Listen to the The Buzz: Berkeley’s random acts of kindness
A history of Our Monologues: Shaped by the BHS community
The Jacket’s podcast brings you an episode exploring random acts of kindness within Berkeley, the impact they have, and the Chris Kindness foundation.
In 2019, BHS stopped performing the Vagina Monologues, instead putting on the first production of Our Monologues. Read the story of how and why on PAGE 11
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‘Trans students do not have reliable access to bathrooms at BHS’: Alliance of Gender Expansive Students addresses BUSD School Board BY KIMIA AZADPUR staff writer
On Wednesday Nov. 15, 2023, the Alliance of Gender Expansive Students (AGES) club participated in the Berkeley Unified School District school board meeting to address concerns of limited on-campus resources for transgender students. The meeting emphasized issues regarding bathroom facilities at Berkeley High School. Despite efforts from students and administration to create safe gender-neutral bathrooms, these spaces are often used for inappropriate behaviors including intimate activities, vaping, smoking, and graffiti. Because of this, the school sometimes locks up facilities, and this makes access difficult. “Trans students do not have reliable access to bathrooms at BHS,” said James, a transgender senior at BHS. James asked to be referred to by first name only for privacy reasons. “Multiple times this week, I waited over fifteen minutes to find a bathroom to change my pad in, worried I would bleed through my pants.” PAGE 2
IRIS LE LIBOUX
OPINION
ROBERT GELLNER
A built-in study hall period would help all students at BHS BY PENELOPE PURCHASE staff writer
Kade Goldsmith, a BHS freshman, poses in the hall.
KAI HANSCHEN
ENTERTAINMENT
BHS fashion is a blend of past and present BY AMAR WALKER staff writer
Fashion trends are inherently cyclical. Whether it’s the 90s or the 2000s that are back in style at the
moment, they’ll always come and go. The clothing that students wear at Berkeley High School on a daily basis has endless inspiration from past decades. Sometimes people’s style will directly correlate to a specific
decade, but other times it’s a collage of different trends from a combination of eras. BHS senior Juliette Chung’s dad graduated in the class of ‘71 at BHS, when fashion trends were drastically different.
“According to my dad, there were lots of paisley shirts, bell bottoms that were striped and purple, lots of headbands like Jimi Hendrix style, Army Surplus combat boots, and khaki PAGE 12
A good education is a fundamental right that all students deserve. However, due to differences in race, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES), not all students have access to the resources they need to achieve academic success. Creating a built-in study hall period at Berkeley High School would help make the school system more equitable, and greatly improve student grades and mental health. According to a study conducted by Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello, California, a mandatory study hall raises students’ GPAs and increases the number of honor students.
Within a few months of implementing a mandatory study hall, the school found that the overall GPA increased by about half a point, and the number of honor students went from 32 percent to 50 percent. If BHS had a built-in study hall period available to students, these results could be expected to occur at BHS, too. Additionally, a study hall period would help create a more equitable school system. According to the American Psychological Association, children from families with low SES enter high school with literary skills that are five grades below those of high-income students and are 8.8 percent more likely to drop out of school. This is partially because students PAGE 5
NEWS
2 F R I D A Y, D E C E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 3
BERKELEY HIGH JACKET
news editors: Finola Jackson & Aaron Stevens
aaronstevens@students.berkeley.net
Alliance of Gender Expansive Students speaks to school board students have been questioned by administrators as they BHS junior Azaria travel between buildings in Stauffer-Barney said that search of an open, functioning some students resort to offbathroom. campus bathrooms because During their presentation, BHS facilities are unavailable. the AGES club advocated for “Just using the gender BUSD to consider allowing neutral bathroom at students to access Berkeley High takes any building without 15 to 20 minutes on b eing restric ted “At this point, students are a regular day,” said by specific passes. having to go off campus to use the Stauffer-Barney. “At Internally, AGES bathroom.” this point, students is also discussing are having to go off the possibility for campus to use the teachers to provide Azaria Stauffer-Barney bathroom.” student keys for BHS junior The AGES club access to genderhas set two central neutral faculty objectives concerning gender- attempts to find a clean, open restrooms. This would expand neutral bathrooms. Firstly, bathroom. Bathrooms may access in cases where genderthe club aims to ensure the lack cleanliness, functioning neutral facilities are unavailable availability of two gender- bathroom essentials, or may be or a particular building lacks neutral bathrooms in all locked. While hall passes are such accommodations. buildings at BHS. Secondly, specific to a certain building, AGES also emphasized the club aims to explore gender-neutral bathrooms the importance of ensuring bathroom culture and student are not accessible in each all bathrooms meet quality experiences within these building. Several transgender s t a n d a r d s , i n c l u d i n g CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
spaces, as well as highlight the lack of preventive measures taken by the school board regarding associated issues. At t h e s c h o o l b o ard meeting, AGES discussed daily challenges faced by transgender students in
functional sinks, soap dispensers, operational toilets, and availability of menstrual products. To f u r t h e r e x p a n d bathroom access, there is an AGES subcommittee that is dedicated to initiating policy changes. These policy changes aim to address another facet of the issue; they are attempting to address the bullying code regulations that are cited as the reason why BUSD can’t convert more segregated bathrooms into all-gender bathrooms. In response to limited bathroom access for gender expansive students, some students have begun implementing a strateg y to convert single gender bathrooms to gender-neutral bathrooms. This strategy e nt ai l s “t a k i ng ove r” a bathroom by putting a sign up to signal the conversion.
EMIKO ARONEN
Women’s Student Union hosts hygeine product drive for shelter BY EVA LEVENSON staff writer
Berkeley High School’s Women’s Student Union began hosting a hygiene drive for the Dorothy Day House on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 and that is continuing up until Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Donation bins are located in the Title IX coordinator’s office, and the
director of student activities John Villavicencio’s office. They are accepting unopened hygiene products such as toothbrushes, menstrual products, and travel-sized shampoo. The Dorothy Day House was established in 1992 and provides temporary shelter to unhoused people in Berkeley. According to volunte er coordinator Tami Stewart,
they also run a kitchen and provide upwards of 500 meals a day to the community. Continuing the tradition, the Women’s Student Union also hosted a drive for Dorothy Day House during the winter holidays last year. “It’s a great way to get people involved,” said Stella Pfeifer, co-president of the Women’s Student Union. “It’s easy: just take products from your house (and) bring
Hygiene product drives are an easy way for community members to give back.
RIANA FALCIONI
them to the donation boxes. for BHS student volunteers. here in Berkeley. Chronic and That’s it.” “We are a volunteer-driven temporary homelessness are Pfeifer identified four organizat ion. We re a l ly massive issues. We’re working focuses for Women’s Student couldn’t do the work without to change that.” Union this year, consisting people who are giving their At a Berkeley City Council of creating open discussions time,” said Stewart. meeting on Monday, June 26, around gender equity, making The Dorothy Day House 2023, the council allocated, a safe space for women at BHS, also hosts a teen summer “$412,185 in Measure P to community service, operate an inclement and collaboration with weather shelter for up other clubs. “Hygiene and menstrual products to 141 nights.” The drive aligns Dorothy Day should not be treated as a luxury.” with two of the w a s an A m e r i c an aforementioned goals, C at h ol i c p ol it i c a l Stella Pfeifer “ T h e d r ive op e ns radical journalist, discussions because co-president of the Women’s Student who fought for civil, it has people hearing labor, and women’s Union and talking ab out rights. Dorothy Day Dorothy Day House, also co-founded the but also thinking about the volunteer program. It’s a Catholic Workers Movement importance of giving back to one-week commitment from and started the very first the community,” said Pfeifer. 7:00 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. Hospitality House, which T h i s d r i v e a i m s t o They offer two spots per week provided both meals and help women experiencing throughout the summer. BHS shelter. homelessness in Berkeley. sophomore Anna Swedlow, This model spread across Often, prices for products who has volunteered at the the country following the marketed towards women are shelter, said, “We did multiple Hospitality House’s creation. higher compared to products activities. We served food and The Women’s Student markete d towards men. we also got food from the food Union’s hygiene drive aims Menstrual products are also banks, organized clothes, and to collect hygiene products costly to many. “Hygiene and organized donations. Then we for people experiencing menstrual products should worked at a food truck where homelessness in Berkeley, not be treated as a luxury,” people can request certain providing the products that said Pfeifer. kinds of groceries.” they need. To learn more Located at 1931 Center On t he D orot hy D ay about how to support people Street, just across from the House website, they report, experiencing homelessness in BHS campus, the Dorothy “Currently there are 1,057 the Bay Area, visit the Dorothy Day House is a prime location people who are houseless right Day House website.
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NEWS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
Berkeley High hosts Multicultural Week collaborated with APIC. We’re hoping to do one with the Muslim Student Association.” Another student discussed the fun she had participating in a multitude of Monday, Nov. 13, marked the activities at the fair. Camille Jacala, a first day of Berkeley High School’s member of the Asian Pacific Islander Multicultural Week, a school-wide Club, said she enjoyed participating event celebrating the variety of in the multitude of activities at cultures and cultural clubs at the fair. BHS. Students participated “We had fun … giving a in and viewed performances “I really wanted to provide a platform for little taste of what our club does from the African Diaspora different clubs and cultural acts.” at the fair,” said Jacala. “I was Dance Program, song and standing by our table the entire dance from the Mandarin time and it was right next to Jessica Hipona class, and an activity from the performances. It was cool to Comissioner of Multicultural Affairs Multilingual Program. see what they were working The majority of club on. I personally appearances, music, and r e a l l y food stands were held on liked the Wednesday and Friday. Booths them that we’re here for the South Afro-Asian dance from clubs including the South and and Southeast Asian community and performance.” Southeast Asian Club (SSEA) and that we really want to have a chance to Asian Pacific Islander Club (APIC) educate people about our culture,” said lined the performance space to present Sriram. club information and interactive Sriram also said that he learned activities. from the other cultures at the fair as The fair was largely organized and well. He highlighted how important executed by Jessica Hipona, the BHS it is to understand and interact with a commissioner of multicultural affairs, multitude of cultures. who reached out to a variety of clubs “I go to a couple of clubs that to organize activities. are from other c u l t u r e s ,” “I really wanted to provide a said Sriram. platform for different clubs and “I go to the cultural acts because I feel like most Third Culture of the things that are culture-centered Club once in a at this school aren’t usually seen,” said while. (SSEA) Hipona, “I feel it’s really important to provide that kind of platform because I’d like to work towards making a more inclusive space.” Whether through music, food, or performance, students were able to showcase their culture and in turn learn about the cultures of their peers. Hipona, in describing her process of creating the fair, said, “I reached out to a lot of different clubs that I knew represented specific cultures, as well as ones that were culturally related.” Shrinath Sriram, the vice president and co-founder of the South and Southeast Asian Club at BHS, worked BY AVA QUANDT staff writer
at a club booth at the fair. The SSEA is the first club representing South and Southeast Asian students at BHS. Their mission is to educate BHS students about South and Southeast Asian cultures and history. “I’m most interested in showing people our club and really showing
Jesssica Hipona (upper right) and other students operate tables at Multicultural Week.
PHOTOS BY SANAM ROZYCKI SHAH
ETHICS OF TECHNOLOGY PENN LYNCH
When we think of the successes of Europe, some may think of the easy access to affordable transportation, the convenience of travel between EU member states, or the social democracies present within Europe, whether they are sustained through the exploitation of the third world or not. However, an often overlooked aspect, which unlike the prior, holds global effects, is the EU’s dedication towards removing power from tech corporations in relation to their products. Perhaps this is not dedication, but instead a rapidly eroding set of regulations imposed firmer there than in the US. Either way, the effect is the same. For example, in a recent ruling, the EU forced Microsoft to allow for the uninstallation of default Microsoft apps on supported Windows distributions, a change many had wanted, but not expected to come. Saving upwards of a GB of storage, users will now be able to engage with their system how they want it, without the corpses of Microsoft’s products lingering within their system, to the extent Windows allows. Furthermore, exclusively for EU member states citizens, a Microsoft account will not be mandatory for Windows installations, a massive win for those not wanting to associate an entire operating system’s actions with an email address or existing account. Even though this change does not affect non-EU member states, it seems very doable to trick your installation into believing that you are living in one, allowing all Windows users to take advantage of this, given a bit of extra work. Another company greatly impacted by the EU’s regulations is Apple. For instance, within the coming years, iPhone and laptop manufactures wanting to sell within the EU market must be USB-C compliant, cutting into Apple’s ecosystem that relies on custom chargers, priced far higher than standard USB-C power cords. This change also impacts consumer experience; more options with vendors allows for users to buy products that transfer data at a faster rate for their need, instead of having to deal with Apple’s best. A similar change brought upon by the EU is that Apple and all smartphone manufacturers need to hold user replaceable batteries in the coming years. This will decrease reliance on external power banks, decrease e-waste in terms of discarded iPhones, and lead to an increase in customer satisfaction, which Apple supposedly wants. It’s important to remember Apple isn’t making their best product, they are generating shareholder value. Whatever company claims is impossible to accomplish is often quickly disproven to be possible as soon as they start losing money. This is shown best in Apple’s recent decision to allow sideloading third party apps on IPhones. Apple has campaigned against this for years, making advertisements touting the dangers of sideloading and providing that as justification for why it’s impossible. However, when the EU forced them to, it was done without any hesitation, and their stance flipped, advertising this feature to all of their consumers. Companies won’t do what’s best for us unless they have to, so let’s make them have to.
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4 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
NEWS
School board meeting: Speakers discuss the district’s goals BY RORY NADEAU staff writer
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Berkeley Unified School District School Board convened, during which the BUSD superintendent recognized Berkeley’s United Against Hate Week. It aims to bring attention to and attempt to stop discrimination that many communities in the Berkeley area are facing, extending resources for people to report and receive support surrounding hate incidents. BUSD worked with the organizations Not In Our Town, the California Civil Rights Department, the Berkeley Mayor’s Office, and LA vs. Hate to make the week happen. The public comments section of the meeting sparked conversation on the controversy surrounding education about the Israel and Palestine conflict within BUSD. Students, parents, and teachers alike spoke up about the topic. “We’re in a time of great repression in our district; now, what we need to do in order to make all students feel welcome is to really lean into controversial topics, following the board policy,”
said Alex Day, a BHS freshman history teacher. Day was referencing the board’s policy around teaching controversial topics in schools, advocating for the board to continue to support all teachers’ rights to academic freedom. This was a common theme, as the question of how education on Israel and Palestine ties into the school board’s policy of academic freedom for teachers, specifically when addressing controversial topics, was brought up. School Board Director Jennifer Shanoski briefly commented on this conversation during the public comment section. “We need to consider our teachers to be professionals and experts at their craft,” Shanoski said. The BHS Sunrise Club brought up issues pertaining to climate change and how BUSD can work to further educate about the topic and make a positive difference for the planet. “It’s overwhelming learning about all these tragedies, not knowing what to do about them. But the thing is, we are not powerless,” said Amelia Monagle-Olson, a member of the Berkeley High Sunrise
Club, who spoke during the public comments section. Mongale-Olson highlighted demands for BUSD to pass the Green New Deal for schools. This would include BUSD providing free, healthy, lunches for students, introducing climate disaster plans and curriculums that would help students be more informed on the topic, and providing clear pathways to green jobs. Several BHS students spoke out regarding trans students’ access to consistently available gender-neutral restrooms at BHS. The group made several requests to the school board, including that all gender-neutral bathrooms at BHS are kept unlocked, all bathrooms have functioning appliances, and that students are able to access gender-neutral restrooms no matter where they are on campus. The students also had long-term requests regarding implementing more gender-neutral restrooms on campus and spreading awareness about the issue. The Multilingual Learners Master Plan presented their plans to
expand the Multilingual program for BUSD students. They hope to increase English Language Proficiency and academic success for the multilingual students in BUSD and emphasized that their overarching goal for the program is to support all multilingual students and
help them prepare them for college and career paths. Alameda County (AC) Transit is hoping to alter its bus schedule in order to be as accessible as possible. “School communities are the people that we want to focus on because those are the people who are going to be the most impacted by
CLAUDIA BLOOM
these changes,” said Ryan Lau, the external affairs representative for AC Transit. Lau announced that the company has planned to cut certain lines and reduce coverage in the Berkeley hills in order to make more direct and frequent bus routes in other Berkeley areas.
After long wait, BHS Community Theater soon to be completed BY EVA KATZ staff writer
In January 2024, the nearly four-year-long remodel to the Berkeley High School Community Theater is expected to reach completion. The COVID-19 shutdown delayed construction, but the majority of structural and aesthetic renovations have been completed. The theater is partially in use and has been used for band and orchestra performances this year. “They tell us it’s close to being done,” said Karen Wells, who directs the BHS Band along with Mary Dougherty. “We’re thinking
that (the Community Theater) is going to be all done by January,” said Wells. Recently, in early November, the BHS band and orchestra were able to host a concert in the Community Theater. The performers were only able to use the front half of the stage. “Behind the curtain there is twice as much room,” said Wells. “(The stage) is actually smaller than it was before because they built a hallway back there.” There have been minimal aesthetic upgrades to the green room, dressing rooms, costume storage, and other supporting areas for performers. “The entire underneath
The BHS Community Theater is located alongside the A Building.
was gutted and changed, and the backstage was changed as well. The seats and the carpet and the paint job in the main audience area (have) not changed at all,” said Wells. Before construction began, some dance and other performing arts classes were held in the theater. Dougherty and Wells are looking forward to being able to use the space for classes and performances again. “The construction that has happened just now is really the classroom wing of the A Building. That was the focus of the first phase of the construction,” said Linda Carr, the modern dance teacher.
JULIAN NATHAN
The A Building reopened the renovations that were to be up to standard so that on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, and needed in the Community it could be rented out.” has been in use since. The Theater. The money was The Community budget for the first phase, designated for use in the Theater functions as a which involved mitigation first phase of the project, but community gathering regarding seismic safety any changes to the interior space for performances and additional construction of the Community Theater and ceremonies. Last year, of the A Building, was $38 would be regarded as phase Willard Middle School used million according the theater to to Berkeley host their eighthUnified School “ ... The space in the theater is so grade graduation. District. During much better than a gym or the Little According to Carr, the construction the space also Theater. ” of the A Building, has a historical the 17 classes in significance to the the building itself, community. Abraham Lee which include “I myself went BHS junior film classes, band, to see my very orchestra, and first concert at more, had to meet in the two and would need a the Berkeley Community portables. different source of money. Theater to see Phil Collins,” Abraham Lee, a junior “The idea was to renovate said Carr. The theater in the 0 period chamber both the classroom wing has hosted many famous orchestra class said, “The and the two theaters to performers of the 60s and construction hadn’t affected update them, and to make 70s including Bob Dylan, my classes that much, but them more user-friendly James Taylor, Van Morrison, the space in the theater is and helpful for our campus,” Joni Mitchell, and many so much better than a gym said Carr. more, as well as musicians or the Little Theater. I feel While the inside of the in the 80s and 90s like like I’m in a legit band class Community Theater may Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi now.” appear unchanged, many Lauper, Elton John, and Foo All of the buildings of the notable differences Fighters. that are allocated for have to do with making A booking form must construction, The the buildings accessible be completed 120 days Community Theater, for those who need it, and in advance to rent the Florence Schwimley Little revamping the backstage Theater. More information Theater, and A Building and underneath the stage. is available on the website. were built in the 1940s. Wells said, “There were The Community Theater Measure I, a $210 million some accessibility issues, so is not currently available facilities bond that passed they built a ramp up to the for rentals, but once in 2010, was issued in order stage. I think that the goal construction is complete, to fund upgrades in the was to have the lighting and it will resume its course in community, but the funding everything on stage to be up hosting performers and was mostly geared toward to date standards. It needed musicians.
OPINION BERKELEY HIGH JACKET
opinion editors: Ohad Aviran-Finkelstein & Ysabel Chu
Free mental health resources are necessary BY NATALIE GROSS staff writer
Berkeley, renowned for its cultural vibrancy and academic excellence, contends with a substantial homeless population of over 1,000, many of whom lack access to crucial mental health resources. Providing mental health resources in Berkeley is essential to addresses the well-being of the homeless population, creating a healthier and more compassionate community, while preventing long-term social and economic challenges. “It’s more important to help homeless people in need because when you have people in your city that
are suffering, it doesn’t make your city look good or help your city at all,” explained Hadeya Itote, a freshman at Berkeley High School. The provision of mental health services becomes not merely an expenditure, but an investment in the Berkeley community, fostering a sense of communal responsibility and shared prosperity. Although allocating substantial funds for mental health resources may strain the city's budget, possibly necessitating increased taxes for residents, the benefits that would follow would far outweigh the drawbacks. Objections to the allocations of these funds often neglect to address the broader
ALEX MORGAN
financial consequences of untreated mental health issues within the homeless population. Addressing mental health concerns directly can lead to longterm cost savings by reducing the strain on emergency services, law enforcement, and social welfare programs. "Even with the expenses that go into this, it is super important that they get the help they deserve," Itote said. Investing in mental health becomes a strategic move to break the cycle of dependency and alleviate the financial burden on the city's resources. Furthermore, the call for mental health support transcends economic considerations and resonates with a fundamental sense of humanity. Denying access to mental health resources perpetuates a cycle of suffering within the community. Berkeley, in considering the provision of mental health support, signals its commitment to compassion and social equality, embodying a moral responsibility that extends beyond financial calculations. "They're people and they need and deserve help to keep them healthy, as well
as someone to talk to, and to figure themselves out,” Itote continued. Beyond the moral imperative, there is a huge practical benefit to the city's overall wellbeing. By investing in mental health resources, Berkeley can potentially decrease homelessness and, subsequently, minimize the strain on public spaces, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment for all residents. While the financial concerns of implementing free mental health resources for Berkeley's homeless population are reasonable, the moral and ethical obligation to address the well-being of the community takes precedence. By investing in free mental health recources for all of its citizens, Berkeley would not only mitigate individual suffering, but also create a more compassionate, economically robust, and inclusive city for all its residents. This is undoubtably a neccessary additon to the city. The cost incurred is not merely monetary; it represents an investment in the collective future and humanity of Berkeley.
Study halls are a crucial addition to BHS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
from low SES families have less access to resources like tutors, computers, or even a quiet place to study and do homework. The implementation of a study hall would allow students time during the school day, with full access to the school’s resources, just to complete their work. “(A study hall) could definitely help by simply allowing more time to get work done … that I would otherwise have less time to do,” said Lily Collins, a sophomore at BHS. The last few decades have seen a dramatic increase in mental health issues. Between 2005 and 2017, the number of teenagers who reported symptoms of major depression increased by 52 percent. The number of young adults who reported the same went up by 63 percent from 2009 to 2017. In part, this dramatic change is due to societal norms that tell children and teens to measure their selfworth through academic
achievement. When society tells students that they must be successful in school in order to have worth, pressure and stress levels increase, and mental health rapidly worsens. If BHS were to implement a study hall period, it would allow students more time to complete their work, thus lessening the amount of stress caused by too many assignments at once. Less stress in schools would give students more time to take care of themselves, including getting more sleep. Since sleep is critical to our mental and physical health, and getting more sleep can even make certain psychiatric disorders less severe, this would greatly help the overall mental health of BHS students. While BHS does allow seniors to have a free first or last period, which gives them five elective credits, this doesn’t always look great on college applications. According to Tiffany Liew, a BHS counselor, colleges prefer that students take
six periods of academic or elective classes. “There’s no right or wrong answer since every college is different in terms of what they look for, but … colleges may perceive free periods differently and some colleges may not like it,” said Liew. BHS must implement
a built-in study hall. This would result in a schedule that wouldn’t negatively affect college applications and would improve students’ mental health. By setting aside extra time for students' work, stress will lessen, grades will rise, and students will benefit.
Study halls allow students to do work during school hours. ZIVA AMENDOLA
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
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ohadaviranfinkelstein@students.berkeley.net
HOW I SEE IT: NEURODIVERSE AT BHS KARIM MELEIS
According to antibullyingpro.com, “75% of autistic young people have experienced bullying.” There are many reasons neurodiverse students are likely to be bullied. For example, neurodiverse students may be bullied for outward manifestations of their differences, such as stimming. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines stimming as “a selfstimulatory behavior that is marked by a repetitive action or movement of the body (such as repeatedly tapping on objects or the ears, snapping the fingers, blinking the eyes, (or) rocking from side to side.” Sabrina Landes, a neurodiverse Berkeley High School student who has been bullied for her stimming, said, “I felt upset because they were trying to say that I couldn’t (stim).” At times, neurodivergent students may also be targeted with microaggressions by teachers because of systemic prejudice. For example, teachers may not expect them to be able to succeed academically, so they may not be called on in class or allowed to actively participate in class activities or discussions. Teachers may also minimize or even ignore bullying that is taking place, seeing it as “just joking.” Neurodiverse students may also have their identity questioned or minimized by others. Statements such as, “I never would have known you were autistic,” or, “everyone's a little autistic,” are undermining and hurtful. Often it is thought that these phrases are complimentary or “normalizing” neurodiversity. But, it is actually a form of gaslighting. While being targeted by bullying and discrimination for being neurodiverse can feel isolating, remember that you are not alone in your challenges. There is a community at BHS that is ready to support you. The Neurodiversity Club welcomes all and meets every Friday in G-104H. If you are bullied or discriminated against for being neurodiverse, it can be difficult to not internalize what is being said about you. However, it is important to remember that neurodivergence is beautiful and isn’t something that you should be ashamed of. If you witness a student being bullied, it can be tempting to ignore it because you may think that it is none of your business. However, it is the responsibility of everyone in a community to stand up for vulnerable members who are being targeted by bullies. In addition, it is also important to reassure the victim that the bullying is not their fault. A community where people support each other is a community where bullying is significantly less likely to happen. It is possible to stop the bullying and discrimination against neurodiverse students if the BHS community makes a concerted effort, and I am confident that this can happen. Sending positive vibes your way!
6 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
OPINION
EDITORIAL
It is hard to imagine an educational structure where standards are not integrated somehow — this editorial does not argue in favor of such a dramatic overhaul. Rather, it posits that education’s favorite tool, the baseline standard, could be supplemented by a second standard that measures growth. Standards-based is a phrase that is hard to escape in discussions of modern education. The last 40 years of education reform have focused on measuring students not against each other but against a concrete set of national standards, making the high school diploma a certificate of mastery of certain fundamental concepts. Standards-based education ensures that The definition of learning that our school, our district, and the workforce will all be comfortable with the basics of algebra, our nation works under is fundamentally incorrect. argumentation, and reading comprehension, among other skills. “Learning” is an unfinished verb, a continuous process. It creates a body of graduates that is by definition hireable. “Checking a box” or “meeting a standard” is a binary toggleFixing an educational ceiling in place is an effective tool switch of a verb, an off-and-on dichotomy that can stop as because it is efficient. It removes any aspect of nuance from abruptly as it starts. The two are two repelling magnets that public education’s definition of learning, making it trivially easy the education system ties together with a rope and claims are to check whether a student is learning and whether a teacher is attracted to each other. teaching effectively. But how it does this is ultimately vacuous. By necessity, public education must already make The words “learning” and “teaching” are redefined from a concessions away from continuous learning as periods pass, standards-based point of view. school ends, and classes change. Learning in its idealistic state Learning is no longer explorative, no longer about pushing cannot be a part of this modern world, a world that moves boundaries, finding limits, and moving past them. If a student and needs to get places on time. This is understandable. No already understands a concept insofar as the “standards” define system that services hundreds of thousands of learners has understanding, they can sit in the classroom and stare out the the resources to make a different path for each of them. But window for all the system cares. the system that, for efficiency, makes only one path, loses all Finishing quickly should not be applauded. It should not its students that can’t follow. be followed with “free choice” or “silent reading” or whatever
Learning must be redefined to foster growth, creativity
BERKELEY HIGH Editor-in-Chief
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the new euphemism is for “we don’t care”. This system does not turn the scholars of tomorrow into the scholars of today. What it teaches them is how to “succeed” with the smallest level of effort, how to content themselves with mediocrity. They will never struggle, and they will learn that education is “won” when difficulty is minimized. The system shows them exactly how much value our modern society places on creativity and innovation. We see a change beginning already in assignments like Socratic seminars and capstone research projects, but they still feel like more convoluted ways to just check a box. A cumulative assignment is something that fosters explorative learning, asking someone use the tools and skills they’ve been developing and create. Ask someone to write a story, then teach them how to incorporate dialogue naturally and have them write something new. Grade them not on the overall quality of the writing but on how they incorporated their new information on dialogue. Learning should be play, in a sense, where students succeed when they explore, when they push on boundaries and ask questions they can’t answer. They can practice applying, not just regurgitating, key concepts, building contraptions and writing poems. They can put themselves in the minds of scholars and wonder things like, “What questions would a historian ask about this document?” and, “How would a modern artist approach this emotion?” They can, for once in their educational lives, talk to each other. They can be interested and not be shamed for that interest. They can learn to love learning, and not just the smile on their parents’ face when they bring home straight A’s.
Berkeley High, Berkeley’s only comprehensive public high school, benefits from diversity BY SABINE ROSEN staff writer
At the beginning of the 1900s, there were less than 800 total students attending Berkeley High School. Today, the population has skyrocketed. BHS has over 3,200 students enrolled, making it the twentythird largest public high school in California. These students attend school on an expansive campus including over nine different buildings. The size and scope of BHS makes it a unique and diverse place, and because of that, Berkeley should continue to have only one comprehensive public high school. A large school provides more opportunities for students in terms of sports, classes, and clubs. The sheer number of students who are enrolled at BHS makes it possible for a variety of classes to be offered. This is because a large student body creates a need for more classes, and more classes allow for variation in topics. In addition, BHS offers 29 school-run varsity sports and many club sports. Students can also sign up for many sports. In addition, clubs at BHS are studentrun and always changing, but currently, there are over 115 clubs students can join. This is only possible because of the number of attending students, and if the school population was cut in half by the creation of another comprehensive public high school, there wouldn’t be as many available choices. Additionally, it's important that schools have
diversity in their student and staff bodies. A study done at Drexel University shows that when kids are surrounded by people of different backgrounds, it helps them in many ways. Being in a diverse environment allows students to become more open-minded and empathetic. They also gain a better comprehension of academic material and feel safer and more confident in the environment. The size of BHS helps to create its wide range of diversity. If Berkeley were to create two comprehensive high schools, both schools would have lessened diversity. Expenses are another factor that having only one comprehensive high school improves. The addition of another school means the hiring of new administration and staff to help run the additional school, as well as the creation of a brand new campus and facilities. The Berkeley Unified School District should spend its money on expanding BHS
and supporting its students, rather than building an entirely new campus. It is true that BHS can be overstimulating and overwhelming for some students. Some students would benefit from more personal attention, and a smaller learning environment would be right for them. Fortunately, BHS’s Small Learning Community program, which is implemented into its structure, addresses many of these concerns. For students who would prefer a smaller school, there is an option for them. BHS is a great example of a well-functioning, large public high school. A large campus makes it possible to have a wide and expansive variety of classes and extracurriculars to chose from, promotes diversity, and saves unnecessary spending. There is no benefit or reason for the city of Berkeley to consider creating a second comprehensive high school.
SARA TEITELBAUM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
OPINION
Dress codes perpetuate sexism and prevent self-expression: It is time to put an end to them completely BY ARIANA YEROVAM staff writer
According to a study by OCAD University, 73 percent of Gen Z believe they need more self-expression to live a happy, healthy life. Selfexpression can come in many forms, one being appearance. Berkeley High Schools's lack of a dress code gives students the liberty to present however they choose, whether it's to reflect how they feel, their gender, their religion, or any other aspect of who they are. If you take away someone's right to appear as they choose, you limit their ability to express themselves. For this reason,
BHS should remain without a dress code, and all other schools should follow suit. In doing so, they will provide students with the right to express themselves, and thus, enable them to lead a happier life. Dress codes are deeply rooted in sexism and misogyny. In 2022, 90 percent of banned clothing was primarily clothing worn by women. This directly targets women and has an especially large impact on the LGBTQ+ community. An individual seeking to wear feminine gender-affirming clothing is disproportionately at risk of being prohibited from doing so. This idea of a dress code's inherent prejudice has not gone unnoticed. A study conducted by Stormline reported that 81 percent of women and 77 percent of men believe that workplace dress codes are discriminatory to the female sex. Additionally, mandating a dress code for more revealing clothing can create a stigma on the people wearing that clothing. If a student is shamed for their revealing clothing by an administrator, school employee, or adult that could influence how the student's peers see them as well. It impresses
upon students that a certain type of clothing is suggestive and that such qualities reflect on the person wearing it. Dress codes are not precautionary regulations, they're biased and unjust methods to enforce gender roles. Contrary to what is suggested, dress codes are not proven to increase learning or academic productivity in schools. Rather, the opposite can occur. Instead, they prohibit creativity and motivation, similarly worthy aspects of education. The aforementioned study also shared that 61 percent of employees report feeling more relaxed on days when a dress code is not enforced than on days when one is. Despite a dress code's harm and potentially stress-inducing impact on the affected community, corporations and schools employ the idea that dress codes are beneficial to work ethic to justify their use. For instance, Bishop O'Dowd, a Catholic private school located in Oakland, that BHS is similar to in both proximity and community, regulates student dress code very closely. Their 2011-12 Student–Family Handbook reads, "The faculty and administration of Bishop O’Dowd High School believe that appropriateness in attire has a positive influence on student work and that it enhances the learning environment for all involved." However, contradicting their previous statement, their Handbook later states, "Any student who violates the dress code at any time during the school day will not be allowed to attend classes until the situation is rectified…" Prohibiting a student from attending classes is a disturbance to their education, one that is more disruptive than a student's ability to dress freely. BHS is right in not mandating a dress code. It provides students with the right to dress and express themselves freely and shapes an environment that is beneficial for their academic, mental, and social well-being.
90 percent of banned clothing is primarily worn by women
73 percent of Gen Z believe they need more self-expression to live a happy, healthy life JESSIE LEE
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
INVESTIGATIVE
investigative editor: JOSEPHINE MORASKY
INVESTIGATIVE
JOSEPHINEMORASKY@STUDENTS.BERKELEY.NET
The Berkeley ‘Bubble’: How Berkeley’s liberalism influences BHS serves to limit exposure to, and engagement with, diversity of political ideas and the learning that comes from that.” Lenka Simon, a junior at Berkeley High School expressed a similar sentiment. In 1954, Berkeley became the first city in “I think (the bubble) limits the discussions we the United States to racially desegregate buses, can have in class,” Lenka Simon said. “It feels like 17 years before the desegregation of buses was everybody shares the same opinion, and so you’re not written into the constitution. Sixteen years later, really having a debate. You’re just bringing up more in 1970, UC Berkeley became one of the first points to support the conclusion that you already college campuses to accommodate students with have.” disabilities. Since the beginning, Berkeley has Because of this, Simon wants to go been one of the leading cities when it comes outside of the Bay Area for college so to pioneering both social and political that they can interact with people progress. “The who have different perspectives in In the 1960s, a surge of activism freedom in any political or common views. swept through the United States. Inclusivity and familiarity Protests addressing the Civil Berkeley (allows for) can be a result of being Rights Movement, women’s social justice issues to be surrounded by like minded rights, environmentalism, brought up more frequently people, but engaging with and the anti-Vietnam War contrasting ideas or political movement were found in classrooms.” beliefs has its own benefits. across cities and university According to Simon, these campuses. Ann Sperske, BHS social benefits include gaining UC Berkeley was no insight and seeing different studies teacher exception, and played its own opinions. roles in these movements. Rallies, Kai Fang-Stillman, protests and flier distributions were a junior at BHS, attended an all organized on the campus regarding international school in Switzerland different movements. However, in the fall from the sixth grade until their sophomore year, of 1964, UC Berkeley students, now participating where students came from several different in public protests, were being arrested by the countries, and a larger scope of political hundreds. Media began portraying these protests ideologies were present. as “liberals leading towards radicalism”, resulting “There is really no discussion here (in in UC Berkeley administrators issuing orders Berkeley) which, for some issues, I agree that that political activities led by students could they shouldn’t have to be discussed and there no longer be carried out on the campus. This spurred the Free Speech Movement, where UC Berkeley students protested for their First Amendment right and with that, their rights to protest and advocate for causes they believed in. With a forward-thinking and politically active university campus and city, the “Berkeley Bubble” was formed. The bubble is a designation of Berkeley as being sheltered from nonliberal opinions, with an almost entirely left-leaning population. According to Politico, within Alameda County, where Berkeley is located, 80.2 percent of the population voted democratic in the 2020 presidential election. Marc Brilliant, an Associate Professor of History and American Studies at UC Berkeley, explained the social and educational impacts of the present day “Berkeley Bubble”. “Like other forms of diversity, diversity of ideas, political and otherwise, strikes me as an important contributor to fostering a learning environment,” Brilliant wrote. “‘The Berkeley Bubble’ is defined, in part, by deep political partisanship, that, in turn, BY AÉLIA GYGER staff writer
are two clear sides,” Fang-Stillman said. “But for most things, they can be discussed, and it shouldn’t be dismissed because it’s educational and it enables people to be more open minded. Having this kind of bubble makes it a bit hard for people in the Bay Area to go outside and realize that it’s not the same everywhere.” Tristan Jesadavisut, a junior at BHS, also attended several international schools in England, Cambodia, and Thailand. In contrast to his other schools, Jesadavisut found the majority of students and faculty at BHS have similar opinions. Jesadavisut also expressed that there seemed to be an expectation that every student was liberal or democratic, an assumption that limits the range of possible conversations. “Mostly everyone (at BHS) has the same opinions, and mostly, you are kind of shamed for having a different opinion,” Jesadavisut said. Fang-Stillman described a similar perspective describing the “Berkeley bubble” as somewhat unrealistic. “What I’ve noticed here (is that everything has) to be politically correct … Everyone has to have the same political ideas, which I feel like is not realistic,” Fang-Stillman said. Despite the restrictions the “Berkeley Bubble” creates, it has positively influenced the BHS curriculum in many ways, including the addition of an Ethnic Studies class. Appreciating the autonomy that comes with the “Berkeley Bubble”, Ann Sperske, a BHS social studies teacher for Academic Choice, explained the benefits of the “Berkeley Bubble”. “That autonomy lends itself to teaching about topics that are difficult sometimes for other teachers to approach whether it’s about slavery, or about other humanities based topics,” Sperske said. “So that autonomy gives us a lot of freedom … that we wouldn’t have in other places.” Sperske continued, “The freedom in Berkeley (allows for) social justice issues to be brought up more frequently in classrooms,” Sperske said. “We can talk about climate change, there are no book bans, we can talk about doctor assisted suicide, we can talk about abortion rights, and reproductive rights. There’s a lot of things that we can actually address in (Berkeley) classrooms that other people in other states cannot.”
SARA TEITELBAUM AND ALEX MORGAN
FEATURES BERKELEY HIGH JACKET
features editors: Sage Feldman & Mateo Tsai
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
sagefeldman@students.berkeley.net
"I strike a balance": BHS students talk time management BY JASPER LOVVORNBLACK staff writer
JO PURCELL AND GWYNETH FONTE
“People procrastinate a lot, which makes us set important things to the side … If you can manage time well, you’ll be able to balance things you need to do and things you enjoy,” Berkeley High School senior Lexi Perez said. Between spending time on schoolwork, hobbies, or with friends and family, some students struggle to find enough time to do everything. Some students opt to complete their work as their first priority before devoting time to other activities. BHS sophomore Deven Burkett said, “When I get home I try to do my homework, or at least some of my homework, immediately. Then I strike a
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balance between my hobbies and things that I whatever is most convenient and possible enjoy doing, and school work that I have to do.” for them. “I kind of do it free-form. I just Students can also choose to complete work at understand what things in my life take up BHS. “I don't go home the second school ends … more time than others,” said BHS senior Zack I stay in the CCC until it closes, like pretty much Schwerin-Daro. This allows students to come up every day,” said Arvin Ghaemmaghami, a BHS with their own schedules while still being able senior. The College and Career to do the things they enjoy. Center (CCC) is just one of the “If I worked on many resources BHS provides “If you can manage time something extra, it means that allows students to focus well, you’ll be able to it’s more important to on their work. Not only does me,” said Schwerin-Daro. it provide a space with school balance things you need Coming up with a priority materials and tutors, but it also list is another important to do and things you creates an environment centered value in more unrestricted enjoy.” around productivity. “I think it's time management. super productive because you're “Typically, when I’m still in that school mindset,” getting work done, I start Lexi Perez Ghaemmaghami said. out doing the easy stuff BHS senior There are also before moving onto the alternatives harder stuff,” said Jack to the CCC that are open Barrett, another BHS senior. during and after However, undetermined schedules can also school hours where pose a challenge to students that may struggle students can get with time management or executive function their work done skills. “I do struggle to manage my time quite in a less crowded a bit,” Barrett said, “If at any point I end up environment, taking a break (from work), it will typically such as the just end up with me losing track of two hours library or and doing nothing.” teacher office Students may choose to do things that hours. they enjoy over their work when at home. A similar “Oftentimes, once I stop doing my work to do approach things that I enjoy, I don’t end up returning to to time my work,” said Burkett. management Others prefer a more structured schedule is to work on to manage their time. “I just think it’s all about everything having a sort of schedule in your brain and before arriving executing it to the best you can,” BHS freshman home. “I just try Adam Teiblum said, who spends lots of time to do everything practicing with the BHS basketball team. Some at school even students utilize tools to help manage their time if it’s not related and set their schedules. to school,” said Jax BHS senior Max Swim said, “Checking my Krebs, a BHS senior. work every day and keeping a calendar helps One of the benefits of me manage my time.” this is that students are able As BHS students move closer towards to spend the post-high school remaining time life, it is increasingly at home however they important to practice “When I’m home, I get time management. Finn want, without having to worr y about to … enjoy my life as a Brooks, a BHS senior, incomplete work. “Setting aside time human, unshackled by said, According to for the important things systems.” Krebs, “When before giving into things I ’m h o m e , that you want to do will I ge t to … give me the resources for Jax Krebs enjoy my life the things I want to do BHS senior as a human, in the future.” However, unshackled by this looks different for systems.” many people depending Other students prefer not having on their situation, and ultimately, good time a system, and to spend time on management is a personal designation.
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FEATURES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
THE PERFECT BITE: LITTLE GEM BELGIAN WAFFLES CLEMENTINE UHLANER
The realm of specialty desserts and baked goods is often left overlooked and ruled as unimportant when compared to more prominent restaurants that serve complete meals. The East Bay is filled with sweet options featuring cuisines from Mexican to French. These treats take an insane amount of coordination and precision to produce, and it’s no small feat. That being said, sometimes a simple, delicious dessert is all you need to fulfill a craving. One of my favorite places to grab something sweet is Little Gem Belgian Waffles. Similarly to many places on my list, it’s on Telegraph Avenue, right where the road transitions to a one way street at Dwight Way. It’s a simple shop with a small interior, but the smell of sizzling sugar always manages to carry itself outside the glass doors and travel through the noses of college students passing by. They’re open until midnight, so I frequent this place for midnight snacks. I’ve ordered for pickup on Snackpass more times than I can count, and their system is definitely convenient. Each mound of dough sits peacefully beside each other waiting to be loaded into the rotating, hot pans before being paired with endless topping options. Belgian waffles are one of my absolute favorite desserts. I’ve been obsessed ever since the first time I bit into their classic, sweet, chewy exterior. They’re unique in the sense that instead of being made with a standard batter, yeast is incorporated in and it’s left to rise for several hours before being pressed into a searing iron. This allows each waffle to have a rich and chewy texture, partly from its mix being doughier than a standard waffle. They also typically have a sort of sweet shell from crystalized sugar sprinkled on. In Belgium, there are two main types of waffles; the Brussels waffle and the Liege waffle. Liege waffles are smaller and usually have more of the signature, chewy qualities of an authentic Belgian waffle while Brussel waffles are lighter and carry more characteristics of a standard American Belgian waffle. Little Gem Belgian Waffles delivers a rich product that would sit somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Each waffle comes piping hot with a deliciously gooey center, surrounded by a crisp, caramelized crust. The variety of their toppings is unmatched, ranging from fruit and whipped cream to waffle towers completed with ice cream and nutella. One of my favorite topping features is their cream cheese whipped cream which perfectly balances the sweetness within the waffle and ties the flavors together. As a perfect source for one of my all time favorite desserts, Little Gem Belgian Waffles is a must. Simple, delicious, and satisfying: what more could you ask for? Undoubtedly the perfect late night bite to satisfy your stomach.
Tolani Britton: Changing the education narrative for underrepresented students BY CARINA THOMAS staff writer
From achievement gaps to racism within the criminal justice system, the topic of corrupt systems in America that seem to work against the success of underrepresented students is a widely criticized topic. For Tolani Britton, an assistant professor in the School of Education at UC Berkeley, she finds understanding in such issues by combining her curiosity for finding patterns in data using mathematical techniques, with the concept of equitable opportunities for all students. Throughout Britton’s career, she has earned multiple academic awards, published numerous notable articles and studies, and holds a Masters of Arts degree in economics from Tufts University, as well as a Masters of Arts in French Cultural Studies from Columbia University. In 2018, Britton earned her P.h.D in Quantitative Policy Analysis of Education from Harvard University. Through the influence of her father, an engineer and a computer scientist, Britton’s childhood was centered around a focus on math. Later as an undergrad, Britton found that patterns and data truly
aligned with her passions, and thus decided to major in economics. Additionally, Britton credits her ability to attend such prestigious institutions and receive a high level of education to the opportunities she has been exposed to. “The place you attend is usually an indication of the opportunities you had,” said Britton. Britton’s work focuses primarily on conducting research related to higher education access and success among underrepresented students, particularly people of color and individuals from working class families. Specifically, Britton conducts her work using a method known as quantitative policy analysis, which uses tools from a branch of economics called econometrics, and measures the impacts of programs and policies on college access and success. “My work is really trying to understand not how do we change students, but how do we change the structures in which students are learning to make them feel more supported in places where students don’t just arrive, but can thrive,” said Britton. Further, Britton noted that as a Black woman, systemic racism in academic settings is certainly present, and can put abnormal pressure on Black individuals working to
achieve academic successes. “I think that the belief that we have to work twice as hard to get half as far is part of the ways in which structural racism works having us believe that we are not enough,” said Britton. In addition, the experience of attending highly ranked universities and attaining an esteemed status in the academic world as a professor and researcher does come with its differences in how Britton is sometimes treated in the workplace. “Some of the questions people ask that are sometimes almost assuming that I haven’t done good work … have absolutely been some of my experience.” said Britton. However, Britton does not allow the preconceived opinions of others to affect her work and her pride in her own identity. “If your bias is around race and gender, then … you are not expecting me as a Black
JENNIFER YOC FERREIRA
woman to be standing in front of you talking about my research, defending my work,” said Britton. “That is not a me issue. That’s a you issue.” Britton holds the understanding one’s skin color should not be shamed, rather it is the racism within societal systems that should be challenged. “I don’t think that my racial background was ever a barrier to success. I do think the systemic racism in the places in which I’ve lived and learned are barriers to success,” said Britton. “Blaming or ascribing negative outcomes to part of who I am, doesn’t align with how I see the world.” As an accomplished professor and researcher, Britton leaves young students with a piece of advice: “Do good work that you love, that you’re passionate about, and take care of yourself. The best work is self-care.”
Social media proves a poor diagnostician BY ERIN LIAO staff writer
News has become much more accessible to the world through social media and technology. Social media users are bringing up information about mental health and other real world problems online. However, it is very easy to find information on mental health online that is false, and it can easily confuse users. It is tough to tell if tests
like this are trustworthy, especially when social media is filled with inaccurate information. “Unless the people creating the quizzes are actual doctors with medical licenses or psychiatrists or health professionals with the right credentials, I don’t think these quizzes will or can accurately diagnose anyone,” said Tiffany Liew, a school counselor at Berkeley High School. She also states that most information online isn’t created by doctors with the
GWEN WEBER-STOVER
right medical experience. “So what happens is if somebody takes it upon themselves to say, ‘This is what, from my own personal experience, this is what depression and anxiety looks like.’ While that may be true for that one person, mental health and just any sort of medical diagnosis in general looks very different for every single person,” said Liew. Liew discussed better ways to get help in comparison to these online sources. “The closest thing to getting an answer to your medical problem would be seeing somebody who … has experience working with patients diagnosed with something similar … so that you can get the treatment and help you need as soon as possible,” said Liew. “If needed, they’ll have the expertise or at least they’ll have a list of people that they know to refer you to so that you can get answers if they can’t answer it themselves.” Liew’s solution is not
something that everyone can access, though. “Some people don’t have the money to do that,” said Eryn Murphy, a sophomore at BHS. “So then they just take this test and they think that whatever the test says is great. And then that’ll affect how they think.” It can be hard to separate fact from fiction, and regardless, the results can become self-fulfilling. “(They) can make you perceive yourself as more depressed or (like you) have something you actually don’t,” said Murphy. Reaching out to professionals is the most effective option for getting help. Real people who can connect emotionally with people in need are much more likely to have an impact than the anonymous internet. These doctors have access to therapists and medicine, and can also help to ensure information is legitimate and should be trusted. This way, more people in need can get the help, support, and treatment they need.
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WORD ON THE STREET
What’s your biggest regret during your time at BHS? year, I wanted more free time, but this year I joined more stuff,” she said. This ended up being worthwhile. “You get to meet so many people At B erkele y Hig h and go on trips. You can get School, students have many new experiences and it’s not opportunities to fulfill high boring,” she said. school goals and create Similarly, Lilah lifelong experiences. M o ntoya, a BHS During their time at “I decided, ‘screw it’ and joined freshman, also wishes BHS, students have (the robotics team), and I am she’d joined more realized which classes having the time of my life.” clubs at the start of and clubs they have the year. “I’m missing enjoyed the most and Avery Ryan chances to grow my also what they wish knowledge,” she said. they had done earlier. BHS junior “I wanted to try more “Something I regret things, and (now) I not doing earlier at this school year, Ryan decided don’t get the chance to grow BHS is joining the robotics to join Team Berkelium. “I and go outside my comfort team,” said Avery Ryan, a decided, ‘screw it’ and joined, zone. ” junior. Montoya plans to join more BHS’ robotics team, Team and I am having the time of my life, ” they said. “Since I joined clubs. “I would recommend Berkelium, finished in seventh I have been welcomed with people try everything and that place at the For Inspiration and open arms and I have been they be willing and open to Recognition of Science and doing a club,” added Technology (FIRST) Montoya. International Robotics Noa Forney, a BHS Competition, “I wanted to try more things, and f reshman, w ishes qualifying for the (now) I don’t get the chance to grow that she paid more final round of and go outside my comfort zone.” attention in class. “It the competition really affects your among the top 28 Lilah Montoya grade in the long international teams. run,” she said. “Now “I was originally BHS freshman I have to ask for a apprehensive about lot of extra credit joining because filled with non-stop laughs. ” and I wish that I was paying I didn’t think I was smart A r y a J a w a l i k a r , a more attention in class at the enough to join, so I definitely s ophomore, reg rets not beginning. ” Forney cited the lost out,” Ryan said. They were joining more clubs. “Last difficulty of her courses as hesitant after experiencing BY ELSIE YUEN staff writer
the serious culture of their previous school’s team. “My old school’s robotics team had such an intense culture that I wasn’t sure I wanted to replicate this year,” said Ryan. However, one month into
part of the reason why she spaced out during class time. In particular, Forney’s hardest class is physics. “It’s just a very hard subject that many people haven’t learned about in this grade,” she said. Despite these hurdles, Forney aims to be more focused in the future.“I plan to do my homework and turn things on in time,” she
said, “And generally to just be better for the next three years.” Asha Bui, a BHS freshman, also regrets not being responsible with her schoolwork. A particular instance of this, she said, was when she forgot to do an assignment in her Spanish class. “I lost twenty points and now I have an A minus,” said
Bui. From this, she realized that she would have to be more in control of her schoolwork. For the rest of the year, Bui’s goal is to stay on top of her classwork, citing college expectations as a large motivation. “I feel like grades are everything these days,” she said, “Especially because of the rising competition to get into
OREN STILES
History of ‘Our Monologues’: Shaped by the BHS community the directors go through the monologues and choose the best ones for the show. “It is primarily based on the writing The “Vagina Monologues” and the subject matter. We was a staple production at want to make sure there is a Berkeley High School for 19 variety of stories but that the years. Based on the 1996 play writing is also high quality,” written by Eve Ensler, the said Meilin Jokela, who was student-run show aimed to in the show last year and capture the nuance of is returning as a cowomen’s experiences director this year. “... (‘Our Monologues’ inspired) in a patriarchal world. The studentHowe ver, in 2019, me to step more into myself and be writers of the chosen BHS students Mara more authentic to who I want to be monologues are given Halpern and Daphne the opportunity to and who I am.” Eleftheriadou decided perform their piece if to expand the content they wish to do so. But Jessica Hipona of the show. They for those who do not replaced the “Vagina want to, the production “Our Monologues” cast member Monologues” with a invites ot her BHS show they called “Our students to audition Monologues.” Halpern and has performed topcs ranging for the show. “We want a Eleftheriadou hoped to make from gender and sexuality, diverse cast who will be able the show more inclusive to racism, mental health, and to represent the stories we are not only in terms of gender sexual violence. trusted with, so that means identity, but additionally in the “It’s a really unique space we try to pick people from a range of topics covered. that isn’t offered in many variety of backgrounds who “Our goal is to continue other places, where you have the potential to add their to de velop a show t hat can represent yourself on talents to our performance,” emphasizes the value of talking stage as yourself and not as a said Jokela. about what goes on here. In character,” said Jessica Hipona, Once the monologues and our experience, the act of a performer from last year’s cast members are finalized, talking and listening is the best production. the group finally begins to way to heal and move forward,” The submission process rehearse, with an emphasis reads the production’s website, begins at the start of the school on building community. where students can also find year and lasts until October. Every rehearsal begins with recordings of past monologues. Students can submit multiple a check-in where the cast And “Our Monologues” monologues and have the members have the opportunity has done just that. In contrast option of including their name to share what’s going on in to the “Vagina Monologues,” or remaining anonymous. their lives and how they are in which different students After the submission deadline, feeling. Outside rehearsals, BY SHANZA SYED staff writer
performed the same monologues year after year, “Our Monologues” is based on student submissions so that the show is unique every year. This leads to it being representative of BHS students’ feelings, covering topics they are passionate about. Over the years the show
cast memb ers als o take year as the other co-director of together because people can excursions together to get to the production. be vulnerable with each other know one another better and For Stoller, Hipona, and and we can learn from each build strong chemistry that Jokela, “Our Monologues” other’s experiences and relate they hope is evident to each other,” said on stage, reaching the Jokela. Stoller added community. that the production “I like to describe (‘Our “I like to describe Monologues’) as a community first helps people, both cast (‘Our Monologues’) and audience members and production second.” as a community first alike, see that they are and a pro duc t ion not alone, a sentiment second. ... By the time echoed by Hipona. Arunima Stoller we’re performing, the “As somebody who “Our Monologues” co-director performance is mainly first went and watched for us. We’ve worked ‘O u r Mon ol o g u e s’ so hard that at that point provides a safe space and before joining it, I remember performing is just a bonus,” opportunity to talk about it really inspiring me to step said Arunima Stoller, who was issues that are considered more into myself and be more in the past two productions of taboo or often overlooked. authentic to who I want to be the show and is returning this “It really brings people and who I am,” said Hipona.
Students perform “Conversations at Berkeley High” in “Our Monologues.”
COURTESY OF EMILIA FREILICH
ENTERTAINMENT
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BERKELEY HIGH JACKET
Entertainment editors: Kaiya Jordan & Simon Policy
THE SHAME WIZARD: ACADEMIC “SUCCESS”
kaiyajordan@students.berkeley.net
The evolution of fashion at Berkeley High CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
ANNABELLE TEMPLE-ARMSTRONG
No matter what your habits look like, you’ve likely felt stressed about your grades. Whether it’s just been specific assignments or the entirety of your school life, doing well is always a demand. This can make a less than perfect grade feel like a statement about who you are as a person, rather than just something you did or something that happened. When a bad grade feels like that, it can cause a lot of shame. Unfortunately, learning how to balance social life, family life, and academic life, including extracurriculars, is often the only advice given to struggling teenagers, and without an instruction manual. It can often feel like there’s not enough time to do it all, and so at least one thing gets sacrificed. With all the emphasis put on grades, school can feel like the obvious choice. Spending so much time on school, especially outside of the given hours, is exhausting because you never get a true break from consuming information. Prioritizing social life can still lead to a lot of pressure, either to underperform, when surrounded by people who don’t care about their grades, or to be able to find that magic balance. There are people who are social and still have very good grades. So many people never even glance at the very support that I need just to understand what’s going on. There can also be a lot of pressure from family to do well in school, whether it’s to continue a legacy of higher education or to be the first one to make it to college. No matter how well meaning, or even supportive, a family can be, knowing that other people expect you to always do well in school is hard. Family often tends to compare you with other people in the family as well, which can make you feel ashamed of being yourself and doing how you do. Finally, and often a result of the others, there can be a lot of pressure coming from yourself. It might be because of the expectations placed by others or just because you know you can do well, but it can be hard not to feel like it’s good grades or nothing. This can all lead to a cycle that fluctuates between being on top of work, which feels successful, then letting things pile up and cramming, which feels a lot more shameful and stressful. The truth is, though, academic success, and success in general, is not one size fits all. Success doesn’t have to be doing everything all the time, getting into top schools, or getting a 4.0 GPA. It could be improving your comprehension of a class and mixing social and academic life by inviting your friends to come to office hours with you. It could be meeting with a counselor or trusted teacher to talk about your life goals- not what other people want from you. No matter how you’re doing in school or what your goals are, you can have a successful career and life. Be safe, have fun, and define your own success.
jackets,” Chung said. “Everyone had long hair, guys and girls. (People wore) loud colors and thick leather belts. Girls wore mini dresses, short skirts, and high boots.” While the majority of clothing from the 60s and 70s vary from what is commonly trending today, there are still some similarities. Mini dresses never went out of style, and recently there have been more mini skirts with high boots, as a winter fashion look. In addition to those, chunky belts and rhinestone belts have made a comeback. For BHS senior Raphaella
Laurence, “A lot of (trends) have been inspired by the 70s and 60s, but also 90s. Not so much 80s. I’d say 2000s too, for some people. But it definitely has a modern twist.” There is a pattern of modernizing trends from older decades, and that happens because of the newer production of old styles, like baggy jeans or puff sleeves. Decades ago, the clothing that people wore was authentic to its time and created to last. Now that old clothing trends are resurfacing, fast fashion and modern brands have started to produce new clothing using old fashion trends. But instead of being high quality vintage, it has an attempted vintage look, and is often low quality.
Raphaella Laurence, Yael Pollak, Neshia Geoghegan, and Julian Weisert share their outfits.
“Today’s fashion is moving so much faster than (earlier decades) because we have access to thrift stores and fast fashion brands like Shein. A lot of online shopping is happening, so I feel like we cycle through our clothes so much faster,” said Chung. The problem with fashion trends moving on so quickly is that it brings down the quality of the clothing. We get rid of more clothes, which means new clothes have to be produced faster. The fast fashion brands that hop onto every trend use cheap materials that aren’t meant to last. “We’re getting more used to paying less and less for lower quality,” Chung said. Everyone develops their own style over time, but there’s no doubt that trends
PHOTOS BY EMORY ELY AND KAI HANSCHEN
have a significant influence on what people wear. A few years ago, people likely wouldn’t have even considered wearing low waisted jeans, and now you can’t walk around school without seeing students wearing them. The jean cycle never ends; skinny jeans to baggy jeans, high waisted jeans to low rise jeans, straight legged to flare jeans, and so much more. “(Trends) are definitely influenced by the media, obviously. Like, the artists that are the most popular. Right now, for example, Lana Del Rey is super trendy and everyone has that, like, ‘coquette’ look,” said Laurence. The “coquette” look being referred to includes lipstick, bows, and dark red and pink. Lana Del Ray has claimed this look, and now most of the trend is attributed to her. When a celebrity has a particular style, fans are often easily influenced, and will adopt that same aesthetic. Trends have gone all over the place, but they will cycle back again in a few years. “It’s the 2000s coming back,” said BHS freshman Nina Garling-Rai. “Everything just keeps coming back.”
Voice acting: ‘An intricate performance’ BY HANNAH GROTHREIDY staff writer
an actor has to share. A couple of words can impact an entire paycheck. Furthermore, voice acting looks different across genres and types of filmmaking. In anime films, for example, actors typically only come on to set after the drawings have all been created. This means the actors have to match their dialogue to the characters’. In many North American productions, however, recording these voices often occurs much earlier in the process. After the recording has taken place, animators draw the characters in a manner that
Voice acting is an entirely different world to navigate from on-screen acting, although many similarities exist between the two. Some voice actors are hired simply to breathe, with Sean Kenin, an American film small mannerisms. In turn, and television actor, as one this can create an animated example. He has been hired character who more closely for his ability to mimic matches the live voice actor. well-known performers’ Emotion, thought, breaths, gasps, and grunts. and clarity all need to be This is not an uncommon communicated, just as in phenomenon in the world live acting, but with only of voice acting. a voice. And often, Voice acting this needs to be shares many done only a short The question with talking artificial characteristics time after receiving intelligence, though, is whether it will with on-screen the script. Voice p e r f o r m a n c e s , be able to immerse itself in the emotion actors may receive and complexity of the character. but there are key their dialogue only differences that minutes before. make it stand out, This means that, despite the lack of attention reflects the style of the voice. with a new and unfamiliar these attributes might And while the title of script, actors have to convey receive. Just like on-screen “voice acting” implies that a world of emotion just acting, actors are paid by there is nothing beyond through their voice. the amount of content they the “voice” this can be Going forward, however, have to offer the film or misleading. Sometimes the landscape of voice show. However, when the productions install a camera acting may change. New actors are not on the screen for the recording process, artificial intelligence (AI) visually, this can come down so that animators can watch developments are constantly to the amount of words that the performance and catch being released, and this may
LUCIA RADILLO
change the landscape of voice acting, with AI as a new competitor for actors. The question with talking AI, though, is whether it will be able to immerse itself in the emotion and complexity of the character. It is these very unique aspects of voice acting that make it such an intricate form of performance. However, one thing remains the same in both live and voice acting: The authenticity behind the work. To convey the emotion of the character, an actor must fully embody the role. Acting is about immersing oneself in another experience, bringing the character to life on screen. Whether through voice or body language, that is an unchanging characteristic.
ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
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Family YouTube channels: Unethical and in need of changing BY ANNIKA JOY staff writer
Of the many categories available on YouTube, family channels have consistently been one of the most popular. Channels like “The Ace Family,” “Family Fun Pack,” and “The Labrant Fam” all have over ten million subscribers. All of these successes are built on the foundation of parents documenting and
uploading their children’s personal lives, often before the kids are able to consent to it. For this reason, among others, it is unethical for these kinds of channels to continue to flourish. Family channels often fall into a pattern of filming a child’s most personal and emotional moments, such as dealing with loss and growth, all of which gets uploaded for millions of people to see. One search on YouTube can bring
up dozens of videos from these sorts of channels documenting a child’s first period, children crying over the loss of a pet or family member, as well as similar personal experiences. The level of intimacy of these moments, combined with the fact that most of these kids don’t even understand consent yet, just magnifies the immense violation of privacy that these children are victims of. The truth is that family
ISA SHIMOMURA
channels are, and will popular YouTube channel many laws that protect continue to be, a very “DaddyOFive,” featured children in mainstream profitable industry. In 2017, videos of the father, Mike entertainment industries as the viewing of family vlog Martin, playing pranks on well as underage users of the content was up by 90 percent his young children. One internet. and continues to rise today. of the most controversial Some may argue that With high viewer family channels and subscriber are a valuable way ... (There are) no laws currently in for parents to earn counts, it becomes easy to make large place in the U.S. to protect children revenue while amounts of money s i m u l t a n e o usly involved in family channels. on YouTube. This continuing to spend is especially true lots of time with for family channels, as prank videos depicts their children. While the they have less risk of being Martin pouring ink on his idea may have some truth, demonetized. “The Labrant son Cody’s floor and then there are few things more Fam,” a family channel continuing to blame and yell valuable than the protection with around 13 million at the child while he cries of a child’s privacy. The subscribers, is said to earn profusely. This video, among potential for monetary approximately 5.5 million others, ultimately led to gain carries the risk of kids’ dollars annually in ad Martin losing custody of the childhoods and privacy revenue alone, and similar children, and the channel being compromised for numbers can be accredited has since been deleted. profit. to the other popular Unfor tunately, Overall, there is very little channels. there aren’t many legal that can be said to justify This potential for boundaries to prevent this these family vlog channels monetary gain is from happening, with no continuing to exist. Nothing undoubtedly one of the laws currently in place in is worth putting these driving motivators behind the U.S. to protect children children at risk. It is a most of the vlog channels involved in family channels. parent’s job to protect their on the internet, and in While there is a promising children, which is a duty many cases, it seems to bill proposed for 2032, the that family channels too take precedence over the lack of legal protection is often disregared in favor of safety and well-being of a massive oversight. And success. The current state the children involved. For it’s not like such laws are of family channels is far too example, the previously unheard of; there are already unethical to be permitted.
WGA strike ends, changing entertainment industry forever BY ANNA WILLIAMS staff writer
On May 2, 2023, the WGA, a union representing the writers on over 11,000 films, television shows, news channels, radio stations, and online blogs declared they were going on strike. This strike commenced with a notice published by the WGA members demanding “meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership.” Their demands included higher pay, due to a steady decline in pay over the last 10 years. They also demanded a more stable pay structure and protection against writing from artificial intelligence. The strike began six weeks after unsuccessful negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and more major studios. After a month of the strikes, this movement was heightened when 160,000 actors, recording artists, and others within SAGAFTRA (the combination of two labor unions, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), went on strike. Finally, on Sept. 27 the WGA announced that they would end their strike, after coming to an agreement
with AMPTP. While the 148 day strike may be over, it will have a lasting impact on entertainment. In addition to the significant pay raise, the WGA banned the use of AI to write or rewrite pieces of work as well as studios’ ability to demand that writers use AI. Conversely, the deal does allow writers to use AI to help their writing, so long as they get permission from studios. Additionally, studios must declare if writers are using AI generated material. This agreement will have a huge impact in entertainment. Fear about AI replacing jobs has been constant now that websites like ChatGPT are growing. “Politically, we are at the precipice of when (AI technology) will be institutionalized. Once they are institutionalized, it’s hard to get rid of it,” said Alex Hanna, director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute. If uncontrolled, AI generated scripts could significantly reduce the amount of writers needed, jeopardizing their job security and saving studios money. Sarah Myers West, the managing director of the AI Now Institute, said, “They could use AI to create a first draft and then bring in someone else to do a second draft. And that devalues their work by not having them do that whole process.” The agreement made by
WGA and AMPTP helps to limit this and respect the importance of writers. Many actors, musicians, and writers rejoiced at the end of the strike and used their various platforms to thank the WGA negotiating committee and the Guild Leadership for all their hard work. However, some feel that it is too little too late, and that AI generated scripts are inevitable. While that may be true, the progress made by the WGA will add more hurdles for studios to jump through to use AI. The WGA strike has also given way to some unexpected change in the
entertainment industry. year. It is likely that we will movies were canceled or One of the biggest changes see a similar phenomenon delayed until the strikes is a sudden need for reality happen now. were over. This caused TV. During the recent The writers’ strike will delays in upcoming award strike, there were shows. The Emmy no new episodes Awards have been released, meaning particularly affected, AI generated scripts could that networks had to given that a show significantly reduce the fill their primetime must air between amount of writers needed, schedules with June 1 and May 31 jeopardizing their job security. unscripted shows to be eligible for the like reality TV or award show, which competition based is when the writers shows. This influx of reality also have an impact on strike occurred. TV can be seen in past upcoming releases of movies In the future, it is likely we writers strikes. During the and TV shows, which will will see more negotiations 2007 WGA strike, over cause an interesting issue between studios and writers 100 unscripted shows were with various upcoming about AI use. The WGA premiered or returned, as award shows. During strikes will have served as a opposed to the 50 unscripted the strike, many highly great foundation to protect shows televised the previous anticipated TV shows and writers’ rights.
CARINA NOTTINGHAM
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ENTERTAINMENT
Media in classrooms: Does it provide alternate way of learning or a crutch? BY CECILIA TILES staff writer
“We are surrounded by media every day,” said Berkeley High School Spanish teacher Angie Soto. In modern life, electronics are part of everyday student routines, whether it’s using a phone for communication or a laptop for homework. This extends to the classroom, with many teachers using movie clips, educational videos, and other types of media to keep students more engaged in their content. When schools shifted to remote learning in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, it drove a greater reliance on technology and media for education. As it was impossible for teachers to physically pass out paper packets or worksheets, and lecture-based lessons became increasingly difficult, teachers turned to accessible online resources: media.
Technology and media are clearly helpful tools for education. They allow students to see and engage with their classmates and teachers over Zoom and to access their assignments on Google Classroom. At the same time, the pandemic also may have caused an overreliance on technology in our daily lives. However, many educators are finding positive ways to put media and technology to use for the benefit of students. Surprisingly enough, the use of media in classrooms dates back long before COVID-19, to the 1800s and an early version of a projector, dubbed The Magic Lantern. The Magic Lantern used light to project images and shapes onto a screen or wall. While a less efficient and technologically complex machine, it served the same purpose as the more modern projector; supporting visual learning in the complex world, providing students an alternate way to learn.
According to The National Institute of Health, about 65 percent of the population are visual learners. Studies have shown that using media in classrooms not only increases student engagement, but actually improves a student’s process of understanding and retaining new information. When new knowledge and topics are associated with an image, or color, or video, the brain makes a connection. Since visual memory is generally superior to auditory and verbal, the brain is more likely to process the new information. Dr. Lynell Burmak, an education consultant and professor, explains it this way in her book “Visual Literacy: Learn to See, See to Learn”, “Unlike factoids and phone numbers that can ‘go in one ear and out the other’ images are indelibly etched in our long-term memory.” Although the use of media in any school setting
THE CROSSWORD
can be beneficial, BHS students and teachers noted specifically its importance in learning and processing new languages. Olive Otto, a freshman in Soto’s Spanish class, shared her experience with having to learn a new language while living abroad and how watching movies and videos assisted her in that process. “When I was learning German in Switzerland, watching German TV really helped me,” Otto said. She noted that subtitles also helped her brain make connections between the words and what was happening on screen. “To learn a language you need to hear the language a lot,” Otto said, “Movies are beneficial because there are conversations that are a little more advanced than what you would probably normally hear in class.” Soto shared how her weekly routine includes different types of media in her Spanish 2 and 3 classes. On Mondays, the classes
DOWN
1. Childish gun 5. Sharp, pungent taste 9. ____ Taylor: New England clothing brand “for career women” 12. “{}[]” singer-songwriter Apollo 13. Abide by the law 14. Civil rights leader Wells 15. *MLA format-approved font 18. Help informally 19. Verbal attitude 21. Spice in black licorice 24. Suppers, etc. 28. *EST . . . or a singular nationally published newspaper 32. Slightly dated “great” 33. “Knives Out” actress de Armas 34. Off the ground 36. Ache 40. Like alfredo linguini . . . or what Alfredo Linguini cooks, sometimes 42. Italian veal dish often served with risotto 44. Badger 46. English comedian Graham 47. *NYC advertising center, kind of 51. Orange soda, often 53. A program one might not want to see 54. Sicilian volcano 57. “Africa” band 59. 1983 Cyndi Lauper hit . . . or a summary of this puzzle’s starred clues 64. Item often in a car’s glove compartment prior to smartphones 65. Raised platform for the honored 66. Dutch cheese 67. “The way I see it . . .”, in text-speak 68. Greek god of war 69. Attach Bluetooth earbuds to one’s phone
1. Like a knot without the first step? 2. Blood-related suffix 3. Memed-out celebrity chef 4. California city by Yosemite 5. Weight of a grand piano 6. Prez. Lincoln 7. Salamander (or Scamander?) 8. Greek pita wrap 9. “I Should’ve Known” and “I’m With Stupid” singer-songwriter Mann 10. Secretive agreement, informally 11. Mum’s mum 16. Mix 17. Like somebody regularly taking Advil 20. Most (or least) on a basic scale 22. One who takes to the slopes 23. More obscure debt security, for short 25. High-ponytailed singer 26. Ancient Roman household god 27. Flash drive, with “card” 28. Yea’s opposer 29. Sherlock’s partner 30. Thrust [something] upon 31. Disappeared 35. Location expressor 37. School before college (abbreviated) 38. Turn 39. ____-Wan Kenobi 41. Era 42. Egg in Caesar’s salad? 43. Lab report in U9 Physics 45. Like a rainbow or a bridge 46. “What ___?” (hypothetical) 48. Transplant-receiver register, informally 49. “Be the change you wish to see” and “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” for two 50. Like a child’s bedroom, often 52. Time for music? 55. Zilch 56. Away from 58. Country bordering Yemen 59. “Ew, you’re oversharing!” 60. Lead-in many affirmations —toRaven Fonseca Jensen 61. Bow or bolo 62. Feminine ending 63. Master of ceremonies, for short
— Violet Kessler
analyze a music video, and on Fridays, she usually opts to have students watch a movie in Spanish. “As a second language learner, I realized that my attention span for lectures was really low,” explained Soto, when asked how she came to using videos and movies in class, “So I had to find another way for me to learn and try to get and give the information that I wanted.” To be fair, using media in a classroom may not be right in every educational situation. If about 65 percent of students are visual learners, that still leaves 35 percent that might process information in a different way. Some students might find videos
ASHLEY DIAZ
shown in class to be boring or even unnecessary. In addition, the use of media in class adds to a student’s overall daily screen time, which has already increased since COVID-19. Excessive screen time has been linked to depression, sleep problems, and a decrease in daily exercise. It’s possible to find balance and use media in classrooms effectively. Nobody can deny that our world has become one to technology. Administrators and educators now have an opportunity to use resources such as movies, videos, or social media to provide an education that is enriching and effective for the majority of the student body.
Controversy of online quizzes BY ELIOT PERDUE staff writer
ACROSS
Media provides an alternate way to impart information.
Who am I? This is one of life’s greatest questions, inspiring works of art, revolution, spiritual practices, and many ethically ambiguous selfhelp authors. Humans are constantly trying to figure each other out. According to psychology professors and researchers such as Zoe Liberman and Amanda L. Woodward, the human brain is programmed to categorize things and people as a way to unshroud the mystery of humanity. Over the course of human life, our inclination for categorization has resulted in many atrocities such as classism and racism. But it has also resulted in what some would also consider atrocities (albeit far lesser), such as the Myers-Briggs personality test. “I think that there’s a degree to which the process
of taking a personality quiz prompts you to introspect,” said Scully Randlet, a Berkeley High School English teacher. The question of “Who am I?” is one’s longing for selfrealization. But are quizzes the best way to begin that journey, or is it generally intuitive? “Self-realization or introspection comes naturally … and learning who you are as a person comes from within, even if it sounds cliche,” said BHS senior Emilio HuhndorfLima, in reflection of Randlet’s earlier statement. However, Randlet also agreed with HuhndorfLima’s point of view, and later said, “Taking personality tests that tell you you’re a certain kind of person and then really taking that to heart and not actually exploring the full extent of who you are could be really damaging.” And it’s true; knowing oneself takes a lot of work, and a single point of view
ALISA KARIN KOLPAKOVA
is not typically an accurate representation. Believing quiz results as fact can often do more damage than not knowing at all. Many people, however, see personality quizzes as entertainment. “With the heat towards some astrology signs and personality types, I think it’s just completely unwarranted,” said Hila Talia, a BHS junior. “People take it too seriously because I think it’s just something to do for fun.” Although it can be harmful to see a test result as an accurate representation of who you are, seeing it as an inconsequential game can be quite fun. Of course, some tests have more bearing than others. An attachment style quiz, for example, is vastly different from a questionnaire that determines which Starbucks drink best aligns with your personality. “Generally it’s the sort of questions they’re asking that determine how seriously I take the conclusions,” said Randlet explaining the legitimacy of different types of quizzes. The differences between psychologically based tests and pseudoscientific ones are what the test is attempting to uncover about a person, as well as how qualified the person developing the test is to make those conclusions. Similar to when researching for paper, when learning — aLuli Galison about oneself, it’s important to use credible sources.
SPORTS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
Athletes at BHS weigh in on creatine use BY ELSA DIETZ staff writer
Creatine monohydrate is a popular performanceenhancing supplement that some Berkeley High School athletes use to help build muscle and improve their performance. According to the Cleveland Clinic, creatine is a natural energy source that “helps create a steady supply of energy in your muscles so they can keep working, especially while you’re exercising.” Although it is produced naturally, creatine supplements are used to increase creatine levels in the body. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement that increases muscle performance in short-duration, highintensity resistance exercises.” For Brooks Trotmore, a sophomore on the BHS crew team, creatine supplements helped him put on muscle before the start of crew season. “It didn’t make as big of a difference as I was expecting it to, but it definitely made a noticeable difference in how much my body can handle and also how my body looks,” said Trotmore. Although creatine supplements have helped him improve, Trotmore isn’t sure if it gave him an unfair advantage over his peers. “I’m kind of in the same place I was
compared to my peers before, but I feel like my time has gotten significantly better over the summer … I don’t know if it gave me (an) advantage, but I think it helped me improve faster than I would’ve without creatine,” said Trotmore. Sam Cherin, a sophomore on the Freerider Ski Team started taking creatine supplements to help him progress faster at the gym. “I felt like it would help my performance and it would increase my progress, which is something that sounded good to me,” said Cherin. Cherin didn’t experience any negative side effects, but he also didn’t notice huge differences in his performance after starting to take creatine supplements. From concerns about negative health side effects to the idea that it gives athletes an unfair advantage, creatine supplements remain a controversial topic. Cherin noticed a lot of this negative stigma against creatine supplements while he was using it. “There’s a big stigma around (creatine) and people are worried that it affects people negatively,” said Cherin. “Sometimes people will discredit hard work because of (creatine use, but) you’re not going to see any progress if you’re not actually working hard. The creatine only boosts performance, it doesn’t create performance from nothing,” said Cherin. Trotmore found that the crew team is very accepting
ALESSIO GILABERT-PAPAGNI
“I definitely think that it should be normalized more because it’s not something that’s new or crazy or unnatural, it’s just a way to help you do a little better,” said Cherin. Because of lack of research, creatine supplements are not recommended for people under the age of 18. According to Dr. Lauren Goldberg, “When used at appropriate doses, creatine seems to be safe in healthy athletes of all ages, and using a trusted brand might be appropriate for some high school athletes … That being said, due to inadequate studies, we don’t know what long-term effects it may have on young athletes. For that reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Sports Medicine do not recommend creatine use under age 18.”
Coach Figgs marks new era for girls hoops BY MINAMI SOGA staff writer
coaching his daughter since she was seven, and she was the one who suggested that he try coaching a girls team. Figgs also explained his goals for the season. “Our goals for this season, and every season: Start with winning our league, building the foundations for the program’s future, and hopefully guiding a few students to earning a college scholarship,” he said. The girls basketball program has struggled in recent years, and Figgs hopes to bring the team back to glory. “I hope to lift the program back to its rightful place in contention for a state playoff
WEIRD HISTORY: THE FIRST INDIVIDUAL ELI LEICHTER WILSON
of people who use creatine supplements because many of his teammates know a lot about it. “It’s super socially acceptable because we have a really big gym culture on the crew team. Most people came from a background of being a gym rat … so they’re pretty familiar with creatine. Nobody’s ever judged me for using it,” said Trotmore. Trotmore believes that a lot of the stigma against creatine supplements comes from people not being fully informed on what it is or what it’s used for. “I think there’s this huge mysterious shroud around (creatine). People think it’s a genuine drug but (they) need to understand (that) creatine is already something you have inside your body,” said Trotmore. Cherin hopes that creatine supplements will become more normalized among teenage athletes.
Reginald Figgs is Berkeley High School’s new head varsity girls basketball coach. Growing up in Oakland, he has always loved basketball and played the sport throughout his life. He hooped from elementary school to college, where he played for Fayetteville State North Carolina. He last coached at De Anza High School where he was the head coach for eight years. During his time there, he was able to bring the boys IDA MARSHALL LAPPE 7’3 Coach Figgs poses with player Giselle Lopez. basketball team to victory over 100 times, along with from his own previous He feels that it is an NCS title. basketball coaches. important to give students Figgs shared In particular, he is different opportunities to that he chose to greatly influenced try new things. Though “I hope to lift the program back start coaching by Coach Ric there are times where he to its rightful place in contention at BHS because Duckett, who has to be serious, he takes for a state playoff run.” he “felt like it was his coach at pride in his ability to also be was time for a Fayetteville State loving towards his players. Reginald Figgs change and a new North Carolina in “De Anza was a challenge.” It is his college. rebuilding project and it was BHS girls varsity basketball coach first time coaching Figgs believes fun going from the bottom a girls basketball that coaching to the top. We are hoping to team and he decided to take run,” said Figgs. “allows (him) to help shape replicate that success here on the challenge influenced As a coach, he gets young people and give them at Berkeley with the girls by his daughter. He has been much of his coaching style a voice.” program,” said Figgs.
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The first name in history we’re aware of is Kushim, an ancient Mesopotamian accountant who signed his name at the bottom of a tax document recording transactions of barley. But there’s one person in history that’s been given an even higher honor: Akhenaten. Akhenaten was an ancient Egyptian emperor, who is called the first individual in history. Before Akhenaten rose to power in 1353 BCE, Egypt was polytheistic. They worshiped a pantheon of animal-headed gods and goddesses, each with their own stories, personalities, and characteristics. The system was deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. The same tradition of polytheism stretched back 4500 years at this point, far into prehistory. Egypt simply wasn’t a civilization that gave much thought to changing the way they had always done things. This is what made Akhenaten’s actions so shocking. When he took the throne, Akhenaten introduced a singular god, named Aten. Aten took the form of the disc of the sun, often depicted with several arms reaching down to earth. Akhenaten closed temples to the former gods and erased their names anywhere they appeared. Aten served as the one-stop-shop for any and all worship and offerings. Akhenaten positioned himself as the son of Aten and as the only human who could directly communicate with the deity. It is these dramatic changes that earned Akhenaten the title of the “first individual.” The change was not only religious but artistic, architectural, and geographical. For example, Akhenaten moved the capital city from Thebes and built a new one, Amarna, that he adorned with sun symbols. In paintings, sculptures and reliefs, Akhenaten depicted himself strangely when it comes to Egyptian pharaohs: he and his family are shown with bulbous heads and thin bodies. This was a far cry from how pharaohs had been carved for millenia, with muscular physiques and realistic shapes. The change in bodies is believed to have served the purpose of making humans appear more androgynous, similar to the new god. One mummy was discovered in the Valley of the Kings that some believe to be Akhenaten, due to its slightly elongated head, but this is highly debated. Akhenaten’s new religion also disrupted how society was run. By removing the pantheon of gods, he stripped power from the priests, who were arguably more important sometimes than the pharaoh himself. However, upon taking the throne in 1332 BCE, Akhenaten’s morefamous son, Tutenkhamun, destroyed his father’s temples and wiped him from Egypt’s historical records. So why care about him? Despite all of this, Akhenaten’s ideas of monotheism lived on and planted the seeds of Christianity, which would eventually become one of the dominant religions in the world in a few short centuries. The fact that we don’t know basic facts like Akhenaten’s birth year, but we do know about his beliefs, speak to the impact of an individual on history.
16 F R I D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 , 2 0 2 3
sports editors: Colina Harvey & Leo Silverberg
SPORTS BERKELEY HIGH JACKET
colinaharvey@students.berkeley.net
Cross country shows out at NCS, girls land spot at state meet
Girls cross country runners pose for a photo after becoming NCS champions.
BY ELOISE THOMAS staff writer
On Saturday, Nov. 18, the cross country team went to Hayward for their North Coast Section (NCS) championships. For the first time in 41 years, the Berkeley High School girls cross country team won NCS, which landed them a spot at state championships. The boys team ended up fourth overall, right behind Dougherty Valley High School, which put them two places away from qualifying for state championships.
Individually, BHS runners took first in both races. Carina Nottingham, a sophomore, ran the threemile race in 18 minutes and 24.8 seconds, with second place only a second behind her, and Olaf Dietz, a senior, secured first place with a time of 15 minutes and 31.2 seconds, the next runner almost 10 seconds behind him. Anna Bretan, an assistant coach for the cross country team, said that rainy weather may have affected their times, but not the quality of their races. “It was not the best conditions to run their
ALEX TRIPCEVICH
fastest time but it didn’t mean that they couldn’t run their best race. I think everybody rolled with it. There was some slipping and sliding, but they still had awesome races,” Bretan said. Magnolia Hougan, a junior who came in twelfth place out of 51 runners, said the team was preparing themselves for a difficult day. “Coming into it we all definitely had the expectation that it was going to be a hard race, like the course conditions (were) going to be tough,” Hougan said.
Ariel Kehat, a BHS junior felt that running in Berkeley made him better prepared for this course. Kehat said, “We’re familiar with running in the rain because we’re all trail runners and we run around Tilden in the dirt and stuff so we’re used to it. But, it was still very different compared to what we’re used to.” Bretan felt that the results of the race were something that the athletes could be proud of. “We couldn’t have asked for more from (the girls’ team),” Bretan said. “The boys’ team had a strong race too. They had really tough competition. We had some very strong individual performances.” Nottingham came in first place despite not being projected to win. According to Bretan, the victory was surprising because Nottingham was sick that day. “(Nottingham) wasn’t the predicted winner of the race, but she ran a really smart race despite feeling sick and she ended up winning, which was really fun to watch because sometimes you don’t have to be in your best state to still have a stellar race,” Bretan said. Bretan added that many
athletes on the BHS team were sick that day, but performed very well. “We had a lot of sick athletes,” Bretan said. “They still finished really strong and dug deep … They just all pulled it together as a team.” The mood was slightly different on the boys’ team when they learned that they did not qualify for state championships, however, they were excited for their teammates who had made it to states. “I personally was a little bit disappointed because it was a really hard course and day to run, and we didn’t end up making it, but I was very happy for Olaf and Mason (Mullen) who had basically won,” Kehat said. State championships this year were held in Fresno, with the girls’ team attending as well as BHS seniors Deitz, Mullen, and Oliver Nickelsen. Going into states, Bretan said that she wanted the focus to be on treating the race as a celebration without sacrificing performance. “I had the main expectation that the kids had fun at states. It was just an honor to be there. But, I didn’t want them to not also compete. So balancing
having fun, and then competing with the top kids in the state with reasonable expectations,” Bretan said. On Saturday, Nov. 25, at Woodward Park, the BHS team competed in the state championship. According to Bretan, this race was a highlight of the team this season. “Our whole entire team had their best race,” said Bretan. “One example is, Mason passed 30 people in the second mile and he passed 20 people in the third mile, so just very smart executed races.” The girls placed 17 out of 21 as a team, with the highest placing individual, Nottingham, coming in 40 out of 177. Dietz placed the highest of the boys competing at state, coming in 11 out of 182. “Every single kid on that team worked hard this season,” Bretan said. “They all finished strong. And, we had a very low level of injuries this season and just a nice progression of improvement throughout the season. The season exceeded my expectations, and I also thought the season was really fun. All of that in combination makes it feel like an A+ season.”
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Berkeley High School senior Sophia Alberga began playing soccer when she was only five years old. She is now entering her third year as a forward on the BHS girls varsity soccer team. When Alberga was younger, she took a break from soccer to play softball. She said, “I wanted to try something new.” As Alberga got older, she eventually chose soccer to be her primary sport. This was due to her being someone who is naturally drawn to movement-driven sports. “I love the activity in soccer. It’s much more active than softball, and I’m just an active person,” Alberga said. Because of Alberga’s love for a sport with lots of activity, it was difficult for her to take a break and sit out when she was faced with a three month long concussion. “It was hard because sitting on the sidelines, watching people play is really hard. It’s just like all you want to do is get back to playing and I couldn’t do that,” Alberga said. Alberga’s eagerness and desire to begin playing again after a tough injury made the process easier for her to get back to her previous level of play. “It was just already super exciting to be back, so I think that’s one thing that motivated me to kind of get back to where I used to be and keep playing,” she said.
— Clara Tjen