Vol. II, No. 1

VOL . 2, NO. 1

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

THE YELLOW PAGES BASIS Independent Fremont Journalism Club

HOMECOMING WEEK RECAP

By Heeya Das and Alicia Peng

MONDAY 9/18 Monday was BASIS Spirit Day as well as Middle

Shrek posters on the wall, and hiding Shrek stick-

School Day! The designated color for middle school

ers all around the campus. In addition to everyone

was yellow, and many students woke up early to

gaining a deeper appreciation for Shrek, Thursday

fill the hallways with yellow balloons, streamers,

was also a chance for our students to showcase their

and decorations. Our fellow Yellowjackets were all

cultures through clothing. We witnessed beautiful

decked out in their best BASIS merchandise, and we

garments and outfits that represented various cul-

could all feel the school spirit!

tures and took a moment to appreciate the color

TUESDAY 9/19

and diversity seen throughout the school.

Freshman Tuesday was also Retro Day! The freshmen chose the Spiderman theme and decorated the school accordingly. Red streamers were thrown across the walls and ceiling to mimic spider webs, and spiderman stickers were stuck onto unsuspecting lockers. For our school-wide spirit day, many of our students were spotted wearing low-rise jeans from the 2000s, skirts from the 60s, and flannels from the 90s!

WEDNESDAY 9/20 On Wednesday, the sophomores used their assigned color, blue, to decorate the school. Their mascot was Thomas the Train, and we saw everything from train tracks to Thomas the Train stickers around the campus. All the hallways were lined with

FRIDAY 9/22 Pep Rally The pep rally filled our MPR with a vibrant rainbow of colors—our middle schoolers in yellow, freshmen in red, sophomores in blue, and juniors in green. Students were given flamboyant pom poms and balloons to show off their grade spirit. We were thrilled to witness the BIF Band’s energetic performance and were equally excited to be asked to take the stage to perform in our own musical competition between middle and high school. The most enjoyable part, however, had to be our school-wide game of musical chairs, with our champion being Emily from ninth grade!

Homecoming Dance

cute posters highlighting Thomas the Train’s role as

Homecoming Week ended with the Homecom-

a school leader and mascot. In addition, Wednesday

ing Dance! For all of our high school students, this

was also Sports Appreciation Day! We saw our stu-

dance was both the first dance of the academic year

dents sporting basketball, baseball, football, and

as well as the first official Homecoming dance ever.

soccer jerseys, as well as representing past BASIS

Thank you so much to Student Panel and the Aux-

sports teams!

iliary Department for planning such an amazing

THURSDAY 9/21

event! Additionally, it was also the first time we opened up our dances to outside-of-school guests.

Thursday was Junior Day as well as Global Arts

Both current and former BIF students, as well as

and Cultural Appreciation Day. The juniors’ theme

friends from other schools, were in attendance.

was Shrek, and they emulated a swamp in the school

Overall, the dance was a lot of fun, and we are

by adding green streamers across the walls and in

thankful to have enjoyed such an essential part of

doorways, placing plastic trees on lockers, hanging

the high school experience.

RETROSPECTIVE: 9/11

thing like that was possible, but it was something

because terrorism never goes away. This is not how

afterward was bad, but people began to feel more

that was quite shocking. I thought about how it was

a terrorist attack is usually treated. You try to figure

open to differences. It was horrible; I wish it never

a different reality from what it used to be. The pre-

out who perpetrated it, and you prosecute them in a

happened but if we look at people today, they are

vailing perception that the country was far away

court of law; you don’t use it as a pretext to go back

more communicative.

from any other places of conflict was proved wrong.

into Iraq, which has nothing to do with the 9/11 at-

WHAT IS YOUR MOST VIVID MEMORY OF THAT DAY?

tack, and finish the war that your father started by

Mr. Hanlon: I went to drama school with a partic-

trying to kill Saddam Husain because he supposedly

ular kind of view on what theater could do in terms

had weapons of mass destruction. Yet, that is actu-

of impacting social changes. After 9/11, theaters

Teacher Jasica: My dad used to wear a turban, and at

ally what happened.

became much more conservative in their program-

By Esha Bansiya and Joleen Pan

On September 11th, 2001, a terrorist attack on the United States shook the entire world. Two hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, and a third plane plowed into the Pentagon. A total of 2,977 people were killed, marking the most deadly terrorist attack in American history.

This interview, conducted with the teachers at BASIS Independent Fremont, displays the firsthand experiences of the horrific day from a variety of different perspectives. We asked many questions to capture as much information as we could, ranging from teachers’ immediate reactions to the impact they thought this attack had on our nation.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT THERE WAS AN ATTACK? Teacher Jasica: I was in fourth grade in a Union City apartment with my parents. My mom said that the terrorists were attacking our country. When I went to school, it was really weird because we weren’t given a lot of information.

Mr. Akulov: I was asleep when it happened, and my mom woke me up and told me that an attack took place. At first, I didn’t believe it, but when I turned on the news, I saw that every news channel was covering it. It was 9 o’clock in the Bay Area, so it had already taken place on the east coast. It was time for me to go to school. There was a question about whether or not the classes would take place, but my school didn’t cancel the classes. It was difficult to go over the curriculum as usual.

ming; they did not want to be seen as being overly

the end of the day when he picked me up, we went to Burger King. There were a couple of teenagers

Mr. Akulov: There was a transformation in what

political because this whole issue was politicized

who started calling my dad a terrorist, but he didn’t

had happened to the country. Before, there was a

and further created more division in society. So it

really respond. That continued for the next couple

division, especially in political parties. The division

changed the whole trajectory of my career and my

of months, and at the end of the year, he got rid of

was clear with what had transpired with the elec-

life.

his turban.

tion of 2000. The first months of the Bush presiden-

Mr. Hanlon: Maybe a day after, I saw a pick-up

er critical of the administration. After 9/11, that

WHAT CHANGE DID YOU SEE IN THE COUNTRY?

truck drive by and it had “now we are at war” spray

transformation went away overnight to the people

Teacher Jasica: Shows and shows from Southpark

painted on it. I thought it was strange because this

I have observed. There was a sense of unity that last-

to Criminal Minds all have episodes with terror-

is a terrorist attack, not a war, but it turned out to

ed for two years and then political division began to

ist threats. They became saturated with the image

be true.

emerge again.

of the frightening Middle Eastern coming to bomb

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FOLLOWING DAYS?

Ms. Beverly: They let people know that even though it happened, the US is still a safe place to live. They

Mr. Hanlon: We don’t remember a time when air-

Teacher Jasica: There was a lot of uncertainty in my

gave comfort and reassurance that it most likely

port security was not the way it is now. Before it was

family specifically. We had a fear of being racially

won’t happen again and that the people who did

super easy: you could put whatever you wanted in

profiled, and that fear came true because my dad

this would not get justice.

the bag you brought on board and you could meet a

was profiled. He became worried about his job, so

HOW DO THE EVENTS OF 9/11 AFFECT YOU TODAY?

friend or family member at their gate - without even

Teacher Jasica: It is something that reminds me

and incorporate Islamic Americans. We also need to

Ms. Beverly: People were just terrified. I went to

that even though I have been in this country for a

recognize that the relationship between terrorism

work and handled calls because people were won-

really long time, when things happen that may vil-

and Islam is non-existent. It just so happens, that Al

dering if the attacks were also going to happen

lainize people who look like me, I am open to that

Qaeda used Isalm as a pretext for this attack

here. I was trying to keep people calm and let ev-

scrutiny.

cy still had tension and everyone was being rath-

he got rid of his turban and trimmed his beard so he could be safe.

your country.

eryone know we are safe.

WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHAT WAS THE COUNTRY’S TO THE ATTACK? RESPONSE? Dr. Araci: (In Turkey) It was such shocking news.

having a boarding pass! There is also the demonization of Muslims and trying to find a way to humanize

Dr. Araci: I think I have seen how people can get toMs. Sagal: I wasn’t affected personally, but since

gether in this horrific event. I have seen help from

becoming a history teacher, I have been thinking

all over the world and even personal connections

about the way people view other countries and how

get stronger. I have seen the goodness in people

Everyone was in the cafeteria and the TV was on.

Teacher Jasica: Fear, aggression, increase in pro-

other people view our country. Things like the war

even after this bad thing. Those sacrifices taught me

The news showed that one of the first buildings was

paganda against Middle Eastern people, of people

in Afghanistan that ended last year were a direct

more people were good.

hit. We thought it was an accident but the news ac-

who looked brown. That fear drove propaganda

result of 9/11; there are a lot of effects in history,

tually showed it live, and when the second one was

that didn’t paint Middle Eastern people in a posi-

and we won’t know the big effects for another 20

Ms. Sagal: There was a massive upswing in patriotic

hit, everyone thought what happened was impossi-

tive light.

years.

fervor. There are also some negative things: islam-

Mr. Hanlon: They responded by turning it into a so-

Dr. Araci: It teaches each of us to get ready for any-

noia, in general; and of course the two wars we end-

called “ War on Terror” which is a never-ending war

thing possible in a more cautious way. Immediately

ed up in.

ble.

Mr. Akulov: First of all, I didn’t believe that some-

ophobia is another major effect, a lot more para-

2 CONCLUSION Although we never experienced 9/11 ourselves, these interviews demonstrate both the immediate and gradual impacts that took place because of the attack. Regardless of where they lived, many of the teacher’s experiences were common. All of them heard about the attack through the news or from their peers at school, and all of them found it shocking or incomprehensible. Teacher Jasica, Mr. Hanlon, and Ms. Sagal all discussed the increase in division and islamophobia that emerged because of this event. On the other hand, Dr. Akulov, Ms. Beverly, and Dr. Araci all discussed the unity and solidarity of Americans in the country’s recovery. Diverse accounts provide us with a better understanding of the country’s nuanced reaction to the attack. Despite uniting as a nation to collaborate and recover, the United States also needed someone to blame and isolate.

Even now, 20 years later, the consequences of this event are different for each person, and the ideas that resonated with each individual varied due to their identity. For example, Teacher Jasica, as a person of color, focused on discrimination as well as the distorted view of people from the Middle East. Mr. Hanlon’s dialogue reflects his past experience in drama, detailing how most major theater companies started to avoid overtly political plays.

As history teachers, both Dr. Akulov and Ms. Sagal recognized the short and long term continuities and changes. As a 911 call recipient, Ms. Beverly, focused on the reassurance given to Americans during the days after the attack. Finally, Dr. Araci focused on being more optimistic, presenting the positive consequences of the event on the world and the country.

Everyone has, in one way or another, felt the ef-

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 cuisine. When we think of the perfect New York

eggs, honey, and vanilla (I didn’t have cinnamon). I

very intently at each other, I can only imagine that

dinner, we think of stretchy cheese on a hot pizza,

accidentally used the full egg instead of egg whites

the taste must have blown them away so much that

or the crunchy zing of a hot dog, but a nice dinner

—but it just makes the filling thicker which is fine.

they were worried they would never be able to enjoy

is always rounded off with a thick slice of cheese-

I knew I had to add something to make it better.

food again after tasting my cheesecake.

cake. Although Dr. Dixit is not a native New Yorker,

Dr. Dixit’s recipe called for a berry compote to be

P.S. I also bought the blueberries for the sauce,

she has impeccable knowledge of creating recipes

put on top, and the best flavor to go with berries is

but I thought that Jay and Esha did not make the

with explosive flavors and putting her own unique

lemon! Seeing a dry lemon in my peripheral vision,

berry sauce when they served their cheesecakes to

spin on iconic dishes. Dr. Dixit was kind enough to

I zested lemons and squeezed a few drops of lemon

Dr. Dixit! Turns out they did, and I should have just

supply me with her recipe for a ricotta cheesecake,

juice in. I didn’t measure it though — I don’t be-

made the sauce. Oh well.

based on a recipe she had at a bed and breakfast on

lieve in measurements. When Jay tried it, he told

the Mendocino coast.

me that lemon separates the ricotta cheese, making

THE VERDICT

Dr. Dixit’s recipe is different from the New York

it taste like cottage cheese. And maybe it does taste

Even before Dr. Dixit announced the results, we

cheesecake in a couple of ways. First off, her recipe

like cottage cheese, but at least it has lemon: a new,

knew Jay’s would win; his expertise was unmatched.

calls for ricotta cheese rather than the usual cream

fresh flavor.

Every time she passed him in the hallways, she

cheese. This gives the cheesecake a much more

It was 11:40 pm when I finally put my cheese-

would remind him of how “superb” his cheesecake

creamy feel, as ricotta is softer than cream cheese.

cake in the oven. I was tired, on the verge of falling

was. She even said that his was just as good or even

The crust of the cheesecake is made from almond

asleep right there and then, but I still persisted and

better than her making of the recipe.

flour, which ties beautifully with the tart berry

made the berry compote. I love blackberries, so I

In the end, all that mattered was if Esha, with

sauce that accompanies the dessert. The filling is

used them instead of blueberries. I let the blackber-

her chunky cheesecake, or Anjali, with her inexperi-

sugar-free. Instead the sweetness is pronounced

ries, brown sugar and water boil over as I sat on my

ence, would place second. Dr. Dixit finally revealed

through the honey, which provides the subtle after-

phone in my misery. Again, I sought a new unique

that in her opinion Anjali’s cheesecake won second.

taste that we all associate with cheesecakes. The fi-

flavor and added vanilla and lemon juice to the mix-

Dr. Dixit’s recipe was not easy to follow and was

nal texture is incredibly creamy, complemented by

ture. I was so tired; I lost track of time, wallowing

intended for more advanced bakers, but in the end,

the soft flavors of the toasted almond flour crust,

in my cheesecake’s demise. Finally, after 40 minutes

Esha and Anjali were still able to make tasty cheese-

making this dish the perfect dessert.

in the oven, I took the cheesecake out. And finally

cakes to enjoy. Anjali did a surprisingly good job at

at 12:20, I went to sleep, anticipating the big taste

following a recipe with very few instructions, con-

smooth-sailing one, and the recipe was quite easy

test tomorrow.

sidering she has only baked a few times. Esha and

to follow. The format of the recipe was geared to-

ANJALI’S ANGLE

Anjali can only wait for Dr. Chaudhri’s recipe next

My experience making the cheesecake was a

wards a more experienced baker, due to the absence of detailed explanations. The recipe starts with the

The making of this cheesecake culminated into my

crust, composed of toasted almond flour combined

fourth time baking. EVER. I’m not much of a baker

with small portions of butter and brown sugar. I

(or cook for that matter), though I am proud to say

had some trouble getting the crust mix to conform

my past creations in my kitchen include muffins

to the pie pan with equal thickness, and decided to

and actually a cake! Baking was still a new process

use a spatula to press the mixture firmly onto the

to me, so the crafting of Dr. Dixit’s one-of-a-kind

pan. After popping the pie pan in the fridge, I began

almond meal, ricotta cheese based cheesecakes, was

working on the filling.

going to be a challenging undertaking.

month to redeem themselves.

REACTION TO: QUEEN ELIZABETH

By Esha Bansiya and Joleen Pan

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen of the United Kingdom and longest reign-

When making classic cheesecake previously, I

To start off, I needed to buy 3 main ingredients

ing monarch of the British crown, passed away. The

had always found the filling to be quite thick, so I

- ricotta cheese, eggs, and all purpose flour. The

Platinum Jubilee, commemorating seventy years on

was expecting something similar with Dr. Dixit’s

first thing that came to my mind was Why break the

the throne, has only ever been achieved by Queen

COOKING CORNER: DR. DIXIT’S DELICIOUS DESSERT

recipe. This, however, was not the case. Her recipe

eggs and make my own egg whites when I can buy

Elizabeth. When her father died in 1952, she was

called for soft ricotta cheese instead of firm cream

premade ones from the store! So that’s what I did.

crowned Queen at the young age of twenty-five.

cheese, completely changing the texture of the

I also saw that instead of brown, granulated, sticky

Although she faced backlash for many choices she

filling and leading me to believe that I had done

molasses sugar, I had white, powdery, thin sugar! I

made throughout her reign, she was perceived as a

something wrong. I decided to continue with what

personally believe in breaking boundaries, so I de-

world leader and someone who cared deeply for the

I had, because I used all of my ricotta cheese. The

cided to use this as a substitute. I knew I was going

citizens of her country. This interview expresses

pie went in the oven for 30 minutes, during which

to ace this recipe when I started off working smart-

a variety of viewpoints towards the Queen at our

DR. DIXIT’S CHEESECAKE RECIPE

I made the berry sauce. The sauce was pretty sim-

er, not harder.

school, BASIS Independent Fremont. We inter-

Cheese filling:

fects of the 9/11 attacks, and we have yet to find out the true extent of this tragic event’s impact.

By Esha B. , Anjali P. , and Jay T.

1.5 cups Ricotta cheese 1.5 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 3 egg whites 6 tbsp honey 3-4 tsp vanilla extract 1/8 tsp cinnamon powder 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg Crust: 1.5 cups almond meal 1.5 tbsp fresh melted butter 2 tbsp brown molasses sugar Berry Sauce: 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (strawberries will do to, or you can try a mix of frozen berries) 1/2 - 1 cup water 1 clove 1 small piece of cinnamon bark 1 tbsp brown sugar To make the crust, brown the almond meal slightly in a pan. To this add the butter and sugar. Mix thoroughly. Once the mixture is cool enough that you can touch the flour, place the mixture in a pregreased (with very little melted butter) pie dish.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Then, in a large bowl, beat the egg whites and add the ricotta cheese. Blend thoroughly. Then sequentially, add the flour, honey and vanilla extract, blending at each addition. I used a spatula to blend the ingredients. Finally add the spices.

Now, pour this cheese filling onto the pie crust and bake at 350 F for about 30 minutes or until a fork, when inserted into the cheese filling comes out clean.

In the meantime, make the berry sauce by combining all the ingredients in a sauce pan and cooking the berries until they are soft (but nor squishy!).

Make sure you have some liquid in the sauce pan, it can be handy for decoration.

Serve a piece of the cheese cake in a serving dish and decorate with the berry sauce.

Using the recipe given, Jay, Esha, and Anjali each set out to compete for who would make the best cheesecake, documenting their experiences along the way. The cheescakes would be ranked by Dr. Dixit herself.

THANKI THYME - JAY Cheesecakes are a quintessential part of New York

viewed both teachers and students, although stu-

ple, composed of only blueberries and water with

The first part of the recipe was the crust. I looked

some sugar and cinnamon. When my oven timer

at it and thought, It seems too stressful, I will save that

dent responses will remain anonymous.

rang, I was surprised to see that the center of the

for later. Instead, I started with making the cheese

pie was still raw and the edges of the pie were still

filling. I first added 1.5 cups of ricotta cheese to my

TEACHER INTERVIEWS

quite pale. I added another 10 minutes to the tim-

small mixing bowl. Next, I added 9 tablespoons of

What was your reaction to the death of the Queen?

er, and when I checked the oven again, the top of

egg whites from the container I bought, the equiv-

Mr. Sanders: I had expected it to happen because I

the pie had turned a lovely golden brown with the

alent of egg whites from 3 eggs. As instructed, I

read newspapers on a daily basis.

crust being slightly darker. By then it was nearly 10

mixed them with a spatula. I bought a whole bag of

Ms. Beth: I felt mostly kind of not exactly sad, but

pm, so I let the pie cool for about 15 minutes be-

all purpose flour only to use 2 tablespoons. Feeling

the feeling that it was the end of an era, she was

fore putting it in the fridge overnight. I tasted the

like it would be a waste of flour, I may or may not

an institution who was constant in my whole life. I

pie with the berry sauce the next morning, and at

have slipped in another half a tablespoon or so.

would joke with my kids about having dinner with the queen to promote good manners. Now we have

first taste, I was not amazed. It was nothing like the

The honey required by the recipe was super dif-

classic cheesecake I was used to. The texture of the

ficult to get into my bowl because of how viscous it

filling was slightly grainy, and the taste of the al-

was. I only had one tiny honey jar and most of the

mond crust was very prominent. But as I kept eating

honey stuck to my spoon, so in the end I was only

What aspect of the Queen’s reign do you think im-

my slice, I realized how well the flavors worked with

able to add around 4 tablespoons of honey instead

pacted the world the most?

each other. The earthy tones of the almond per-

of 6. Then I took out my half empty vanilla extract

Mr. Sanders: The fact that she was the longest

fectly balanced the tartness of the blueberries and

bottle to measure out the 4 teaspoons. This was the

reigning British monarch gave a lot of credibility

cheese, leaving my taste buds fulfilled. This recipe

first time I was using a teaspoon measure in this

to the monarchy. People used her as a form of pro-

is really different from an original cheesecake, but I

recipe, and it was at this moment that I realized I

paganda to promote monarchist ideas.

highly recommend this cheesecake for anyone look-

only had scoops measuring ¼ tsp, ½ tsp, and 1 tbsp.

Ms. Beth: She managed her long and difficult

ing to try something flavorfully different. Thanks

It also occurred to me that I didn’t quite know the

schedule and maintained a good reputation for a

to Dr. Dixit, I was able to make a new delicious dish,

difference between the size of a teaspoon and a ta-

very long time. People looked to her for guidance

and I look forward to the next teacher’s recipe in

blespoon (sure one was larger, but by how much?).

on how to be on the world stage and how to conduct

the coming months!

It turns out a tablespoon is 15 mls and a teaspoon is

oneself in front of thousands of people.

ESHA’S EATERY

5 mls! This revelation also showed me I didn’t have

First, I had to make the crust. The instructions said to use almond meal, but almond meal is…ba-

a king instead of a queen.

enough vanilla extract. I would need 20 mls, and I

What about the Queen do you find most interest-

had more than half of my 30 ml vanilla extract bot-

ing?

tle empty.

Mr. Sanders: I was interested in how she is part of

sically almond flour. The instructions also say “mo-

Anyways, I poured what was remaining into the

a very long tradition that goes back thousands of

lasses”, so I decided to make my own. The cheese-

bowl and mixed again. The most difficult part came

years. She has managed to keep medieval traditions

cake called for a minuscule amount of 2 tablespoons

with measuring the spices, which needed 1/8 of tea-

alive despite our world moving into the age of tech-

of the substance, not enough to put on the stove,

spoon each. Since the smallest I had was ¼, I just

nology.

but enough to heat up in the microwave. To make

guesstimated and made sure both the nutmeg and

Ms. Beth: She seems close to history for a long peri-

molasses, I needed brown sugar, cream of tartar and

cinnamon powder filled the scoop. (I also really

od of time. She is a part of history and very close to

water. I didn’t know what cream of tartar was, but

liked the cinnamon smell so I added some more.)

the action through dramatic events in society.

I knew it’s an acid. So, I thought lemon juice might

For the crust - I added the almond meal, but since

work instead. I heated it up in the microwave, and

it was already brown, I needed the help of Vinay

If you could sit down with the Queen for 5 min-

it did not come out as I’d hoped — molasses isn’t

Prabhu, known to me as Father, to help me see how

utes, what would you say to her?

supposed to be liquidy, is it? I decided the only way

much browner was enough (the recipe said to brown

Mr. Sanders: I do not actually have a lot to say to

to fix it was to put it on the stove. Jay later told me

the…already brown meal). Vinay Prabhu felt it

her because I think you have to distinguish what

that brown sugar is just molasses and white sugar

was necessary to supervise me as I used the stove,

people are as a person versus as a public figure.

— meaning I didn’t need to make my own. But, it

so it was under his oversight that I added the sugar

Ms. Beth: I would compliment her on having a de-

didn’t ruin anything.

and butter (two hotel-style butter cubes that I mi-

manding role and living in the public eye.

I finished making the crust dough, but when I

crowaved to warm) to the almond meal and, after

was trying to shape it into the pan, it began to fall

greasing the pie dish with ghee, added in the whole

STUDENT RESPONSES

apart. So, I poured way more butter than needed to

crust mixture. I patted the almond meal down to

Where were you and what were you doing when

help mold it. Unfortunately, even after baking, the

make it more even and packed.

you found out the Queen had passed?

butter’s taste still lingered. The crust was probably

Finally, I poured in my cheese filling and put

Student 1: I was in my AP English Literature class

the most time consuming part — it took me over an

everything in the oven! From start to finish, I had a

and my friend Shreya Sadhwani walked into the

hour.

total of 45 minutes of prep time. After 30 minutes,

classroom and informed me of the queen’s death.

Finally I started on the filling — it was fairly

I took the cheesecake out from the oven and poked

Student 2: I was talking to my friend at her locker

simple, pouring in all the ingredients and mixing!

it to see whether the filling had congealed enough.

when suddenly another one of my friends came up

When I tried Jay’s cheesecake, I thought it lacked

I served my parents the first slice, and since neither

behind me and screamed “ THE QUEEN IS DEAD!!!”

the flavor I wanted in mine. I put in my cheese, 3

one of them cared for another piece, both looking

Student 3: I was coming out of AP English language

3

VOL . 2, NO. 1 when I was told by my friends that the Queen had died.

Student 4: I was at school in AP Physics C. Student 5: I was in the hallway and heard someone scream it.

What was your reaction?

Student 1: I was asking Mr. Betcher a question about the text we were reading, and when I heard

HUMANS OF BASIS: ENJOY EVERY MOMENT TO THE FULLEST

settled around 3000 years ago. As history progressed, the region saw itself being controlled by many groups, including the Christian Armenians and the Mongols. As mentioned previously, the region also briefly belonged to

By Shirley Fan and Kevin Weng

the Mongol Empire, mainly in the 12th century.

“ That’s life.”

was heavily influenced by Persian (Safavid dy-

Following the fall of the Mongols, the region

That's a piece of wisdom shared by Dr. Chaudhri,

nasty) culture, with the majority of the region

her I stopped mid-question and yelled “the queen

standing nonchalantly in his iconic position

converting to Shia Islam (the same branch

is dead?” When the realization hit me, my heart

(arms crossed, with one foot on the wall), after

of Islam as Iran). In the 19th century, Russia

dropped to my stomach. I couldn’t breathe and my

a complaint about a due date. Learning to deal

occupied the majority of Azerbaijan, including

ears were ringing. The queen was dead. She hadn’t

with life is perhaps a quintessential skill, yet one

outlived Charles. One of the people that I hate the

of the hardest to master. Setbacks and rejections

organ storage. “ The problem I worked on involved

domination led to clashes between the different

most in the world.

make success seem unattainable, yet behind every

everything: math, physics, biology, chemistry,

ethnic groups who were living in the same

Student 2: I was honestly shocked. I stood there for

accomplished individual there is always a story, an

computer science. The freedom I had in tackling

area, which were sometimes deadly. Following

like two minutes just looking at my friends.

inspiration, a challenge.

problems was absolutely amazing. Being able to

the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the end of

help others made it even more rewarding.”

WWI in 1918, the Azerbaijanis were successfully

Baku and the oil-rich Abşeron Peninsula. This

Student 3: I was quite indifferent honestly. It was

Familial pressures pushed a young Dr. Chaudhri

shocking in its own way, but I knew immediate-

into a competition craze, with any free time spent

ly that the whole world was going to stop just to

practicing physics or math problems in an effort

faces, we expected an answer along the lines of

independent. But soon after, in the early 1920s,

mourn her death.

to get ahead. His biggest regret – “I wish I had

“global warming” – something that, with enough

Azerbaijan was taken over again by the USSR,

Student 4: I was shocked that such a prominent

enjoyed my time more in middle and high school.

research, could be solved. Instead, we were re-

and it remained a part of the Soviet Union for

figure in society had passed away, but it honestly

I was caught up in a frenzy.” This “frenzy” took

minded of the bigger picture. “I feel the biggest

~71 years until 1991, when the Soviet Union

didn’t feel that significant.

over his teenage years — countless hours spent

problem in society is the lack of humanity,”

was overthrown. Azerbaijan later declared its

Student 5: Oh. . ok then.

on competition and activities in preparation for

ponders Dr. Chaudhri. “ There is a lack of kindness

independence in early 1992. Similar to the USA,

college. He had his sights set on India’s top univer-

and willingness to share love. Everything – health

Azerbaijan currently has a 3-branch govern-

What aspect of the Queen’s reign do you think im-

sities and was devastated when he wasn’t accepted.

issues, sociological issues – stems from lack of

ment. The president, Ilham Aliyev, has been in

pacted the world the most?

“My first year in college was a disaster,” recalls Dr.

humanity.”

office since 2003.

Student 1: I honestly do not know much about the

Chaudhri. Discouragement and disappointment

political impact of the queen’s reign, but she has

made “my freshman grades in college far from

lived through 10 decades and has experienced so

ideal”. However, he doesn’t regret the path that he

many things in her lifetime. She has met so many

took. “It shaped me to who I am today… it gave me

influential people in her lifetime, like Marilyn

a willingness to learn from anyone.” He bounced

Monroe, and all the critical national leaders in the

back in his second year of college, working hard

world, and it’s baffling that she passed away.

to make up for lost time. “I learned to overcome. I

Student 2: First, is the fact that she was a female

would say it’s one of my proudest failures.”

monarch. There have been many queens of the

Dr. Chaudhri’s ideology in the classroom is

past, but she only has one female descendant, so

“only teach what you fully understand,” meaning

it’s very unlikely that we’ll get another queen any-

resorting to research when asked a confounding

time soon. Secondly, she took office soon after the

question. Aidan Peter (11th), a student of Dr.

Second World War, so she helped with British mo-

Chaudhri’s for three consecutive years, greatly

rale. She became the leader of the nation’s spirit,

values Dr. Chaudhri’s willingness to admit his mis-

and many people looked up to her. Finally, she put

takes and shortcomings. “It’s difficult, especially

Charles and Diana together like c’mon that was a

for experts of their field, to acknowledge holes in

horrible choice for everyone, and what did we get

their understanding,” describes Aidan Peter. “It

out of it? Nothing. The fact that she refused to let

makes me feel respected. I’m not scared to mess

them divorce was stupid too.

up.”

Student 3: There’s no doubt there’s been an ex-

If you find yourself in any of his classes, sooner

tremely bloody history under the British crown -

or later, you will experience his “frontiers of phys-

for me, this is especially relevant to India, which

ics” lecture that spans over multiple whiteboards

only became free 75 years ago. The British monar-

and class periods. Contrary to popular belief,

chy feels quite irrelevant at this point - they only

Dr. Chaudhri did not have an intrinsic passion

nominally hold power, and I can’t say they brought

for physics. “I hated my physics and mechanical

anything great to this world. The best part about

engineering classes,” he says, recalling his college

her reign was that much of the British Empire final-

years. “It was only until the second year of my

ly crumbled under her, setting people around the

Ph.D. that that changed.” It took one spectacular

world free of oppression.

physics professor and a phenomenal lecture to

Student 4: She was a figurehead and an icon across

overturn his animosity. “It blew my mind – the fact

the entire world.

that you could use physics to understand absolutely anything,” recollects Dr. Chaudhri.

What about the Queen do you find most interest-

Dr. Chaudhri utilizes physics in much of his

ing?

everyday life, including the upbringing of his chil-

Student 1: Her long life

dren. One of his favorite projects involved building

Student 2: Her corgis.

an architectural masterpiece with his two children

Student 3: It’s interesting to me what a strong

(ages five and nine) – a complex hot wheels track,

hold she had on the world, despite people trying

adorned with twists and turns, carefully shaped

to separate themselves from the past colonial au-

under his watchful eye. “It was an engineering

thority. Shinzo Abe, the former Japanese Prime

challenge. The curves and drops had to be perfectly

Minister was just recently assassinated - he actually

constructed for it to work – we had to factor in

changed his country and he didn’t get a fraction of

potential and kinetic energy, and all of that. It was

the mourning and media attention she got. There’s

difficult explaining energy to a 9-year-old.”

a very racist undertone to that disparity in news

Beyond unraveling the mysteries of the universe,

reporting.

he is also an avid long-distance runner. Having

Student 4: She is the longest reigning monarch in

already experimented with shorter distances (5k’s

history.

and 10k’s), he decided to spend 4 months training

Student 5: She had some cute pet corgis.

for a half marathon (which he successfully finished). “I would say this is my greatest non-aca-

When asked about the biggest problem society

COUNTRY OF THE MONTH: AZERBAIJAN

By Sachit Parekh

POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY Azerbaijan (population ~10.1M) is located at the border between Europe and Asia, making it one of the few trans-continental countries in the world.

Although it borders the Caspian Sea to the east, the country is a landlocked nation, since the Caspian is itself a landlocked body of water. To Azerbaijan’s north are the countries of Georgia and Russia, as well as the Caucasus mountain range, straddling the border with Russia. To the west are the countries of Armenia and Iraq, and to the south is Iran. Azerbaijan also shares a tiny 16-kilometer border with Turkey along the Aras River. The country consists of two parts – the mainland, which contains the capital and largest city of the country, Baku, and the exclave of Nakhchivan, an autonomous republic situated between Turkey, Iran, and Armenia. There is also a breakaway republic in the mainland called the Republic of Artsakh, also known as the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Long story short, the republic, officially recognized by Azerbaijan, is a breakaway state that has fought multiple wars, the most recent of which took place in 2020.

With a population of 2.29 million, the capital city of Baku is the most populated city in the country. It dates back to the 9th century CE, and has been part of various empires, including the Mongol Empire.

Located on the Abşeron Peninsula, the city lies 28 meters below sea level, the lowest of any capital city.

Baku’s main economic source is oil, and derricks can be seen lining the Caspian Sea’s shoreline near the city. The city has various cultural centers and historical sites, including the Old Town, which contains many architectural projects dating back to the Shīrvān-Shāhs dynasty, who occupied the city for the majority of the 11th and 12th centuries. These structures include the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque. The largest airport, Heydar Aliyev International Airport, is located close to the capital city. Baku is also a Formula 1 hotspot, with the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix having taken place there not long ago. Other major Azerbaijani cities include Sumqayit, Ganja, Lankaran,

able to take over Baku and declare themselves

CULTURE & DEMOGRAPHICS Since the region has been occupied by many different groups, the influence of these other cultures can be felt in Azeri culture. Over 93 percent of Azeris identify as Muslims, with around 70 percent of those Muslims being Shia (as is the majority of Persia, reflecting the Persian influence on religion), although most Azeris are generally more “culturally Muslim” than “observant Muslim”. Ethnically, the majority of the country ’s people are Turkic.

Most of the country celebrates the Novruz festiva, which is the most popular and biggest holiday in Azerbaijan It is a four-week celebration that marks the start of spring as well as the Persian New Year. One of the four elements (earth, fire, water, and air) is celebrated each week (Avatar, anyone?). Each Tuesday, numerous festivities are hosted, including planting trees or baking sweets.

Art in Azerbaijan encompasses a vast variety of styles. The area’s folk art generally involves creating intricate designs especially on cloth and carpets. These patterns usually reflect the ethnic origin of the country, with heavy influences from the Persians and Turks. Tahir Salakhov and Rasim Babayev, two of the most well-known contemporary Azeri artists, reflect on the Soviet history of the country through their artwork.

Azeri music nowadays is a hybrid of the historical cultural roots and modern music. Music is an important part of life in Azerbaijan, with many Azeris participating in it in one way or another. Some traditional instruments of the nation include the balaban, saz, and nagara.

Mugam is essentially the classical music of Azerbaijan, and it is played all around the country.

Mugam music is also sometimes accompanied by traditional folk dance, such as Yuz bir. Aside from that, western ballet is also popular.

In terms of its culture, Azerbaijan is essentially a western society. Compared to many other majority-Islamic countries, Azerbaijani women have nearly all the same rights as males.

They participate in politics, can technically marry who they want, can wear what they want (*cough* Iran *cough*) and are not dependent on a husband. However, it is socially similar to

If you could sit down with the Queen for 5 min-

demic accomplishment,” noted Dr. Chaudhri. It’s

utes, what would you say to her?

easy to see why – the culmination of months of

Student 1: I would ask her about Princess Diana’s

practice into a single sublime act is a beautiful

death because I am genuinely so curious.

result of effort and dedication. Despite achieving

Student 2: I would say she was iconic but I’m still

what many would consider a major accomplish-

scapes and climate zones, from tall mountains and

sexes also exists in public spaces. Aside from

on Diana’s side #justicefordiana.

ment in long-distance running, he continues to

tundra in the north, to steppes and mountains in

that, Azeri society is similar to many other soci-

Student 3: I’d ask her how she felt about so many of

train and improve his abilities.

Nakhchivan, to flat plains in the south. Farmers in

eties in that it values respect for elders and has

the south cultivate a variety of crops such as wheat,

basic etiquette for behavior in public.

former colonies after spilling so much blood.

classroom to unique niches – after chancing across

barley, tomatoes, potatoes, and apples, in addition

Student 4: Damn, you were born before the Amer-

a YouTube video, he picked up wood whittling and

to owning large amounts of livestock. Many of these

FOOD

ican great depression. That’s seriously impressive.

resin work. It’s surprisingly complicated: “Resin

farms are scattered along the Kur and Aras Rivers,

Student 5: Maybe say sorry to India.

seems so simple, just pouring resin, but you have to

the two main artery rivers of the country. The larg-

its food? Azeri cuisine encompasses a variety of

use science – the heat flow and temperature must

est natural lake in the country, Lake Sarisu, is also

dishes, thanks to the variety of crops that can be

be ideal,” he explains, “so much chemistry is in-

close to these rivers. To the north are the rugged

cultivated there. The cuisine mainly takes influ-

people say they were quite shocked by this event.

volved.” There’s a parallel between his description

and grand Caucasus Mountains, which are home to

ences from Middle Eastern (Persian) food as well as

Some were quite sad to see the Queen go, while oth-

of his hobbies and his explanations in class, where

the tallest peak in the country, Mount Bazardüzü.

Turkic and Eastern European food. Plov, also known

ers were relieved that the Queen’s reign had come

he integrates complex topics with common experi-

The area around Baku is a cold desert that lies on

as Pilau, is the most popular dish in the country. Its

to an end. Despite these many opinions, everyone

ence. “I'm only making coasters right now, but my

the Abşeron Peninsula along the Caspian Sea. Oil

main ingredient is rice, coupled with some spices,

agrees that the Queen had a substantial impact on

dream project is a combination of resin work and

and natural gas, the country’s two main natural re-

meats, and/or vegetables, depending on the type of

people from around the world. From her pet corgis

wood whittling,” remarked Dr. Chaudhri.

sources, are plentiful in that area. The Nakhchivan

Plov. Other Azeri dishes include Lavangi, which is

her crown jewels being stolen from India and other

The death of the Queen shook the world, as many

The passion he has branches far beyond the

Shirvan, Nakhchivan, Shaki, and Mingachevir.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Azerbaijan is home to a variety of diverse land-

most other societies, with men expected to support the family financially and women expected to support the home. Segregation between the

Who talks about a country without talking about

Exclave is home to generally dry steppes and deserts

basically a chicken or fish stuffed with vegetables,

Elizabeth has many unique characteristics that

jungle of positions and honors), it’s obvious how

to the west, with most agriculture being centered

nuts, and spices, and Piti, which is a soup prepared

have left a lasting image of herself on the world

far his passion and curiosities have taken him since

around the Aras Dam lake and the Aras River.

with mutton and vegetables. Shekerbura is a popular

stage. As we move on to experience the reign of

his college days. “My favorite position was prob-

King Charles, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth’s rule

HISTORY & GOVERNMENT

dessert that consists of a doughy exterior and a

ably Director of Research at Arigos,” he explains.

continues to live on.

Arigos is a biomedical company specializing in

to the way she conducted herself in public, Queen

Taking a quick look at his resume (a veritable

What is now Azerbaijan was likely first

sweet filling inside consisting of either almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts.

4 FOR THE LOVE OF CLUBS

By Ada Costiniano and Amanda Wu

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 ing research or hanging out with friends, I found a

Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers each lost key

passion for many of the topics covered in Model UN.

wide receivers (stars like Tyreek Hill and Davante

At the time, I finished taking AP Government and

Adams respectively signed with new teams) this

was taking AP US History, and that resonated a lot

offseason, so Allen’s path to the MVP is pretty

with Model UN. In my opinion, learning a lot about

clear.

One of the biggest downsides of online school

current events and ways to resolve world problems

during the pandemic was the lack of in-person, in-

is a great way to interact with others and expand on

teractive clubs. Luckily, the 2021-2022 school year

critical thinking skills.

once again provided us with the opportunity to join

As president, what are your goals for this year?

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Taylor Last year, Taylor had one of the best running back seasons ever, but it was overshadowed by

clubs and interact with our peers in extracurricular

In the upcoming year, I hope to send many del-

settings. This school year, students have shown the

egates to conferences across the country and expe-

he can replicate that success and show that he’s the

most enthusiastic involvement in clubs that BIFU

rience different kinds of conferences. Most impor-

best running back in the league.

has ever seen. In recognition of this improvement,

tantly, I sincerely hope all of our club members this

we set out to interview some veterans of BIF clubs

year have a great time learning about global issues

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons

about their past experiences and future hopes for

and finding ways to come up with solutions like a

Parsons had an impressive rookie debut last

the clubs that they’re in!

leader.

ROCK CLIMBING

JOURNALISM

What are some of your favorite parts of being a part

Student Advisors Christopher C., Julee J., Olivia M.

of the Rock Climbing Club?

What were your motivations behind creating the

Ajay Anubolu, Member

My favorite part is finishing problems alongside my teammates and watching us improve together side by side. I also enjoy watching Dr. Winslow ef-

Journalism Club? What are your hopes for the club this school year?

The idea of creating a school newspaper and in-

fortlessly finish every climb.

tegrating students’ writing skills with the events

What do you look forward to this year?

and activities of the larger school environment im-

I look forward to improving and going on the

mediately struck us as an undeniable opportunity.

monkey bars once again!

Constructing such a platform would allow students

COMPETITIVE SPEECH & DEBATE

to sharpen their writing skills and help the school community keep up with important school events and news. With the contributions of the dedicated

Alicia Peng, Member

club members and last year’s teacher advisors, Mr.

How long have you been practicing a speech?

fully create monthly issues that provided students

Betcher and Ms. Abdelaziz, we were able to success-

I had my first speech lesson in 3rd grade. But I’ve

and parents with engaging, accurate journalism.

been doing speech and debate competitively since

With the addition of our new advisor Teacher Jasica

7th grade, so it’s been like 5 years?

and the many new writers this year, we hope to take

This year in particular, what’s been your favorite

the variety and quality of The Yellow Pages to the

part of being on the team?

next level. We are sincerely grateful for the support

I think it’s the people, especially the amount of

that everybody has shown us, and we hope to make

people in the team this year! And I’m really excited

an even greater impact on the community this year!

to do a duo with Shreya this year as well as try a new event!

What’s your favorite part of being a part of the team?

My favorite part of being on the speech team is winning. I’m just kidding! Haha! My real favorite part of speech is the people <3 like Ada, Esha,

THE START OF THE 2022-23 NFL SEASON

By Krish Mangrolia

After the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl in

Shreya, Shirley, Olivia, my sister, etc.

February, who’s next? Well, that question is about

With almost a decade of speech experience under

to get answered as the 2022-2023 NFL Season is get-

your belt, do you have any tips for anyone who’s

ting underway. On September 8, the Buffalo Bills

reading this, aspiring to be a future Ted Talker?

and the Los Angeles Rams (last season’s Super Bowl

Cooper Kupp’s insane receiving season. I believe

year, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. With his pass-rushing ability and instincts, he’s poised to have a breakout season.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kenny Pickett Pickett was the only QB drafted highly in this NFL Draft. The Steelers know that heis their future and drafted him with these expectations. Despite him not starting in Week 1, I think they will incline towards him starting a little later in the year, giving him prime position to succeed.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson Hutchinson was the 2nd pick in this draft, and the Lions picked him seeking his athletic ability and skill he showed in college. . He’s one of the stars in a subpar Lions defense, and was projected to go 1st overall by many this year. These factors put him in a strong position for this award.

NFL Comeback Player of the Year: Derrick Henry Henry is currently the best running back in the league, but was riddled by injuries last year, making him unable to play for most of the season.

Given injuries don’t find him again, he is almost guaranteed to have an incredible season, especially with the struggling Titans offense.

NFL Super Bowl Champions - Buffalo Bills Led by the NFL MVP Josh Allen and the league’s best defense, the Bills have all the weapons necessary to win the Super Bowl. They were so close last year, but additions at their key weaknesses will push them over the edge.

GRAND OPENING: BANTER BOOKSHOP

THE RETIREMENT OF THE GOAT: SERENA WILLIAMS

By Kaitlyn Liu and Sarah Wu

Recently, world-renowned tennis champion Serena Williams announced her retirement after spending almost thirty years of her life on the tennis court. Her grand finale took place at the US Open, where she reached the third round but ultimately lost to Ajla Tomljanovic in a three-set thriller.

Williams won her first grand slam single when she was only 17 — throughout her career, she won a total of 23, the second-highest of all time. These achievements brought her into the national spotlight, allowing Williams to earn her first endorsement deal with the athletic company Puma. She soon began to receive more sponsorships from large corporations such as Nike, Wilson, Gatorade, Pepsi, IBM, and JP Morgan Chase. Throughout the years, she has amassed a staggering $450 million net worth as a result of her accomplishments both on and off the court.

Despite growing up in an impoverished neighborhood, Williams and her family strived to find a better place to train and searched for an affordable coach for her and her sister. After much persistence, they eventually contacted a coach named Rick Macci, who accepted the sisters into his tennis academy.

At the age of 14, Serena Williams went pro. Even under Macci’s expert guidance, Williams’s journey to the national stage was not easy. She faced many instances of racist backlash as well as oppression, and her path was clearly tougher as a young black girl in a predominantly white sport. However, Williams’s ongoing tenacity and love for tennis have brought her to where she is today by propelling her career forward.

Throughout her life, Williams has been a role model for many aspiring tennis players as well as athletes in other sports. Her confidence and determination have inspired a new generation of players to follow their dreams. Naomi Osaka, a four-time grand slam champion, said that Serena inspired her to start playing. Both players have made a significant impact in their profession, having first been inspired by those before them, then establishing themselves as role models. Williams’s journey defined her character and developed her views, sense of style, and unique game. However, she has been

Even though I’ve been practicing public speaking

winners) faced off in the first game of this season.

for most of my life, I’m not a perfect public speak-

Additionally, there are many more exciting match-

er by any means. I’m still learning and growing as

ups between exceptional teams to look forward to

a speaker and am nowhere near Ted Talk level. My

throughout the rest of the season, which football

Recently, bookstores have become more and more

liams was issued a warning after her coach made a

only tip is to be confident and fake it ‘til you make

fans across the nation are incredibly excited for.

accessible — Half-Price Books, Rumi Bookstore

signaling hand gesture during her match, resulting

it!

This football season is bound to be among the best

& Gifts, and DMCA Bookstore are just a few of the

in a verbal outburst from her side. Her coach later

DECA

in footballhistory, with tons of superstars around

many well-known bookstores in the Fremont area.

admitted to making the gesture, which left William

the league competing for the ultimate Super Bowl

June 21, 2022 marked the opening of Banter Book-

greatly confused, stating, “I just don’t understand

trophy.

shop, a local, independently owned bookstore. A

what he was talking about because I asked him,

The break between the Super Bowl and the start

dream project of Amy Holmes Davis, the owner of

you weren’t coaching, we don’t have signals, we’ve

The root of my interest in DECA was 8th-grade

of the next season is known as the offseason, where

Banter Bookshop, this shop provides customers with

never had signals – and he said he made a motion.”

Economics, a class I enjoyed, which further flour-

players typically rest, recover, and prepare for the

the latest book releases, including various genres

While reflecting on the incident, Serena claimed

ished in freshman year when I learned of a nation-

upcoming season with occasional player trades be-

for all ages. The small shop, located in the Down-

that she was treated unfairly because of her gender,

wide organization dedicated to training business

tween teams However, this year’s offseason was

town Fremont shopping district on Capitol Ave-

sparking a public debate regarding issues ranging

leaders and teaching knowledge applicable in real

highlighted by these trades and player movement

nue, endows a homely and comfortable ambiance.

from gender and racial discrimination to decorum

life. Alicia and I thought the club would bring con-

between multiple organizations. Star players at

Books are arranged and organized by genre and

and fair play. However, regardless of the numerous

siderable benefits to the BASIS community, so we

every position, such as Davante Adams and Russell

age group, complete with hand-drawn chalkboard

controversies, her loyal fanbase has continued to

spent the last 2 years trying to build this club up,

Wilson jumped from team to team in this typically

signs. Perhaps the most appealing part of this shop

support her.

working with Ms. Abodouma, Ms. Locke, Ms. Man-

boring 5-month span, boosting the chances of many

is the personal touches, including minimalistic and

Following her retirement from the professional

gal, Ms. Cardenas, Mr. Ong as well as many others

teams and turning them into championship con-

unique deco and a small reading corner for young-

scene, Williams says she plans to spend more time

who really helped us build this club up.

tenders. The most thrilling part of the season was

er children. The shop not only provides a multitude

with her family and daughter. Due to her matches

What are some hopes for DECA in the 2022-2023

arguably this shifting of players, allowing fans to

of books, but also sells gifts, games, and puzzles. Go

being all over the world, she has expressed regret

school year?

view and analyze how each player fits in their new

check out Banter Bookshop or visit their website

over missing out on a considerable amount of time

Our hope for the club this year is to spread the

team. The start of the season will show which new

(https://banterbookshop.com/).

that she could have spent with her five-year-old

benefits of DECA to the entire school, members or

players/teams overachieve or underachieve and

daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. Williams is

not, by possibly holding fundraisers or school-wide

who has a real shot at winning the Super Bowl.

also pursuing a project of her own — diversifying

Shirley Fan, Co-Founder What’s the history behind BIFU’s first DECA club?

By Aarna Kamath

the subject of perpetual discussion and controversy, from topics as minor as her fashion choices to larger issues like discrimination in the court. In 2018, Wil-

events. We also have high aspirations for our club

The new season brings many popular and exciting

the world of venture capital. She revealed in an

members and hope we can all qualify for ICDC (na-

teams. Even though some of these teams may not

interview that she started her own venture capital

tionals for DECA) this year.

perform the best, they have younger players who

firm a few years ago, “Serena Ventures”, which fo-

Alicia Peng, Co-Founder

can put up a fantastic show for the fans. In my opin-

cuses on investing in women and minorities.

What was your inspiration behind DECA?

ion, two of the most exciting teams have the young-

Williams will be honored and remembered for the

est stars, such as the 49ers and the Lions.

trailblazer she is, and for her ever-lasting impact on

The Lions are not a great team, but have a young

the world of tennis and beyond.

I took AP Economics freshman year, and that course really impacted my view on business and economics and it is something I want to pursue in the future.

What is your favorite part about DECA? I think my favorite part of the club is the people in it! Shirley and I have been trying to get this club started since freshman year and we’re both really grateful that it happened this year. And we have an amazing group of people this year and I’m so excited to see what’s in store for us this year!

MODEL UN

Joleen Pan, President Introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to become president of MUN? Hello! My name is Joleen Pan and I am a junior.

roster that will be spectacular in the future. The 49ers, on the other hand, have lots of veterans as well as young stars who can perform at a high level consistently. I love watching all of the 49ers’ games

STAFF: Editors-in-Chief: Christopher Chen and Julee Jiang

and their stars’ performances because they are our

Editors: Olivia Ma

home team.

Staff Writers: Aarna Kamath, Ada Costiniano, Alan

This season, there is no guarantee as to how far

Xiao, Alicia Peng, Amanda Wu, Amber Wong , Anja-

any team can go or how well any individual player

li Prabhu, Ariana Yi, Esha Bansiya, Heeya Das, Jay

will perform It will be incredibly difficult to accu-

Thanki, Joleen Pan, Kaitlyn Liu, Katherine He, Kevin

rately predict the entire season at this early stage,

Weng, Krish Mangrolia, Oriana Deng, Ryan Li, Ryan

but here are my thoughts so far:

Liu, Sachit Parekh, Sarah Wu, Sheil Mody, Shirley

WAY-TOO-EARLY NFL PREDICTIONS

Fan, Thanisha Thambidurai, Vera Lin, Vincent Yang

NFL MVP: Josh Allen

Graphic Designer: Christopher Chen Graphics Credits: Aidan Peter, Ada Costiniano Thank you for reading the very first issue of the second volume of The Yellow Pages! We hope you enjoyed

I am the first and current president of Model UN.

Allen is debatably the best quarterback in the

reading the issue as much as we enjoyed the process of creating it! If you have any comments, suggestions,

Last year, I had an excellent time in the club, in the

NFL right now, and with an improved team, he’s

questions, or notice any mistakes in our newspaper, please contact bifyellowpages@gmail.com. We will

classroom, and at conferences. Whether it was do-

likely to have a stellar season. Competitors like

include corrections for our errors and typos in the following issue.