jasen Mansfield agrees, believing that, once second semester starts, there’s a huge decline in motivation. “Seniors go through so much work with the stress of college applications, Freshman – 17 testing and [classes] that Sophomores – 18 once you get into college, there’sJuniors not much more to – 24 do. It’s really easy to drop Seniors – 41 off the radar and let go of school,” Mansfield said. Senior Maya Klineorange Sharpepurple believes that many seniors have already startedpink to take their first red slacking off at step toward school by starting to show up late. “Our class is notorious for being late and we’re just over halfway to graduation. Thus it will only get worse. I don’t know about senioritis for school, but as far as sleeping in, late seniors are prioritizing
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Sophomores Juniors Seniors
HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED
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Stay engaged and connected. Spend time cherishing the relationships you have built with teachers, and classmates around you.
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PHOTO: MAHIR PIYARALI
that,” Kline-Sharp said. Although being late might not seem like a big deal, according to Nelson, regular absences increases the chances of colleges rescinding admission. “If you’re not coming to class, it’s a red flag. I have had colleges revoke a student’s admission after seeing their second semester transcript. The student hadn’t been doing homework or going to school, so I had to agree with the decision.” Nelson said. Senior Stella Biehl thinks that senioritis is within one’s own self-control. Although she has wanted to push aside school work, Biehl knows that once she starts taking breaks, it will
send her into the cycle of senioritis. “I’m really trying to fight and hold off wanting to slack in school. I don’t want to feel senioritis. Although I know it’ll probably happen, the longer I can work, the better it will be for me,” Biehl said. History teacher and twelfth grade dean Abigail Hundley believes that senioritis stems from not only being ready to leave UPrep, but also anxiety. “I think senioritis comes from a bunch of different things, specifically fear,” Hundley said, “Some people are afraid to leave, and because of it, they act out. As a teacher it is painful to watch. Others work really
hard to make a graceful exit. I try to do my best to support those students.” Hundley believes that avoiding senioritis can easily be done by participating in activities that you are truly interested in and haven’t done already. Nelson agrees that UPrep offers enough that it shouldn’t be hard to stay engaged and involved. “Just remember that you’re paying a lot of tuition dollars to go here. Whether it is an academic or social piece, take advantage of the time you have here because you’re never going to be in the same place with the same people in the same time [again],” Nelson said.
Senior TyeJohn Ward chooses to take a nap instead of completing his school work.
WHICH CLASS STRUGGLES THE MOST WITH SHOWING UP ON TIME? Freshman
NEWS
17% 18%
Spend time on classes that you like. Instead of wasting your time with something you aren’t interested in, focus up on classes you enjoy.
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Get involved. Whether its with spring sports, Music Day or clubs, try to get out of your comfort zone and particpate in something new.
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Make a plan. Talk to your teachers and advisers about how they can help you stay focused at the end of the year.
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Remind yourself that you’re almost done. Finish high school on a strong note.
24% 41% Methodology: Late slip data comes from the University Prep attendance office GRAPHICS: CARLI BELOUSKAS
Vol. 35, No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • University Prep 3
THE OPINION PAGE
EDITORIAL
OPINION COLUMNS
BE AWARE OF YOUR WEALTH
The Upside of a Scandal
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ogan Paul’s recent vlog, in which he filmed a suicide victim in Japan’s Aokigahara forest, has the YouTuber in hot water — and for good reason. What Paul did was terrible in many ways, but now attention has been drawn to a culturally significant site, people should take advantage of this opportunity to learn about it. Located on Mount Fuji’s northwestern flank, the New York Times describes the Aokigahara forest as having “an ethereal BY JADE beauty that evokes TolkBUCHANAN ien’s Middle-earth or the -MOH Forest of Endor in Star Wars.” The serene 7,400 acres of hemlock, cypress and Mongolian oak, however, conceal darker secrets than meets the eye. Aokigahara is one of the country’s most well-known suicide locations. According to an article in the New York Times, officials found 105 bodies within the forest in 2003 alone. The forest serves as an emblem of the mental health issues Japan has long grappled with, reporting 17.3 out of every
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ttendance at University Prep bears a heavy price tag. With a $32,850 cost per year for the middle school, and $33,850 for high school– not including lunch, computers and textbooks, it’s no surprise most UPrep students come from wealthy families. It’s perfectly okay to come from a wealthy family. But, a problem emerges when students aren’t thoughtful about how they show that wealth to the rest of the UPrep community. If you can afford nice clothes or drive a nice car, that’s great. But you shouldn’t be bragging to all of your friends about how expensive your things are. Also, it’s important to recognize that if you’re in a position where your family can afford to spend a lot of money. It’s a privilege. You did not earn the money that can both send you to UPrep and buy these expensive things— your parents did. Sometimes we don’t even notice that we’re sounding privileged. Giving the details of your trip to Europe to everyone at school or talking about how you’ve already paid off your luxury car may be “normal” topics, but they can come across as overly pretentious and arrogant. Additionally, it can make students receiving financial aid feel like outsiders among their close friends. Most people don’t mean to brag about their wealth, but that’s not enough. If you’re in a position of wealth, try to self-examine a bit. Of course you can share the details of your life outside of school, but be mindful about how it sounds on the other end.
The Puma Press University Prep’s Student Voice Winner of Three Pacemaker Awards Editors Micho Matuszewski Mahir Piyarali Copy Editor Beatrice Cappio Graphics Designer Carli Belouskas Reporters Zubin Abraham-Ahmed Jade Buchanan-Moh Melissa Funes James Garvey Sydney Hurst Aaron Igra Anna Inghram Grace Kellogg Aidan Lee Ian Lee Olivia Poolos Caleb Sherman Join us online Instagram: @uprepmedia Twitter: @uprepmedia Web: blogs.universityprep.org/ uprepmedia Send feedback: pumapress@ universityprep.org Cover Art: Carli Belouskas
4 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
100,000 deaths from suicide in 2016. However, Aokigahara’s dark past began long before the 21st century. During difficult times — typically famine or war — if a family had too many mouths to feed, they would lead their elders into the forest, leaving them there to starve to death, a significant act considering the honorable status of elders in Asian cultures. Another form of ritual suicide originated during the samurai era. Warriors who participated voluntarily were considered very honorable. This idolization of suicide eventually led to an epidemic that began in the 1950s and was heightened after the release of a novel by well-known Japanese author Seicho Matsumoto titled “Nami no Tou” (“Tower of Waves”) in 1960. It follows the story of two young lovers who travel to Aokigahara to commit suicide. With its intense, twisted past, Aokigahara soon became one of the top destinations for suicide in the world. However, most people had likely never heard of the forest before Paul’s viral offense. So the next time a scandal rolls around, take a few minutes to do some research — you might be surprised by the information you discover.
The Schedule Doesn’t Work
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e’re officially a little over halfway through the year. So far, it’s been a weird one, with the new schedule being the biggest shift in our daily lives. And yes, I agree in saying that we’re all tired of hearing about the schedule. For the whole first semester I’ve tried to stay objective when talking about it. However, now that we’ve spent a whole semester in it, I think it’s fair for us to comment. Even though one of the main goals of the new rotating blocks is to relieve BY MAHIR daily stress, it actually PIYARALI does the contrary, adding more of what it’s trying to take away. To start, we meet fewer times per week. Though classes are always 70 minutes, we meet two or, if we’re lucky, three days each week. Due to fewer class meetings, teachers are forced to fit more material into each block period, ending in one of two outcomes. The first: teachers cutting material in order to make the class manageable given the time constraints, leading to students this year in select classes not gaining
the depth of knowledge in the subject compared to years previous. The second outcome: teachers running their classes at light-speed, cramming as much material as possible into 70 minutes to account for the lack of time in the classroom, resulting in students being confused as to what just happened. With neither method being preferable, it leaves students more stressed than we were before. Sure, we have office hours almost every day making it possible to meet with teachers and catch up on the material we couldn’t write down fast enough in class. But, with everyone taking at least six academic classes, there simply isn’t enough time to visit each teacher and relearn the whole lesson. The result: students feel more stress by not feeling prepared for a test or quiz. If you don’t believe me, ask most calculus students. The new schedule puts everyone involved, teachers and students alike, in a tough spot to adapt to this faster learning style. I, however, don’t doubt that administrators are drawing up ways to improve on the schedule to make it more manageable. After all, it’s only been one semester. Even though it’s now my final semester at University Prep, this new schedule just isn’t working.
About the Cover: For this issue, we decided tp write the feature about students’ display’s of wealth around school. For the cover, I chose to depict a person driving down 25th and 80th and UPrep in a nice car with money coming out o the exhause pipe. I chose this immage as a commentary abdout the stereyotypes of student life in the UPrep community. – Carli Belouskas
NEWS BREIFS
NEWS BRIEFS
WHAT’S UP AROUND SCHOOL?
BSU Leads MLK Assembly
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his year the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day assembly was led by the Black Student Union, a new club founded by Junior Naz Dessie and Senior Heiwon Muluwork. “We don’t have that many student-run assemblies, especially not by black students,” Muluwork said. During the assembly, representatives from different affinity groups were invited to lock arms together in front of the school. Students also sang along to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” “We wanted to communicate Dr. King’s message of inclusivity. It wasn’t just a movement for black people, it was for everyone. We wanted to make sure that that
BY CALEB SHERMAN, MICHO MATUSZEWSKI, ZUBIN ABRAHAM-AHMED
was clear during the assembly,” Muluwork said. After receiving a positive feedback, the club plans to make it a tradition. “Naz is going to be taking it over next year because she is a co-founder with me, so I think that they’ll probably do it again,” Muluwork said. The club is trying to help others follow their path. “Hopefully we can make that a tradition now to have BSU and other multicultural clubs spearhead that,” Muluwork said. While the assembly last year was 20 minutes, this year’s was a half hour long. It also included more student speakers, far outnumbering faculty.
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PHOTO: MICHO MATUSZEWSKI
PHOTO: CALEB SHERMAN
New Minecraft Server
ince winter break the school has seen a resurgence of the concept of a school Minecraft server. The server was created when an unnamed member of the twenty-person group pestered the current game’s administrator to create it. “Bob, Henry, George and Michael, those are the four biggest offenders,” the anonymous administrator said. The administrator suspects that a large portion of the interest was the due to beginning of second semester when seniors are looking for ways to kill time. Many audiences would be surprised that
upperclassmen would have interest in a video game designed for much younger audiences, but the administrator doesn’t lay any judgement. He believes that students should pursue whatever makes them happy. “If someone likes playing a game they should play it ... There are adults who love playing Mario Kart every day and stuff,” the administrator said. In past years, students such as then senior David Kahn created a server during second semester that year. That server had a number of core players who now play on this year’s reincarnation.
New Class on World Cup
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ith a new semester comes a new class focusing on the FIFA World Cup. Taught by history teacher Karen Natorp-Anderson and Director of Global Programs Brian Gonzalez, the class ponders the global exhibition from a multitude of different angles. When the World Cup is held in a country, the country pours money into building infrastructure in order to accommodate the attention of the entire world. Senior Bob La enrolled in the class, along with a number of other members of the University Prep varsity soccer team. It makes for a very engaged class. “We did a mock debate on if Seattle should be hosting the World Cup or not,”
La said. “Generally the class will be about the World Cup not just from a soccer perspective but from a global perspective ... basically just approaching this one topic that we all love from all the different perspectives that you could think of.” The class would be most enjoyed by people who closely follow the sport according to La. However, he doesn’t think that a lack of knowledge of the game would get in the way of enjoying the class while it is necessary to get everything out of the class. “Having an interest in soccer would make it really, really fun because you’re going to be around all these people who are always talking about soccer and with these teachers that also love soccer,” La said.
PHOTO: FIFA.COM
Vol. 35, No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • University Prep 5
STUDENT LIFE
THE STATE OF TRUMP’S UNION
A look at the president’s first year in office TRUMP’S TOP SCANDALS OF 2017
Republican agenda. BY BEATRICE CAPPIO “The tax bill stands out resident Donald as the major accomplishTrump’s first year ment of the Republicans in the Oval Office so far,” Abramowitz said. proved tumultuous. The administration Pledging in his inaugural extended its agenda to the address to bring an “AmerSupreme Court bench, ica first” perspective, nominating and asissting Trump pushed a conserto confirm Justice Neil vative agenda throughout Gorsuch in replacement of his first year. late Justice Antonin Scalia. During the year, Trump The administration also supported the repeal of pushed for political gains the Affordable Care Act, in domestic policy. former President Barack Trump signed an execObama’s health care plan. utive order shortly after While Republicans taking office “protecting initially failed to pass a ... from foreign terrorist replacement, the tax overentry,” as stated in the orhaul package later in the der’s title, blocking arrival year eliminated facets of to the United States for the Obama-era plan. The tax bill’s passage was “Anything can happen.” a major —JUNIOR DAVID ABRAMOWITZ success for Trump. travelers from mostly maThe actual benefits of the jority-Muslim countries. tax reform were contested. The president defended it Speaker of the House on Twitter, urging objecPaul Ryan pushed the bill tors to “study the world!” as one giving “hardworkThe Trump administraing Americans the opportion notably also pulled tunity they deserve.” the United States out of The nonpartisan Conthe Paris climate agreegressional Budget Office ment and officially recoffered a separate analysis ognized Jerusalem as the of the package, stating capital of Israel, two major that the plan would put changes from decades of money into the pockets of past foreign policy. wealthier Americans. Despite some success, Junior David AbramowTrump and his advisers reitz views the tax bill as a mained under scrutiny for key advancement of the
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Trump is currently being investigated by special prosecutor Robert Mueller for possible illegal affairs and obstruction of justice.
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The president reportedly referred to immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti and other African nations as hailing from “shithole countries.”
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In Michael Wolff’s book, “Fire and Fury,” the author revealed Trump’s demeanor inside of the White House, stating that “everybody around him was an idiot.”
PHOTO: MAHIR PIYARALI
reportedly colluding with the Russian government during the 2016 election. Special prosecutor Robert Mueller has overseen an investigation into possible illegal affairs and obstruction of justice. Perjury charges have been filed against certain individuals as a result of the investigation. Trump struggled to appeal to the public. According to FiveThirtyEight, 39 percent of Americans view Trump favorably, making him the least popular president in decades, according to the Associated Press.
The self-dubbed “resistance” against Trump proved vocal. The day after his inauguration an estimated 4,000,000 people worldwide joined the Women’s March, according to Politico. While the past year was eventful, all bets are off on Trump’s next move. History teacher Raj Bhat remarked on Trump’s unexpected actions. “One thing that makes all of this so unsettling is the unpredictability,” Bhat said. “Anything can happen,” Abramowitz said of Trump’s second year.
Trump’s turbulent first year in office was met with a contrasting array of opinions from Americans.
ADDRESSING THE PEOPLE On Jan. 30, after a first year in office of near-constant turmoil, Trump aimed to strike a unifying tone in his first State of the Union address.
6 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
“Americans are dreamers, too.” “It’s the people who are making America great again.”
“Over the last year, we have made incredible progress and achieved extraordinary success.”
NEWS
SHIFTING OUR SUMMER How our schedule is changing to accomodate construction BY AARON IGRA tudents are losing a week of summer this year. The first day of school next year will be on Aug. 22, an entire week before the first day of class this school year. Among other changes, spring break will be only one week long and school will let out on May 31. “We want to end the school year earlier so we can have a long summer because we’re planning to do some exciting building work here at UPrep,” Head of School Matt Levinson said. “It gives us more time to get more done over the summer so we don’t disrupt the life of the school.” A repercussion of the early start is the disruption of students’ summer plans. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to be somewhere in northern Europe,” sophomore Caroline Woodward said. “It’s pretty far away from school and [my family is] not going to fly back a week early and then just cut it short. … My parents were planning on [school] starting normally.” Another challenge will be Global Link. The program currently occurs over the two weeks of spring break, but this will change with the new schedule. “We are going to run
IMPORTANT DATES FOR NEXT YEAR
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August 22nd The first day of school, a full week earlier than this year’s start date. December 24th-January 4th Don’t worry, winter break will still be two weeks long. Febuary 15th-19th Just like always, midwinter break is just an extended weekend, instead of a full week.
PHOTO: MAHIR PIYARALI
Global Link within the confines of the one week spring break,” Director of Global Programs Brian Gonzalez said. “We have to look at each program’s travel needs and where we can shave off days and have a meaningful experience.” If you are wondering about the specifics of Global Link for next year, final decisions will be made by March, according to Gonzalez. Overall, few students actually prefer next year’s
schedule, with only 20% of students preferring starting and ending early over the current schedule. “I’d probably rather have the system we have now because it’s just easier. It’s habitual because we do it every year,” freshman Eli Pruzan said. Despite this, Pruzan doesn’t mind the change. “Even though we’re starting later and getting [fewer] days off, it’s all compensated with the longer summer,” he said. The summer may be
even longer than anticipated, as the 2019-2020 school year will probably begin after Labor Day, Levinson said. While students may look forward to the long summer after next year and a new building in the future, the community will have to put up with a short summer and a shorter spring break next year. Students, remember to mark your calendars for Aug 22 and May 31, the first and last days of the year.
We’re going to start a week earlier next year, but we’re also goig to get out in May.
April 8th-12th Possibly the biggest change: spring break will be one week instead of two May 31st The last day of school! All of June will be free of school so we can have an extended summer.
WHAT DO THE STUDENTS THINK ABOUT THE CHANGED SCHEDULE? Do you like the new schedule?
Yes: 20% No: 50% Don’t care: 30%
Do you think UPrep should construct a new building?
Yes: 75% No: 25%
Did UPrep communicate the change effectively?
Yes: 25% No: 75%
GRAPHICS: CARLI BELOUSKAS
Methodology Poll results from 20 random students between grades 9-11. Vol. 35, No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • University Prep 7
FEATURE
FLAUNTING OUR FORTUN
Discussing the issue of displaying wealth within the halls of a high sch
BY ANNA INGHRAM AND OLIVIA POOLOS niversity Prep students are no strangers to wealth. From personal spending money and gawking at tuition costs to walking into your best friend’s house to discover it’s a mansion, most find it difficult to forget the privileged environment that surrounds UPrep. While it seems as if UPrep students are constantly seeing wealth around them, it’s hard to say whether privileged students try to show off or if it’s accidental. Assistant Head of School and Director of Upper School Ken Jaffe hasn’t noticed a problem with blatant displays of wealth. “I see a lot [of things that] I think in a different context might be an excessive display of wealth, but within the context of the independent school world, just seem normal,” he said. Purposeful or not, some students find constant reminders of wealth, to be exasperating. “I wish people understood how flashy they are,” sophomore Lillian
U
8 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
Bown said. “I don’t think [people] understand the class that they’re in or the wealth they’ve obtained just by being born into a wealthy family, or the privilege that gives them.” Sophomore Jeremy Garcia agrees. “Just keep it to yourself,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to go around and show off your wealth.” Though many students at UPrep are of a higher socioeconomic class, there is significant diversity in regards to wealth at UPrep, with 15% of students receiving some form of financial aid. Those differences sometimes create awkward situations. “It can be uncomfortable when you can’t relate to people in social settings because you’re not in the same [socioeconomic] class,” Bown said. Wealth differences, though not usually explicitly discussed, can become clear though indirect comments in conversation. Sophomore Sasha Lees finds that she
often notices offhand references to wealth. “Some people will go hang out with other people and then be like ‘I’ve got to go catch the bus,’ and others will be like ‘I’m going to Uber.’ It’s just differences like that,” Lees said. Senior Josh Gao finds the subtle displays of wealth at UPrep contrary to his experiences while living in China. “My understanding is that most people at UPrep are pretty wealthy, but not everyone tries to show off through clothing or whatever car they drive,” he said. Many of the displays of wealth at UPrep seem to be unintentional, possibly because students are simply unaware of their economic situation. “People will ask to go to places, like restaurants, and I can’t afford it,” Garcia said. Situations such as the ones that Garcia has faced may have caused some students to feel ashamed about a
lack of wealth. Associate Director of Diversity and Community Pedro Cordoba has observed that students who come from a less privileged background feel like they have to hide their economic situation. “I’ve talked to students who felt they had to lie about what they did over break because of what other friends are saying,” he said. Wealth can be revealed in conversations over expensive travel, but sometimes, wealth is displayed in physical ways. Students find designer brands a priority with 48% of students
poll reporting that they “feel pressure to wear certain brands at UPrep.” While some students wear brand-name clothing due to pressure to fit in, others simply appreciate nice clothing and don’t see it as a way to show off wealth. “I like to wear certain brands because when I’m out in downtown or in another city, other people
FEATURE
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WHAT IS THE ‘TYPICAL’ UPREP STUDENT LIKE?
hool
recognize me and it might start a conversation with them because they have similar interests,” freshman Jackson Hewes said. Garcia agrees that appearances are important.”I can’t do much about my financial situation, but I can control my clothing [at school],” he said. At UPrep, it has become normal to wear expensive brand-name clothing, causing some students to feel pressure to fit in. “At our school, it’s embarrassing to be wearing something off-brand. It’s not a bad thing; it’s just not the norm,” Bown said. Gao, however, says that his clothing choices aren’t meant to show off money. “I just appreciate how fashion designers can expressively design their clothing,” he said. Evidently, UPrep students have a diverse array of opinions when it comes to money. These perspectives are often influenced by what students are taught by their parents growing up. “I’ve been influenced my my dad,” Gao said. “He started his company from scratch and worked his way up. Money has been a big part of his life.”
Hewes feels students should not let the amount of money their parents have make an impact on their sense of self-worth. “If you have made your own money, you should be proud of that, but I don’t think you should be ashamed or proud of your parents wealth,” he said. Though most students are not responsible for their socio-economic status, it can lead to pride or shame, leading to division between classes at UPrep. “I think there’s a rivalry between the kids who aren’t wealthy and the kids who are,” Lees said. Displays of wealth, whether intentional or not have evidently created uncomfortable tension between some students at UPrep. Yet, as a community, conversations centered around wealth are rare. “Nobody wants to be the one to call someone else on making people f eel bad,” Cordoba said. Conversations about wealth may be difficult to start, but feel that it is important that we work towards having them. “We come from very different backgrounds,” Lees said. “But, it’s definitely something we should be able to talk about comfortably.”
“Very judgy about the clothes other people wear.”
“Very casual about spending money.”
“Casually and unknowingly flaunting wealth.”
“Doesn’t recognize the privilege they own and how that influences their actions.”
WHERE DO POPULAR BRANDS COME FROM?
Supreme Founded in 1994 by James Jebbia, Supreme was originally a skatewear store. Why is it expensive? The store only has a couple locations, and does not restock each item after it sells out.
Yeezy The first Yeezys were released in 2015, by rap artist Kanye West. Shoes go for about $200-$300 retail, but sell out in minutes and resell online for up to ten times the retail value.
Comme des Garçons Started by Rei Kawakubo, the most popular design is Play, (heart with two eyes), with t-shirts going for about $100. The brand only sells in certain department stores, and never goes on sale.
HOW DO THE STUDENTS FEEL ABOUT WEALTH? Do you think displays of wealth are a problem at UPrep?
Yes: 78% No: 22%
Has UPrep ever made you feel uncomfortable about your social class?
Yes: 44% No: 56%
What social class would you identify as belonging to?
Upper: 52% Middle: 48% Lower: 0%
LAYOUT AND PHOTOS: MAHIR PIYARALI POLL GRAPHICS: CARLI BELOUSKAS
Vol. 35, No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • University Prep 9
HOMELESSNESS AND HEROIN
NEWS
Sitting down with Seattle’s new mayor, Durkan discusses the future of an addicted city BY JAMES GARVEY omelessness, addiction and overdoses are gaining attention in economically-booming Seattle. Although the city’s economy may benefit Amazon, Boeing and other technology companies, the resulting tech boom has caused housing prices to skyrocket, pushing many of Seattle’s residents to a path of homelessness. According to Durkan, Seattle has seen spike in homelessness due to lack of affordable housing and an ever-growing opioid crisis. City government has tried to tackle these deeply intertwined issues, but there isn’t a one-sizefits-all solution. An interview with Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan revealed that these issues are only getting worse. “Last year alone there was at least one person a day overdosing in Seattle,” Durkan said. To begin her term, Durkan shifted the city’s budget in order to help the growing homeless population with the opioid abuse problem. Although the change in the city’s budget will result in increased funding for groups that provide for housing, addiction and mental health treatment, Durkan stated that the interdependent issues of housing and addiction can no longer be handled solely by the city. To take a new approach, the city joined a regional response group called One
CHARITIES THAT HELP THE CAUSE
H
1
Mary’s Place. This organization provides for women, children and families in emergency situations. They also provide temporary shelter for those in need.
2
PHOTO: TIM DURKAN
Table and has partnered with a program called “Pathway Home” to develop a shelter system more suited to the modern city. “We’re bringing everyone to the table including homeless service providers, housing advocates, businesses and elected officials to try to see if we can combine our resources, talent and ideas. It will take some time to get there, but we’re working on adding 24-hour shelters, low-barrier shelters and storage facilities for those in need,” Durkan said. Previously, those who
use shelters couldn’t bring their belongings with them and had to leave early in the morning. Now, Durkan is pushing to implement shelters where people can rest without the worry of having their items stolen overnight. “We need to create enough housing so people can move off the street into safe locations,” Durkan said. Durkan is also aiming to provide help for addicts, specifically those who struggle with heroin, fentanyl, OxyContin and other prescribed opioids. The city’s new budget
allows for a safe injection site, with medical professionals on standby. “I think safe injection sites are important part of harm reduction. There will be healthcare providers on site to make sure everyone stays safe and ... no one overdoses, ” Durkan said. 33 Many in Seattle don’t want to have sites near them due to the potential influx of addicts and drug use in their neighborhoods, Durkan assures that areas will remain safe due to an increased amount of law enforcement near the spaces.
Makeshift housing is found throughout the greater Seattle region, providing rough shelter against the weather.
CAPTURING SEATTLE’S HOUSING AND OPIOID CRISIS IN PERSON
Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC). DESC provides shelter, food and health services for Seattle’s homeless population.
3
Urban Rest Stop. This organization allows families experiencing homelessness to use their facilities to shower, do laundry and use the bathroom.
4
Facing Homelessness. The organization aims to educate the community about homelessness and encourage others to show them compassion.
5
YouthCare. This organization assists homeless youth by providing housing, education and counseling. Tim Durkan, an urban photographer in Seattle, aims to spread his work in order to educate the communtiy about what homelessness and addiction are really like. 10 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
PHOTOS: TIM DURKAN EDITOR’S NOTE: THE REPORTER FOR THIS STORY, JAMES GARVEY, IS JENNY DURKAN’S SON.
THE CAFFEINE SCENE
STUDENT LIFE
Exploring the hits and misses of Seattle’s coffeehouses
BY GRACE KELLOGG
WEDGEWOOD
PHINNEY RIDGE
VENTOUX COFFEE Bike-themed and beautiful, Ventoux is the close-to-school haven I didn’t know I was searchingRAVENNA for. The space is warm and well-loved, with huge vintage travel poster-esque graphics of
SAND POINT
far-away destinations. Bikes and parts of bikes were hanging from the ceiling, and while I did have momentary fear that they would fall and crush me when I was least expecting it, they added dimension to the space without making the small shop feel claustrophobic. In a welcome contrast to Caffé D’Arte’s skin-temperature drinks, the drip coffee at Ventoux Roaster was served piping hot, with a flavor closer to “tangy and light” than “robust.” The mocha was heavily coffee-dominated, and the chocolate was only faintly noticeable.
FREMONTESPRESSO MONORAIL For those coffee lovers who are sick of sugary burnt bean juice but think Starbucks is the only option for fast coffee, Monorail Espresso is the place for you. The entirety of Monorail is a window onto Pike street in downtown Seattle. Consistently friendly staff and admirably solid coffee mean your taste buds might not leap for joy, but they’ll be happy. The cash-only policy could catch people off guard if they’re not expecting it, but the tax is included in the price. One benefit of requiring cash and having experienced staff is that wait times are easily manageable.
UW
Stepping into Ghost Note is like stepping into a coffee-scented bubble of productivity and quiet concentration. Modern but not pretentious, the brightly-lit space was filled with tall fir tables and black metal stools. It’s not where I would go to catch up with a friend or seduce a hot date, but I’d definitely come if I needed to finish a paper. There are plenty of outlets on the walls, in addition to hooks for bags and coats under the tables. Ghost Note’s workers were friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming to dogs! The seasonal blend was edging on the bitter side, but definitely drinkable even without milk or sugar. The barista gave me a good amount of coffee in a thick, glazed ceramic mug. Despite my skepticism when they described their own coffee as “bright,” I now agree that that’s actually an accurate depiction.
I personally preferred the cappuccino over the latte. The latte was okay, a little milky but overall a better-than-average latte. After drinking both the latte and the cappuccino, I didn’t fall asleep until 1 a.m. My recommendation would be to get either their drip coffee or a cappuccino; the drinks are better at Monorail when they’re less milk-based.
QUEEN ANNE
GHOST NOTE COFFEE
CAFE D’ARTE
Despite only having three stores, Caffé D’Arte feels like a huge chain where the managers have stopped caring. There was just enough music in the background to make me feel like someone was yelling at me from really far away. Unfortunately, it was quiet and empty, with overly harsh lighting and unnecessarily small tables to make it a viable workspace. Caffé D’Arte promotes its “nitro cold brew” and its “marbled cold brew,” coffee with swirls of light and dark chocolate. When I visited, the nitro machine responsible for infusing the cold brew with nitrogen gas to create a “creamy, stout-like effect” according to Esquire, was broken. I had to settle for regular cold brew, which was some of the most acidic coffee I have ever tasted. GRAPHICS AND LAYOUT: MAHIR PIYARALI
Vol. 35, No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • University Prep 11
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University Tutoring— 3232 NE 45th Street Seattle, WA 98105 12 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
PUMA PRESENT PROGRAM 2.0 Your guide on gifts to get yourself this Valentine’s season #treatyoself
“I LOVE YOU” TOILET PAPER TWO DOZEN ROSES
GIANT TEDDY BEAR
“LOVE” PICTURE FRAME
Treat yourself to some sexy valentines toilet paper to up the already romantic bathroom atmosphere. Small but mighty this I love you toilet paper will spice up the entire bathroom all the way from top to bottom. Get a kick out of yourself anytime you head to the bathroom to do your business. This super soft toilet paper is not only romantic but also practical. Whether it’s number one or two I love you toilet paper gets the job done. Surprise yourself at work, home, or anywhere else you might be by sending these stunning flowers with included crystal vase. These eye-catchingly red roses, sent by your secret admirer (yourself, *wink* *wink*), are more than enough to keep co-workers and friends jealous thinking they were sent by a special someone.
No longer worry about not having a cuddle buddy this Valentines Day season. With this life size teddy bear you never have to be lonely again. Perfect for the person wanting a compainion without the comitment of a real relationship. Your newly found friend will love doing everything you want without complaints.
What better way to send yourself some love then a personalized picture frame. You get create your own personal message anything from, “I love you to the moon and back,” to “you mean the world to me.” It can go on your bedside table so you can see your loved one every single night before bed. This personalized picture frame is great way to show yourself the extra love everyone needs going into to valentines day.
frame not big enough for you? Not a problem. PERSONALIZED GoPicture for this personalized picture blanket instead! Wrap yourself up in the best picture of you and get cozy by the FLEECE fire to really show yourself some love. Always keep your face on display with this comfortable fleece blanket. BLANKET
CHOCOLATE BODY PAINT
Needs no explanation. Be safe, kids.
STUDENT STUDENTLIFE LIFE
BY SYDNEY HURST AND MELISSA FUNES
Where to Get It: www.amazon.com Price: $11.99 PHOTO:AMAZON.COM
Where to Get It: proflowers.com Price: $34.99 PHOTO: PROFLOWERS.COM
Where to Get It: www.amazon.com Price: Varies PHOTO: AMAZON.COM
Where to Get It: www.amazon.com Price: $11.99 PHOTO: AMAZON.COM
Where to Get It: personalizationmall.com Price: $63.99 PHOTO: AMAZON.COM
Where to Get It: personalizationmall.com Price: $14.99 PHOTO: AMAZON.COM
DIY WAFFLE BAR
Worried about your friends being lonely on Valentines Day? Plan the perfect “Gal-entines” Day sleepover with this do-it-yourself Waffle Bar. Make a quick trip to the grocery store and choose all the toppings you and your pals love to put on display and devour (add cinnamon to the waffle batter for an extra flare). This delicious breakfast project is great for the whole squad.
Where to Get It: Your local grocery store Price: Varies PHOTO: PINTEREST.COM
Vol. 35, No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • University Prep 13
TALKING SMACK IN SPORTS
SPORTS
UPreps sports players on trash talking BY AIDAN LEE all it a tactic or just harassment, but trash talking is prevalent in nearly all sports leagues. Trash talking is commonly heard in professional leagues and still exists in our own highschool league. Though some may think that trash talking can be considered bullying, it can be considered a sign of competitiveness. “I think trash talking is beneficial for the competitive environment, as long as it’s somewhat supportive and doesn’t include profanity,” track and field coach Kayla Robertson said. Trash talking, although can be to add competitiveness, can have a major effect on the game.
C
“I don’t think that it’s necessary at all. [...] At the high school level because it makes your team look worse,” freshman Wally Bargeron said. Some people view this differently. “For me, one of my soccer games at National league. […] One of my teammates was trash talking to the other player and he kind of him heated. Then it was the last few minutes of the game and we managed to get a PK. We scored off of that. [Trash talking is] really important to the game,” junior Erick Trujillo said. With trash talking, there is clearly a separation between competitiveness and just straight-up bullying. “There is a fine line between trash talking and
being downright rude,” Robertson said. Trash talking can vary between sports. As many people know, American football is known for trash talking. Players like Seattle Seahawks Cornerback Richard Sherman have become famous for being rude to other players. However, for other sports, it can be considered forbidden. “I mainly play ultimate and trash talking is not really tolerated. […] Competitiveness is not an important factor,” Bargeron said. Trash talking in professional sports is frequently heard but also exists in our own high school leagues. As competitive as it is, it can also be harassment, or possibly bullying.
PHOTO: YEARBOOK
PHOTO: MAHIR PIYARALI
Many athletes such as freshman Kodaran Anand,are able to play for various UPrep sports teams each year. Anand played for the JV ultimate team in the fall and is now the keeper for the JV soccer team.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PUMA PRESS! For only only $9.95, $9.95, get get every every issue issue from from the the 35th 35th volume volume of of UPrep’s UPrep’s For student newspaper newspaper mailed mailed toto your your home. home student Email scollins@universityprep.org scollins@universityprep.org for for more more info. info Email
14 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
SPORTS
ATHLETICS VS. ACADEMICS
Students grapple with the delicate balance between sports and school BY MELISSA FUNES AND ZUBIN ABRAHAM-AHMED fter a short five hours of sleep, a day of school, dance rehearsal and two volleyball games took their toll on senior Sofia Beaufrand. “I blacked out only for a second. The last thing I remember, I was standing on the sidelines and I was yelling. Then, everything went black,” Beaufrand said. As dramatic as this may seem, Beaufrand is just one example of a stressedout student attempting to manage it all. Students, especially athletes, are constantly struggling to get enough sleep and keep themselves well-fed. While playing sports can be very beneficial to a student’s life, they also pose a large challenge: balancing sports and school in order to leave enough time for personal and family matters. Athletic Director Rebecca Moe is an advocate for this sought-after balance. Moe believes that there are a couple key ways for student athletes to take care of themselves. According to Moe, sleep should take priority. “If you’re doing a lot, something is going to have to take the backseat. If you work at a job, play a sport and [have] three hours of homework, when do you sleep? Sleep is so important for teenagers. The researchers show that sleep is huge,” Moe said. Occasionally, varsity
STUDENT EXPERIENCES WITH SPORTS
A
Have you ever skipped a sports practice in order to study for a test or work on a project? No: 47.8%
PHOTO: MELISSA FUNES
teams have had to have dents, they have become a morning practices that prominent occurrence for interfere with students’ varsity teams, especially in sleep schedules. Beausports such as basketball frand, a member of the and volleyball. varsity Moe volleyunderball stands that “Playing sports team, although shouldn’t be a recalls students havdon’t enjoy problem for stuing to getting up wake early, it dents.” up isn’t un—ATHLETIC DIRECTOR painreasonable REBECCA MOE fully to ask this early of varsity in athletes. order to be at school for “With the later school morning practices. start we can run practices Although early practices later so it’s not crazy eararen’t ideal for many stuly. Morning practices are
usually no more than once a week and, with the later start time, kids in general still get to sleep more in comparison to previous years,” Moe said. For many students, managing extracurricular sports on top of the daily work load can be a juggling act. As a remedy to this added presssure on academics, Moe believes that student athletes need to take initiative when it comes to planning their academic schedule around their sports schedule. “Playing sports shouldn’t be a problem for students,” Moe said.
With the emergence of basketball season, an increasing number of students are having to manage their time more efficiently.
Yes: 52.2%
How often (if at all) have you found yourself in a situation where sports has conflicted with school work during your sport’s season? Never: 4.3% Rarely: 17.4% All the time: 26.2% Often: 30.4% Moderately: 21.7% Methodology: A poll was sent to 23 Upper School students selected randomly.
SPORTS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL While the fall sports season has ended for many students at our school, it continues for other students who are on club and select teams. The constant pace of extracurricular sports keeps them busy. Senior Jessica Washington knows this all too well. An active participant in competitive club volleyball, playing in games and tournaments that can stretch all the way to midnight, she has had to hone her time management skills.
“I can find time to hangout with friends or family. However, when club season rolls around, free time is used for catching up on sleep,” she said. With different season timings and locations than school sports, student athletes on outside teams must expect longer travel times and raised stakes as the tournaments roll by. Not only does this put a strain on their free time, which can be efficiently used for sleep as mentioned earlier, it cuts into their time
for academics. “I had tournaments in Oregon, Utah and Colorado every other weekend, and that was a lot of travel time spent out of school” Washington said. “It had me behind on quite a few assignments and caused me to be late a lot because I would sleep through alarms. I’m glad to say I’ve gotten a lot better at handling it since, but it takes a lot of extra time to plan ahead for these missed classes.”
Vol. 35, No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • University Prep 15
BACK PAGE
“But then you go too hard and... vehicular manslaughter.”
“And people say only Chlamydia can give you a burning sensation.”
“I’d hit you, but that would prove your point.”
“Chobani makes some bangin’ yogurt.”
“What is ‘$krrt $krrt’?”
“The celery clashes with her lipstick.”
HEARD IN THE
“If someone licks me in the middle of the night, I’m blaming you first.”
HALLWAYS No, we don’t make these up
“Let the blanket “You look like all of my British uncles.”
“Giant, sweaty human tornado.”
demon have peace.”
Illustrious Illustrations by Micho Matuszewski
KEEPING IT “LIGHT”
RANTS
• My parents saw my semester grades • Finals hit me like a truck • The Patriots are in the Super Bowl • Seniors still have to be in school • We live in a soggy city • Jade thinks she’s too cool for us 16 University Prep • FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • Vol. 35, No. 4
&
RAVES
• I’m not failing any classes (yet) • Girls basketball senior night went well • Scott got a new apartment • 129 days until graduation • Spring sports are starting soon • Sydney came back!