Verde Volume 21 Issue 1 by Verde Magazine

The calculating consumer Impacts and influences behind our receipts pg. 22

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 1

2 OCTOBER 2019

VERDE MAGAZINE October 2019 Volume 21 Issue 1

Editors-in-Chief Emma Donelly-Higgins Alex Feng Rachel Lit

ON THE COVER pg. 22 Art Director Samantha Ho depicts an individual being weighed down by a plastic shopping bag overflowing with consumer goods. The bag and its contents reflect the baggage that each transaction carries — from the dependence of local stores to the promotion of popular trends. “Thank you, please come again” conveys the duality of our modern-day consumer culture. On one hand, the survival of each business depends on the decisions that consumers make, yet our choices are hardly our own; we are shaped just as much by the contents of the bags we take home as the stores we shop in are by us.

Managing Editors Kate Milne Abe Tow Jasmine Venet (Digital) Features Editor Sasha Poor Profiles Editor Prahalad Mitra Culture Editor Kobi Johnsson Perspectives Editor Ben Cohen Editorials Editor Rohin Ghosh

Publication Policy Verde, a feature magazine published by the students in Palo Alto High School’s Magazine Journalism class, is a designated open forum for student expression and discussion of issues of concern to its readership. Verde is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost. Letters to the Editors The staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Send all letters to verde.eics@gmail.com or 50 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA 94301. All Verde stories are online and available for commenting at verdemagazine.com Advertising The staff publishes advertisements with signed contracts providing they are not deemed by the staff inappropriate for the magazine’s audience. For more information about advertising with Verde, please contact business managers Courtney Kernick and Abe Tow at verdebusiness5@gmail.com.

News Editor Myra Xu Launch Editor Katherine Cheng Photo and Design Editor Zoë Wong-VanHaren Business Managers Michelle Kim Abe Tow

Social Media Manager Antonia Mou Art Director Samantha Ho Graphic Designer Zachary Donaker Staff Writers Mia Baldonado Naomi Boneh Miles Breen Allison Chang Avery Hanna Timothy Hung Audrey Kernick Tara Kothari Grace Lindstrom Owen Longstreth Laura Malagrino Kylie Mies Ishani Raha Jay Renaker Ryan Seto Andie Tetzlaff Gian-Paolo von Ruden Adviser Paul Kandell

STEM Columnist and Statistician Kayla Brand

Printing & Distribution Verde is printed five times a year in October, November, February, April and May, by Folger Graphics in Hayward, California. The Paly PTSA mails Verde to every student’s home. All Verde work is available at verdemagazine.com

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In this issue Foreword

6 Editorials 10 Launch 13 News

Features

16 18 20 22

Sleepless students Advice for activists Where the wildfires are The calculating consumer

Profiles

ADVICE FOR ACTIVISTS pg. 18

25 26 29 30 32 34 36

Inside the Incubator Exchange students at Paly Juggling life with Jesse Mr. Mishali In the belly of Buddhism Alina Taratorin Tribute to a tribute

ulture C 38 TikTok 40 The trouble with traditions 44 Euphoria’s effect 46 Tastes like GINGER 48 Morsey’s Creamery 49 Disney dilemma 51 Curry Pizza House 52 Madremía, Rosalía, Bájale

Perspectives

GAY PARENTS pg. 53 4 OCTOBER 2019

53 54 55 56 58 59 60 62

Gay parents Digital disagreement Menstrual message Price of being average Computer science compulsion Got almond milk? Summer of privilege Quizzical Kayla

JUGGLING LIFE WITH JESSE pg. 29

WHERE THE WILDFIRES ARE pg. 20

MORSEY’S CREAMERY pg. 48

EXCHANGE STUDENTS AT PALY pg. 44

IN THE BELLY OF BUDDHISM pg. 32

FROM THE EDITORS

Our influence as consumers “Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” — Anna Lappe

In the context of our communities, our receipts reflect the tradeoffs that we are willing to make between convenience and what we value. “The Calculating Consumer,” written by staff writers Ishani Raha, Avery Hanna and Digital Managing Editor Jasmine Venet, explores the various political, environmental and ethical influences that shape our habits as shoppers. The impacts of these consumer decisions put a contemporary twist on the age-old adolescent desire to “fit in.” Staff writers Allison Chang and Naomi Boneh unpack the twofold concept that teenagers as a group consistently invest in the same markets, creating a less unique community through materialistic tendencies and the experience economy in “The Price of Being Average.” These common experiences stem too from the challenging academic environments teens spend hours in every day. “Sleepless students,” written by News Editor Myra Xu and staff writer Mia Baldonado, discusses Palo Alto’s cross-generational sleep culture, specifically

looking into how lack of rest among youth creates a dependence on caffeinated drinks and unhealthy use of technology. Following an exciting summer full of vacations, camps, and relaxation, consumer opportunities are compared to the idea of entitlement. In “Summer of Privilege,” staff writers Ishani Raha and Antonia Mou write about the issues with both pre-college and voluntourism programs, two activities many Paly students’ parents dedicate thousands of dollars to each year. As students engage in service learning, live on college campuses, and pay for the experience of volunteering in foreign communities, intentions behind these activities are questioned. As the pages to another year open, Verde’s new logo pays homage to the “V” that has appeared on covers for the past 98 issues. Graphic Designer Zach Donaker reaffirms the commitments we have made to readers through an optical illusion arrow: a symbol that represents our dedication to positive change through the telling of stories that broaden readers’ perspectives of the world. —Alex, Rachel, Emma

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the verdicts Improve access to Guidance Department

HE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT’S move into the annoying that you have to wait so long and there are so many stulibrary puts students in close proximity to the depart- dents for one counselor.” ment and its counselors. However, as the 2019-20 According to Selene Singares, the guidance counselor for school year comes into full swing, it seems as if there the Class of 2021, counselors do not make appointments before are just as many students frustrated with the lack of accessibility school, during brunch and lunch, and after school so that students to counselors. can drop in for meetings. Despite its positive One way to improve accessibility to the goal, this rule may be limiting accessibility Ten years ago, Paly rather than increasing it. Students who do not guidance team is to allow appointments to be made during brunch and lunch, and before preps or students who have after school had approximately have and after school instead of the current first and lunch commitments may be unable to 1600 students. Now, wait for their meetings. With an appointment, -come-first-served system. One of the most frequent issues students face is not being able are able to form a more concrete the student body is students to meet with their counselor when they drop schedule by knowing when they must be at the over 2400 people. As office and the approximate time their meeting by the guidance office, often having to wait in the lobby for an unspecified amount of time. the school popula- will take. However, the guidance team is conThis can result in students waiting for the enstantly attending to various different issues and tirety of lunch or Tutorial for a short conver- tion grows, the staff duties, and may be overloaded with tasks due sation, while a meeting with a single student of responsibilities they hold. and facilities should to theInnumber may take up an entire brunch or lunch period. addition to individual drop-in and Earlier this year, junior Charlotte Kim grow with it. scheduled student meetings, guidance counvisited the guidance office to change her class selors attend every IEP and 504 meeting for schedule. Even after the two week period for changing schedules their students and have weekly meetings with other staff. The large had passed, Kim spent her entire Tutorial waiting in line due to a number of tasks delegated to a small number of counselors makes single student occupying the entire 40 minute period. finding time to meet with students difficult. “I had to come back the next day so I came early in the mornThe inaccessibility of counselors may be attributable to the ing, and I finally got to talk to her,” Kim says. “But that’s just really increasing number of students in each grade. Ten years ago, Paly had approximately 1600 students. Now, the student body is over 2,000 people and the Class of 2023 is the largest freshman class on record. Despite the significant growth in the student body, the number of guidance counselors has remained at one per grade. Each year Paly is assigned a number of counselors the school is able to hire, based on the school district’s ratio of one guidance counselor for every 300 students, according to Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson. In addition, Paly has two College and Career Center counselors, as well as a bridge/outreach counselor. Because of this, Berkson says the school is unable to hire more grade-level guidance counselors as the Guidance Department’s budget has been reached. Although some may become discouraged after various failed attempts at reaching their counselor, Singares encourages students to keep coming into the office. “Do not let it go,” Singares said. “Sending me an email, leaving me a note [will help] ... Just always come back to guidance and check.” Throughout one’s high school career, reaching out to a guidance counselor is unavoidable. Every year, the Guidance Department is overwhelmed with students trying to change courses and lanes and class periods. Implementing a few more methods for efficiency and accessibility has the potential to relieve a lot of stress for both students and counselors. v

6 OCTOBER 2019

The Verdict editorial section expresses the collective opinion of the Verde staff. This issue’s editorials were drafted by ANTONIA MOU and ROHIN GHOSH !

Let us into the library please

Art by GIAN-PAOLO VON RUDEN

Verdoodle

Teens should be extended the right to vote

N THE FIGHT TO EXPAND the right to vote, a new frontier that has the potential to extend voting rights to those currently too young to vote has been opened. The California State Assembly has passed both Assembly Constitutional Amendment 4, a measure to allow 17-year-olds to vote in presidential primaries, and Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8, which would allow 17-year-olds to vote for all state offices and ballot propositions. Both these measures are awaiting a vote in the California Senate. Locally, a group of students calling themselves Vote16 PA — which includes two Verde staffers — is advocating for allowing 16-yearolds to vote in Palo Alto’s municipal elections as part of a nationwide push for cities to extend voting rights to 16-year-olds. We firmly believe that the right to vote should be extended to youth and encourage the City of Palo Alto to take up Vote16 PA’s demands. We applaud our State Assemblymember Marc Berman for his support of ACA4 and ACA8 and encourage the California State Senate to adopt both measures. Teens have a unique perspective on many issues and will be affected drastically by lawmakers’ decisions. A hallmark of a

representative democracy is the ability of those affected by the law to choose lawmakers. This is no less true for teens than any other demographic currently extended the right to vote. Voting habits formed when people are still in their teens are more likely to stick as voters age. Voters who start voting at an earlier age are more likely to continue to exercise their right to the ballot box. A Washington University study that analyzed voter turnout in elections between 1958 and 1994 found that those who had voted in the previous election were 13% more likely to vote in subsequent elections.w Creating these voting habits at a young age when students are still living at home is a key step to building lifelong voters and increasing participation in our democracy. Young people are more engaged in the political system than ever in recent memory. We will bear the consequences of what our leaders choose to do regarding the climate, student debt and any number of other pressing issues. It is high time that the most basic right of democratic participation, the right to vote, is extended to high schoolers. v

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8 OCTOBER 2019

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launch

HOW TO OWN SPIRIT WEEK 2019 Follow these steps to help your grade have a successful spirit week! 1. GET CREATIVE Having a great Spirit Week doesn’t mean breaking the bank –– look for outfits and accessories at home or make them yourself. 2. SHOW UP AT RALLIES Your presence at rallies is important to generate points for your grade, and it’s always fun to watch fellow students compete in games. 3. HAVE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP Maintain a good attitude while supporting your grade. Compiled by KATHERINE CHENG

FALL CONCERT CALENDAR

Compiled by KYLIE MIES and KATHERINE CHENG

Top artists coming to the Bay Area in October and November! OCTOBER 10 TYLER THE CREATOR Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

OCTOBER 13

OCTOBER 13-14

OCTOBER 21

OCTOBER 25 STEVE LACY The Fillmore

OCTOBER 27-28 LIZZO Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

OCTOBER 28 LIL TECCA Great American Music Hall

OCTOBER 31 MADONNA Golden Gate Theatre

OCTOBER 31 CUCO The Warfield

NOVEMBER 7 FKA TWIGS Fox Theater

NOVEMBER 8 SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD The Warfield

NOVEMBER 8 BROCKHAMPTON Frost Amphitheatre

NOVEMBER 14 POST MALONE Oakland Arena

NOVEMBER 21 CHER Chase Center

NOVEMBER 23 MASON RAMSEY Great American Music Hall

NOVEMBER 12 SUMMER WALKER The Warfield

10 OCTOBER 2019

LOGIC Chase Center

CLAIRO The Regency Ballroom

RICH BRIAN The Warfield

Reporting by OWEN LONGSTRETH

ASB ANSWERS

ANIMAL PLANET CLUB Meeting with the new club’s president junior Neel Fulton VERDE: What happens at the meetings? FULTON: We watch animal documentaries on channels like Animal Planet or National Geographic, and discuss wildlife related issues like climate change. VERDE: What led you to founding this club?

WITH ASB PRESIDENT POOJA AKELLA Does ASB have any special events coming up? ASB just finished up with Club Day ... and Quadside Lands and we’ve loved the student involvement on the Quad [Class officers] are working on projects including revising the Advisory curriculum, an anti-Juul campaign, and Tea with Teachers.

Are there any changes to Spirit Week this year? Our spirit commissioners are introducing some new games to the list so I don’t want to ruin that surprise, but I am definitely excited for the relay on Friday.

FULTON: I’m really passionate about animals, and I was looking for some way to contribute to the club community at Paly. VERDE: When does your club meet? FULTON: [We meet] every other Friday in room 207.

Art by SAMANTHA HO Reporting by KATHERINE CHENG

VERBATIM: WHAT DO YOU DO TO DESTRESS? “My biggest stress reliever is boxing. I love doing physical combat and boxing is the best way to relieve my stress.” — Nysa Bhat, sophomore

What are your goals for ASB and the Paly student body this year? I hope to increase ASB and student involvement in school board and Site Council issues. I also hope to educate students on what ASB does through town halls and our upcoming vlogs.

Reporting by KATHERINE CHENG Photo by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN

“I like to garden and water plants, especially my basil plant. I really like this method because it takes me closer to my environment.” — Anya Yakimenko, junior

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12 OCTOBER 2019

news

E-cigarette epidemic sparks concern BOARD, PTSA STRUGGLE WITH VAPING AS DEATHS MOUNT

OLLOWING A WAVE of vaping-related illness that has left 15 dead and over 800 sick, Palo Alto parents, the school board and government officials are looking for solutions. Drugs, alcohol and nicotine are not allowed on any Palo Alto Unified School District campuses regardless of the person’s age, but it takes more than just a policy to solve the actual issue, said Jennifer DiBrienza, president of the Palo Alto Board of Education in an interview with Verde last month. With Palo Alto parents more concerned as a result of the vaping illness, there DISCUSSION OF DISEASE Stanford University Professor of Pediatrics Bonnie Halpern-Felsher speaks to an audience of concerned parents, students and Stanford employees about the danis a greater push for action. gers of vaping at a recent meeting. Photo by Avery Hanna “I think we’ve just got to figure out what’s next,” Dibrienza said. “There’s edu- by K.C. Crosthwaite, a former tobacco seeing kids over the last few years coming in with pneumonia that they can only trace cation stuff in place and we’ve got a policy company executive. Stanford University Professor of Pe- back to vaping” in place, but what does that enforcement diatrics Bonnie Halpern-Felsher spoke to According to a survey conducted by look like while keeping it productive.” an audience of Verde Magazine, over 80% of Paly students In an effort doctors, commu- believe that vaping is dangerous, testimony to address the epi"We don't know what nity leaders and to the impact of recent educational efforts demic at hand, on concerned parents, by organizations such as the Paly Parent Sept. 11 the White the long-term effects warning of the Teacher Student Association. House announced are and we don't even dangers of vapElizabeth Olson is the president of its intentions to ban ing on Sept. 11 at the PTSA, which has been working alongall non-tobacco fla- know all the short-term Stanford Univer- side Paly administration, the Paly Wellness vored e-cigarettes. effects.” sity. Center, as well as local health experts to Though some — BONNIE HALPERN-FELSHER, Despite the address vaping in Paly. She says that a PTA applauded President Stanford University Professor of Pediatrics common belief Council Anti-Vaping Committee has been Donald Trump for that vaping is bet- established and that a state PTA resolution his efforts, others urged the administration and the Food and ter than smoking, Halpern-Felsher says is in the process of being drafted. “Now that the effects of vaping are Drug Administration to go further and ban that with the recent epidemic, she is now becoming clearer and the headlines are nae-cigarettes entirely, until doctors could unsure of this. “We don’t know what the long-term tional, we are seeing an increase in concern better understand the issue at hand. At Palo Alto High School, 23.5% of 183 random- effects are and we don’t even know all the from parents,” Olson said. “Some of them are just realizing their kids are addicted to ly surveyed students suggest that vaping short-term effects,” Halpern-Felsher said. Though the deaths and prevalence of vaping and are of course extremely worshould be banned for people of all ages. With cases of the illness popping up recent cases is new, Halpern-Felsher says ried.” across the country, the e-cigarette company that vaping-related health issues have been Juul Labs has come under attack. On Sept. a problem for years. Text by AVERY HANNA “It’s not just now,” she said. “I’ve talked 25 the company announced that the CEO Additional reporting by Kevin Burns would resign and be replaced to ER doctors who have said they’ve been ISHANI RAHA

“

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PAUSD school campuses assessed for safety measures

O TAKE ACTION in securing school campuses, Palo Alto Unified School District is using a safety, security and disaster preparedness manager, following the national worry of school shootings and past false alarms in the district. PAUSD Supt. Don Austin identifies district safety as a priority as part of his PAUSD Promise, a three-year district wide plan. “When you're looking at goals for school district, you have to start with your core beliefs,” Austin said. “The foundation of a school district is having a safe and secure predictable place for students.” On Aug. 27, the school board unanimously voted to delegate $200,000 in funding for the position of a safety manager, Mike Jacobs, a prior PAUSD employee who has already started on his job. An important improvement includes developing consistency of classroom safety measures. “Some classrooms have internal locking mechanisms, and some don't,” Austin said. “Some classrooms have the ability to cover windows, and some don't.” Though Jacobs and Austin plans to alter school campuses, including additional safety cameras and securing entrances to the campus, Austin promises minimal changes. “We have no plans to make the campuses look physically different,” Austin said. “We are looking to make sure that we know better who's on our campuses, and who's leaving our campuses ... You're not going to see things that change the tone of the school. We're really trying to define that line.” by ISHANI RAHA

14 OCTOBER 2019

PROJECT PLANS – A digital rendition of the renovation results of the science buildings is shown. In addition to this project, the administrators hints at more construction in the near future. “There'll be money for at least one more project,” Berskon said. “So whatever that project may be, those people will have to move in the portables.” Source: DLM Architecture

Students and staff respond to campus construction

HE EXTENSION of the science building, which administrators hope will be completed September 2020, will be the most recent addition to Palo Alto High School, adding to a growing list of construction upgrades including the recent completion of the library and gym. The $14 million construction project, which started in August, surprised many. "It was a shock to me on the first day of school," sophomore Iris Li said. "It used to be easier to get dropped off between the tennis courts and lacrosse field but [on the first day] I couldn't go through because it was blocked and I was frustrated." As the construction is blocking off access to many science classrooms, students now take the inner hallways to get to class. "It's difficult to get to my chemistry class as the hallways within the science building are always super crowded," Li said. One concern was that of noise, distracting to nearby classes. However, chemistry teacher Ashwini Avadhani said

Fry's Electronics closing END OF AN ERA The Palo Alto City Council came to a standstill on whether to create more housing or keep the old Fry’s Electronics store in a meeting on Aug. 19. Ultimately, the City Council agreed that improving the Ventura neighborhood is prioritized over the historic store. Photo by Miles Breen

she appreciates efforts of the administration to mitigate this potential issue. “Whenever it [the construction work] becomes loud, the administration has stepped in,” she said. “Like on the exam day, the construction was halted.” Science classes currently conducted in the portables will eventually move into the expanded science building. “They [the science classrooms] will be equipped with all the lab stations and requirements very similar to what we have in the older classrooms,” Avadhani said. Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson said the portables will remain for the foreseeable future to house programs displaced by upcoming construction projects including the renovation of the Tower Building.

by AVERY HANNA Additional reporting by MYRA XU

Palo Alto Police Department adds team to monitor cyclists

OLICE OFFICERS waiting along the border of Palo Alto High School’s campus have pulled over numerous student bikers since the start of the 2019-2020 school year, primarily for not wearing their helmets but also for failing to stop at stop signs. “There is not a specific location that officers enforce traffic laws," School Resource Officer Brad Young stated in an email. "Any officer can enforce traffic laws, so times and locations vary.” The officers require pulled over students to give their personal information, in order to have them later receive a citation in the mail to attend a Juvenile Traffic Safety class at Palo Alto City Hall. To avoid a fine of $100 minimum, the student and their parent or guardian must both be present at the 2.5-hour class, which will cover bike safety. As student bikers have been pulled over less by police in past years, many are confused by the increasing presence of police parked along their daily bike route to school. “We have a traffic team again, so that may be why it seems new,” Young stated.

Paly junior Miranda, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, was already late biking to school when she was pulled over on Churchill Avenue for not wearing her helmet, which she had physically outgrown since middle school. “The police were there waiting … It took like 10 minutes because he was talking to some other kids, and he wrote me up the ticket. I was like half an hour late to school, which felt unfair to me,” Miranda said. “They should stop at a certain time, because then they’re just making so many kids late, but I understand that there’s a lesson to be learned there.” As stated on the Paly website along with bike safety tips, the PAPD reinforces bike traffic laws around Paly. “Traffic enforcement is a critical component of law enforcement. It will always be part of the job,” Young stated, adding that he hopes that this increased enforcement will emphasize to students the importance of traffic rules and bike safety.

by NAOMI BONEH

Autism awareness film to screen at Paly Haymarket Theater

HE AWARD-WINNING documentary on raising awareness for autism “Deej” will screen at Palo Alto High School’s Haymarket Theater at 4 p.m. on Oct. 10. The National Deej Inclusion tour consists of over 60 public events, partnered with universities, disability advocacy groups and high schools across the country. Each of the events are free and open to the public, and feature guest speakers such as the star of the film, DJ Savarese. In the film, DJ Savarese (“Deej”) is an advocate for nonspeaking autistics, and uses his writing to stand up for peers who are viewed as inferior due to their neurological differences. The film has been screening na-

tionwide since 2017. Callie Turk from Resilience and Engagement for Every Learner, an organization that partnered with the Palo Alto City Libraries to showcase this film, strongly encourages everyone to watch this film. “We get this sense in Palo Alto that there’s one path to success,” Turk says. “This movies shows that this is simply not true.” The makers of the film sum up their purpose through a written statement on their official website (deejmovie.com). “With unflinching candor, Deej reveals what it takes to make the goals of inclusion and disability rights a reality.” by MYRA XU

Assemblymember Marc Berman hosts "boba town hall"

FOR THE STUDENTS Berman hopes that attendees gain insight from this event. "I hope students walk away having learned more about what is happening in the legislature in our state," Berman says. Photo by Rohin Gosh

TATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER and Paly class of 1998 alumnus Marc Berman will host a town hall for teens to discuss political issues,while sipping boba tea on Oct. 29 at Fremont High School. Berman chairs the Powerful Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee, dealing with issues related to voting rights, election security, and campaign finance. He represents the 24th Asssembly District, which stretches from Redwood City to Sunnyvale, and out to the coast. The town hall event, called "Boba with Berman", is designed for high school and college students to share their views on California legislation, and any issues they face. Boba tea will be provided to all that attend, as stated on the website. “The intention of the event is to make it convenient for students to come to hear updates about the legislature and to share their opinions on pressing issues,” Berman’s office stated in an email. “To make the event a little more enticing, we thought providing boba for every student that attends might sweeten the experience.” by KOBI JOHNSSON and ROHIN GOSH

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Text by MYRA XU and MIA BALDONADO Art by REESE FORD

SLEEPLESS STUDENTS EXPLORING GENERATIONS OF VIKES’ NIGHTS

ROM BRAGGING ABOUT who got the least sleep the night before to drinking triple shot lattes every morning, the Palo Alto culture revolves around sleep deficiency. Palo Alto High School junior Trisha Razdan tends to get about five hours of sleep a night, but a recent pile-up of commitments only permitted her to get two. “I left an AP Chem [Advanced Placement Chemistry] lab to the absolute last minute and I had a volleyball game that night so I got home late,” Razdan said. “Of course, I also had a math quiz that day. Needless to say, I didn’t do amazing on the quiz and was just so tired the whole day.” Sleep deficiency among Palo Alto students like Razdan is common –– the norm, even. Between balancing school, extracurriculars, a social life and sometimes even a job, sleep falls lower on student priority lists. Throughout the years, sleep culture in Palo Alto among generations has seen differences as well as consistent trends. No sleep streak Sleep insufficiency has become so common in Generation Z and Millennial students that some say students are shocked at the idea of someone getting the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep. Verde conducted a survey in September 2019 that collected data from 187 Paly students in randomly selected

16 OCTOBER 2019

English classrooms across all four grades. ficulty falling asleep in third. On the conAccording to the survey, 70.8% of Paly trary, students’ sleep deficiency in other students claim that they do not get generations seems to have happened of enough sleep on an average school night. their own accord. This is in stark contrast “People don’t really think it’s that to the reasons behind sleep deficit in prebig of a deal if you don’t get a lot of sleep vious Bay Area generations. because everyone is pretty used to it,” “When I stayed up late it was to freshman Kellyn Scheel said. “A lot of hang out with friends or my boyfriend my friends actually don’t have very good who was in college and had college sleep schedules.” hours,” class of 1989 Paly alumna Mary Fiona Barwick, who has a doctor- Cudahy said. ate in clinical psychology and is the director of the Cognitive Behavioral Sleep Discussion about deficiency Medicine program at Stanford, has noWhile students themselves are sleep ticed that certain deprived, more aspects of modattention is being ern-day culture brought to the isWe don’t even realize have turned sleep sue, seen through into an accom- how impaired we are.” recent scientific — Dr. Fiona Barwick, director of the Stanford plishment rather studies, advisory Cognitive Behavorial Sleep Medicine Program than a given. lessons and day“When sleep to-day conversais working, we don’t even think about tion. However, these trends are notably it,” Barwick said. “It’s a totally passive different from those of past generations process.” as told through Palo Alto Generation X Instead, students find themselves alumni. choosing between getting a sufficient “It [sleep] wasn’t a big issue, so we amount of sleep or finishing their home- never even really talked about it,” class work, as extracurriculars and academics of 1984 Henry M. Gunn High School take up such a big portion of the day. alumna Chris Kanazawa said. “No one “A lot of us in the area are over- ever talked about not getting enough achievers and with that status comes a lot sleep.” of work to do, school-wise, sports-wise Both Kanazawa and Cudahy say that and extracurricular-wise, so I think the sleep was rarely talked about by teachers, way a lot of us manage these activities parents or friends. An absence of converis by sacrificing the amount of sleep we sation about sleep deficiency leads to a get,” Razdan said. general lack of awareness. According to the survey, 85.8% of With the present-day rise of sleep dePaly students say homework is the lead- ficiency, this discussion can help students ing cause for their lack of sleep, with gain more knowledge about its damaging extracurriculars in second place and dif- consequences. According to Barwick, getting less sleep than recommended for over two weeks is roughly equivalent to total sleep deprivation for three days in terms of daytime performance.

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features

SLEEP STATS

Do you feel as if you get enough sleep during the school week?

“People will report their sleepiness but then it will eventually plateau,” Barwick said. “We don’t even realize how impaired we are.” Sleep deficiency has many detrimental effects on the body. The brain’s frontal lobes are targeted, which impacts executive functions such as the regulation of emotions and the ability to reason and problem solve. Coffee to cope Paly students are coming up with ways to cope with sleep deprivation, and a popular method is for students to consume caffeinated drinks, which contributes to Paly’s “coffee culture.” “It’s gotten to a point where I drink so much [coffee] that if I don’t drink enough then I get really bad headaches and I just can’t function,” junior Alli Miller said. With Town and Country Village just across the street, coffee becomes an easily obtained solution to staying awake and alert throughout the day. “I don’t think I would get coffee during the day as much because it would be really hard to go out of my way to get coffee,” junior Malia Wanderer said. “I think Paly’s proximity to Peet’s allows me to make a coffee run during the last minutes of lunch if I have time.” Coffee consumption also seems to have been typical in previous generations at Paly due to its convenient location. However, to Cudahy, the motives behind the activity had less to do with battling sleep deficiency, as it served more as a social activity with her friends. “I got coffee at Douce France every day and was not alone,” Cudahy said. “Coffee was a big thing.” The effects of tech An important lifestyle change students can make to improve their sleep is to reduce screen exposure before bed.

Barwick said that students should stop screen usage ideally two hours before bedtime, but even one hour would suffice. The Verde survey, however, concluded that 63.2% of Paly students put away their screens only moments before they sleep, affecting their natural sleep cycle. Barwick explained that melatonin ––the main sleep-inducing hormone –– increases a couple of hours before bedtime, peaks around mid-sleep and then comes down a bit before waking up. The emission of blue light, produced by screens, suppresses and delays melatonin production, which ends up preventing one’s body from properly reacting to sleep cues. The accessibility of technology has proven to be a prominent change from generation to generation. Screens were not as readily available, so blue light consumption was not as big of an issue, nor were the distractions that technology brings to teens. “I think it [technology] definitely has made a difference –– we didn’t even have computers. All our homework was handwritten, and so we didn’t have screens,” Kanazawa said. “We didn’t have all the social media distractions and video games that come on your phone or your computer.” The modern day sleep culture still makes sleep deficiency the norm, with kids comparing hours of sleep and prioritizing studying over rest. However, the overall awareness about the necessity of sleep in teenagers has increased in newer generations as the issue has become better recognized. “We’re all big fans of people recognizing the importance of sleep and doing what they need to prioritize it,” Barwick said. “There have been efforts to get the information out there to inform the public, probably over the past 20 or more years, but I think it’s only been taking hold over the past five years.” v

As your bedtime approaches, what time do you put away your electronics?

*The statistics about Paly students were collected from 187 students in eight randomly selected English classes (Freshman TEAM Enligsh, English 10A, AAR, Film Comp and AP Lang). Verde surveyed English classes because Paly students tend to take one English class a year. The survey was conducted in September 2019 through a digital form. The responses were anonymous and students were provided with the option to opt-out for any reason.

Statistics by KAYLA BRAND Infographic by ZACH DONAKER

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 17

Advice for

Text by OWEN LONGSTRETH and ROHIN GHOSH

Activists

DEMOCRATIC POLITICIANS ON YOUTH ACTIVISM

ILLIONS OF HIGH SCHOOLERS have left the sidelines and taken to the streets to demand change from their elected officials on many issues. March for Our Lives students have organized walkouts and marches for gun control following school shootings, while the Sunrise Movement and similar organizations have spurred mass student protests around the world to demand action on climate change, following greater denial of this phenomenon. Just this Sep-

tember, nearly four million youth worldwide, led by 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, participated in strikes and marches demanding progress in the fight to control climate change. Several elected officials have come out in support of the rising tide of student involvement in the political process. Verde attended the California Democratic Party Convention from Friday, May 31, to Sunday, June 2, to ask Democratic politicians what advice they have for these budding activists. v

Gov.

Rep.

“ “ “ “ “ “ GAVIN NEWSOM

KATIE HILL

“You’re making an impact. Don’t be interested in your cause, be committed to your cause. Know that your voice matters and that people are paying attention. Don’t be discouraged. Hold us to a higher standard of accountability and don’t talk down to us or past us, but inspire us.”

“My advice to high school activists is keep fighting. We need your voices, we need you to show up, we need to get the next generation mobilized. We’re counting on you.”

Former Rep.

RO KHANNA

JOHN DELANEY

“I just want to encourage all the high schoolers out there to engage in the democratic process. Our job is to leave the world better than we found it and to make sure you have a better future, so thank you for what you do.”

Rep.

MIKE LEVIN

“To the activists working on both gun violence prevention and climate change, what I can say is it matters. Your advocacy, your work, moves the needle in Washington and I am dedicated to working with you to advance common sense policies to help our country. Keep at it. Your civic engagement, your social participation is critical to our future. Thank you for all that you do.”

18 OCTOBER 2019

Rep.

“The young folks who are marching with the Sunrise Movement, marching for gun violence justice, keep up your activism. You’re going to help bring change to our country and our world.”

Gov.

JAY INSLEE “People in high school are the rescue agents of the United States because they speak for the moral authority demanding that your parents and grandparents get off the dime and save the future ... I talked to a woman from the Dartmouth Democratic Club a few months ago. She told me she had a couple conversations with her friends who said they were wondering if it was right to bring a child into the world, into such a degraded planet. When you get to that situation, people your age speak with great moral authority. So speak up, speak out and keep talking.”

features

GAVIN NEWSOM is the current governor of California and former mayor of San Francisco. Newsom entered office with bold, progressive policy plans and an emphasis on bringing new leadership to the Governor’s office. Photo by Sam Greenberg

JOHN DELANEY is a former congressman from Maryland’s 6th Congressional District who is running for President with an emphasis on bipartisanship and his support for moderate, pragmatic policy positions. Photo by Rohin Ghosh

MIKE LEVIN is the congressman for California’s 49th Congressional District in Orange and San Diego counties, which he flipped from Republican to Democratic control in the 2018 midterm election. Levin is known for his emphasis on environmental issues. Photo by Sam Greenberg

KATIE HILL is the representative for California’s 25th Congressional District which includes the suburbs of Los Angeles. She defeated an incumbent Republican in the 2018 midterm election. At 31, Hill is one of the youngest members of Congress. Photo by Sam Greenberg

RO KHANNA is the current congressman from California’s 17th Congressional District, which encompases parts of the South and East Bay. Khanna is a vocal supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and is known for his progressive policy agenda. Photo by Owen Longstreth

JAY INSLEE is the current governor of Washington and ran for president before dropping out of the race in August. Inslee is a major proponent of action to combat climate change and emphasized environmental issues during his presidential campaign. Photo by Sam Greenberg

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 19

Where the Wildfires Are

PREVENTING FIRES IN PALO ALTO’S FOOTHILLS

Text by SASHA POOR, ALLISON CHANG and LAURA MALAGRINO Photos by EMMA DONELLY-HIGGINS

“D

uring the large fires, the air quality is horrible,” Palo Alto Fire Department Chief Kevin McNally says. “So your throat is scratchy. Your eyes are burning, and we work 24-hour shifts.” McNally fought the Butte Lighting Complex Fire of 2008, and recalls his experience containing one of the 25 fires. “It was 115 degrees at the hottest points of the day,” he says. “It’s an experience that hopefully we’ll never really get here in Palo Alto. But if we do need it, we will send our crews out that have gotten incredible experiences elsewhere that they can bring back here and protect us.” 10 years later, in August 2018, Palo Alto City Council declared Foothills Park to be “at significant risk of catastrophic wildfire.” Since the report’s release, many departments in the City of Palo Alto are focused on reducing and preparing for the possibility of disaster. Stopping the spark The Palo Alto Utilities Department is primarily focusing on the foothills, trying to prevent contact of vegetation with power lines running overhead. According to communications Manager, Catherine Elvert, the need for a new plan was partly caused by legislation passed in response to the 2018 Chico and Paradise wildfires. The plan includes increased inspections of infrastructure and monitoring of plant life near power lines. Tom Ting, a leading figure in the new plan, has suggest-

20 OCTOBER 2019

Art by FAUSTINE WANG

ed moving some power lines underground. humans, with the majority of them origiIn other areas of the park, PAU aims to nating only 30 feet from a road. move the powerlines away from trees that “[It] could be a spark from a car, could could catch fire. be a negligent cigarette out the window, “Right now, the power lines go could be broken glass from a bottle or a car cross-country above Foothills Park,” Ting crash,” Dueker says. says. “Can we relocate them so that they are Car accidents pose a larger threat of a little bit more accessible and more away fire with broken windows and headlights from trees? Things like that to try to make that, when positioned at the right angle in it a little bit safer.” relation to the sun, could ignite. But Office of Emergency Services In the case of fire, residents must also Chief Kenneth Dueker warns residents that be aware that transportation routes may be the fire risk is not cut off, and emerexclusive to near- Our message is not that gency personnel by houses. Because who do not live not that we won’t try our nearby may not be of high winds and embers carried from best, but ... you’re gonna able to get to Palo fires, houses that are Alto. This means not in the Wildland have to, unfortunately, residents will have Urban Interface may to take on some deal with the reality.” also catch fire, meanresponsibility of — KENNETH DUEKER, Palo Alto OES chief ing residents must their own. work to protect their own properties. “Our message is not that we won’t try “Reducing ignition risk is a good our best,” Dueker says. “But if we can’t get thing, but also creating defensible space,” key people here, you’re gonna have to, unDueker says. “Even within Foothills Parks, fortunately, deal with the reality.” you’ll see these concepts called defensible However, residents can take some space or fire breaks.” emergency responses into their own hands. Palo Alto has various training and volunPlanning for disaster teer programs, as well as information pages Palo Alto Utilities is working closely and ways to stay in contact with your local with the Palo Alto Office of Emergency emergency team. Services, which also works on vegetation “One of the benefits of having a local control. community emergency response team and OES has considered using goats to local emergency services volunteers is that graze on the grass, naturally preventing hopefully they’ll be here on the ground, to overgrowth that could potentially acceler- help themselves to help their neighbors and ate the spread of a wildfire.But, according help the city in some of our response efto Dueker, wildfires are usually sparked by forts,” Elvert says. v

“

features

Rinconada Fire Station redone

MAP OF DESTRUCTION Palo Alto Utilities media coordinator Catherine Elvert shows a map of areas considered to be at high risk of fire. She says one thing residents can do to prepare for fire is to be informed or become a volunteer. “Hopefully they’ll be here on the ground, to help themselves, to help their neighbors and help the city in some of our response efforts,” Elvert says.

he Rinconada Park fire station, officially called Fire Station No. 3, has been under construction for a year and a half. One of the nine infrastructure projects in Palo Alto, the Rinconada fire station, is located on 799 Embarcadero Road. The blueprint includes an addition of 13 spaces to the station, such as brand new dining and turnout areas. The increased square footage is expected to greatly improve the organization and efficiency of firefighters. “It will be a huge improvement,” Palo Alto Deputy Chief Kevin McNally says. “If you ever had a chance to go by the older station, it has far exceeded its useful life, and a lot of the infrastructure inside was failing.” The new designs and technology implemented are expected to reduce the response time of Rinconada firefighters. The two bi-fold doors facing Embarcadero Road and Newell Road will increase accessibility of fire trucks, decreasing response time. This improvement will allow the trucks to drive through the new fire station. “I have been told that the [old] roll-up doors have often been damaged by fire trucks trying to leave too quickly, which might actually cause a delay if the truck was damaged,” says Matt Raschke, manager of the Rinconada Fire Station Infrastructure Project. Despite the wait, the project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

BIG TRUCK FOR A BIG JOB The Mobile Emergency Operations Center support truck is designed to help emergency personnel assist residents. “So somebody’s lost in the foothills or we need to evacuate during a fire,” Office of Emergency Services chief Kenneth Dueker says. “This thing can go up there, we have big loud speakers on there, we can yell at people ‘Hey, evacuate, fire!’”

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 21

Text by AVERY HANNA, ISHANI RAHA and JASMINE VENET Art by SAMANTHA HO Design by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN

The CaLCULATING

CONSUMER

THE COMPLEXITIES OF EVERYDAY CHOICES

ALKING THROUGH Town and Country Village, Palo Alto High School junor Avantika Singh scans the stores around her. As she walks, her eyes are automatically drawn to the storefronts she is familiar with. The thought of having to choose where to shop from the entire set of stores is overwheming to her. “I would not be able to choose just because in my head, making a decision is the most chaotic thing ever,” Singh said. In this age of political division and another rising generation of socially aware consumers, customers analyze everything from potential and environmental impacts to convenience when choosing the stores they shop at. Pushing politics After news broke in early August that Stephen Ross, the chairman and majority owner of The Related Companies — which owns both SoulCycle and Equinox — had hosted a fundraiser to support President Donald Trump, calls for boycotts of these exercise outlets dominated social media. Many Palo Alto residents took part in the boycotts themselves. Palo Alto High School parents and former Equinox members Nana and Brian Chancellor cancelled their membership after learning about Ross’ affiliation with Trump. “I help fundraise for Democrats and causes countering the damage currently inflicted by the White House,” Nana

22 OCTOBER 2019

Chancellor said. “It was an easy decision to cancel my membership.” However, others in the Palo Alto community were less inclined to abruptly cut ties with these gyms. University of Southern California sophomore Sinead Chang has been part of the SoulCycle community for two years. She says her decision to continue her membership was mainly due to her positive experiences as a customer there. “Stephen Ross does not define what SoulCycle is,” Chang said. “The CEO, Melanie Whelan, the staff, the instructors and the people I see every day in the studio are the people that have the power to control what SoulCycle is. Ross has the right to do what he wants with his own time and money, as do all of us.” According to Chang, she has never felt discriminated against at SoulCycle based on her identity, political or otherwise. For Chang, the welcoming community SoulCycle fostered was enough to outweigh any political affiliations it has. “When I [go to] SoulCycle, I am not supporting any cause and I am not aligning myself with any political party, I ride because I love the classes and the people,” Chang said. “SoulCycle has always been a vibrant and welcoming sanctuary, and there is no point in boycotting such a brilliant company.” One size fits small Social media posts promoting body positivity litter social media feeds, displaying the current ideals: inclusivity and acceptance of all body sizes and shapes. According to Paly Economics teacher Eric Bloom, today’s increased use of social me-

features dia has greatly increased consumers’ con“Instead of being the ‘small skinny sciousness on several topics. girls’ store, its [Brandy Melville’s] one“You can get viral movements started size-fits-all meaning is that one size fits [on social media], and even raise aware- all the people who matter,” Whitson said. ness,” Bloom said. “We’re way more aware “One size fits the ideal female form, or and there’s much more information out whatever that is.” there.” Singh points out that it is not fair for Yet one of the most popular shops for the store to label something as one-sizeteen girls is Brandy Melville, a clothing fits-all when the policy really excludes a store known for its controversial large percentage of girls. “one size fits all” policy. Despite “Not everyone is built the same the controversy, many of Palo way,” she said. “You know, one size Alto High School’s students doesn’t actually fit all.” choose to shop at Brandy According to Bloom and WhitMelville, choosing to spend son, trends are a strong factor their money in a when it comes to purchasing shop that is critdecisions, demonstrating how icized for a lack places where one spends monof inclusivity. ey can be influenced by the “Not everyone is Recently, current popularity of incluthe brand has sivity and ethicality, even if built the same way, received major it doesn’t affect shoppers you know, one size backlash for directly. its clothing, doesn’t actually fit which mainThe price of produce all.” ly offers exThe impact of — AVANTIKA SINGH, junior tra-small and trends is evident in the small sizes and example of organic prois tailored to duce. Bloom points out fit almost excluthat over time more and sively tall, skinny more Organic produce models. Critics arhas shown up on shelves as gue that this method awareness over environmental isof marketing to a single body type increas- sues mounts and people look for ways to es and amplifies existing body insecurities take action. of patrons and idealizes the “model” body. While buying organic produce has According to sophomore Melissa become a popular method of alleviating Garcia, Brandy Melville’s one-size-fits-all environmental stress, it is also a pricey policy can have serious implications on one: organic products are often anywhere a girl’s self-esteem and promote harmful from 15% to 109% more expensive ways of thinking. than their conventional counterparts, “Girls who don’t fit [Brandy Mel- according to the United States ville’s] standards feel bad about them- Department of Agriculture. selves; they want to change themselves For wealthier Palo Alto resiand sometimes that can be very negative,” dents, however, this barrier Garcia said. “They can go through serious has not impacted buying issues like being anorexic and have health decisions. disorders.” “We live in a Garcia is not the only person to voice wealthy community her concerns regarding Brandy Melville’s where we can buy controversial sizing policy. what we want, Paly Economics teacher Debbie or we can say, Whitson also says that the message the ‘I’m not going to store is sending out to young girls is only buy that,’” Whittargeting a specific kind of body type, son said. “Because thus perpetuating unhealthy expectations ‘that’ has too much regarding the “ideal body.” waste attached to it.”

For Palo Alto resident and farmers market patron Elizabeth Gibbons, the source of her food is important. “I try and choose organic and sustainable foods as much as possible and I come to this market,” Gibbons said. “This one is a non-profit and very focused on sustainable food and that is why I come here.” Beyond just buying organic, Gibbons tries to purchase locally grown produce. She hopes these choices will help mitigate what she views as her negative impact on the world as a consumer. Another person often spotted at the local farmers market is Paly parent Virginia Rock. Before she heads out to the farmers market, she gathers part of her grocery list from her own garden. Rock constantly questions whether there is a more environmentally friendly alternative to the choices she is making. “I absolutely buy things in disposable items,” Rock said. “I sometimes shop at Costco or I sometimes shop at Trader Joe’s because it’s convenient, even though it’s wrapped in plastic when at the market it would be just in a bin.” Although Rock tries to be conscientious about the choices she makes, she doesn’t limit herself when she really needs something. The choices Rock and count

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 23

less others make as consumers regarding where they shop have impacts that span beyond their diets: they decide who stays in business and who goes out.

Cristian Mendoza, a former employee at The Prolific Oven. “In the end, there was just not enough business and not enough profit,” he said. Recently, small local businesses like The Prolific Oven have been forced to Power of the purse shut down due to the ever-growing and A crowd of people demanding business atmosphere of the pack inside of The ProlifBay Area. June 30, Milk Pail ic Oven Bakery in Palo Market, a European groAlto on closing day, cery store in MounAug. 31, as employtain View, closed its “When I [go to] ees try to call out ordoors too, having been SoulCycle I am ders over the sound of bought by nearby deconstruction. Dozens velopers. not supporting of community memThe changing any cause and I bers come early in the atmosphere surmorning to place their rounding business am not aligning last-ever order with the ownership and the myself with any bakery before it shuts introduction of its doors for good. large chain stores political party.” The Prolific Oven, in the Bay Area — SINEAD CHANG, University of a beloved gathering spot are only part of the Southern California sophomore to many in the Palo Alto bigger picture; the community since its opendecisions made by ing in 1980 came to a sudden consumers to not shop in close this year. them factor just as heavily. According to a letter posted by the Still, there are those like Palo Alto resowners, the rising cost of owning and con- ident Emily Gibbons who value what local ducting a business in the “ever-changing businesses bring to the table. Bay Area” is what led them to shut their “While you can buy organic at a grodoors. cery store, it’s not necessarily local,” Emily The business closed down because Gibbons said. “What I really like about this of the rent cost and shortage of staff, said [the farmers market] is that... I can get to

know people. It’s not just that you’re buying sustainable, it’s the community.” Voting with your wallet In recent years, shoppers have grown more aware of the many issues surrounding the choices they make as consumers, and media coverage has helped spread these messages. “I watched a Netflix documentary about fast fashion and it showed burning factories and people who died in factory collapses,” Paly junior Hope Morita said. “After that, I was super inspired not to shop at fast fashion stores, but then I still did.” Morita’s story is not unusual. Individuals swayed by external influences can fall back into old buying habits when factors such as conveniance and price contrict flexibility Whitson says. The modern-day consumer is complex and their decisions are driven by the tradeoffs that they are willing to make. Despite this, Bloom maintains that it all boils down to a rather straight-forward idea. “If you really want to put your money where your mouth is, just go to the farmers market on Sunday,” Bloom said. “Go to the local stores you like because they’re convenient, they’re family-owned, they’re connected to who we are and we like them and their values. I think that’s voting with your wallet: just spend your money at the stores you want to stay open.” v

How important are these factors when deciding where to shop? Statistics by KAYLA BRAND

Infographic by ZACH DONAKER

24 OCTOBER 2019

profiles Photos by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN and JAY RENAKER

Text by ABE TOW and JAY RENAKER

Inside the Incubator EXPLORING PALY’S START-UP PUBLICATIONS PLANNING Members of Anthro magazine plan for production week. “We’re making sure we’re all on the same page,“ staff writer Gwyneth Wong says. Photo by Zoë Wong-VanHaren

IN THE STUDIO KPLY Paly Radio Executive Producer Hannah Shader works in a recording studio. “I’m working on a podcast about body image in the Paly gym,” Shader says. Photo by Jay Renaker

REFLECTING Senior Nicolas Diaz-Magaloni describes Aperture’s transition to the Incubator. “I think it [Aperture] is a really good opportunity,” Diaz says. Photo by Zoë Wong-VanHaren

IGHT-KNIT, SMALL AND DEDICATED are words that describe the new Incubator class at Palo Alto High School. The course was created in 2018 to house start-up publications — groups marked by their smaller staffs and niche focuses. Currently, these publications include Anthro Magazine, KPLY Radio and Aperture (video production). Here is a glimpse into each of the incubator publications. v Anthro Anthro Magazine began as a club in 2016 with a staff of nine students and a focus on social activism, until they joined the Incubator class in 2018. So far, they have published one issue, writing about topics such as Calexit and the recycling recession. Currently, they are trying to expand their membership and gain more attention from Paly students. “Just like any other publication, we want Paly to know about us and see us as a public forum, open to participation,” editor-in-chief Michaela Seah says. This year, the Anthro staff has plans to publish their work regularly and are looking to expand their membership and funding. KPLY KPLY Radio is a podcast-based publication, which started in 2014 when a group of Paly students wanted to bring audio broadcasting to school. Five years later, the KPLY program joined the Incubator. KPLY has no overarching schedule— producers are encouraged to schedule and create their own content. The number of listens they receive on each broadcast can range from less than 20 to 1,290 on the segment with Young FRB, a rap group of Paly students. In addition to their online content, KPLY is currently collaborating with other Paly publications and pitching their stories to outside broadcast stations. There are ongoing discussions of combining aspects of the Audio Music Production class and KPLY, but nothing has been set. Aperture The newest of Paly’s incubator publications is the documentary film publication Aperture. Aperture was created after the loss of the Video Production class this year at Paly. With existing video production students looking to continue their work, Paul Kandell, the Incubator adviser offered to take in some of the students who had signed up for video production honors. They now work with other Paly publications to create documentary style videos to accompany written stories, as well as creating video pieces of their own. “We want to work with other publications to bring everyone’s knowledge together,” Aperture producer and senior Nicolas Diaz-Magaloni says.

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 25

Exchange students at Paly THE EXPERIENCES OF STUDYING ABROAD Text by TARA KOTHARI and MILES BREEN

Art by SAMANTHA HO

Photos by ZOÃ&#x2039; WONG-VANHAREN

ACH YEAR, Palo Alto High School welcomes a handful of students from all over the world into its community. Exchange programs are not unique to Paly, but every exchange student who ventures to Palo Alto has their own story and experiences to share. Verde would like to introduce Marco Simeone, Nour Moalla, Vanessa Zenelhoxha and Douaa Shamly, four exchange students this year who give insight into what it is like to leave their home country and explore a foreign city as high schoolers. v

26 OCTOBER 2019

profiles

MARCO SIMEONE

ARCO SIMEONE, a senior from Martina Franca, Italy, says that in Italy, there are fewer opportunities for him than there are in the Bay Area. “I decided to come here because I think that the U.S. is the country of my future,” Simeone says. “I thought it was the best choice for me, and for my study process.” Working with an organization for exchange students called Education First and with help from his parents, Simeone successfully made arrangements to study at Paly for the semester. The main reason Simeone decided to come to California was to improve his English, but he also has family in Palo Alto. “I came to visit here three years ago, and I fell in love with this place. I fell in love with California. So, it was an easy choice,” Simeone says. Although he has been studying English

since he was eight, Simeone hopes to learn the language as much as he can while staying overseas, even if it is difficult. “I faced some troubles ... and I’m facing some troubles right now, because my English is not perfect,” he says. “But, I need to improve, I need time ... to extend my vocabulary.” An avid tennis player, Simeone loves the focus that American high schools have on physical education and sports. “It is a fantastic thing that most of the students have to do physical activities which is an aspect that, in Italy, is not really considered,” Simeone says. Simeone has only been here for a month, but he loves the lifestyle here, and is excited to explore and discover more of California. “I hoped to live a fantastic experience, and I am living a fantastic experience,” Simeone says. “So I am really happy.”

OUR MOALLA, a senior, is from Sfax, Tunisia. An exchange program called the American Field Service placed her in Palo Alto. Moalla was not accustomed to the education system in the US. “I never got the chance to choose the subjects I study before and so this is my first time,” Moalla says. She had the option to get a diploma, but would have had to fill graduation requirements, and she wanted to personally customize her class experience at Paly. She also appreciates the consistent schedule that Paly has. “In Tunisia, school can go from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” Moalla says. Although she appreciates the consistency of Paly’s schedule, she still felt very

flustered about assimilating into a new environment. After dropping two AP classes in the first week, Moalla is enjoying her time at Paly. “I’m feeling amazing and I really like the people. I’m making friends. Teachers are nice. It’s all good,” Moalla says about her experience so far. After researching Paly from home, Moalla felt it was a bit competitive, but, overall, a pretty campus and good school. Above everything else, Moalla is most excited to experience Palo Alto’s diversity and meet new people at Paly. “I really hope that ... I’m going to be friends with people from different ethnicities and countries and stuff like that,” Moalla says. “I hope that when I go back home next year, I’m going to have a second family here.”

NOUR MOALLA VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 27

ANESSA ZENELHOXHA, a senior from Reggio Emilia, Italy, was excited to hear the news that she would be coming to Palo Alto, as her program placed her randomly. “I was really happy when they told me that my country was [the] United States,” Zenelhoxha says. Since arriving here, Zenelhoxha has noticed the many differences between her hometown and Palo Alto. “Yesterday, I was in downtown Palo Alto at 11 p.m. and there was nobody…,” Zenelhoxha says. “In Italy, I go out at 11 p.m. and I come back home at 4 a.m., or something like that.” While she was in Italy, all Zenelhoxha wanted to do was to travel the world, but now that she is here, she is noticing small things that she misses about home.

“Dinner over here is super early,” Zenelhoxha says. “In Italy, we spend an hour and 30 minutes eating dinner together.” She says that being an exchange student is strange, but she is slowly starting to get used to it. “It sometimes feels like I have been here for one year, but sometimes feels like I came here two days ago,” Zenelhoxha says. “Now that I’m here, I miss little things that I didn’t really value.” She plans to spend her time in California improving her English, meeting more people and visiting new places. “It’s simple to make friends with AFS exchange students because they are in my same situation so they can understand me — [but] I want to make American friends, and I hope that this experience will be part of me for all my life,” Zenelhoxha says.

VANESSA ZENELHOXHA DOUAA SHAMLY

OUAA SHAMLY is from Beirut, Lebanon and is currently a junior at Paly. For Shamly, her placement in Palo Alto was even less likely than some of the other exchange students. In addition to being placed in an American city by AFS, She was one of over 700 applicants for a scholarship that would allow one student to study in the U.S. for a year. Although Shamly was excited she won the scholarship, she did not know what to expect coming to the states. “I was really hoping to be in California ... I got the idea that Palo Alto is the boujee area,” Shamly says. “[But] It’s really different from back home. I had trouble getting used to the atmosphere here and the culture and [I’m] still adapting to it.” Unlike some of the other exchange students, Shamly’s school in Lebanon

28 OCTOBER 2019

teaches all subjects — except History — in English. She hopes to expand her horizons in Palo Alto and to experience everything that she possibly can. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can’t do it again,” Shamly says. In Lebanon, she does not have the freedom to pick her classes, so she enjoys being able to experiment in classes like Ceramics and Communications. She appreciates that most curriculum uses technology as opposed to the hand-writing that dominates back home. As thrilled as Shamly is to be having this experience, she still misses her family in Lebanon. “It’s really hard to be away from my family,” Shamly says. “[But] I’m getting to know different cultures and I’m glad I’m here.”

profiles

Juggling

BIKE BALANCING Jesse Wilen balances a bike on his chin near the Paly tower building. “When my brother was juggling and practicing cool tricks I was like, wow, I want to do that,” Wilen says. Photo by Zoë Wong-VanHaren

life with

Jesse Text by BEN COHEN

F YOU CAN BALANCE A bike on your chin, can you balance your time, too? While both might be seen as impossible feats, senior Jesse Wilen manages to do it all. At first glance, he might seem like the average student. Yet, he has been able to balance the rigor of Palo Alto life with success in many fields. Wilen is an avid musician, a stage

Musician’s Musings Among his many talents, music was Wilen’s first love. “I’ve been involved in music since the day I was born,” he says. Detailing his early music ventures, he explains that every child in his family had to pick up an instrument at an early age. After two violin lessons, he decided that violin wasn’t for him and picked up piano instead. He has gone from 15 minute piano lessons when he was little to being with the same teacher since he was five and even joined the choir scene when he was eight. Today, he continues to sing and play and has even added digital music production to his arsenal of musical talents.

audio enthusiast, and the president of the Juggling Club. “If you’re enjoying yourself but not killing yourself doing what you’re doing, go for it,” Wilen says. This never-ending perseverance balanced with optimism is what makes Wilen simply put, extraordinary. v

Savvy Stage Tech Wilen was introduced to the realm of theater at a much later age. “I wasn’t sure that I was going to do any theater in high school until I got there and a bunch of my friends were in it,” Wilen says. But it was not right away that he discovered his true passion was not on stage — they were behind it. “At the beginning I was taking Theater 1 and then after a semester, I realized that I didn’t want to take theater classes,” he says. “After that, I spent most of freshman year doing lighting and scenic work and at the end of freshman year, I realized I liked stage audio.” Since then, Wilen has managed the cables and connections required for a theater performance many-a-time and is now pursuing stage audio as a career choice. Along with theater, juggling entered Wilen’s life at the be-

Welcome to the Juggle ginning of his high school career. And as with music, he had a little bit of inspiration from his older brother, Henry. “I started trying to juggle when I was really little, Henry was in juggling club when he went to Paly,” Wilen recalls. “When he was doing his thing, I was like, wow, that’s cool, I want to do that.” It was only years after he watched his brother that Wilen rediscovered juggling. “During the freshman musical I was in, Beauty and the Beast, we would just constantly juggle backstage and that’s how I started out,” Wilen says. “A few days later, I found myself staying up until ridiculous hours practicing juggling and getting it down because I’m pretty competitive and wanted to get good fast.”

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MR. MISHALI SCIENCE TEACHER RETURNS TO PAUSD Text by KATHERINE CHENG and ANDIE TETZLAFF Art by SAMANTHA HO

“I

HAD A STUDENT who couldn’t say my name, and he called me ‘Mr. Marshali,’ Paly’s newest chemistry teacher, Michael Mishali, says. "Then one of his friends changed my name to ‘Sally’ and then ‘Salad.' 'Salad' stuck because another student named my classroom the Salad Bowl.” This is Mishali’s first year teaching at Palo Alto High School, but he is no stranger to the district. Before joining Paly’s staff, Mishali was a teacher at David Starr Jordan Middle School (now Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School), where he taught eighth grade science for four years, before taking two years off to travel. Mishali explains the story of his most common nickname amongst his new students as he sits at his table at the front of the classroom. Mishali’s new nickname also brought about another term, one used to describe his students. He warmly refers to his students as “croutons,” arguably one of the best parts of a salad. Next to Mishali is a small white water bottle with the face of Baymax, a character from the film “Big Hero 6.” The water bottle is smaller than his past students remember it to be, but holds the same iconic significance. “Baymax was just this sweet cuddly thing … I like what [he] represents,” Mishali says. “But [the original] Baymax is in retirement. He’s done so much. [And] nobody needs to walk around with a liter of water in an air-conditioned building.” Traveling abroad In his time off from working at the Palo Alto Unified School District, Misha-

30 OCTOBER 2019

THE SALAD BOWL Past and present students of Mr. Mishali often refer to him as ‘Salad,’ a name coined to him by a former student. Not only did students give Mishali a nickname, but they also created a name for the classroom. “One of my students [told me] we should call the classroom “the Salad Bowl,” Mishali says. Photo by Zoë Wong-VanHaren

li was given the incredible opportunity to [the student] said ‘You find home in peotravel around the world. His two year break ple, not places,’” Mishali says. “I really led him to several global destinations, from think that’s true because the best parts of hiking up a volcano in Bali to working on my trip were the times … when I was with a peach farm in Israel. Mishali also walked other people.” the Camino, a 500 mile trail across Spain with some of his friends: they backpacked New and old faces across the country for three months, during After his adventures abroad, Mishali which they stayed is back in the classin hostels. He was this time at ... I was able to ... learn room, also able to reunite the high school level. with his family in and respect him as a Not only does MishaLong Island, New teach dozens of new teacher but also con- listudents York, and even this year, but traveled to various nect with him. ” he is also able to reparts of the world unite with some of — HAILEY HWANG, junior with them by his his former Greene side. Reflecting on his trip, Mishali recalls students, as they are now high schoolers a quote from a former student. at Paly. Many of his past students attribute “When we were at Greene together, their academic and emotional success to

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profiles Mishali. “Mr. Mishali was really down to earth and he knew how to communicate with his students and be honest with them,” says junior Hailey Hwang, who was taught by Mr. Mishali in eighth grade. His teaching style allows students to have fun while gaining knowledge by organizing interactive lectures and fun learning activities. “He was really inspiring because I was able to learn and respect him as a teacher but also connect with him because he was able to have fun with us,” Hwang says. Mr. Mishali served as a role model to many other students besides Hwang, who continue to look up to him to this day. “I was doing really bad[ly] in middle school classes, and Mr. Mishali pulled me aside and talked to me about my grades and helped me succeed,” says David Evans, a junior and former student of Mr. Mishali. “He taught me that study habits are important and he was a good inspiration for me and that’s why I’m doing a lot better

now.” Many juniors and seniors from his eighth grade science class can still clearly remember many of the memories made in his classroom, from light-hearted pull-up contests to sitting through tearful precept lessons. Mr. Mishali made time to teach students important life skills through his monthly precept lessons. “At [Greene], once a month, I would do a lesson based on a quote … We would do some sort of activity and it would involve some sort of reflection about yourself,” he says. Precept lessons ranged from fun activities, such as writing a letter to a friend, to more serious issues. “Some of my favorite traditions in Mr. Mishali’s [class] were the mannequin challenge … finding Baymax around his room, and the pull-up contest,” junior Hyunah Roh says. “I especially liked the mannequin challenge because I feel like it brought classmates closer to each other and we were

CHEMISTRY LESSONS After four years as an eighth grade science teacher, Michael Mishali reflects on the similarities between the topics he covered from his years as a middle school teacher and the lessons he teaches now. “All the kinds of teaching today I touched upon in middle school, but I just get to go more in depth,” Mishali says. Photo by Ayelet Gamliel

able to create a tighter community.” “I want the kids to be more in touch with their emotions, and also to make the class feel like a safe place,” Mishali says. Though he is now at a different school, two years later, Mishali’s teaching style remains very similar. Riley Herron, a sophomore in his chemistry class, echoes the same sentiment as his former students. “It’s really fun; he makes the lessons more upbeat and adds humor,” she says. “In his teaching, he includes the whole class.” Middle to high school Similar to a student’s transition from middle to high school, a teacher’s role shifts as they are introduced to classes full of older pupils. Mishali emphasizes that teaching a high school chemistry course is very different from leading an eighth grade general science class. “We go so much faster, and we go deeper. But … the content is similar. All the kinds of teaching today I touched upon in middle school, but I just get to go much deeper,” he says. Just as the lessons are more concrete and in depth, students become more mature as they grow older, another difference Mishali has noticed in his new classroom environments. “In high school, When I say, ‘can everyone please put their phones away?’ they do,” Mishali says. And in middle school, I say ‘can everyone put their phones away?’ No one even heard that. No one hears me at all. That’s the difference.” Leaving the youthful behaviors of middle schoolers behind, Mishali now sits at the front of one of Paly’s science rooms, answering questions from energetic and curious sophomores during tutorial. Although his time abroad was thrilling, he says he is excited to return to teaching. Seeing his old students again and creating bonds with new students was something he couldn’t do while traveling the world. “I just missed having a place to be,” he says. “So it is good to be back.” v

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Text by KYLIE MIES and LAURA MALAGRINO

I n t h e B e l ly A HIDDEN COMMUNITY THAT PREVAILS AGAINST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

MEANING BEHIND THE MALA (LEFT) Junior Thomas McGall shows off his mala bead bracelets. With 108 beads, the bracelet helps the wearer focus and count mantras in sets of 108 repetitions. Photo by Myra Xu A DAY IN THE PARK (RIGHT) Youth Buddhist A ssociation Members Ryan Kawamura, Josh Tanaka, Thomas McGall and Gabby Tirsell chat at Mitchell park for the temple’s Sunday service. Photo by Laura Malagrino

N A LATE SUNDAY morning, members of the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple gather at the picnic tables of Mitchell Park. Children toss a frisbee in an open field while parents and grandparents prepare food and chat. On the tables are an assortment of vegetables, hamburgers, hotdogs and onigiri. This is Palo Alto’s Buddhist community: a small and welcoming temple that practices Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The Buddhist community is surrounded by common misconceptions that stem from a lack of western recognition. “Where a lot of other religions like Christianity are pretty customary and widely recognized as part of our culture in America, Buddhism is often seen as more foreign and alien,” president of the Youth Buddhist Association, junior Thomas Mcgall says. In fact, the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple is aiming to make Buddhism a more accessible religion in Palo Alto. “Our primary focus is to make Bud-

32 OCTOBER 2019

dhism, especially our Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism available to the wider community,” resident minister Reverend Koyama says.

According to Koyama, the temple’s large Japanese American population can be attributed to the anti-Asian discrimination that swept the United States post World War II. To create their own community About the temple away from the prejudice, Japanese families According to the Palo Alto Buddhist congregated at the Buddhist temple. Temple’s website, the Palo Alto Buddhist After the civil rights movement of the community was founded in 1914 when 1950s and 60s, Japanese Americans were a group of Buddhists from San Francisco able to integrate themselves more into local pitched the creation of communities, allowing a place for their faith Buddhist temples to in Palo Alto. The comexpand their congregaI’ve always been a munity started with Now, the temple Buddhist I just didn’t tion. small group services serves people from varin the comfort of each realize it until I was ious backgrounds. other’s homes, but as “We have potin my 30s.” the Buddhist populalucks [where we] invite — DON GEE, president of Palo Alto tion increased, it bepeople to share their Buddhist Temple came clear that there ethnic background by needed to be a temple bringing some of their where everyone could gather. As a result, own comfort and soul food,” Koyama says. the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple was built in The temple prides itself on its tight 1954. The resident minister of the temple, knit community. Palo Alto Buddhist TemReverend Koyama, has been in charge since ple President Don Gee has been attending June of 2013. the temple since 2000. Although he lives in

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profiles

Photos by LAURA MALAGRINO and MYRA XU

OF BUDDHISM Milpitas with closer options, Gee continues to practice at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple because of its friendly members and acceptance of all nationalities. Gee was able to learn and understand the Buddhist teachings better at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple. Other temples will often teach in another language. For Gee, this was a dealbreaker. “I need to hear the message in English in order for me to continue learning and most Chinese temples won’t,” Gee says. Youth in Buddhism The multicultural population of the Buddhist temple is exemplified in the teenage members that pride themselves as part of the Youth Buddhist Association. These teens create a bond that encourages a continued participation in temple. “We just go on trips to places like retreats,” McGall says. Many members started practicing Buddhism because of relatives, and they wished to find a community similar to the one they had been a part of back home. “They [my parents] were aware of Buddhism, but they weren’t Buddhist before they came,” YBA member Elena Atluri

says. “I think it was a way for my mom to individual level. feel more connected to her Japanese com“In Buddhism, people can have their munity.” own ideas and still gather at the same places McGall also became invested in YBA and go to the same temple,” McGall says. for its connection to the Japanese commuBuddhism can vary depending on the nity. For McGall, going to temple offers person, but because of the open communia lesson not only ty, anyone who idenin Buddhist printifies as Buddhist can Buddhism is often ciples but also in find a place to continJapanese culture. ue their practice. For seen as more foreign While this Gee, the Palo Alto and alien.” connection to herBuddhist temple dis— THOMAS MCGALL, President of YBA cusses the principles itage has brought in members to the he values most. He Palo Alto Buddhist found that Buddhism Temple, leadership at the temple is trying always resonated with him and always to expand its membership to more than just made him feel comfortable and welcomed. the Japanese community. They are hoping “The thing is, I’ve always been a Budto encompass a wider range of younger dhist I just didn’t realize it until I was in my members that will keep the temple and 30s,” Gee says. faith running for future generations. To acGee is not the only member of the Palo complish this, Gee hopes to reach out to Alto Buddhist Temple who feels this way. a youth community that will carry on the Atluri also found the temple through famfaith for future generations. ily, but overtime realized that it was more than just a religion. Buddhism to the individual “We’re not monks and we don’t shave The Palo Alto Buddhist Temple also our heads” Atluri says. “It’s not a cult. I encourages personal interpretation and think Buddhism is very applicable in our development of Buddhist faith on a more everyday lives.” v

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Art by Xiaohan Li

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 33

Alina A TARAToRin INSIDE THE WORLD OF A COMPETITIVE BALLERINA Text by MICHELLE KIM and GRACE LINDSTROM Photos by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN

S SHE POSES for pictures in the photo studio, every move she makes is graceful and delicate. Her arms float above her head and unhurried steps guide her body through the room. She poses for the camera shyly as though she has never been met with a public audience, but the hundreds of thousands of people who have watched her performances on YouTube beg to differ. 17-year-old Alina Taratorin, a senior at Palo Alto High School, leads a busy life as an aspiring ballerina. A three-time winner of the World Ballet Competition, Taratorin is more than just a casual dancer; she competes in local and regional ballet competitions and has trained tirelessly for performances since she was in elementary school. “I started [ballet] when I was six. My sister did ballet when she was little … [and] I [wanted] to be just like her,” Taratorin says. “We put on these little shows for my mom, so [she] decided to take me to classes.” When she began classes at Bayer Ballet in Redwood City, California, the dance community immediately clicked with Taratorin; she still trains there today over 10 years after her first lesson. It’s easy to assume that with a sport as competitive as ballet, time commitments and pressure from teammates can create a stressful environment for young athletes. Taratorin, however, maintains a positive outlook about the sport. “[Though] dance is very competitive

DAZZLING DANCER Alina Taratorin has been dancing since she was six years old. “[I] used to put on little shows for my mom,” she says.

34 OCTOBER 2019

and people get competitive over the small- dination… . She’s an artist.” est things, I feel like where I train, that’s Professionals from around not it at all,” Taratorin says. “We’re all very the world have recognized good friends and really respect strengths both her dedication to ballet and weaknesses, so I feel and unique very comfortable.” talent. TarEven while running Every time I make atorin was an Instagram account this it on stage, it’s as if selected with over 12,000 followyear as a comnothing exists [be- petitor for the ers, balancing homework, completing college apPrix de Laussides me]. .... These 2020 plications and practicanne in Switzerland, a moments are what prestigious internationing ballet for more than three hours every day, ballet competition for keep me going alskilled Taratorin’s good time young dancers. [when I dance].” management keeps stress “[Being chosen for at bay and prevents work the Prix is] like making from piling up. the Olympics,” Bayer — ALINA TARATORIN, Before becoming a says. senior and professional ballerina busy high school student While training for and focusing her time this competition, Taraoutside of class on ballet, Taratorin formed torin is completing her class credits and will an early connection with music as an art apply for college early. After high school, form. In earlier years, she was a dedicated she hopes to spend a gap year focusing on pianist; she won multiple piano competi- ballet and planning the rest of her educations, performed at Carnegie Hall and re- tional years around how her ballet career ceived an invitation to tour Russia in rec- progresses. ognition of her talent. Though she chose to “Every time I make it on stage, it’s as only pursue ballet as the demands on her if nothing exists. ... I’m not really conscious time grew, music is still a core part of Tara- until the second I run into the stage wings, torin’s life and has contributed to her sense catching my breath,” Taratorin says about of music and rhythm. her dance performances. “These moments “What makes her unique is that she are what keep me going. ... When I go out has extremely good musicality … and how [on stage], ... I feel like I am somewhere she feels music,” Inna Bayer, director of unreachable by anyone else: my individual Bayer Ballet, says. “She has excellent coor- version of heaven.” v

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BAYER BALLERINA Taratorin has been dancing with Bayer Ballet since the beginning of her dance career. “What makes her unique is that she has extremlely good musicality,” Inna Bayer, director of Bayer Ballet, says.

“When I [start dancing], I feel like I am somewhere else: my individual version of heaven.” — ALINA TARATORIN, senior and professional ballerina

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Photos by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN and HALLIE FAUST

Text by AUDREY KERNICK and ZOË WONG-VANHAREN

TRIBUTE TO A TRIBUTE

NEW STUDENT GROUP HONORS OSCAR’S BAND

36 OCTOBER 2019

profiles

HE STUDENTS WHO made Oscar’s Band Tribute Band Tribute up Oscar’s Band two years ago Band was formed by juniors Alex Washhave come and gone, and the burn, Bryant Sid, Bowman Wingard, same can be said for Oscar’s Benny McShea, David Snyder, David Band Tribute Band, whose members grad- Evans, Declan Greicius, Jasuated last spring. But out of the ashes rises per Ahrends, Owen Rice, a new group of students ready to keep the Phela Durosinmi and band alive. Oscar’s Band Tribute Band Trib- Wesley Perlman during ute Band plans to keep the iconically zany, the summer of 2019. funny and strange musical performances of Already a close-knit their predecessors alive, providing humor- group of friends, the ous entertainment to the Palo Alto High cast of outgoing boys School student body at the many Quad now spend even music festivals. Students familiar with Os- more time together car’s Band rejoiced over Oscar’s Band Trib- because of the new ute Band, a group of Class of 2019 students band. willing to perform in the spirit of Oscar’s “It’s all about the friendBand. Now, a similar overtaking has begun, ship,” Rice says. this time with students from the Class of Washburn has a lon2021 paying respect to Oscar’s Band Trib- ger history with OBTB ute Band. than the majorThe original Oscar’s Band was formed ity of his by Paly graduate Oscar Scherer and his friends. Soon, the band made a name for itself, with stunts ranging from hitting a deli meat slicer to playing a didgeridoo. friends, having been “They revolutionized what it meant to a member of OBTB be a band and created an environment of alongside his older brother, Lucas Washinclusivity, spontaneity and jams,” alumna burn. Angie Cummings says. The commitment to tradition is eviIn the same vein as Oscar’s Band, dent — they are already looking for underOBTB, founded in 2018, cultivated a sim- classmen to succeed them. ilar sort of following, many students mak“It’s a tradition,” Snyder says. “Paly ing a point of attending without Oscar’s Band their performances for It’s all about the is like Paly without silly costumes and slipschool.” n-slide action. They per- friendship.” It iss clear from — OWEN RICE, sophomore their first performance formed at events outside of school as well, once of the year at Quadside even putting on a show at Henry M. Gunn Lands in late September that OBTBTB is High School campus for a prom propos- ready to take spirit to the max. Decked out al. Alas, the students of OBTB graduated, in construction vests, Halloween costumes, and amidst the grief of yet another loss of a ski goggles and helmets, the boys dove into wonderful student band, a valiant group of covers of “Low Rider” by War, “Hey Joe” friends has stood up to fill the void. by Jimi Hendrix and “Are You Gonna Be

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My Girl” by Jet. With a plethora of instruments, including two drum sets, a trumpet and a guitar, OBTBTB jammed while sliding on a slip-n-slide and having pushup competitions. The third generation of Oscar’s legacy is not worried about living up to past Oscar’s Band and OBTB performances, and are instead focused on enjoying their time playing together. “The more fun we have, the more fun the crowd has,” Wingard says. While the group was happy with their first perform a n c e overall, they are already thinking about the future. “I think it went well, but it also could have been better,” Wingard says. Even with technical failures including a miwcrophone volume error and unforeseen complications such as the whipped cream they planned to use being stolen, OBTBTB was still able to provide a high energy set regardless. “No doubt it’s getting bigger and better from here,” McShea says. “To give you a taste: panini maker on stage.” OBTBTB has the potential to create its own following, and to take the band in an original direction while also paying homage to their predecesors. With a year’s worth of OBTBTB performances to look forward to, the future of Paly music is looking bright and lively. “It gives us a lot to look forward to,” Greicius says, “We love it.” v

Art by DECLAN GREICIUS

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NEW APP CRAZE Text by ANDIE TETZLAFF and RYAN SETO Art by SAMANTHA HO

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HY YOU SO obsessed with me,” Palo Alto High School junior Victoria Soulodre hums to herself as she records another take for her next video she plans to upload on social media platform TikTok. Her goal for the video is for it to receive tens of thousands of views and likes in order to maintain her growing following. It’s no secret that Generation Z kids are obsessed with accumulating attention on social media. TikTok, previously named Musical.ly, is an iOS and Android video application created for users to watch and create a multitude of videos ranging from lip-syncs to comedy pieces. Similar to Instagram, TikTok has an algorithmically generated feed of videos that automatically refreshes anytime a user opens the app. Recently, TikTok has taken the internet by storm with 180 million downloads in 155 countries and a 70% increase in downloads over the past year. TikTok’s abrupt rise in popularity has created a new battleground in the long-debated issue of social media addiction, which is extremely relevant in the heart of Silicon Valley. Both Palo Alto High School and Henry M. Gunn High School are ranked among the top public high schools in the state. These schools have a reputation of success while also compounding the stress from the competitive aura that Silicon Valley holds. Many anxious students look for opportunities to release tension and stress, and TikTok gives them an outlet to take a quick break to make a fun video with friends. Similar to other social media platforms, TikTok serves users of all ages, but their primary consumers are teens and young adults. People from all over the world share, create, and laugh over these

38 OCTOBER 2019

culture profiles Additional Reporting by ANTONIA MOU

To hear the full podcast starring TikTok famous Paly students Ruthie Roach and Victoria Soulodre, visit KPLY, Paly’s Radio on Soundcloud and Spotify! 15-second videos, making TikTok a plat- TikTok brings when it comes to being form where people can bond and con- productive. nect with each other. “I’ll have to put my phone away “It’s [TikTok] a platform where you while doing homework because, if not, can just have fun and joke around,” Sou- I’ll open the app and just start scrolling lodre said. through it. And then you just get sucked Occasionally, creators of these short in and time passes super quickly while videos are awarded massive amounts you’re on it,” Soulodre said. of recognition for posting content that These anecdotes support the idea appeals to TikTok’s general audience. A that social media and technology in genvideo’s popularity on TikTok is purely eral is hurting our generation. dependant on the As social media users of the app. If platforms get more someone watches a You just keep scroll- and more popular, video that they enviews and likes bejoy, they can like, ing then you realize come more valuable. comment and share, Ever since Souwhich makes it show lodre gained online you’ve been watchup more on the For popularity, her need You Pages worldto appeal to her larger ing videos for an wide. audience has grown as If a generally well. hour and a half.” popular producer There are many has enough followTikTok stars who fall –LULU GAITHER, class of 2019 ers and likes, it’s posoff and in order to sible they can even maintain her followmake money for vider and like count, she eos that they post, which is the goal of has to think carefully about what she is TikTok creators. posting. TikTok can be seen as a stress-relief “For me it started off as posting in outlet for many of its users, however, this order to make my friends laugh and so brings to light the issue of social media we could laugh at each other and just addiction. make fun of it,” Soulodre said. “But Taking a break from work is a neces- then it started gaining an audience and sary part of studying, but “short breaks” then that’s when I started thinking that I can turn into hours spent making and had to make them laugh too.” watching TikToks. People from all around the world Junior Lulu Gaither uses her expe- have downloaded TikTok as a way to rience in order to warn against excessive connect with others. The platform, howTikTok use. ever, can also turn into an unhealthy so“You just keep scrolling then you re- cial media habit. alize you’ve been watching videos for an “TikTok gives me an outlet to take a hour and a half, “Gaither said. break from my stressful life, but at times Many students who use the app are it can feel like I’m getting sucked into starting to notice the distraction that the digital world,” said Gaither. v

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Paly TikTok stars These three Paly students have utilized TikTok to accumulate a significant following

Lulu Gaither (junior)

Victoria Soulodre (junior)

Sebastian Chancellor (sophomore)

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THE TROUBLE

PALY’S CONTROVERSIAL PAST WITH SCHOOL SPIRIT

FTER 12 YEARS of school, senior year marks the end of students’ first chapter in life. At Palo Alto High School, this means a year filled with classic traditions: camouflaged clothing, Spirit Week victories, future planning and heartfelt goodbyes. With Paly’s history spanning just over a hundred years, countless traditions have come and gone while others are still celebrated today. These traditions, however, have not existed without controversy and debate, and many argue they should be scrapped entirely. Camouflage controversy On the first day of school, the senior tradition of wearing camouflage-patterned clothing makes its annual debut. In a sea of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, seniors emerge dressed in identical camouflage pants, a symbol of their final year of high school. According to math teacher and Paly alumnus Arne Lim, camouflage was a Spirit

Week theme one year for the senior class. tradition, especially since I’m the Senior Since then, seniors have continued wearing Class President.” camouflage, expanding the tradition out of Rivera says it is up to each individual Spirit Week and into other significant dates to decide whether they want to wear camin the school year, such as the first and last ouflage, and day of school, as she respects inwell as some foot- I’m not a particular fan of it dividuals who ball games. choose not to This tradi- [camouflage] because I think follow that tration, however, dition. it’s representative of war has become a reThe final cent topic of de- and guns. day of Spirit — FRIDA RIVERA, senior class president bate due to the Week, where pattern’s original students are function as war attire. Senior Class Pres- encouraged to dress in green in white to ident Frida Rivera says she felt conflicted show school spirit, has created mixed opinover participating in the long-standing tra- ions with many seniors opting to wear camdition, but ultimately decided to wear camouflage instead. ouflage on the first day of school. “I see militarism,” Hall says. “I see “I’m not a particular fan of it [camou- camouflage. But Paly’s colors are not brown, flage] because I think it’s representative of green, olive and whatever the [camo] colwar and guns,” Rivera says. “But I felt like I ors are. Paly’s colors are green and white. I wasn’t in a position where I should be pre- would like to see all four classes dress up in venting other people from continuing this green and white.”

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Senior Traditions in Paly History Collected from the Paly yearbook “Madrono” and “The Campanile” archives

1927

In the 1920’s and 30’s, traditions included a Junior-Senior Dance, a theater production featuring a cast of seniors, Senior Week, the Senior Picnic, and a program with senior stunts as well as a commencement dance.

40 OCTOBER 2019

1989 Float building and traditional Paly Spirit Week themes, like seniors dressing up as seniors citizens, hold strong in the 1980s.

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WITH TRADITIONS Text by ANTONIA MOU and LAURA MALAGRINO Egg Wars Another longtime Paly senior tradition is Egg Wars, a night where seniors and juniors face off by throwing raw eggs at each other. Egg Wars takes place off-campus, at a location chosen by members of the senior class. It is not an acitvity endorsed by the Paly administration or the Associated Student Body, but students participate regardless. No real winner is announced, since the night often ends with the police showing up to threaten arrest. Despite this, many students believe Egg Wars is a rite of passage for upperclassmen — a kind of class-bonding activity. One such person is Paly alumna Jane, whose name has been changed due to her participation in illegal activity. Jane attended Egg Wars in both her junior and senior year at Paly. “It was fun because it had a sense of comradery,” Jane says. “But it was never really worth it.”

1999

Though Jane felt a sense of community, she ultimately decided that the event was a waste of her time. One issue Jane had was people failing to respect the implicit rules. For example, students brought items such as firecrackers to throw alongside the eggs or freezing eggs. Despite Egg Wars being considered as a classic senior tradition, it is not a harmless one. Besides the potential injury for students participating in the event, those living in the area near Egg Wars also face property damage. Residents wake up to cracked egg shells and yolks splattered on sidewalks, houses and even cars. Dried egg yolk can strip paint off of cars and stain exteriors, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage. The broken eggs left in parks chosen for Egg Wars can also harm the health of children, dogs and wildlife. In 2009, a notorius Egg Wars incident enveloped Paly in controversy. On Oct. 27, students had moved Egg Wars to Henry M. Gunn High School after being kicked out

Art by XIAOHAN LI and ANTONIA MOU of Stanford University by campus police. Students then left Gunn covered in cracked eggs, which were found the next morning by Gunn students who were still mourning the recent loss of a student to suicide. According to a 2010 Palo Alto Online article, the Oct. 27 Egg War damaged Gunn’s new track, scoreboards and pool deck, requiring a professional cleanup at a cost of $3,200. The actions of the estimated 200 participants led to a major crackdown back at Paly. The school’s administration halted a lunchtime rally and announced the termination of Spirit Week along with a detailed investigation of students suspected of participating in the event. Soon after, admin

Streaking and camouflage were traditions in the 1990’s, covered by The Campanile and Madrono in their respective senior sections. The Campanile article above reports that, “No one had streaked the Quad. If anyone were going to do it, it was going to be Joe. And at brunch on Thursday, May 27 he did it.”

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 41

istration handed down a mass suspension to all students they found to be involved, which led to a sit-in of the Tower Building. The suspensions were later rescinded due to community backlash. Streaking Just before the Class of 2020 entered Paly as freshmen, former Principal Kim Diorio began cracking down on the decades long tradition of streaking on campus. According to a 1996 article by The Campanile, streaking as a tradition began in the early 1990s, when a student ran naked across the football field during a rally. Paly alumna Esme Stotland from Paly Class of 2019 recalled that during her first Spirit Week at Paly, a student ran across the field completely nude and covered only by a mask. “We all just thought it was funny,” Stotland says. Hall, on the other hand, found the tradition to be offensive and problematic to children, parents and teachers alike. “It’s horrible,” Hall says. “I’m glad it went away. And so is every other teacher on this campus. And so is every parent and every other parent whose child was affected by it.”

Streaking effectively came to an end in 2016 when Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson enforced suspensions for all who participated in the tradition. Various issues, such as religious concerns, sexual harassment and overall disfavor from students were publicized to the student body to prevent any other attempts from occuring. The crackdown was successful, and according to Berkson, Paly has not seen a streaker in three years. Making new traditions As certain senior traditions fade away, new ones are being created. In the past few years, traditions like painting the senior deck, senior no-pants day, the wall of college rejections and the paper toss on the final day of school have found their way into Paly culture. As seniors celebrate their last year of high school, underclassmen and juniors wait in anticipation for their senior year filled with camouflage and domination. Throughout Paly’s history, many traditions have blown through campus. Although some have been controversial, it can be argued that the best part of Paly culture is the class-uniting acitvities, creating an outlet for fun in the midst of high school stress. v

Do you think camouflage is a positive or negative tradition?

*Statistics regarding Paly students were collected via a September survey of 182 students in English classes (one English 9A, Film Composition, AAR, three English 10A, two AP Lang). The survey was conducted online, the responses were anonymous and students were provided with the option to optout for any reason. Statistics by KAYLA BRAND Infographic by ZACH DONAKER

Photo courtesy of Ashley Hitchings

Photo courtesy of Madrono

Photo by Antonia Mou

Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Ho

2000s - now

Photo courtesy of Madrono

SENIOR SPIRIT Current senior traditions include paper toss (top left), painting the senior deck (top center), senior no-pants day (bottom right), senior ditch day and classic Spirit Week games like Tug of War (bottom left) and Hula Hoop Chain (right).

42 OCTOBER 2019

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RIP ARTHUR

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EUPHORIA’s GEN Z DEFINED BY DRUGS, TECH AND IDENTITY

“T

HE FOLLOWING contains violence, nudity and sexual content that may be disturbing to viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.” This stark message greets viewers as they begin to watch an episode of HBO’s “Euphoria”. The message is foreboding, but necessary, as each of the following 45-minute episodes unpack themes that are controversial and shocking. Accentuated by sparkly makeup and shrouded in electronic cigarette smoke, the show follows teens in a Los Angeles suburb exploring their personal character arcs as well as the chaos that ensues when they tangle together. By holding up a mirror to the thornier aspects of youth culture, “Euphoria” creates a space that removes the stigma commonly attached to the topics covered. From drug abuse to exploring personal gender and sex-

44 OCTOBER 2019

ual identity, to minors using technology to all of the show’s characters — each person is share and subsequently be threatened with complex and three dimensional, with each their own intimate photos, “Euphoria” action clearly driven by their individual exbrings awareness to a plethora of modern periences. teenage trials and tribulations. “Sobriety has a way of allowing a perFirst aired in the beginning of the son to begin to realize that the things that summer, “Euphoria” has garnered wide- you do have consequences for the people spread attention from the very audience that love you,” Levinson said in an interthat it portrays: high schoolers. Themes and view on HBO. storylines that occur in “Euphoria,” such as At the beginning of each episode, a addiction and struggles with mental health, specific piece of an individual’s backstowere pulled from creator Sam Levinson’s ry is revealed. Each of the eight episodes own experiences as a show the main plot teen. Those experiences from each of the charassisted him in writing “It [‘Euphoria’] acters’ points of view. a believable depiction doesn’t shame peo- The nonlinear way of the struggles that the each episode is filmed main character Rue Ben- ple going through can cause temporary net, played by Zendaya, viewer confusion, but things.” goes through. contribute heavily to — MONICA JEON, Paly senior A high school juthe unique and breathnior, Rue uses drugs as a way to cope with taking cinematography that has become the her obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety show’s signature style. and bipolar disorder. As she goes through Over the course of the show, Rue’s rehab and then relapses, “Euphoria” slowly relationship with Jules Vaughn, played by explains Rue’s backstory and explores her Hunter Schafer, is what inspires her to try struggles with mental illness. her best to stay clean. Jules is a girl who reViewers can connect with and under- cently moved to town, and she uses techstand people who go through similar dark nology to participate in “hook-up culture.” times in real life. The same goes for nearly However, things end up going awry and she

“

EFFECT has to deal with the threat of personal pictures being leaked. The “Euphoria” script was also inclusive in terms of transgender character representation. This version of queer storytelling differs from the typical coming-out story arc to one where trans characters’ gender is not their only personality trait. The actress who plays Jules is trans, and the way Jules is written was refreshing to her. “It was really cool to witness a young trans girl realizing that she does not have to be attached to this certain route of receiving affirmation,” Schafer said during an interview with MTV News. “Jules’ arc is also something that I haven’t really seen on TV before in the way that we’ve done it on ‘Euphoria.’” The show highlights overlooked issues teenagers experience such as unplanned pregnancies, abusive relationships and intrafamilial conflict.

culture

Text by MIA BALDONADO and KATE MILNE Art by SAMANTHA HO

After watching “Euphoria,” Paly students have varying opinions on the show and its accuracy to teenage life. “There are parties and stuff but I don’t think a lot of people do hard drugs. I’m not sure about the online dating part — the people I’m friends with don’t really do that,” senior Sam Pao said. Other students think that while certain activities portrayed in “Euphoria” do sometimes happen, they are overly dramatized for entertainment purposes. Paly junior Helena Krstic says she felt as though the show walks the line between reality and fabrication. “I feel like it did portray underlying ideas in high school life, but lots of aspects are also very exaggerated,” Krstic said. While the show might not be extremely accurate when it comes to showcasing day-to-day high school life, “Euphoria” does help to dismantle the stigma around

mental health and addiction by walking the audience through some of the less discussed aspects of mental illnesses. Paly Senior Monica Jeon appreciated the compassionate stance writers took. “It [‘Euphoria’] doesn’t shame people going through things,” Jeon said. “Often, shows will either show drugs as a cool thing or something for aesthetics.” While sometimes dramatized or blown out of proportion, the fact that a show like this exists provides solidarity for teens struggling through similar things today. “I think it [“Euphoria”] does more good than harm because it can give a wake up call to people so they can be aware, because stuff like that is actually happening in the real world and they don’t have to go through these things,” Krstic said. “Also, it’s good because if you are going through these things because you can see that you’re not alone.” v

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TASTES

GINGER

Text by KYLIE MIES

Art by SAMANTHA HO

46 OCTOBER 2019

culture

BROCKHAMPTON: QUANTITY OVER QUALITY?

LUE, GREEN AND RED LIGHTS shone on the crowd in the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. The fans, who had been jumping and dancing to the music just minutes before, were now swaying and hugging each other. The crowd whispersed “Who got the feeling? Tell me why I cry when I feel it,” as the screen behind the stage projected the faces of the audience. Different ages, genders and backgrounds all came together to sing a song that meant something special to each of them. This is the community Brockhampton creates. Brockhampton, a rap collective from San Marcos, Texas, are the epitome of Gen Z. Its 13 members are from varying backgrounds, but have come together to create music that appeals to an audience as diverse as the band. The self proclaimed “world’s best boy band” has produced a staggering five albums in the last three years, with their latest, “GINGER”, released on Aug. 23. After Brockhampton’s successful “SATURATION” album trilogy, they signed a $15 million deal with RCA records for six albums over three years. Two months after signing, Brockhampton announced on their social media that member Ameer Vann — an essential part of the group with a distinct flow — left the group due to sexual misconduct allegations against him. Vann’s sudden departure amidst a quick-paced record deal called into question whether Brockhampton favors quality or quantity in their newest music. When Brockhampton came out with their first album after the RCA signing, “Iridescence”, quantity ruled. Hopeful fans were expecting the album to be a resurgence after the loss of Vann, but the album felt incomplete and it failed to address the Vann situation. However, this was greatly improved upon in this year’s “GINGER”. Compared to their previous albums, which included hype songs with witty rhymes and catchy choruses, “GINGER” is more mature, centered around a theme of sadness, personal experiences and Vann’s departure. The album starts with three stellar songs: “NO HALO”, “SUGAR” and “BOY BYE”.

The acoustic guitar and bass beat behind rap verses in “NO HALO” smoothly transition to featured Deb Never’s breathy chorus, providing ambient tones. The song captures a “moody” energy that is relatable to many sleepless nights. “SUGAR”, the most popular song in the album, has a beautiful chorus and powerful verses that talk about missing a special person. “BOY BYE” does a seamless job of using all of the members’ unique voices in a single track, creating a smooth flowing song. Unlike these three songs, the rest of the album is more story driven rather than melody driven. Tracks like “DEARLY DEPARTED” exemplify this approach to songwriting: it has three verses from different members about how they each coped with Vann’s absence. The song “GINGER” is deeply depressing, with lyrics like “Tell me, goddamn, what God made me for?” and “You still think I’m a joke ... I still think I’m a joke.” Because the “SATURATION” albums in 2018 came out with only months in between, Brockhampton fans had been spoiled with good music and little wait time. Raj Sodhi, a Palo Alto High School senior and listener of Brockhampton since 2017, thinks the changes have caused the group to lose their way. “Their whole thing about being super diverse, and how Kevin [the leader] is gay, that sort of new American, that’s why they call themselves the all-American boy band,” Sodhi said. “Then they went to London and recorded ‘Iridescence’. That doesn’t fit with their brand. Them creating YouTube videos in their backyard, that’s American. Them going on Beats One in London? That’s not Brockhampton.” When it comes to the question of whether Brockhampton is valuing quantity over quality, responses are mixed. The answer seems to sway to quantity because of their record deal of six albums over three years, but the quality of the songs in “GINGER” are still similiar to earlier albums, and definitely worth a listen. v

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Text by NAOMI BONEH and GRACE LINDSTROM

Photo by NAOMI BONEH

Morsey’s Creamery FIRST WATER BUFFALO MILK GELATERIA IN AMERICA OPENS

“I

WAS BORN IN A COUNTRY where the water buffalo is predominantly used as the source of milk ... I was really surprised to find out that nobody really appreciated that or even had that [here],” says creamery owner Kal Morsey, an immigrant from Egypt. “So I decided that I wanted to make a difference.” Morsey’s Creamery, located at 125 University Ave., is the latest addition to more than six ice cream shops already situated downtown. Banners hung outside invite passersby, reading “NOW OPEN: Free Sample — Gelato,” and the creamery logo, a green buffalo, is displayed throughout the store. With sleek walls and few counters, the interior is minimalist-yet-welcoming, designed solely for the purpose of serving gelato. What sets Morsey’s gelato apart from its neighbors is its use of water buffalo milk. Kal and his wife, Yulia Morsey, own a water

buffalo farm near Sacramento, where they says with a laugh. have about 300 water buffalo. They also Inside the creamery, Kal is happy to prioritize the freshness of their products, hand out samples or explain the story beand source ingredients such as fruits and hind his ice cream, establishing a friendly chocolates both locally and organically. atmosphere in the shop. While the creamThe Morseys already own a restaurant ery is already more than appealing, he hopes in Los Altos, Morsey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, to balance and improve its quality in the futhat is also based on water buffalo prod- ture. ucts, but after realizing they had a surplus “We’re not at our best yet because we of water buffalo milk, they decided to open just opened up a few weeks ago, but as a gelato shop. They we go further we’ll chose Palo Alto as the know the right tem[Palo Alto] could be the location to open their perature and the new business, believ- starting point of buffaright recipes,” Kal ing there was somesays. lo milk.” thing unique to intro- — KAL MORSEY, Morsey’s Creamery Owner Although the duce to residents and shop offers a pleththat the area would ora of fresh flavors, help them increase the exposure of water Kal’s favorite is milk cream, made with just buffalo products. plain milk. “In my opinion, Palo Alto is the start“And you know why? Because my faing point of everything,” Kal says. “It was ther told me — and I wish to pass this to the starting point of the internet, it was you — sometimes less is more,” he says. the starting point of the smartphone, “The most simple thing is that it’s nature, and could be the starting point of buffalo it’s very natural, without any flavors.” milk.” Verde took a trip to Morsey’s Creamery According to the United States De- to try the ice cream for ourselves. v partment of Agriculture, water buffalo milk has more protein and iron than tra- Gelato Classico — Milk Cream ($5.50) ditional cow’s milk, as well as less sugar Morsey’s gelato comes in a large flowand cholesterol, giving it greater health er-shaped cup, and a single scoop is more benefits. As a result, ice cream made from than enough for one person. Thick, creamy buffalo milk enhances flavors in Morsey’s and not too sweet, the milk cream gelato is gelato — including gianduja, passion- anything but plain and has a natural taste fruit, dark chocolate, raspberry and man- that makes it just as delectable as any other go — and allows customers to fully appre- flavor. ciate the original, creamy taste of gelato. “It’s a very healthy product — it’s Gelato Classico — Raspberry ($5.50) much healthier than cow-made products. As Kal explained, there is no sticky afYou notice when you don’t have any af- tertaste usually associated with sweet treats. tertaste in your mouth, and you don’t The raspberry flavor has a delicious, clear have this sugary feeling. But of course, and fruity taste, with bits of raspberry disice cream is never really that healthy,” Kal persed throughout the gelato.

“

GENUINE GELATO With a distinct texture, a scoop of raspberry gelato is slightly less sweet than regular ice cream, and neither overpowering nor artifical. “[It’s] my pleasure when I see people enjoying the ice cream,” Kal says.

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culture Text by AVERY HANNA and TIM HUNG

Art by FAUSTINE WANG

DISNEY’S DILEMma

A BELOVED FILM COMPANY’S NEW DIRECTION

TORIES HAVE THE AMAZING ABILITY to whisk us into another realm. They open doors we didn’t know existed and guide us through worlds both foreign and familiar. We only have one pair of eyes through which we see the world, but these stories give us thousands of different perspectives. The Walt Disney Company has been bringing these tales to life for 96 years with the film-makers molding characters that capture our hearts and make us fall in love. We all have some part of Disney that we hold dear, be it movie nights, playing dress-up or the churros at Disneyland Park. But now, many argue that rather than nurturing that affection, Disney is taking advantage of it, as the corporation rolls out one remake after another and advertises a new streaming service. Disney started as a company founded by brothers Walter “Walt” Disney and Roy Disney in a quest to create something new. The company’s creativity gifted us the classics we’ve come to love: movies where princesses meet dwarfs, mermaids meet sea witches and beasts meet talking spoons. Understandably, Disney’s goal as a company is to make a profit, but their original priority was innovation. In fact, Disney initially struggled with financial issues as Walt Disney pushed to continually improve the quality of the films. The company has since grown into the Disney of today: a corporation that holds an influential position as the owner of many of the major film companies that dominate our screens such as Pixar, Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm. Because of this, Disney movies have a profound impact on our culture, and changes in the company engender changes in our society. Remake remorse Disney has the power to share new perspectives and challenge stereotypes, as was done with gender

roles in “Mulan” and “Frozen” by making the main characters, Mulan and Anna, the true heroines of their respective stories instead of the classic damsel in distress. Similar to the way they explain the importance of honesty, courage and respect in “Pinnochio,” Disney can, and has, used its films to spread new messages about morals as well. There is still so much more material Disney could create, but with the recent line of live-action remakes, such as “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”, and with “Mulan” and “The Little Mermaid” in the works, people are divided over whether Disney is breathing new life into old stories or snuffing out the magic of the originals. Palo Alto High School junior Anna Hickey, who grew up watching Disney classics, suggests that Disney’s new era of live-action remakes represents a turn for the worse. “Their stories are really interesting and fun and exciting and it [Disney] was a big thing for me as a kid — it was a big part of my childhood,” Hickey said. “And now that they’re doing remakes it’s kind of just disappointing.” Money motivation For some, the remakes are simply frustrating as they don’t seem to bring anything new to the table. Yet Disney continues along this path which many attribute to the fact that the remakes are a guaranteed way to rake in money. “Typically remakes already have a set target audience who will be expected to see the film and bring in ticket sales,” Paly Film Composition teacher Alanna Williamson said. Looking at box office sales, this does seem to be the case. Remakes including “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin” each brought in over a billion dollars internationally in box office earnings, with “The Lion King” being the highest at 1.6 billion. Recent originals “Inside Out,” “Coco” and “Moana” brought in 860 million, 810 million and 640 million respectively.

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But there is more to consider than money. These originals had Rotten Tomatoes ratings in the high 90s while the remakes were in the 50s, showing the more positive response to the originals than to the remakes. Sophia Cummings, a Paly sophomore, points out that the magic of Disney comes from innovation and, in a remake, this essential aspect is lost. “It is disappointing because growing up, every movie I would see would be this new, creative story,” Cummings said. “I feel like Disney is getting kind of cheap by just remaking their old ideas.” Righting past wrongs However, what some see as a crutch, others view as an opportunity for growth and reconciliation. Paly junior Andy Wang believes that there are benefits to remaking movies decades later, when initial audiences have grown and cultural settings have shifted. “The remakes bring back nostalgic feelings of when we watched them when we were young,” Wang said. “And at the same time, they provide viewers with a more modern interpretation.” Remakes give Disney the opportunity to right past wrongs with plot modifications that cut out the cultural insensitivity and sexism that is evident in some of the company’s original films. Examples include the description of the Middle East as “barbaric” in the original “Aladdin,” and Disney princesses being portrayed as little more than pretty faces awaiting a princely rescue. Disney is also able to increase the diversity of characters within the new films. For example, Halle Bailey, an African-American singer and actress, has been cast as Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” and in the remake of “Beauty and the Beast,” Disney introduced Lefou, Gaston’s sidekick, as the first openly gay Disney character. “I think remakes can be an awesome way to retell stories in a way that includes marginalized voices that may have been

50 OCTOBER 2019

intentionally or accidentally left out of the original narratives,” Williamson said. Technological talent In addition to incorporating underrepresented perspectives and careful editing of original plots to make them more culturally sensitive, the remakes show off the amazing technology Disney has developed in the years since its original classics. “We now have the capabilities to make previously only imagined situations possible with real actors, so things don’t have to be animated to be fantastical,” Williamson said. “The Lion King” remake shocked many with its lifelike animation. Some like Williamson believe that this realism helps bridge the gap between remakes and the movies on the screen, helping to invite that magic into our own world. The happiest place on Earth While there was debate over the remakes, the Disney dilemma extends beyond this single issue. In his creation of Disneyland, Walt Disney hoped to create a magical place for people of all ages to experience his stories brought into our world. Today, however, that experience comes at a steep price. The cost of admission rose in early 2019, with the price of a one-day adult peak ticket rising from $135 to $149 and with the annual pass, granting access to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, increasing from $1,579 to $1,949. Prices were raised across the board, illustrating the trend of Disney increasing money making efforts. New frontiers Disney will also be opening up yet another source of revenue through a new streaming service, Disney Plus, which will become available in November. The platform will provide access to much of Dis-

ney’s domain, including Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars movies, as well as the animated classics. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the service will come at a relatively cheap price of $6.99 a month. However, it means that access to the companies’ products will be restricted since they will be pulled off of other streaming platforms. The Disney of our parents’ generation is certainly different from the Disney of today, which calls into question what lies in its future. Perhaps the classics will be all but forgotten, overshadowed by hyper-realistic remakes. Perhaps Disney will take on even more industries, expanding beyond film, beyond amusement parks, beyond streaming, into whatever domain it wishes to conquer. Or perhaps Disney will return to its roots of whimsical storytelling. Purpose and power It is up for debate whether Disney’s new direction is for the better or worse. However, the power of film is undeniable. In the right hands, movies can be hugely beneficial for those who watch them — and Disney, with an exceptionally impressionable youth audience — is no exception. “I think one of the main goals of filmmaking is to help people feel less alone,” Williamson said. “Narrative, characters, diegetic worlds, all of these look for ways to help the audience either relate to their own personal experiences or experience something they’ve always wanted to, beyond their everyday lives.” v

culture

Text by PRAHALAD MITRA and OWEN LONGSTRETH

Curry Pizza House AN UNUSUAL COMBO OF BOLD FLAVORS

USION FOOD has become a fixture of restaurants in California, with many different flavors and cuisines blending in ways that reflect the state’s cultural demographics. Curry Pizza House is an example of this fusion style, combining Indian cuisine with American pizza. The warm sound of friendly chatter and the steady throbbing of bass in the background greet customers as they walk inside this newly opened restaurant. Located at 320 University Ave., Curry Pizza House is in the middle of a downtown packed with restaurants. Even so, it is hard to miss. With no front wall, the interior of the entire restaurant beckons to curious pedestrians. A painting of a woman with flowing hair covers one wall, while five bright flat-screen TVs playing live sports dominate the other walls. The clinking of glasses can be heard from the bar at the back of the restaurant. Loud, upbeat music and the muted sounds of people speaking and laughing give the restaurant a generally energetic vibe. Service at Curry Pizza House is quick: pizzas arrive in less than 15 minutes, which is impressive considering the wide range of menu items. The menu consists of options that reflect the fusion of American and Indian cuisine. Items range from wings, classic pizzas and salads to samosas, curries and kulfi. Most popular, however, are the curry pizzas, which combine unique Indian flavors with the usual pizza toppings — or at least we thought they would. Though the pizzas were named after traditional Indian dishes, it felt like there was more emphasis on the pizza than the curry. Spices and ingredients typically found in Indian cooking were less present than we had hoped. Curry Pizza House has the potential for combining vibrant Indian flavors with classic American pizza in truly memorable ways. We are looking forward to returning soon to see how this international experiment develops. v

Tandoori Chicken ($17.99, medium) On arrival, the tandoori chicken pizza looked quite appetizing. The crispy crust was covered with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and orange tandoori chicken. That said, the overall flavor was muted when compared to its presentation. The tandoori chicken — the central ingredient — was pretty dry and lacked the punch that traditional Indian spices often carry. Even though this pizza did not quite meet expectations, the potential for a great taste was there. Shahi Paneer ($22.99, large) The shahi paneer pizza included a combination of onions, olives and paneer — a type of cheese found in many Indian dishes — all thrown on top of a classic pizza crust. While the combination of these flavors was appetizing, the paneer is just one topping, making the dish feel less like fusion food and more like a regular American pizza with paneer. It brought something new to the table, but it was not the blending of cuisines that was expected. Chicken Curry ($22.99, large) The chicken curry was the best of the three pizzas, with small pieces of diced chicken, green onion, red onion and tomatoes sprinkled over a curry sauce and cheese base. The combination of the spicy curry, tender chicken and creamy cheese created a solid blend of American and Indian flavors. It was closer to what we expected when we heard about pizza-curry fusion.

TANDOORI CHICKEN (TOP) The tandoori chicken pizza has an appetizing presentation, with orange chicken among the cilantro and tomatoes. Photo by Prahalad Mitra CURRY PIZZA HOUSE (MIDDLE) Curry Pizza House sits on University Ave. among the many other shops. Photo by Zoë Wong-VanHaren SHAHI PANEER & CHICKEN CURRY (BOTTOM) This half shahi paneer and half chicken curry pizza is bursting with colorful ingredients and tastes. Photo by Prahalad Mitra

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Text and art by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN

Additional reporting by TARA KOTHARI

Madremía, Rosalía, Bájale

SPANISH SINGER REVOLUTIONIZES FLAMENCO

RISING POP STAR, Spain’s young Rosalía Vila To- “Di mi nombre” and “Bagdad.” bella has been topping charts all over the world. The Combining the ever-traditional flamenco with the electric singer, who goes mononymously by her first name, was sounds of modern pop was a novel concept. first launched into stardom by her single “Malamente,” “I think Rosalía has created a pretty unique style,” her cousin in May 2018. said. “She’s made herself a place stemming off of this really classic Ever since I lived in Barcelona, I’ve loved Spanish-language style ... I think her greatest hit is a ‘fusion of styles’.” music. I love the sound of the language, and the upbeat rhythms Before listening to her music, I didn’t really get flamenco. The make for good dancing songs. I get most of my song recommen- strange unpredictable rhythm that was uncharacteristic of the othdations from friends in Barcelona, and er Spanish-language music I listened to threw me one day I was introduced to her music off, and the quavering vocals didn’t make any sense through her cousin’s family. to me. I think her greatest The Tobellas were the first people “I’d never liked traditional flamenco but this hit is a ‘fusion of we met in Spain, and they were incrednew twist that she puts on her songs I like a lot,” my ibly helpful in our adjusting to the new friend Abel Tobella said. styles’.” country. I agree. Now having listened to Rosalía’s fla— I. TOBELLA, Rosalía’s cousin Rosalía’s cousin, a family friend of menco-pop mashup genre, I have a newfound apmine, called me over one day while we preciation for the traditional art form. The strange were staying over at their house and pulled out his iPad, showed rhythms now make sense to me, and even though the lyrics are me Rosalía’s “Con Altura” music video and launched into her life hard to understand, I now feel like I can recognize the emotions story. that they convey. Born in the little town of Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Catalonia, Paly Junior Hailey Hwang has also taken a liking to her music. Spain, Rosalía has always been singing. “I like Spanish music in general, because I like the way that “Ever since she was a kid, she’s been singing around her house, the language flows,” she said. “I felt like her voice kind of enhanced sometimes at little festivals in the town,” Tobella said to me in Cat- that. And it sounded really nice and soothing and calming” alan. “She’s always been interested in music.” Rosalía’s single “Malamente” was what attracted attention At the dinner table that night, a few family friends menfrom the greater public outside of Spanish-speaking countries. tioned that they’d seen her the previous weekend at the Celebrities such as Dua Lipa and Kris Jenner expressed supermarket, being followed by a camera crew. their love for the song publicly, and with that expoAt age 15, Rosalía dedicated herself solely to sure, her fanbase continued to grow. her passion, flamenco, studying it at the Escola At 26 years old, Rosalía has already gained a Superior de Música de Catalunya (Catalan Susubstantial fan base all while continuing to grow perior School of Music). as an artist. She has recently crossed language At ESMUC, she produced barriers by singing in English on “El mal querer,” her thesis the song “Barefoot in the park” project, for which she rewith James Blake and she has ceived the highest acareleased a few songs in her demic distinction in native Catalan such as “MilSpain, a Matrícula de ionària.” Honor. Having now topped “El mal querer” the charts in several was Rosalía’s first flaSpanish-speaking counmenco-pop combinatries around the world, tion album. Organized Rosalía’s music is quickas a series of chapters in ly spreading to the rest an unhealthy relationof the world. Her expership, the album was imentation can be an inpreceded by four sinspiration for other rising gles: “Malamente,” singers not only in pop “Pienso en tu mirá,” but also in flamenco. v

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perspectives

GAY PARENTS THE PERSPECTIVE OF A CHILD WITH TWO MOMS Text by MILES BREEN

Photo by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN

AM A CHILD WITH TWO FEMALE PARENTS. No, my I do not want to paint my experience as all unicorns and raindad did not leave me. Yes, I have a dad. No, I do not know his bows — although, we do have a gay pride flag in our front yard. name. Yes, both of my moms have been my parental figures Every now and then, we will run into the cloud at the end of the for my whole life. No, my biological mom did not dump my rainbow that is heteronormativity. dad for a woman. I distinctly remember when my family The fact that they are of the same sex has Every now and then, went into a local bike shop a few years ago. not hindered my family life in any way. When I I believe we were only looking for a helmet would tell people in elementary school that I have we will run into the or some small accessory, so we waited for a two moms, I would receive blank stares and then cloud at the end of salesman to help us with our decision. questions that started something like “Wait. So We noticed one salesman walking the rainbow that is around and he noticed us, but did not aphow…?” Of course, everyone was at that awkward heteronormativity. proach us. We were all very confused until stage where they were curious about everything we saw the salesman help a man and a womand knew close to nothing. an that had come in after us. So, we left. Every one of those kids I told in elementary school didn’t Sunny Friedrich, a researcher who studied children with gay know how I could have two moms, but they were raised to be parents, feels that the Bay Area could improve with their accepaccepting of people like my parents. tance of gay parents, despite how accepting the area is considered My parents both grew up in fairly religious households and already. coming out was not easy, but their families came to accept and sup“There were a lot of assumptions and inaccurate beliefs,” port them. If they had grown up in less accepting areas, they likely Friedrich said. would have suppressed their feelings and you wouldn’t be reading Overall, I am happy living with two moms and I could not this article written by the child of two lesbian moms. have asked for better parents. v FAMILY PICTURE I pose for a picture with my two moms, Maureen Breen (left) and Kate Chesley (right), and my little sister.

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Text by RYAN SETO

Art by SAMANTHA HO

Digital DisagreemeNt SOCIAL MEDIA’S POLITICAL BATTLEGROUND

MERICA WAS FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLE “It seems to me that a lot of frustration with my thoughts on of freedom. However, in a political echo chamber like abortion was taken to a larger proportion,” Diaz said. “And the Palo Alto, our freedom of speech is under attack. anger with the current issues with women’s rights and abortion was Students are ridiculed for having controversial taken out on me.” opinions, especially conservative ones, and a large proponent of After posting his opinion, Diaz was surprised to find a barrage this mockery comes through social media. of insulting comments, from users who made fun of his dyslexia As students, we should strive to to others who called him “disgusting.” create a safe environment where peoWhile Diaz was ostracized for The anger with the current ple are able to express themselves, no holding a conservative view, McCrea, matter how controversial their opin- issues with women’s rights and despite being pro-choice and appealions may be. abortion was taken out on me.’’ ing to a left-leaning Palo Alto, was still Senior Jackson Druker, one of the confronted and accused of “support– CARLOS DIAZ, class of 2019 ing the murder of children.” most outspoken conservatives at Palo Alto High School, has posted online Many of the students who parmultiple times about his views, which ticipate in cancel-culture, a way of he says has led to him being targeted pushing out members of a community by others. who have opposing opinions, believe “Social media definitely gives me that their actions are justified because an outlet to voice what is important to they view some opinions online as racme, but it doesn’t go anywhere, and is ist or sexist. always met with more backlash and name calling than support or Druker, who has received lots of criticism for his views on critical thinking,” Druker said. feminism and immigration, knows first-hand what it’s like to be A lot of students repost to spread awareness for issues they portrayed as the prejudice villain when most of his policies are not deem harmful to our country, but the issue remains that politics are very far right. extremely subjective. With subjectivity comes conflict, and social “Some of it [criticism] is definitely justified: calling out somemedia can elevate that conflict through an unhealthy outlet that one who is legitimately racist isn’t a bad thing to do, but making attacks others with opposing opinions. uniform accusations is always silly" Druker said. Social media amplifies the mindset of attacking the opposiIt’s important to focus on making the distinction between tion without thinksomething that is ing about the conseprejudiced versus quences: this stems some thing that is an from the ability to opinion based on polremain almost anonicy. More often than ymous. It’s easy to not, students don't be insensitive, indifdeserve the judgeferent and aggressive ment they’re getting. when you’re hiding The goal should behind a screen. be thoughtful and reCarlos Diaz, spectful conversation, Paly class of 2019 not bashing people's and junior Zoe Mcbeliefs. The best way Crea, a self-described to accomplish this moderate and libergoal is for students al, respectively, have across the political faced major backspectrum to change lash over controvertheir mindset about sial posts they made where to debate and about abortion laws to have an open mind in the past. to new ideas. v

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perspectives

Menstrual message THE IMPACT OF PERIOD PRODUCT PACKAGING Text by AUDREY KERNICK Art by SAMANTHA HO

BOUT ONCE A MONTH, their childhoods? Consumers are put in this most people living with a uterus demeaning box of gender stereotypes that deal with the shedding of inner keeps menstruation in a constant limbo beuterine lining — more simply, a tween taboo and normality. period. Managing a period entails the use This packaging is not only patronizing of menstrual products, and while product — it’s also non-inclusive. Plenty of people options range far and wide, most name who deal with a menstrual cycle don’t idenbrands have one thing in common: pack- tify as female. Everything from the use of aging. the term “feminine products” over “menMenstrual product packaging features strual products” to gender-stereotyped just about every feminine cliche there is. branding excludes those that manage a peFrom splashes of pink or purple, to flowers riod but don’t identify as female. Why is it and polka dots, to curling cursive logos, the necessary for a pad wrapper to feature the branding is glaringly stereotypical. While female gender symbol? How is that forward they don’t perpetuate taboos surrounding thinking considering the people who are periods, the packaging is still demeaning, ostracized and alienated by the agressively non-inclusive and excessive. gendered product packaging? Traveling through the menstrual prodWith so many people dealing with uct section of a typical drug store is like periods, menstruation needs to be normalgetting smacked in the face by every ultra ized. The weird “You go, girl!” energy that feminine trope comes with current ever. Everything is packaging, the womWith so many people, bright, obnoxiousan stealthily sliding ly cheerful, usually regardless of gender you a tampon with a pink and has some identity, dealing with smile and a wink, that kind of flower or sort of “It’s nothing to twinkle. It’s child- periods, menstruation be embarrassed about ish, which is quite needs to be normalized. but absolutely don’t nonsensical when talk about it” ideolconsidering that ogy doesn’t promote a majority of the consumer market for forward thinking in any way. It perpetuates menstrual products is adults. How are peo- the idea that a period is something dramatple not supposed to feel patronized when ic, traumatic or even unusual. shopping for period products if they’re Part of this branding issue lies in the staring down shelves of fluff reminiscent of names of the products themselves. The big-

gest brand in menstrual cups is called DivaCup. The definition of the word “diva” is “a self-important person who is temperamental and difficult to please (typically used of a woman.)” DivaCup is a company that produces a menstrual product while perpetuating one of the biggest stigmas those who menstruate face: being “period crazy.” The idea that women on their periods are out of control, hormonal messes is so far from the truth it’s laughable. Every day you probably encounter or interact with someone on their period, and unless they told you so, you would have no clue. This is because — and this may be shocking to some — periods are normal to those who deal with them. When looking at more progressive companies trying to create change within the period product industry, there are a few things that stand out. The packaging itself is much more approachable, and the values that the companies stand for are also admirable. Brands like Lola and Rael are run by women and are focused on quality products that are better for our bodies. By supporting companies focused on the well-being of their customers while normalizing periods through low key packaging, change is, indeed, possible. Periods are normal, and if periods are normal, menstrual product packaging can be too. v

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THE PRICE OF

HERE EXISTS AN EXCESSIVE COST to being "average" in Palo Alto. Nowadays, the standards dictated by our social environment have created an unhealthy mindset that pressures us to spend more money. The urge to stay up to date on the latest trends has undermined the joy associated with taking part in pursuits and buying things. Though the pressure to indulge in lavish experiences and the pressure to purchase popular goods may seem different from one another, both stem from the same damaging mentality of buying others’ approval and ignoring one’s desires in the process. In this article, both sides of the spending-culture argument will be explored: the emergence of the experience economy and materialism. v

Experience economy::;

Text by ALLISON CHANG

DEVALUING EXPERIENCES WITH MONEY

TEA BAG, SUGAR AND BOILING WATER. When I brew green tea at home, it costs me around 30 cents per cup. When I order the same green tea at a nearby restaurant, I pay $3.20 per cup — approximately eleven times more. However, if I were to drink afternoon tea, say, at the English Tea Room in central London, I would be paying €37 ($41) per cup of tea, nearly 130 times the price of homemade tea.

The need to capture a once-in-a-lifetime experience has created tourist destinations where people spend more time looking at their camera than actually sightseeing. At that point, I am no longer paying for the tea — I am buying into the experience of afternoon tea at the finest hotel in the heart of the UK. The inflated tea prices presented here are byproducts of the emerging “experience economy” geared toward the upper-middle class. Coined by authors B.J. Pine and J.H. Gilmore, the experience economy is the shift from purchasing goods and services to paying for experiences. Seen in the growing popularity of music festivals to the demand of Michelin restaurants to the rise of Instagram museums on social media feeds, the Instagram “staged” experience perpetuates the mentality of buying approval. Although entertaining and adventurous, people are buying into these experiences for the wrong reasons. I have seen people attend concerts and end up watching the entire program through their

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phone screens in order to record and share later. People are prioritizing iconic photoshoot destinations merely for photos instead of immersing themselves in the culture of these locations. The need to capture a once-in-a-lifetime experience for social media has created tourist destinations where people spend more time looking at their camera than actually sightseeing. Los Alto High School senior Chloe Bowen states this sentiment from her summer trip to Chicago. “I have seen a lot of people’s photos of the glass ledge at Skydeck," Bowen said. "I thought a photo of the Chicago Skyline would be really cool, so I decided to go. Overall, it was really underwhelming experience. If not for the photos, I don’t remember much.” Buying these experiences for social media will not buy people satisfaction. These paid experiences can be real, authentic experiences if we choose to attend events that most resonate with us. So, instead of paying €37 for an Instagram worthy cup of tea at the English Tea Room, choose that filling three course meal for your stomach and not your camera.

perspectives

BEING AVERAGE

Materialism

Text by NAOMI BONEH Art by SELENA CAO

A BUBBLE OF EXPENSIVE ITEMS

ALKING THROUGH Palo Alto High School, it isn’t difficult to notice many students displaying the exact same items. Many are walking with airpods in their ears, carrying Hydroflasks and sporting fancy clothing brands. But what’s wrong with this picture is not just that everyone is the same, but that the items they possess — items that appear as standard as a binder or pencil at school — are unreasonably expensive. This culture at Paly that involves the majority of students owning expensive things, making them staple items and encouraging materialism among students, pressures more students into feeling that they require something they may not have initially desired. Worse, the school life of students whose parents can’t afford to buy them everything they need may be more stressful than necessary. For many, the price of being average is simply too high, and as a result they face a constant, overwhelming feeling of discontent. “It [having airpods] was the norm. And it made me feel like it was weird to listen to music during passing periods or

lunch or after school if I didn’t have airpods. ... More and more of my friends were getting them and soon enough, it was just me and one other person in my friend group that still didn’t have them,” junior Megan Wong says. “I finally got airpods, maybe like a few weeks ago, just really late to the trend. And it was at that time that I realized how much trends have influenced me as a person.”

High school should be about celebrating differences in interests, not encouraging students’ purchases to be identical. It’s understandable that students just want to be able to fit in at their school, and buying things that everyone else has can help them foster a sense of community, albeit temporarily. But at what cost? And the issue of common yet expensive goods isn’t just about the money; it concerns a fundamental part of developing as a teenager. High school — and growing up — should be about celebrating differences in interests, not encouraging students’ purchases to be identical. To end the harmful effects that this culture of pricey staple items brings, we as students can consider cheaper alternatives as well as shop more at thrift stores and local businesses, allowing us to become more eco-friendly, improve our local economy and have more possessions unique to ourselves. When our belongings are no longer tied to popular brands, which are in turn tied to marketing schemes and trends on social media that attempt to manage our lives, we will be able to concentrate on buying things for ourselves instead of due to peer pressure. Walking through Paly campus, one will further appreciate each individual's expression through their belongings, rather than blandly noting that every student owns a Hydroflask.

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Text by TIM HUNG

COMPUTER

SCIENCE

Art by SAMANTHA HO

COMPULSION

NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO BE AN ENGINEER

LIKE TO WRITE IN SIMILE AND METAPHOR, not in code. But with every year of high school that goes by — every year that hurtles me closer to the daunting idea of a professional career — the lure of companies like Facebook and Google grows more pervasive. With the culture of Silicon Valley placing such a heavy emphasis on careers in engineering and business, it can feel overwhelming for students in this area to stand up for themselves and actually pursue what they enjoy — especially at such a pivotal and impressionable point in their lives. As passions in the humanities and arts chafe against the Silicon Valley cornucopia of code-lined monitors and pitch deck projector screens, artists, writers and history buffs alike can feel discouraged by those who view their passions as unconventional and unrewarding. As somebody with parents who work in the software engineering field and friends who regularly attend coding competitions and business conventions, I definitely feel the pull of tech industry culture. Whether it’s my parents talking about someone they know getting a high-paying job at a tech company, or my friends talking about how they did in their latest sales pitch, or even a neighbor commenting on the lack of a lucrative career in the arts, the constant reminder of these “successful” jobs and apprehensions about what I enjoy doing has, at times, made me question my passions. This past summer I attended a writing workshop in Ohio, where I was introduced to young writers from all over the country. There, where the nearest tech startup would require a commute by car rather than a walk, I was exposed to an environment in which I felt free from the flow of STEM culture in the Bay Area. Among the writers I met at the workshop was senior Christina Wang, a short story author and aficionado. She says the draw of lucrative careers in the Silicon Valley has reached even her suburban Georgia neighborhood. “Everyone knows that software engineering is the easiest way to get ahead these days, and I know some people who want to go to the Silicon Valley,” Wang said. Part of the reason Silicon Valley has such a strong engineering and business-oriented ethos is its diluted demographic of humanities and arts pursuants. The influx of engineers over the past few decades, my parents included, has fermented a lack of career diversity in the region. “Not everyone here is a coder or real estate agent or businessperson,” Wang said. “There are just as many authors and artists and performers, too.” Back in the Bay Area, Palo Alto High School senior Ally Kim

shares her experience with Silicon Valley’s engineering and business obsession. “My parents pushed me to take rigorous STEM classes,” Kim said. “I’m a year ahead in math and have taken all honors classes for science. Today, my parents and friends tell me I should look into business.” While Silicon Valley culture may have engineered some of the most innovative tech minds in history and nurtured some of the most successful companies in the world, students interested in other subjects can feel eclipsed by the legacies of local billionaire moguls and swayed by the bloated number of STEM enthusiasts in the region. The people around us have an incomputable impact on the passions we form and follow. By seeking out opportunities to meet those who share our passion for writing, Kim and I have found footing in the fortuitous river of the Silicon Valley — making the act of walking against its current much less discouraging and, instead, enjoyable. From workshops and camps to clubs and publications, opportunities are available for Silicon Valley students to explore unconventional fields and surround themselves with those who share their interests. My advice to Silicon Valley students passionate about the humanities and arts: find refuge in those who love the same things as you. v

Find refuge in those who love the same things as you.

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perspectives Text by MICHELLE KIM

Art by MICHELLE KIM

Got almond milk?

MILK SUBSTITUTES SHOULD NOT COST EXTRA

Y ORDER IS ALWAYS A small rose tea, almond milk, no ice, 50% sweetness with boba. The total? $6.85. Compared to the average $5.00 milk tea drink, my order always costs more by the simple virtue that it substitutes traditional milk with al- racks up mond milk. Added to an already expensive over the drink, non-dairy milk customizations can course of overly push the cost of milk-based drinks. several months The U.S. government continues to or years. subsidize the dairy industry in an effort Like several other to keep prices low and hide its decline in students across Paly's campopularity. Milk alternatives, which use less pus, junior Ivy Wang often relies than half of the land and water it takes to on caffeinated, milk-based drinks to get produce dairy milk, deserve more federal through the long school day. She frequentsupport as a newly thriving industry. ly ignores her lactose intolerance to pay less According to the National Institute of for drinks. Health, between 30 to 50 million Ameri“In high school, I get coffee and milk cans are lactose intolerant while the vegan tea almost daily,” Wang said. “Non-dairy community continues to grow. As a result, milk costs more, and I wouldn’t buy [milk demand for plant and nut-based drinks alternatives] … to offset the cost of buying such as almond, oat, rice so many drinks.” and soy milks has risMy friends and I Those unable to en in the United States; similarly disregard mild according to Forbes, the drink milk don't lactose intolerance beplant-based milk induscause it seems like a deserve to give up minor inconvenience. try increased by 60% between 2012 and 2017 However, vegans and personal morals, and is worth around $21 those with severe lactose comfortable stom- intolerance or milk allerbillion today. As more coffee achs or extra mongies who cannot drink and milk tea businessmilk shouldn't be forced es include non-dairy ey for all of the to pay extra for their dimilk among their op- drinks they order. etary restrictions. tions for drink customWhile milk alterizations, many have added an extra 30 natives are rising in demand, the dairy incents to a dollar for these substitutions. dustry has been struggling to maintain its Though the inclusion of plant and nut- popularity. According to the United States based milks is a huge step forward in Department of Agriculture, Americans accommodating those with food restric- drink almost 25% less dairy milk today tions, the cost of non-dairy milk quickly than they did in 2000.

Though production is limited and costs are higher for milk substitutes compared to cows’ milk, this doesn’t validate a much higher price tag for environmentally conscious, lactose intolerant or allergic consumers. The government needs to increase support for plant and nut-based milks, while companies selling non-dairy milk should develop a solution to ban the increased prices of milk alternatives. People who are unable to drink milk don’t deserve to give up personal morals, comfortable stomachs or extra money for the drinks they order. v WHAT TYPES OF MILK DO PALY STUDENTS DRINK? 19.6% 15.2%

12.0%

5.4% 1.6%

Almond

Soy

Oat

Coconut

Rice

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Summer of privilege

SUMMER ACTIVITIES CATER TO THE WEALTHY Text by ANTONIA MOU and ISHANI RAHA

Art by SELENA CAO, ANTONIA MOU and SAMANTHA HO

HIS YEAR, AS SUMMER lege summer programs cost up to $2300 draws to a close, Instagram per week. Steep costs may provide a memofeeds are flooded with photos rable experience, but can have consequencof beautiful landscapes, from es as well. savannas and deserts to the rustic and hisFor most Palo Alto High School stutorical building facades of East coast college dents, it is not uncommon to receive an campuses. People pose, whether it be smil- influx of promotional emails for summer ing with friends they met just weeks ago, programs at well-known college campuses, or with adorable children in a communi- each promising to give students the sumty they volunteered to help over the summer of a lifetime, and brushing over the mer. Yet as summer programs like traveling true academic content of the program. abroad to volunteer and pre-college camps For a Paly student who attended one for high schoolers are increasing in popu- of these summer programs, the experience larity, the true intentions of companies and was delivered as promised, but the academparticipants alike can ics fell short. Junior become blurred. Christopher Chen In the heart of Money is often spent said his experience at Silicon Valley, stu- on an experience with Launch X, an entredents feel increasing preneurship program pressure to participate minimal significance at Northwestern Uniin activities with the long term. versity had its ups and sole purpose of imdowns. pressing prestigious “I think I did colleges. But in the haze of college admis- learn some things, even if it could have sions, many fail to see the true impact of been learned from the textbook,” Chen their efforts. said. “If you want to meet people with similar interests that are also academic, it’s a Pre-college programs good pick, but otherwise I wouldn’t bother Hidden behind the veil of picture-per- going to it or paying for it.” fect summer programs are steep tuition For Chen, what made the experience costs and glorified vacations to exotic des- memorable was the camaraderie he develtinations. According to the pre-college pro- oped with his fellow classmates, but not so gram at Harvard University, their pre-col- much the educational aspect.

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Additionally, the copious amounts of money pre-college programs require inherently decreases their attendance. This brings into question the inclusivity of these programs. Not only does the monetary cost create a wealth and privilege gap between those who can afford such experiences and those who cannot, the money is often spent on an experience with minimal significance long term. Voluntourism While volunteering abroad — an activity often called “voluntourism” — is a great opportunity to gain worldly experience, when the volunteer pool consists only of wealthy, mostly white and asian teenagers, problems can arise. Visiting under-developed countries without the proper training and knowledge to help communities towards real, long-lasting progress is a poor way to enact service. Money that could be spent elsewhere making a true impact is poured into short volunteer trips that make little difference to communities in the long run. If everyone donated the cost of the trip to the community themselves, change could be seen on a much larger scale. Summer volunteer trips can cost up to $1500 per week, depending on the location and type of program, according to Amigos de las Américas, a summer Spanish immersion and service program.

perspectives

Voluntourism projects offered over to avoid the harmful “white and wealthy the summer include work such as building savior” role that comes with service trips, development and education. Participants or the self-serving assumption among white often spend a few weeks in a small town people from developed nations that they immersed in the culture and language of should be helping the impoverished. “I think it [social awareness] is importthe area, under the impression that they are making a difference. Having volunteers ant because too often you see people go from foreign countries detracts from the en- off on these trips thinking they’re going to tire purpose of service projects: to help com- change people’s lives … and they just make munities become more self-sufficient and things worse,” Solgaard said. “I think volprosperable. unteers often For Paly have a very pajunior Jenni Consider more local volunteer tronizing attiSolgaard, who opportunities over a longer tude and think visited the Dothey know best. minican Re- time period to bring change to This is why my public through your own community. trip was prithe Amigos de marily a culturlas Américas al exchange.” summer program on a one-way exchange At the end of her experience, Solgaard program and service trip centered around hopes that she was able to diminish the cultural immersion, she attended extensive negative stereotypes about volunteers in the training before the trip. According to Sol- US and build international respect between gaard, the purpose of this instruction was people.

Though people should be using their privilege to help those who are at a disadvantage, they must also consider the methods that can hold the most sway and will make the biggest impact. While summer programs are able to provide once-in-alifetime experiences, they cater only to the wealthy and privileged. This inherent problem exists within most supplementary summer programs not specifically created for underprivileged students. So, if you’re planning to apply to a pre-college program next summer or are interested in the next service trip to Costa Rica, introspect a little. First, consider more local volunteer opportunities over a longer time period to bring change to your own community. Then, conduct research on the values and ethics of different volunteer programs. Though many companies perpetuate the “white saviour” stereotype, there are programs that provide true educational and cultural experiences. v

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Text and photos by KAYLA BRAND

Art by SELENA CAO and SAMANTHA HO

PLASTIC BY THE NUMBERS WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT PLASTIC?

LASTIC. SEE THE WORD, and you may think of anything from an injured turtle to disposable take-out bags. We all know plastic is bad, but what do we really know about this watchword of today’s environmental movement? Chances are if you were to ask someone off the sidewalk, they will have never heard of the Society of the Plastics Industry resin code. Plastic touches every part of our lives, from brushing our teeth with a polypropylene toothbrush in the morning to pulling off our polyethylene terephthalate based sneakers in the evening. How can we responsibly manage this widely used material if we don’t even know what it is? I asked Palo Alto High School faculty and even some other eco-oriented students on campus. None of them had even heard of the phrase “SPI code,” much less did they have a working knowledge of the pros and cons of each of the seven general categories for plastic. Without knowing this, well-meaning recyclers can send entire loads of recycling to the landfill by throwing in too many non-recyclables. Others can significantly raise their risk for cancer after repeatedly exposing themselves to mishandled plastic over time. Plastic benefits us as a cheap and versatile material that often has a lower carbon footprint than an equivalent item made of alternative material, according to PlasticsEurope. However, we lose tens of thousands of sea birds per year to plastic, our seafood and water resources are collecting a seasoning of the same plastic toxins we dump into our oceans and plastic is so dominant in the environment that we have entered a new epoch called the Anthropocene to document the effect plastic is having on new layers of sedimentary rock. We must learn to manage this material responsibly. That starts with learning what it is. v

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Polyethylene Terephthalate Known as the notorious plastic water bottle, PETE is the most widely used plastic on the globe. When recycled, PETE finds new life in textiles. However, it is single-use because it can leach carcinogen levels over federal limits after too much wear. High Density Polyethylene Heat-resistant and sturdy, high-density polyethylene is not known to leach any chemical additives into food. Although it is recyclable, only 12% of HDPE is recycled in the US. Polyvinyl Chloride Known by the media as the “poison plastic,” PVC contains undesirable toxins, which it leaches when the plastic deteriorates with wear or when someone attempts to recycle it. Low Density Polyethylene Flexible thin, and relatively nontoxic, LDPE packages everything from our food to our clothing shipments. Recyclability depends on locality since bags can clog recycling machines. Palo Alto accepts it condensed. Polypropylene Microwave-safe and relatively nontoxic, PP plastic can be found everywhere from combs to rigid reusable containers. Although its high melting point means it is not always recyclable, Palo Alto accepts it. Polystyrene If you have ever struggled with styrofoam packing peanuts or used a disposable plastic fork, you know polystyrene. Fragile and liable to leach toxins into our food, PS fills 35% of our landfills. Unfortunately, energy requirements are too high to recycle PS. Other: From nonrecyclable PLA compostables to the notorious BPA emitters, all plastics that don’t fit in the above categories are lumped in category seven. Recyclability Rating

Safety Rating (resistance to leaching toxins)

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