June to September 2019 - Volume 82 Issue 2

SCURVEY Edition!

The Bronx High School of Science

Announcing the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for 2019 Alexander Thorp/ The Science Survey

By ARTEA BRAHAJ Four years of hard gineering and mediwork, resilience, and cine, and even hopes dedication have culto teach in some caminated into one pacity. Meanwhile, moment, graduation Malkov hopes to beday. On Wednesday, come an orthodontist June 26th, 2019, the in the future. Malkov Class of 2019 will celattributes her love ebrate a pivotal acaof medicine to her demic milestone and freshman year biolograduate at the Unitgy class. “My favorite ed Palace Theatre, class at Bronx Science with Sterling Knight was Regents Biology Sterling Knight and Anna Malkov are the ’19 and Anna Malkov with Ms. Sofman. I valedictorian and salutatorian respectively for ’19 as valedictorian was always excited the Class of 2019. and salutatorian reabout going to that can expend my energy and stay spectively. class during my ninth focused,” said Knight.

Knight currently holds a cugrade year, and I raised my Malkov shares the same sentimulative Grade Point Average hand for almost every question ments. “You get to understand of 98.29% and Malkov holds a that my teacher asked. I love what’s happening around you, cumulative Grade Point Averlearning about how the human and you get to understand how age of 98.21%. Their impresbody works,” said Malkov. the world works. It’s crucial to sive GPAs are largely due to Sharing interests in both know world history, because the shared fundamental belief STEM and the humanities, when you travel, for example, of the importance of education. both students have taken chalyou have a general idea of the “Education has been so imlenging courses in both discistories of the place, but it makes portant to me, personally, in plines in order to expand their the experience so much richer. that it lets me better my underscope of knowledge. Knight’s It’s important to know physics standing of the natural world favorite classes throughout because you get to understand and of literature and art, and her time at Bronx Science have how forces impact you and the those things are massively been Linear Algebra + Differobjects around you. Education exciting to me. Plus, going to ential Equations, Calculus BC, broadens your perspective of school forces me to stay proand AP English Literature -the world,” said Malkov. ductive. It gives me short-term Creative Writing.

Knight plans to use her eduand long-term goals so that I Continued on page 2 cation to enter the fields of en-

Freeing the Student Press

Min Jin Lee ’86 to Present Keynote Address at the 2019 Graduation Ceremony

By YANNY LIANG Critically acclaimed author Min Jin Lee ’86 will deliver the keynote address to the Bronx Science graduating class of 2019 at the United Palace Theater on Wednesday, June 26th, 2019.

A Bronx Science alumna, Lee and her family immigrated to Elmhurst, Queens from Seoul in 1976, when she was seven years old. She graduated Bronx Science in 1986 and then attended Yale University where she studied history. There, she Min Jin Lee ’86 discusses her book and was awarded the Henry Wright her experience at Bronx Science to The Prize for Nonfiction and the Science Survey during her interview in James Ashmun Veech Prize for December 2017, paying a visit to be Fiction. Later, she attended law inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. school at Georgetown Univeres at various writer support spaces, sity and worked as a lawyer in New York for a few years before be- such as the Gotham Writers Workshop and the Asian American Writers coming a writer.

Lee’s first novel, Free Food for Workshop, both in New York City, Millionaires, was published in 2007. and she studied the works of canoniIn the tenth anniversary introduction cal authors of the past in order to gain to the book, she described her jour- an understanding of the writing craft. ney as a writer who never received At thirty-seven years old, after over a a formal Master of Fine Arts degree decade of writing and rewriting the from an elite institution due to per- story, Lee sold the manuscript of Free Food for Millionaires for publication. sonal and financial circumstances.

“After having paid for law school, I Pachinko, Lee’s second novel, was a could not hazard the cost of an MFA. twenty-seven year endeavor.

So, I fumbled around and made up my own writing program,” she wrote.

Continued on page 2 Lee attended workshops and class-

Do we age into our First Amendment rights? Some school administrations nationwide certainly seem to think so, particularly when it comes to student journalism.

On September 10th, 2018, students at Burlington High School published their first breaking story to their online paper, The Register: “Director of Guidance charged with six counts of unprofessional conduct.” By noon the following day, Principal Noel Green had the article removed.

“It was our first big breaking story that no one else had,” co-author Julia Shannon-Grillo, 16, told the Burlington Free Press. “We are being censored,” commented co-editor Nataleigh Noble, 17.

In the spring of 2017, student journalists at Pittsburg High School looked into the qualifications of their new principal, Amy Robertson. “We wanted to be assured that she was qualified and had the

proper credentials,” editor Trina Paul told The New York Post. Quickly, the journalists discovered Robertson’s former private school had been deemed “unsatisfactory” and shut down. Mysteriously, the college she’d claimed to get her master’s and doctorate degrees from, Corllins University, did not exist. “If students could uncover this, I want to know why the adults couldn’t find this,” Maddie Baden, 17, said.

Student journalists across the country take the initiative to uncover stories censored by their administrations. Do we age into our First Amendment rights?

Did these students have the right to publish their findings? As of right now, the answers remain unclear. New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh is in the process of passing legislation shoring up the grey area.

Currently passing through New York’s Senate Education Committee, the Student

By KAITLYN ROMANGER The issue of race has swept across the country and into our most prestigious high schools. According to The Public School Review, only 5% of Bronx Science’s current student population consists of Hispanic students and only 2% are African American. For the incoming September 2019 class, Stuyvesant has only accepted 7 African American students out of 895 open spots, a drop from the numbers in years prior (The New York Times’ ‘Only 7 Black Students Got Into Stuyvesant, N.Y.’s

Most Selective High School, Out of 895 Spots’).

This data is disturbing considering that 66.5% of around 1.1 million students enrolled in New York State high schools are African American and Hispanic (New York Department of Education, ‘DOE Data at a Glance’). Specialized high school demographics are a clear underrepresentation of our New York State population.

For students of color in specialized high schools, it can be a challenge to see and to appreciate the contributions that their cultures make to their own society. How they choose to deal with these issues has proved to be both respectable and influential.

The issue of inclusion is one that the BOSS/WIS and Vivo Latino after-school

clubs address; these clubs celebrate the cultures of African Americans and Hispanics, respectively. “From what I see, my friends enjoy seeing the differences in how our families operate when it comes to certain things. Being able to share these ideas and have conversations about them makes me happy; it allows me to understand how my family functions from a first-hand perspective, and enables my friends to do the same,” Juliet Fleischer said, a first generation Ghanaian-American. This feeling of interest and appreciation is exactly what clubs like BOSS/WISS and Vivo Latino strive to instill and protect in our student body.

NEWS

EDITORIAL

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WHO’S ON THE OTHER END?

PREVALENCE OF PRIVILEGE

By ANGIE YANG

By ESHIKA TALUKDER

Recent events surrounding the Chinese telecommunications equipment giant Huawei raise questions about the security of its devices.

PAGE 4

A closer look at the SHSAT admissions process and racial privilege.

A review of the literary works of this year’s Keynote speaker at graduation.

PAGE 6

PAGE 10

NYS Senator Brian Kavanagh: Breaking a Legacy of Student Censorship

Taylor Chapman / The Science Survey

By TAYLOR CHAPMAN

“Schools should prepare students for entering a world where one can leverage their vote and voice to fight for their beliefs,” Editor-in-Chief of The Science Survey, Alysa Chen, said.

To Whom It May Concern

www.thesciencesurvey.com

Johan Wichterle/ The Science Survey

Volume 82 Issue 2

Continued on page 7

MIN JIN LEE’S POWERFUL NOVELS ON KOREAN DIASPORA

By YANNY LIANG

Journalist Free Speech Act is designed to “protect student speech at educational institutions.” The bill both allows student journalists to publish responsible content without censorship and protects all employees who secure their students’ ability to do so. The purpose of the bill? To “expand freedom of speech and the press by giving final editorial control to student journalists at public high schools, while [encouraging] responsible journalism.”

I interviewed Senator Brian Kavanagh about how he realized student censorship was a problem that needed solving. “Initially, I heard about this bill from [New York State Assembly member] Donna Lupardo. She pointed out what seems to me to be a very big gap in our freedom of the press. High school journalists are not particularly protected,” the Senator told me.

Continued on page 3 Daniela Castro / The Science Survey

June - September 2019

Eldisa Rosario and Maurice Burbridge enjoy their visits to Vivo Latino. “At Vivo, we are a close family,” said Rosario. “Our president creates a safe environment where everyone is welcome. It’s the club that I look forward to all week.”

‘Like’ The Science Survey on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/ thesciencesurvey

And visit us online at www.thesciencesurvey.com

News Editors-in-Chief Artea Brahaj Alysa Chen George Crooks William Fisher Adam Israelevitz Jemma Lasswell Copy Chiefs Julia Catrambone Taylor Huang Sarane James Joselyn Kim Michelle Li Eytan Stanton Yan Fen (Yanny) Liang Christina Pan Managing Editors Tiffany Chen Hyein Lee Jenna Ye

Chief Graphic Designers Melissa Cen Dora Cham Shé Edwards Joselyn Kim

2018-19 Editorial Board

Features Editors Leann Goldberg Darya Lollos Sofia Mahairas

Assistant Graphic Designers Afifa Areya Olivia Chen Lauren Handler Suhaima Islam Emilia Lord Sazida Marzia

News Editors Jehiel Butt Jason Cheung Max Jaffe Online Editors Pinkey Lam Abigail Yoo Suzie Yu

Arts and Entertainment Editors Celeste Abourjeili Lucian Dobroszycki Brian Katanov Ava Vercesi

Sports Editors Daniela Castro-Garcet Jake Goldsmith Christina Huynh Jiwon (Estee) Yi Spotlight Editors Toni Ouyang Kaitlyn Romanger Eshika Talukder

Front Page A1 Editors Oliver Chin Marina Mengual Jing Mae Wang

Cartoonist Tobias Dohlin

Editorial Editors Milène Klein Pietro Topa Mian Hua Zheng

Faculty Advisor Alexander Thorp

Science Survey Staff Reporters Senior Staff Reporters: Maliha Akhter, Katherine Doss, Chloe Frajmund, Sadia Haque, Michael Ho, Susan Huang, Payel Islam, Lynn Kajihara, Annie Liu, Haeun (Hollie) Park, Anisa Persaud, Joachim Romanosky, Rahma Tasnim, Sydney Teh, Lin Xiang (Aaron) Wu, Angie Yang, Nuzat Zaman Staff Reporters: Afifa Areya, Abigail Aronson, Kieran Aug, Taylor Chapman, Hui Man (Abby) Cheng, Tanzila Haque, Audrey Hill, Rasheed Hossain, Arona Islam, Shamiha Islam, Sanford James, Sowad Karim, Cameron Leo, Pamela Li, Emilia Lord, Sazida Marzia, Fareha Mazumder, Elton Moy, Benjamin Oestericher, Tina Ou, Ula Pranevicius, Albar Subekti, J (Nick) Tarr, Sabareesh Vishwanathan, Caitlin Yeung, Suzie Yu, Yi Lan Zhang, Joanna Zhao

About

The Science Survey is the award-winning student newspaper of The Bronx High School of Science, and it has been published continuously since our high school was founded in 1938. It is planned, researched, written, edited, and designed entirely by students as part of the elective 'Journalism: Newspaper & Yearbook' class, and it is published in both a print edition and also online.

Mission We strive to provide information that is accurate, thorough, and unbiased. We aim to enlighten as well as to inform, and we seek to intellectually engage our readers. We wish to serve as a journalistic voice for our diverse student body, and we strive to achieve the highest degree of journalistic integrity, both in our written articles and in our photojournalism.

Corrections Policy The Science Survey welcomes all non-anonymous corrections to any published material. Submissions must arrive within two weeks of release date for printed articles, and one week for online articles. Corrections should be e-mailed to the Managing Editors.

“Announcing the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of 2019” (Continued from A1) Malkov has taken courses such as Multi Variable Calculus, AP Biology, AP European History, and AP Computer Science.

With such a rigorous course load comes a daunting workload, so both Knight and Malkov can attest to the value of time management. “I always make sure to plan out my day! I know what specific times that I want to allocate for studying and doing homework, and I take advantage of my free periods and lunch periods. I’m always tempted to procrastinate, but between tests, projects, homework and extracurriculars, I know I’ll end up kicking myself later if I do,” said Knight.

For studying, her biggest piece of advice is to make study guides from class

notes and textbook readings.

“Writing study guides forces you to fully understand the material while you’re reviewing it,” said Knight.

Aside from academics, Knight and Malkov immerse themselves in extracurriculars that allow them to further explore their wide array of interests.

Knight is the co-president and director of Exposition, the school’s social studies magazine. “I especially love working on Exposition because being able to develop a magazine from scratch is really exciting! In my free time, I also do freelance illustration and design and make clothing,” said Knight.

She has also played softball for two years and acted as manager/assistant coach for a third year. Knight has also spent the past two years as an intern at Mount Sinai.

From being a member of NHS to the Starving Artists to the GSA, she has contin-

ued to be an active member of the Bronx Science community all four years, all while expertly juggling schoolwork.

Malkov has also kept herself quite busy over the years as an active member of the JSU club and varsity tennis team. She also played JV soccer for two years, recently joined the track team this year, and is a part of a ski team at Hunger Mountain, further proving the notion that brains and brawn are not mutually exclusive.

“Aside from athletics, I volunteer at a nursing home, at a dental office, and at Blockchain Driven,” said Malkov.

Knight and Malkov have truly dedicated themselves to academia. Next year, Knight will enroll at University of Michigan and Malkov will enroll at Haverford College.

They hope to use their graduation speeches to highlight the accomplishemnts of the Class of 2019 as a whole.

Who (Won’t) Let the Dogs Out? Iran Passes Controversial Ban on Dogs in Public

By OLIVIA CHEN In New York City, walking dogs on the against western culture. The ban, in Shistreet in the morning is a normal routine razi’s eyes, was to prevent “blind imitation for many. There are golden retrievers, of the west.” Other “imitations” that the pomeranians, corgis, and occasionally Iranian government has banned include the hyper and fluffy husky if you are lucky dancing, drinking alcohol, and refusing enough to see one. But what would human to wear headscarves in public. However, life be like without their canine compan- as Iran struggles to make its people conions on the street? There wouldn’t be any form to strictly religious lives, dancing more fetching, and drinking wagging tails, continue, and or people saying headscarves “good boy!” disappear freThis is what quently.

The the streets of fines and flogIran’s capital Tehging ineffectiveran are like now, ly discourage devoid of happy Iranian people yapping dogs. from pursuing This new law rethese interests, calls sentiments since only the from two decades police enforce ago in Iran, when Junior Haley Sim’s dog, Penny, was adopted these increasTehran Univer- from a Korean adoption agency during the fall ingly unpopular sity was the only semester. “My dog is a part of my family, so if laws. Just like place offering vet- she were confiscated on the grounds that she was before, dog loverinary services in a public danger, I would feel extremely frustrated ers continue to Tehran. Dog own- and angry, especially knowing firsthand that she exist within the ership in Iran has Iranian state, reserves no danger to the public,” Sim said. expanded in the fusing to give up past few decades, their pets. and veterinary clinics have subsequently “For a lot of families that own dogs or opened throughout the city. However, Bri- any sort of pet, these animals become a gade General Hossein Rahimi announced part of their family. For the government to that the Tehran government was banning try to forcefully detain a family member is dog walking in all public areas on January beyond belief. I can’t imagine how I would 29th, 2019 — even having your dog in the feel if I suddenly had to give up my dog,” car is illegal, according to the new law.

Jeremy Valdez ’20 said.

Following this, an outcry against the Other dog owners feel the same way in new bill emerged from dog owners. The Iran, many of them indignant about havjudiciary granted local police the power to ing to give up their pets. Professional dog confront dog walkers and pull over cars if walkers such as Shafag Divanpour, who is they see have dogs riding inside. based in Tehran, are bearing the brunt of According to the Iranian government, these worries. In an interview with the Los walking dogs in public induces panic and Angeles Times, Divanpour explained that anxiety in passersby. But this reason is the looming threat of police confiscating only superficial; the ban on dogs is part of dogs caused half of his clients to cancel dog a deeper conflict between the people and walking services, marking a huge drop in their non-secular government, which is in- his income. fluenced by the Grand Ayatollah.

But how can these dog owners counter This ban is not the first law that tried this dog ban? Haley Sim ’20 proposes a to dissuade Iranians from keeping dogs peaceful protest. “In a country as turbulent as pets. Owning dogs has been a source of as Iran, it would be better to protest and tension since the 1979 Islamic Revolution petition peacefully and maintain an image in Iran, even before the government began of no harm, so that the government will to confiscate dogs. In 2010, the senior Ira- not misconstrue their intentions. Furthernian cleric issued a fatwa, a religious rul- more, you can put pressure on the Iraniing, that dogs were “najes,” or unclean, and an government by spreading awareness to therefore could not be kept as pets. In sup- other countries and gaining international port of the fatwa, the Ministry of Culture support through social media.” and Islamic Guidance banned the media Many speculate that the government from publishing pet-related ads. In 2014, will retract the ban, noting how the majorlawmakers proposed a bill that would pun- ity of Iranian dog owners refuse to yield to ish public dog walkers with seventy-four the government. With such widespread unlashes and more than $3,500 in fines. popularity, it is likely that the government The ban on dogs is part of Grand Aya- may simply get rid of this ban altogether. tollah Naser Makarem Shirazi’s movement Haley Sim / The Science Survey

2

“Min Jin Lee ’86 to Present Keynote Address at the 2019 Graduation Ceremony”(Continued from A1) She first got the idea for the book while still a student at Yale. From 2007 to 2011, Lee lived in Tokyo where she researched and wrote the multigenerational story about a Korean-Japanese family. It was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction and one of New York Times’ “The 10 Best Books of 2017.”

Pachinko was picked up as a series by Apple in early 2019. Soo Hugh, a Korean screenwriter, wrote the script and will be the executive producer and showrunner of the series. The show will be translated into three languages: English, Korean, and Japanese.

Lee is currently working on her third novel, American Hagwon, the final book in her trilogy “The Koreans,” which, as she told the Asian American Writer’s Workshop, “will focus on what education means to the Koreans, how we understand education, and how it is related to wisdom.”

Speaking about her writing process in an interview with Writer’s Digest, Lee says her books start as a “big idea, which becomes about people, and of course the central thrust of my work is diaspora. How does diaspora figure into these questions?

I am asking for these Koreans around the world.” She spends an enormous amount of time and energy on research for her novels, interviewing and doing field work.

In an interview with Sampsonia Way, Lee reveals that oftentimes she uses only two percent of the information she gleaned for her characters, attempting to create an alternate world that has an emotional verisimilitude without regurgitating her interviewees’ stories as they are.

In the same interview with Sampsonia Way, Lee discusses what she values in literature. “If you’re not edified and entertained, I think you should go to the next book. I really can’t stand it if I have to read a book and think, ‘I am learning a lot but this is killing me; it’s so boring.’ For me, reading has always been about pleasure, and there should be pleasure in a book,” she said.

With her own brilliant writing and years of expertise, Lee is sure to impart some wise words of advice to the Class of 2019.

“Ms. Lee is a brilliant and successful writer and a rising star among the Bronx Science alumni community. We wanted to honor her and give her the opportunity to address the Class of 2019,” Mr. McNickle, the Senior Class Advisor, said.

News 2020 Vision

Questions Raised as Mueller Investigation Comes to an End

A Glimpse Into the Upcoming Presidential Election

democratic right to free speech.”

The question of students’ rights to freedom of speech isn’t a new one. In 1969, Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines sided with students wearing black wristbands to protest the Vietnam War, and is lauded as a case that cemented students’ First Amendment rights. But in 1988, in a 5-3 ruling, the Supreme Court held that a principal’s censorship of student publications “did not violate the students’ free speech rights.” The Court determined that the newspaper was intended to be a “limited forum” for journalism students to meet “the requirements of their Journalism II class,” and nothing more.

But Senator Kavanagh, Jemma Lasswell, and Alysa Chen view these student publications as multi-faceted forums designed to engage with and inspire the school community rather than simply to fulfill a class requirement. “No doubt, some people think we’re extending this right when students aren’t able to exercise it properly,” Senator Kavanagh said. “This is just the beginning of the conversation.

We should be willing to give younger people the right to say things we might disagree with.”

By CAMERON LEO As the countdown to the 2020 Presiden- Democratic president is elected in 2020 tial election commences, the battle for the drop (many voters will opt to write-in a primaries has already taken flight. While candidate who failed to advance past the it’s shaping up to be a relatively tradition- primaries). Now more than ever, it is crual election in some aspects, political voices cial that Bronx Science’s soon-to-be-voters across the country agree that it could be the understand the range of voices present in most significant election in decades. the election.

In modern American politics, presidenAt the forefront of most polls is Joe tial elections have followed a fairly predict- Biden, the former Vice President of Barack able pattern: the republican primaries are Obama and a long-standing favorite withoccupied by a few party-favorites, while the in the Democratic party. On April 25th, democratic side tends to fill up with a large 2019, Biden formally announced his run, profile of candidates. The 2016 election after months of speculation as to whether was a notorious or not he would deviation from indeed run. To these traditions; many, Biden is the upcoming the face of modrace, however, eracy and biparseems to be a retisanship.

He version back to has expressed old ways. Aside his unease at from current the growing President Donpolarization of ald Trump, only American polone Republican itics, and is a candidate has vocal critic of opted to run; the blind party alleAlex Chen ’19 believes that Democratic Democratic pool giance. His fans candidate Pete Buttigieg shows promise. is already filled hope that he by an impressive may bridge the number of candidates -- twenty-three thus growing gap between the Democratic Party far, with more expected to join. and middle America. His political moderaIf anything has been learned from the tion, however, may also be his fatal flaw; as past four years of American politics, it a long-serving past member of Congress, should be clear that the unexpected is not he had an inconsistent record in key isunlikely; still, a loss in the primaries for sues like civil rights, abortion laws, and gay President Trump seems nearly impossi- marriage. Despite this, support for Biden ble. Trump’s sole opponent, Bill Weld, is is strong, enough so that half of democrats a longshot candidate on all fronts. He’s say recent allegations of inappropriate been an outspoken critic of Trump and has touching from several women will not afcalled him “unstable” in the past, render- fect their vote. ing him inaccessible to Trump’s loyal fan Keeping a lead with Biden in the polls base. His libertarian tendencies and un- is Bernie Sanders, a lifelong Democratorthodox conservatism isolate him from ic socialist with a passionate following of the GOP. Also, although polls have indicat- supporters. Bernie is the emblem of the ed that 43% of Republicans favor a primary radicalization of the Democratic party, and opponent to Trump, it is unlikely that Weld has become somewhat of an icon among will be the one able to break the unfalter- young leftist communities. Supporters are ing stream of support that Trump receives inspired by his long-standing fight for infrom his base. come equality and a myriad of other proGiven Trump’s near-certain primary gressive issues, ranging from a proposal win and the divisive nature of his presiden- for free public college tuition to the ‘Green cy, it’s no surprise that so many Democrats New Deal’ and ‘Medicare for All.’ Given the are eager to take on the president in the amount of traction that his campaign has general election. Yet with every candidate already gained in the 2016 election, Bernie that joins the bandwagon, the odds that a certainly has an upper-hand in the race.

Cameron Leo / The Science Survey

Sadia Haque / The Science Survey

By SADIA HAQUE For the last two years, Special Counsel Robert Mueller has been investigating President Trump and his campaign on possible ties to Russia. In late March 2019, after months of arrests, indictments, and guilty pleas, the investigation came to an end, and a summary of the Mueller Report was released to the general public, creating mass pandemonium. A month later, the full report was released to the public by the DeMany believed this investigation would end partment of Justice. with clearer answers, but most people are left unsatisfied with the lack of resolution.

The summary, written by Attorney General William Barr, was met with questions to disrupt the 2016 presidential election. and criticism. This stemmed from the fact Mueller tried to prove if there was a “coorthat the short four-page summary was writdination,” which is the legal way to define ten by someone who many believed was bithe word collusion, between Trump and ased towards helping the Trump presidenRussia, but the evidence did not hold up. cy.

Additionally, another conclusion is that Barr, who was appointed as Attorney obstruction cannot be strongly proven eiGeneral by Trump after the resignation ther, mostly due to the power that Trump of Jeff Sessions in late 2018, has worried holds as president. In Mueller’s opinion, a Democrats and some Republicans with his president can be charged with obstruction ideas about executive power. He has been only if they use their executive power in an a vocal denouncer of the Mueller investigaillegal manner. However, firing members tion, once claiming that the investigation of their administration and closing Departinto Hillary Clinton’s involvement in the ment of Justice cases falls in the purview of uranium deal between the U.S. and Rusthe executive branch and cannot be seen as sia as Secretary of State had more basis for obstruction. This theory has been pushed investigation than Trump’s campaign and before by Barr in a nineteen-page brief.

Russia.

Mueller does, however, leave open the pos“Barr is definitely a biased party. He was sibility of charging Trump with obstruction appointed by Trump, so it’s pretty obvious after his presidency — a possibility that where his loyalties lie,” said Daniel Seo ’21.

Barr strongly opposes.

In early April 2019, Barr decided to supThe report also explicitly states that port and pursue Trump’s claim that there Trump has not been cleared. The report was a “spy” in his campaign, further mudclaims that if they were confident after a dying his supposed impartiality. Yet, even thorough investigation that Trump did not with these controversies, Democrats remain commit obstruction of justice, “[they] would confident in the credibility of the Mueller so state.” Mueller makes it clear in the reinvestigation. In an interview with the Asport that Congress can choose to step in to sociated Press, House Speaker Nancy Pelostop the corrupt use of presidential power. si said, “I don’t trust Barr; I trust Mueller.”

Democrats in Congress may use that lanBarr’s summary does look favorably on guage to justify their burgeoning inquiries.

Trump, causing people to believe that he Moreover, throughout the report, Muelwas biased. This belief was exasperated ler highlights instances where Trump has when Trump went on Twitter to celebrate tried to harm the investigation. The rehis exoneration. The summary claimed that port claims that Trump has tried a variety there was no evidence found of collusion, of methods to prevent a full investigation, although it remained ambiguous when it from trying to remove the Special Counsel came to possible obstruction of justice. to the attempted use of official power to “The summary does not provide limit the scope of the investigation. Mueller enough evidence to prove without a uses these instances, along with the plethdoubt that Trump is guilty of any of ora of lies that have been coming out of the the crimes for which he has been acWhite House for the past two years, to crecused, during and after his campaign ate a pattern of behavior that raises a lot of and victory,” said Nicholas Tappe ’22. suspicions.

However, when Barr finished redacting As Democrats and Republicans alike the full 448-page report and released it to prepare for the 2020 presidential election, the public in late April 2019, many of the the findings and implications of this report claims in his summary were brought into weigh heavily on all their minds and the question. Media outlets have been analyzcountry remains divided. The White House ing and re-analyzing this document. Everyreleased a letter blasting the whole report, one has their own viewpoints and biases, while the House has begun holding hearbut three clear conclusions can be drawn. ings for the Mueller report. An investigaFirst, there is not enough evidence to tion started in order to bring more clarity prove that Trump or his associates were to a chaotic time has, in many ways, created part of a criminal conspiracy with Russia more questions than answered them.

The Scandal Bringing the Church to a Standstill

By AVA VERCESI The Catholic Church is not a stranger to Francis is speaking too broadly about the sexual abuse allegations. Broken in 2002 issue and is not addressing specific actions

by The Boston Globe, a story of covered-up that he will be taking to fight the issue and sexual abuse allegations riddled the Cath- find justice for the victims. olic Church in Boston, and In a recent fourcaused a wave of survivors day summit, howto come forward with their ever, Pope Francis stories. This happened aldeclared an all most sixteen years before out-war on sexthe founding of the TIMEual assault. He SUP and #MeToo Movecompared sexuments. Now, with women al assault to huaround the globe finding man sacrifice and their voices and realizing stated that a new they’re not alone, the Cathcouncil has beenolic Church is once again Megan Mahalko ’19 comments on created to deal the Pope’s recent actions. in the spotlight. But this with resignations time it’s not being ignored. of even the highest A nun in India has come forward, ac- level officials if convicted of assault. cusing a priest of thirteen counts of rape.

The Pope’s steps in addressing this The allegations were going to be ignored abuse are groundbreaking. Never before and covered up until five of her fellow nuns has a Pope openly admitted to the wrongrallied behind her and brought the issue to doings of the clergy, let alone taken action the world stage. Now, the priest faces a tri- to fight the problem. “Nothing like this has al by which he could be sent to prison. ever really been done before in the history Not only are Indian authorities taking of the Catholic Church. Before now, it’s all action and acknowledging the rape and been covered up and swept under the rug. abuse allegations, but for the first time, I’m hoping it will be a big step going forPope Francis has publicly acknowledged ward- but I am cautious in hoping,” said the issue of sexual abuse in the church. Megan Mahalko ’19. Already, high clergy The Pope is under international pressure have been defrocked after being found to admit to the wrongdoings of clergy guilty of the sexual abuse of children and over the years. He has, but many victims even nuns. Though there is a ways to go for are still not happy. They believe that Pope the church, these are welcome first steps.

Ava Vercesi / The Science Survey

Special Counsel Robert Mueller ends his two-year investigation, leaving both sides of the aisle wondering: what happens now?

“Freeing the Student Press” (Continued from A1) “I have a very long- term commitment to open government and participant democracy. Student journalists play a very important role in that.”

Why the big fuss? What major contribution can student publications bring to the table? Jemma Lasswell ’19 and Alysa Chen ’19, both Editors-in-Chief of Bronx Science’s The Science Survey, told me that uncensored student publications are critical. “Censorship limits a school’s potential. If students want to write about something impactful, we have to write about things that are controversial. That doesn’t mean it has to be negative. Student journalists need to learn to take a nuanced approach on controversial issues and approach them with journalistic integrity,” Lasswell said. Chen agreed, adding, “I believe there is merit to facilitating difficult conversations between age groups who don’t necessarily agree with each other. With the recent global climate strike, young people across the nation expressed their dissatisfaction with other people’s passivity to the impending climate crisis.

We are never too young for exercising our

3

News Who’s On the Other End? Angie Yang / The Science Survey

By ANGIE YANG software and security of various telecommunications equipment manufactured by Huawei, that could have potentially allowed foreign institutions to hack and steal sensitive information, thus endangering the security of the nation.

Yet despite these efforts, many U.S. allies have not yet given in to the Trump administration’s efforts to have them adopt a Huawei ban like the one the U.S. did. So far, Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are the only The U.S. has been seeing a lack of success in its countries that have adopted a ban. Many efforts to persuade allies to adopt an outright ban on Huawei technologies. Lin Zhang ’19 EU countries have shown greater resistance thinks that this is all a testament to the growing to U.S. efforts, such as Germany. “We are global usage of 5G services, and in turn, on defining our standards for ourselves,” said companies like Huawei.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

But do these devices pose an actual As a huge catalyst of the ongoing Chi- threat, even to the common Joe? “If I could, na-U.S. tradewar, the Chinese 5G compa- I would buy a Huawei laptop. They make ny Huawei has recently been getting a lot very high quality devices. Even despite all of unfavorable attention from around the of this negative press, there have been great world. After it was suspected that Huawei’s reviews about low-light camera quality, technology may have security loopholes for instance, posted online,” said Yanran that could potentially allow the stealing of Kuang ’19. On the flip side, Joyce Lin ’19 has information from the United States by those different thoughts. “I feel that even if it’s a under the company, the United States gov- great piece of technology, it isn’t worth riskernment has officially banned Huawei 5G ing your privacy, even more, the security of technology. This alone being a huge blow the whole nation. For some good technoloto the company (considering how huge of gy that’s a high price to pay. I wouldn’t risk a market they lost through this ban), the it,” she said.

United States has been taking further acA question arises -- even if Huawei’s tions to persuade allies, such as countries devices are not safe, is it worth banning all in the EU, to also adopt similar bans. How- Huawei devices entirely? Considering the ever, recent developments reflect that these political and economic implications of such efforts are not working. a definitive ban, and seeing the effectiveOn March 22nd, Reuters reported that ness of the Trump administration’s camthe EU has decided to take definitive mea- paign so far, it is a question worth pondersures to assess the security risks imposed ing. “The Trump administration’s course

by Huawei technology. While they are not of action is definitive, but extreme. Maybe planning to ban the technology as the U.S. the European countries are right in conadvised, they have run exhaustive tests and sidering this situation slowly, and tending already found major “flaws” in manufac- towards regulations rather than an outright turing. A British report released on March ban. Huawei isn’t some no-name company.

28th reported to have found flaws in the It’s a pretty big deal,” said Lin Zhang ’19.

The Survey Strip By RIA CHA

Hidden in Plain Sight

By AFIFA AREYA After giving birth to triplets in Egypt, Mihrigul Tursun was waiting to return home in China to celebrate her growing family. However, upon her arrival, Tursun was immediately placed into a prison camp and separated from her newborns. When released, Tursun was met with the news of her dead child, Mohaned, amongst her three children. “I will tell them the Chinese government killed their brother,” said Tursun to CNN News.

Many Uighur refugees like Tursun have a story to tell after their experience in the LiChai Epperson ’19 makes the point that Chinese re-education camps. Many former tragic events similar to the persecution of detainees have experienced life that is more minorities in the 1930s should not be repeated, than just a “re-education camp.” To them so we should raise awareness right now about it is a prison camp, despite there being no the Chinese re-education camps. grounds for arrest.

Uighurs, populating the Xinjiang region out to former prisoners of the camps.“They of China, are being relocated in concen- wouldn’t let me sleep, they would hang me tration camps for practicing their Islamic up for hours and would beat me. They had culture and religion. They come from the thick wooden and rubber batons, whips northern Turkic region and settled in Xin- made from twisted wire, needles to pierce jiang, China. Due to their cultural and re- the skin, pliers for pulling out the nails. All ligious differences, the Uighur population these tools were displayed on the table in has rejected many Confucian practices. front of me, ready to use at any time. And I However, these re-education camps serve a could hear other people screaming as well,” purpose more foreboding than just enlight- said Omir, a former detainee.

Stories like those of Omir and Tursun ening Uighurs about Chinese culture.

Xinjiang is overflowing with oil and are being shared across the world to raise minerals. Its located alongside the Silk awareness of this issue; this is the first step Road, a very eminent trading route used in ending the unprecedented actions put to trade great riches throughout Asia. The forth by the Chinese authorities.

Other than the news, sources on social resources available in this region attracted many Han Chinese. However, as more Han media are also exposing the inner workChinese began to migrate North, conflicts ings of the camp. While journalism and between them and the Uighur population media sources have made efforts to publistarted to grow. The Uighur natives began cize verified information against the Chito feel threatened by the demographic and nese government, social media has taken cultural shift taking place. The growing a more direct approach in terms of resolvchange in events resulted in massive riots ing the issue. Students here at Bronx Sciin the capital, Urumqi. These riots then re- ence have participated on social media by sulted in large scale casualties. The Chinese re-uploading old posts and sharing new government has since decided to round up events that are revealed by local journalists Uighurs and place them in concentration and reporters. Social media created a new camps which are disguised as “re-educa- platform for people to share untold stories amongst younger audiences. By appealing tion” camps.

Around one million Uighurs are now in to open-minded audiences, this issue has concentration camps distributed through- gained momentum and sympathy from out the region. The UN committee was once people all across the world, all of whom are alerted of this event in August, 2018. While actively participating in this movement to discussing this issue, China denied the alle- raise awareness.

“Persecution of an ethnic group and atgations and claimed that their goal was to tempting to eliminate them is xenophobic, integrate the Uighurs into Chinese culture.

The truth, however, lies behind the bars. bigoted, violates literally every human right The Human Rights Watch has claimed ever, and shouldn’t be tolerated in 2019,” that a large region of Xinjiang has been said LiChai Epperson ’19, one of many transformed into a massive internment Bronx Science students who feels most camp. Within the camps, Uighurs are being strongly about this issue.

After learning about the persecutaught basic Chinese etiquette, language, and religion. Uighurs are being forced into tion of minorities in their history classre-education. As diligent members of the es during the 1930s, students are now Muslim community, they are being forced able to connect the tragic events that took to renounce their faith. They are pushed to place at a time in history to the events shave their beards, swear loyalty to the Chi- unfolding in the contemporary society. nese government, and most importantly, to surrender or criticise their religious beliefs.

Continued online Many journalists have been able to reach Afifa Areya / The Science Survey

4

Big Moves at Amazon After Jeff Bezos Divorce

By LUCIAN DOBROSZYCKI Lucian Dobroszycki / The Science Survey

“We want prenup! We want prenup!”

Kanye West’s immortal words from his 2004 hit song ‘Gold Digger’ ring true for male divorcees around the world. Yet, for Jeff Bezos, they probably feel more like a knot in the stomach. That is because Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon, is the wealthiest man in the world, and in early February, he divorced his wife of twenty-five years, Mackenzie Bezos, without previously having signed a prenuptial agreement.

Now, Jeff Bezos will certainly survive this financial blow (and the associated heartbreak). He and Mackenzie parted on good terms, despite Jeff’s infidelity with Fox newscaster and media personality Lauren Sanchez.

What is more pressing is the future of Amazon, the company of which Jeff Bezos is the CEO, and which he began with Mackenzie.

According to CNN, since Jeff was married to Mackenzie when he founded Amazon, the entire company can potentially be deemed marital property. Jeff Bezos is the figurehead of Amazon, but unlike tech CEOs from companies such as Facebook and Google who exert control over shares with special voting rights that ensure their control, Bezos holds normal voting rights on the board at Amazon. Mackenzie, if she so decides, could entrench herself in the company and hold shares equal to those of her husband.

Joseph Moser ’19 and Owen Tumer ’20 agreed that Bezos’s divorce posed critically important consequences for Amazon.

According to the divorce settlement, Mackenzie Bezos is to retain 25% of the couple’s 16% stake in Amazon, with shares valued at $35 million dollars.

This will make her the richest woman in the world, after Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the part-owner of L’Oreal, and Alice Walton, member of the Walton family that owns Walmart.

Still, Mackenzie, with her 4% control of the company, will not exert so much control. This is not only for the company’s supposed health, but also in keeping with the aggressively amicable nature of the divorce.

Following the settlement, Mackenzie posted on Twitter, “Happy to be giving him all of my interests in the Washington Post and Blue Origin, and 75% of our Amazon stock plus voting control of my shares to support his continued contributions with the teams of these incredible companies.”

For the largest divorce ever, this one certainly hasn’t lived up to its hype. Amazon’s stock value has improved since the announcement in January and Jeff and Mackenzie are pursuing a friendly post-divorce relationship.

They plan on sharing their kids and remaining in close contact.

Finally, if Mackenzie lost some potential income from the divorce, she earned it back in the respect and praise she’s received on social media. On Twitter, she received praise for her handling of the situation.

Twitter users posted GIFs of Michael Jackson authoritatively dunking a basketball and Jordan Belfort clapping in praise. Jeff Bezos replied, “I’m very grateful for her support and for her kindness in this process and am very much looking forward to our relationship as friends and co-parents.” For all the hubble and bubble, Kanye’s prediction of “Eighteen years, eighteen years/ And on the eighteenth birthday he found out it wasn’t his?” is implausible. Indeed! Sometimes, divorces work out. And sometimes, divorce works out beautifully.

Editorial Do We Need NATO?

5

Pro : Green New Deal

By SYDNEY TEH President Trump has recently come Russian annexation of Crimea. Furtherunder fire for condemning one of the more, in Mattis’ resignation letter, he cites U.S.’ longest standing alliances: NATO. “strength in their (NATO’s) commitment In one of his most circulated tweets, he to fighting alongside us following the 9-11 argues that other member states in the attack on America. The Defeat-ISIS coaorganization are not pulling their weight. lition of seventy-four nations is further With the country’s eyes on him, his words proof” of their commitment to peace. have consistently been repeated and deElias Silver ’20 states, “NATO is a relabated, now bringing to light the ques- tively cheap way for the U.S. to maintain tion: Is NATO actually worth funding? military hegemony over all of western Over the past sixty-nine years, NATO, and central Europe. The Supreme Allied or the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- Commander Europe must always be an tion, has been central in the United States’ American general!” In short, we can utigeopolitical strategies in Europe and lize our leverage more effectively without North America. Through the organiza- pulling out of the alliance all together. tion, comprised of twenty-nine member Next is the issue of spending. To maintain membership, countries need to devote at least 2% of their GDP towards defense spending. But, as of February 2019, only five out of the twenty-nine allies actually meet this requirement. President Trump’s “straight talk” approach has seemed to put pressure on allies to contribute additional defense funding, and I agree that it’s not enough. But while President Trump has framed it as “they’re taking advantage of us,” it’s time we turn the tables and take Fierce debate over NATO has led to advantage of their need for our support. uncertainty of the alliance’s future.

The U.S. should threaten certain protecstates, the U.S. has maintained alliances tions to countries that are not meeting with these countries through trade deals goals, like removing troops or support for and mutual assurances of protection. military bases, to get more compliance President Trump and former defense with the economic demands of this deal. secretary James Mattis spark controJonathan Bar-On ’20 argued, “NATO versy with their constant disagreements should stand for Needs America to Operover its importance. President Trump ate.” While this is entirely true, the U.S. has criticized NATO on three prima- can use that reliance these countries have ry fronts: it’s no longer useful after the to make sure the alliance is mutually benCold War, the allies are “taking advan- eficial. tage” of American generosity, and it Lastly, on safety. What is often misno longer contributes to U.S. security. understand is that NATO is not simply a However, I’d argue that despite piece of paper signed between these counthese concerns, NATO is still in- tries that shows they have a relationship. credibly necessary and furthermore, Instead, there are actual tangible duties there’s more that the U.S. could be do- that member states are expected to follow. ing to leverage this unique alliance. The centerpiece of the treaty is Article V First is the issue of the usefulness of which says that members need to come NATO in the present day. The Cold War to the aid of their allies in the event of an necessitated an alliance, but curbing Rus- attack. Smaller duties like conferences sian aggression should be the new forefront to discuss world issues or having miliof NATO goals. Although NATO does not tary presence abroad are also extremely intend on directly engaging Russia, it can important bargaining chips and shows of provide pressure for smaller concessions international cooperation. and show solidarity of the international It’s time to stop dismissing NATO as a community against Russia’s actions. For tool to the past, and to start utilizing its example, the alliance has directly con- power to improve it for the future of the demned and refused to legitimize the United States.

By ALYSA CHEN On November 13th, 2018, hundreds of from progressing towards bipartisan climate young people from Sunrise Movement, a new policy and addressing one of the most importyouth-led grassroots movement for climate ac- ant issues of my generation’s lives. The bill is tion, occupied House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s subject to backlash by right-leaning media oroffice to demand that the Democratic Party re- ganizations such as Fox News, many of which fuse fossil fuel lobbying, introduce climate pol- deem the Green New Deal as far-left and “soicy through the Green New Deal, and establish cialist.” However, before one labels the Green a Green New Deal Committee. Their sit-in was New Deal as belonging explicitly to one political joined by House Representative Alexandria party or belief, one should think about how imOcasio-Cortez, who publicized the issue and portant it is to address climate change as soon made it a core part of her political platform. as possible, regardless of political leaning. One Over fifty protestors were arrested by Capitol type of criticism targets the particular points Police that day. The powerful wave of student within the resolution and offers alternatives, activism shocked the country for many months whereas another criticizes the idea of fighting to come. climate change and preventing the impoverishIn direct response to the young people’s de- ment of marginalized and future populations. mands, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator The former provides an avenue for constructive Ed Markey introduced the Green New Deal bill criticism to create bipartisan climate policy, on February 7th, 2019. You have likely heard whereas the latter is unacceptable and polarof the landmark bill by now, since it has been izing, and fails to protect the American people a subject to widespread praise and criticism from safety, health, and happiness, now and in in the past few months. In order to accurately the future. evaluate the merits of the bill, it’s important to In protecting the American people from the review the purpose, goal, and content of the bill climate crisis, our country needs to pass legisitself. lation that has the large magnitude of impact The purpose of the Green New Deal is not needed to curb the worse effects of climate to impose any policy or action, but rather to se- change, as opposed to less aggressive bills that riously consider the demands of youth around fail to be effective. Many are opposed to Ocathe country and to urge Congress to address sio-Cortez because she is a young, fearless, and climate change. It is a non-binding resolution, high-achieving woman who fights boldly for meaning it doesn’t have the power to enact an her progressive values. But in the end, we are actual piece of legislation. It operates similar to all competing for how best to address climate the resolutions created by United Nations as- change as effectively as possible, rather than semblies, where the resolutions are unable to denying the existence of climate change, and infringe on any country’s autonomy. In other this is not a lone effort for any one person or words, non-binding resolutions like the Green administration.

New Deal are “aspirational,” or a “jumpstart” Yes, the Green New Deal may set a goal of in the right direction, because it alone has no 100% renewable energy, but it also has a plan power to change policy. Rather, it can inspire for achieving it, such as improving energy effiand pressure for change. ciency, utilizing scientific research to advance This pressure comes amidst many UN scien- industry, exchange international expertise, and tific reports and declarations, the U.S. Climate providing resources and training in the energy Report, global student climate strikes, and job sector. The best way to know its content is overwhelming scientific evidence and media to read the copy of the bill online; it is only 14 coverage. Even before that, we should have al- pages long. Most importantly, it is not clouded ready understood how and why climate change by oversimplifications by media organizations. threatens the lives of millions in the United Focus on what it has, not what it hasn’t; ask States. That’s why when the idea of a Green yourself what the significance of such a bill is in New Deal first circulated around the country our lives, not what is unattainable. last year, it received widespread bipartisan support. According to a Yale Climate Communication study of 966 registered American voters in December 2018, for example, 92% of the registered Democrats, 88% of registered Independents, and 64% of registered Republicans supported the Deal.

However, now, these numbers look vastly different. The problem lies in media coverage Bronx Science students protest on the and the lack of consensus on climate policy. steps of City Hall on March 15th, 2019 The fear and stigma that are brewed around for the global youth climate strike. the name “Green New Deal” deters the country Miles Conn / The Science Survey

The Push We Need to Address Climate Change

Katherine Doss / The Science Survey

A Cost Benefit Analysis of NATO Funding

Ben Wade / The Science Survey

Con: Everything Wrong With AOC’s Green New Deal In 900 Words

Jonathan Nicastro ’19 has major qualms with the Green New Deal.

On the seventh of February, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) introduced a bill to Congress titled: “Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.” This bill, which is now sitting with the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, details a number of goals for the United States with a focus not only on the environment, but also on economic reform. It is a short document, only 14 pages, and having read it, there are many aspects of this bill which I see as not founded in reality.

The bill starts out in a rather innocuous manner by stating the negative effects that climate change will have on humanity if it continues to worsen. However, a majority of the bill is spent talking about economic and social issues which have little to no correlation with environmental issues. For example, the bill states that “the United States is currently experiencing several related crises, with… the third-worst level of socioeconomic mobility in the developed world before the Great Recession… [and] a gender earnings gap that results in women earning approximately 80 percent as much as men, at the median.” I see this as an effort to shoehorn economic and social reform into a bill about environmental protection. The inclusion

By PIETRO TOPA of those problems makes me think that this is less a bill about climate change, and more a manifesto of socialist and social justice ideas. By having both sides introduce radical bills like this, it makes it almost impossible for the two parties to cooperate with each other, furthering partisan divisions that do the American public a disservice.

The bill goes on to describe massive government funded projects for everything from sustainable energy to infrastructure. The bill says “new national, social, industrial, and economic mobilization on a scale not seen since World War II and the New Deal era is a historic opportunity to create millions of good, high-wage jobs in the United States… [and] to provide unprecedented levels of prosperity and economic security for all people of the United States.” That is not the role of government. The government’s job should be to make sure that the people do not hurt each other and to protect us from foreign and domestic threats. I have no problem with environmentalism: climate change poses a real threat to our lives. I do, however, have a problem with the government trying to protect us from failure, and doing so by throwing tax dollars at the people in such a flagrant manner that Keynes himself would have some doubts. Speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi said, “In terms of the Green New Deal [as conceived], that goes beyond what our charge is. Our charge is about saving the planet. They have in there things like single-payer and . . . what is it? Guaranteed income?” This makes me yearn for a time when Congresswoman Pelosi was considered as far left as it got.

Another issue with the Green New Deal is the bill’s stance on nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is a safe and effective means of producing energy. It has the lowest emissions per unit of energy for any source of energy. The energy density of nuclear energy alone should make it the clear choice to replace fossil fuels. Despite all of this, AOC has come out against it, writing in a Green New Deal fact sheet that “It’s unclear if we will be able to decommission every nuclear plant within 10 years, but the plan is to transition off of nuclear and all fossil fuels as soon as possi-

ble.” This is ridiculous, not only because of how beneficial and renewable nuclear energy is, but also because of how bad some of the alternatives are. Solar and wind energy may seem like good options; however, they produce an incredible amount of waste in their production. These energy sources also do not have the energy density to support our society and would not be a sustainable answer to the problem. Solar panels are especially unethical. While many believe that Solar Panels can be recycled and then put back into use, the companies which recycle the solar panels are usually unable to fix them. 75% of the time the recycling companies just sell the cheap and broken solar panels to the Middle East where they poison the air and water supply of the poor and disadvantaged communities which the bill purports to help. “It’s just so upsetting to see our government ignoring the best possible solution to the problem and not provide a reason as to why,” said Jonathan Nicastro ’19.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a bright and inspiring young woman. However, she lacks the necessary skills and knowledge that would make her a good legislator.

She sees herself as a kind of savior of society and does not believe in compromising with those who have different opinions from herself, saying on Twitter, “If you don’t like the [Green New Deal], then come up with your own ambitious, on-scale proposal to address the global climate crisis. Until then, we’re in charge – and you’re just shouting from the cheap seats.” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez is the quintessential ideologue. She thinks she’s better than everybody in Congress just because she fights for “social justice.”

However, the reality is that she really just comes off as a radical socialist whose ideas and policies are not based in facts and objective truth. She is symbolic of the populist wave and extreme politicians who have come out of the woodwork during Trump’s presidency. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez certainly has the right intentions with regards to climate change, and it is nice to see Congress working towards a cleaner environment, but the way she went about it is ridiculous and far too ambitious for our country.

Editorial

6

Time To Shorten Campaign Season There is No Need for U.S. Presidential Campaigns to Last for Nearly Two Years

By WILLIAM FISHER nents by launching his campaign in 1974 chusetts, opted to start a campaign for and spending the 2008 presidena lot of time tial race instead in Iowa, the of running for location of the a second term. primaries and “Politicians are caucuses. Othso much more efer candidates fective when they took note of are not trying to his success, campaign. They and since then are more focused it has become on their actual the norm for beliefs instead of campaigns to just what pleases launch years people,” said Tanbefore the actu- Tanjimul Ambia ’19 believes that politicians jimul Amiba ’19. are more effective when they campaign less. al election day.

Another issue The problem with long camis far more serious than the annoying paigns is that it makes candidates focus amount of news coverage. Most of the on fundraising rather than talking about people who run for president are current their actual policy. In order to maintain government officials, such as the aforea campaign for so long, candidates need mentioned senators. Having to campaign a consistent cash flow, making Amerfor a potential presidency distracts them ican politics even more dependent on from actually working on legislation that money. “I think shortening campaigns the country needs in the interim. Some is necessary in order to get big money politicians even decide to resign early so out of politics,” said Max Shrader ’21. that they can focus on campaigning. One An opposing argument is that America’s example of this is Mitt Romney in 2005, long campaigns actually bring lower-prowho, as the popular governor of Massafile candidates to public attention. For Taylor Chapman / The Science Survey

The date was July 28th, 2017. In a Washington Post opinion piece, United States Representative John Delaney (D-MD) had just announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election.

While few major presidential candidates began their campaigns as early as Delaney had, this trend of premature declarations still represents a major flaw in the U.S. electoral system: the unregulated length of campaigns. Even candidates who launched after Delaney had still begun much too early. For example, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) all announced their candidacies before the end of January 2019, over a year before the Iowa Caucuses, which mark the beginning of the presidential primaries, and two years before the general election.

This is not a universal problem. In Australia, the longest ever presidential campaign was eleven weeks, and in Canada, the record was seventy-four days. France limits its official campaign period to two weeks, and Japan to just twelve days.

The U.S. has not always had this problem. It started in the Democratic primaries for the 1976 presidential election, when Jimmy Carter got ahead of his oppo-

Tony’s or Jerome’s?

example, nine months before the Democratic primaries for the 1992 presidential election, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton had very little name recognition. He went on to become president of the United States. However, this is not always the case. Parties can still throw their support behind a candidate early on, like the way the Democrats did for Hillary Clinton prior to the 2016 election, and help them easily secure their nomination. Not only that, but allowing for candidates who might not have otherwise been taken seriously to run is not always a good thing. Donald Trump took advantage of the long campaign season to become one of the most controversial nominees in modern history.

Obviously, with issues such as healthcare, immigration, and budget deficits, campaign regulations are not the highest priority for many people. However, having such long campaign seasons makes solving these already complex issues even more difficult by diverting resources to campaigns and diverting the attention of voters and politicians alike. It’s time for America to shorten its campaign season and finally focus on the issues that really matter.

Prevalence of Privilege

Which Truck Makes the Best Halal Food?

By ESHIKA TALUKDER

By EYTAN STANTON

Eytan Stanton / The Science Survey

Eshika Talukder / The Science Survey

Eytan Stanton / The Science Survey

The complicated concept of privilege and erenced any grades. The only basis she had This is the question that Bronx Sci- which he sometimes makes from scratch. the not-so-subtle advantages it gives people to make that inference was my race. In the ence students have been debating for Thus far, we have analyzed the macro is a reality that many find hard to grasp. Its end, I was not able to register at that locayears. In this article, I will consider fac- aspects of the carts. Let us delve deeper prevalence is seen in our workplaces, neigh- tion and had to go to a location an hour away tors such as distance, variety, interac- by comparing the quintessential halal cart borhoods, and school communities, and from my home to register,” she recalled. tion quality, sauce options, and pricing in dish: the combo over rice. For starters, Bronx Science is no exception. From the On the other hand, Candace McQuaig an attempt to determine whether Sam’s both trucks serve the lamb and chicken ability to prepare for the Specialized High ’20 comments on the way her privilege elor Tony’s halal truck reigns supreme. combo over rice for five dollars. The lamb School Admissions exam to the college op- evated her ability to get accepted. “I do Tony’s Halal Truck is located on Bedford served at both carts is similar, as they both portunities available and offered to students, know for a fact that because my parents Park Boulevard and Paul Avenue, a 0.3 mile use premade lamb, cook it on a rotisserie, the prevalence of privilege based on socio- are white and were given more opportuniwalk from Bronx Science after school. Mo- and grill it. Furthermore, they both offer economic, racial, and religious backgrounds ties for careers, they made enough monhammed (Tony) Wasifi and Ahmad Mayan, one free beverage along with each meal, a is an important issue in today’s society. ey to get me SHSAT prep, without which Tony’s nephew, have been serving the BedPrivilege isn’t something that can be I wouldn’t have been able to get a score ford Park educational community for over earned, and it’s most typically something high enough to get into Bronx Science. To a decade. They offer the usual halal truck that can’t be changed within one’s lifetime. add onto that, my parents’ money has givfare, including lamb, chicken, and a combo It affects the level of ease with which people en me more access to review materials, over rice. They also make falafel, a delicious can do or get certain things. For instance, all bookas, and other educational resources, vegetarian option that Tony recommends. prospective Bronx Science students are re- experiences, and opportunities,” she said.

Tony is a distinctive character. With quired to take the Specialized High School Many specialized high schools pride themhis iconic facial tattoo and witty humor, Admissions Test selves on being he will never fail to chat customers up (SHSAT) and get diverse, Bronx while they order. “I want the customa score within the Science being er to walk away from the truck not just highest percentiles one of them. with food, but with a packaged moment Chef Ali Gamil standing in front of Jerome’s in order to qualify Within our comthat lets them escape, relax and enjoy halal cart which has been at the corner of for admission into munity, students themselves,” said Tony. His charisma Bedford Park Boulevard West and Jerome a specialized high can see the difAvenue for the past eight years. encourages customers to frequently reschool. Though the ference in ability turn to the cart for a rice filled reprieve. legal requirements to succeed given Jerome’s halal cart, sometimes referred deal only offered to Bronx Science students. to take the SHSAT both the guarTony’s chicken and lamb is served in only ask that the stuto as Sam’s halal cart, has been stationed anteed, standard on Bedford Park Boulevard and Jerome a smaller, hyper-minced state. The meats dent reside in NYC resources the Avenue for the past eight years. While or- are grilled and served over fine-grain rice, and be in eighth or school offers, Melody Moulton ’20, the president of the dering from the truck after school, you with spicy or mild options. No vegetables ninth grade student, Black Organization for Student Strength, is as well as the are likely to be served by Ali Gamil, the are added, but there is a side salad con- it’s still incredibly resources that always actively speaking on racial issues cart’s cook. You may also encounter He- sisting of lettuce. Both carts offer white, difficult for students within the school and within our community. their identity or sham (Sam) Mustafa, the cart’s owner. barbeque, hot, and honey mustard sauces. from low-income socioeconomic Both Ali and Sam are nice people, but they Tony’s also has green sauce, a tangy cilan- communities to take the test, whether it’s background provides them.

Access are, admittedly, less outgoing than Tony. tro-lime blend that complements the dish because they don’t have the means to take to the materials that are provided for us at Regardless, they have a few surprises un- nicely. This limited-edition -sauce appears months of preparatory classes like wealthi- this school gives us a higher platform to disder their belt. “We serve Italian sausages, at Sam’s cart only once in a blue moon. er students, that offer exposure to the spe- cover and develop concepts that aren’t so Sam’s combo over rice consists of larg- cialized high school academia and social readily available to other people. “My privwhich can be served on a bun or over rice.

We also serve potato knishes,” said Sam er chunks of meat. Sam’s chicken is al- environment or even tutoring opportunities. ilege is the biggest reason that I go to this This year, of 895 enrolled freshmen in school. There are countless bright minds about his lesser-known items. Sam also ways cooked in an aromatic orange sauce. has the vegetarian-friendly falafel option, “Everyone has different spices for their Stuyvesant High School, the specialized high that aren’t given the opportunity I was givmarinade, and my spice is a secret,” said school requiring the highest SHSAT score, en to succeed, and this can only be fixed by Sam. Consequently, the juicy chunks of only seven of the admitted students were Af- middle schools taking initiative and givchicken breast burst with flavor in every rican-American. Minorities meet obstacles ing their students the chance to prepare bite. Furthermore, Sam’s dishes are of- with this exam in almost every step of the and take the SHSAT,” said Liiban Aga ’19.

Dozens of studies have proven the exten mixed with grilled onions, peppers, way. Melody Moulton ’20, president of the cilantro, broccoli, carrots and celery, add- Black Organization for Student Strength, istence of the deep rooted discrimination ing to the robust flavor profile of the dish. had an experience that perfectly exempli- in college acceptances, and many students In my opinion, Sam’s halal food is fies the inequity in the system. “I had about believe that this is an issue that will not more complex and flavorful. I also can- three weeks to prepare for the SHSAT. I dil- improve anytime soon. “This problem is not deny that Tony is a character, one igently studied for the exam, taking practice fortified by centuries of establishment. I who is certain to put a smile on your exam after exam. But when I went to regis- do not think that this problem can truface. Ultimately, this debate depends on ter for the exam at my nearest center, I was ly be fixed. However, its consequences “If they are new customers, they are potenhow you account for the factors of taste, met with extreme doubt that I could get into can be less harmful if each person recogtially new friends,” said Tony Wasifi with a distance, interaction, price, and variety. a specialized high school. The woman that nizes their privilege and works to elevate charismatic grin.

So, it is up to you to decide for yourself was dealing with my registration had not ref- those with less privilege,” said Moulton. whose halal cart is best: Tony’s or Sam’s?

Features

Sanford James / The Science Survey

Isabel Betances ’20, a Hispanic American with a Puerto Rican and Dominican background, has felt firsthand the effects of the club Vivo Latino on herself and upon her fellow students.

Betances arguest that “the number of African-Americans and Latinos in our school is a terrible underrepresentation of New York City’s population.”

She also takes note that, “while our numbers are small, Bronx Science definitely gives us plenty of opportunities to connect with members of the same or different cultures. I’ve been attending Vivo Latino meetings recently, a club started with the intent of bringing Hispanics together, and not only am I able to meet other Latinos, but I am also able to share my culture with students of other races and ethnicities who are also members of the club.” A Puerto Rican from the Bronx, Christina Satina ’19 clearly Although there is sees that African-Americans and Hispanics are underreprenot a large amount sented at Bronx Science. “I can say that the most challengof representation ing part that we have to face going into Bronx Science in ninth grade is the social aspect,” she said. seen in our student body, students like Baboucarr Gaye ’20 take that matter into their own hands. learning about my culture, and I am inGaye, Secretary of our Student Organi- terested in learning about their cultures.”

Gabriela Gaddam ’20 said, “I am glad zation as well as a participant in Model United Nations and the Muslim Stu- to say that I have experienced a positive dents’ Association, is the son of two merging of cultures at Bronx Science. I West Africans. His parents were born am the president of the Hispanic/Latino in a small country called The Gambia. culture Vivo Latino. It is a way for HisTraveling to the United States when panics and Latinos to keep in touch with they were only teenagers, they sought to their culture at school and for people who formally educate themselves in United are not of that origin to learn more about States colleges as well as start a family. our culture. We meet every Wednesday in Gaye was raised in New York in a neigh- Room 110 after SGI, so those interested should definitely come. Everyone is welborhood without many people of color.

Going into the fifth grade, however, Gaye come.”

From within the very heart of Bronx and his family moved to an area where there were more people who looked like him. Science, our students of African-American “It was almost bizarre to me, then, to be and Hispanic descent help to instill an insurrounded by so many people who looked terest in and appreciation of their cultures like me but didn’t speak or act the way that throughout the student body, through I was brought up to,” said Gaye. However, clubs such as BOSS/WISS and Vivo Laticoming into Bronx Science, Gaye was con- no and through their own interactions tent with the representation that people with their peers. As Joy Herrera ’20 said, of his background received at our school. “I know that when I talk about my culture “For a group that makes up less than a with friends of other cultures in this school tenth of the overall school population, I they’re genuinely interested, which is great would say that African-Americans and because they compare it to their culture Hispanic Americans are presented with and experiences, and we both learn more.”

Competing With an Iron Will

By LEANN GOLDBERG The Bronx Science FeMaidens and So while Bronx Science did not win any SciBorgs are starting this year’s competi- of the top rankings for individual robots, tion season with the two competitions run they did make a really great effort and were

by FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) ranked with top alliances. “I’m extremein Hudson Valley, an international high ly proud of how we did. Even though we school compedid not rank very high, tition in which we still built a solteams build id robot and had a robots that can lot of close matchplay games, es that we did well and one in in. I know that we New York City. can do even better For this year’s at our next one,” tournament, said Groppe, after the Bronx Scihearing the results ence team has of the competition. built an exAt the end of the citing new day, having an robot that amazing team helps Kang Hwu Yie ’19 helping out with robot can pick up make the competiconstruction. various obtion what it is. Ivajects, place them on different struc- nov thinks of competition season as being tures, and climb onto a platform. the best time of the year. “There’s nothing This season can be a pretty stressful time as better than spending three days with the a lot of work goes into building the robots. robotics gals and rocking out at compeHowever, the team could not wait to show tition,” said Ivanov. “The team is a really off their robot and start competing! “To me, supportive community, and to me, it’s also competition is where all the hard work and like a family. The mentors are amazing literal blood, sweat, and tears pay off,” said too - they are always willing to help and Akaneh Wang ’20, who works in the en- point out problems that I previously didn’t gineering department for the FeMaidens. even think about,” said Wang with a simi“It’s honestly one of the best feelings to see lar sentiment. Without the amazing team, something you built go so far and succeed.” competition season would not be nearly as Wang wasn’t alone in this sentiment. exciting and motivating as it is for the girls.

“It was amazing to just look at our robot For any incoming FeMaidens, the girls working and be like ‘wow, we made that,’” have lots of tips for making the most out of said Megan Groppe ’20, in the PR and robotics. Most of the girls just recommend construction departments. The rest of the being yourself and being passionate.“For team was also optimistic about the compe- anyone who wants to try out,” Groppe said, tition. Alexandra Deli Ivanov ’20, the Di- “just be yourself!” “Always plan ahead and rector of Lab Operalways quesations (DOLO), said tion,” Wang that she’s “looking said, “‘Is there forward to winning! another, better I think this is cerway to do this?’” tainly a possibility.”

Robotics is no At the FRC tourdoubt time connament, the Rocksuming. “[It eteers of Clifton will] teach you Park were top time manageranked, followed ment for sure,” by the RoboTisaid Ivanov, gers from Queens, Clara Yu ’19 drilling holes into a piece of wood, “but it’s 100% while both the worth it. During getting ready for competition.

Sciborgs and the competition Iron Maidens got to quarterfinals, with and even just at the end of build seathe Iron Maidens winning the team spir- son, you are proud of your team and the it award. In the New York City tourna- product you were able to make together.” ment, the Sciborgs ranked #12 for indi- So for anyone with any degree of vidual robots and made it to finals with interest in robotics, sign up and be part of the #2 alliance, winning the team spirit the amazing community that comes with it! award there. The Iron Maidens won finals with the #1 alliance, winning regionals.

Elton Moy / The Science Survey

a plethora of opportunities at Bronx Science,” he said.

“This is evidenced from the clubs that allow us to gather and to discuss our experiences and perspective through such a unique and personal lens, to the curriculum that features prominent figures in our history like Sojourner Truth and Simon Bolivar.”

Tiffany Chyke Okpuzor ’19, a Bronx Science student of Nigerian descent, noted, “I have experienced a positive merging of my culture with other cultures of my friends because they are interested in

Artea Brahaj / The Science Survey

“To whom it may concern” (Continued from A1)

7

T.V. Shows Crossword

By MALIHA AKTER, JOSELYN KIM, ANNIE LIU

Across 8. “You have failed this city.”

9. “Should have burned this place down when I had the chance” 10. Jordan Peele hosts the revival of this 1960’s sci-fi show 11. Living with three single guys 12. Melissa Joan Hart was the OG 13. Dysfunctional family of superheroes 16. Amy Poehler’s love for her hometown 17. Set in our own borough 18. Superman’s cousin 20. Originally called Insomnia Cafe Down 1. “Kids, have I ever told you the story of ________?”

2. Science fiction show that will bring nightmares 3. The horrors of human nature expressed through futuristic technology 4. “In the ______, you either win, or you die.”

5. Attorney by day and vigilante by night 6. Faster than the speed of light 7. Netflix’ most watched original series 14. NBC workplace comedy set in NYC 15. “Trust me, I’ve been doing this a long time. I know evil.”

19. XOXO

Arts & Entertainment

8

Tidying Up With Marie Kondo

MoMA’s Temporary Shutdown

Helping You To Spark Joy

An Opportunity for Diversity and New Experiences

Elton Moy / The Science Survey

lifestyle.

After her leadership in a thankful ceremony, she divides the cleaning into five parts from easiest to hardest. In order, they are clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and momentos.

Starting the work with clothes, she makes each member of the family collect all of their clothes in a pile and separate them based on how often they wear them and whether or not they spark joy.

Joy Lin’19 discovered the positive impact Bringing the family on a of the KonMari Method. spiritual journey that is done Cluttering is a huge problem in peothrough decluttering, Marie helps them to ple’s homes that everyone is all too faunderstand the importance of living in a miliar with. It is a problem that bothers clean, tidy space, giving a sense of stability us constantly, from the piles of clothing and comfort to the home. to the messy desks. Inspired from shows She then applies that same concept to like Hoarders and Clean House that help other categories— going through books, people to organize their clutter, comes a paper, miscellaneous items and then finew series that teaches the same idea with nally getting to momentos. Coming to the a completely different mindset. most difficult category, she lets the family ‘Tidying up with Marie Kondo’ is a Nettake their time and understand the memflix series that centers around a woman, ories that were captured in each keepsake.

Marie Kondo, going into people’s homes Marie not only sees practicality, but to help them declutter. She uses her methalso the impact of emotion on a family. od, dubbed the “KonMari Method,” which She understands the power that an object entails only keeping items that spark joy. has in someone’s life and how it is even Although this show has the same concept more influential when the object holds as other decluttering cult classics, this sentimental value. show doesn’t treat cleaning up as a one Unlike counterparts to her show, Marie and done process. The way that Marie factors in a family’s life and their journey Kondo helps is not only through material into the future in her cleaning plan. Her means, but through a spiritual journey. show is a window into how a family should As she enters a person’s home, her live in harmony and happiness. Every obperky and positive personality lights up ject in your life should be able to spark joy. the room, making the family she is helping While watching the show, Joy Lin ’19 automatically feel optimistic. As she looks tried out the “KonMari method” and around, she gets a feel for the energy of found that the results were therapeuthe home, coming up with a unique plan tic. She ended up donating much of to tackle the jumbled situation. his clothes to people who needed it She first gathers the family and asks and was able to organize her closet. them to thank the house for being their “No one has ever come up with such a home, their safe space, and their shelter. distinct and creative way to organize. By Her gratitude sets an example for the apfocusing on our relationships with the proach a family should take to cleaning objects we own, Marie has shown us how up after themselves and improving their everything in our home should spark joy.”

By CHRISTINA PAN At the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), ever, it is sad that they have to shut down you’ll find art by world renowned artists during the summer, which is when many such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalì, and people, especially students, have more time Frida Kahlo. But in addition to the famous to visit.” masterpieces, the museum is home to lesser Some exhibits in the museum will remain known pieces by artists like James Rosen- ordered by chronology, and others will conquist, Harry Gordon, and Arthur Young, tinue to have pieces of the same medium. which are often overlooked by visitors. However, many galleries will be changed, MoMA thus announced a four month clos- and the museum will rotate art selections ing during the summer of 2019 to transform every six to nine months to recognize more and increase diversity in their galleries. artists.

The temporary closing from Saturday, June 15th to Monday, October 21st will be the final installation of a $400 million, 40,000 foot expansion created more than two years ago. The new additions to the museum will include the Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis Studio, a center for live performances; the Paula and James Crown Platform, an educational and experimental space on the second floor; and street level For student art enthusiasts like spaces for public viewing. With the Paula Amanda Chen ’19, MOMA’s closing and James Crown Platform, visitors will be during the summer is unfortunate, as able to engage with artists, make art, and exthat is when students have the most plore the museum in new ways. The gallertime to enjoy the collections. ies will no longer be limited to having art of Christina Pan/ The Science Survey

By ELTON MOY

few mediums; the additional spaces will allow for the mixture of oil paintings with live dancing and music without the disconnect that is often created in between collections.

There will also be an incorporation of art collections by a diverse array of artists.

“We don’t want to forget our roots in terms of having the greatest Modernist collection,” Leon Black, the museum’s chairman, told The New York Times, “but the museum didn’t emphasize female artists, didn’t emphasize what minority artists were doing, and it was limited on geography.

Where those were always the exceptions, now they really should be part of the reality of the multicultural society we all live in.”

New exhibitions will showcase the backgrounds and geographies of artists normally categorized as the “hidden gems” of the museum, as opposed to the world-renowned pieces in MoMA’s extensive collection such as Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ and Salvador Dali’s ‘The Persistence of Memory.’

“I’m glad the museum is giving other artists more exposure and visitors a variety of experiences,” Amanda Chen ’19 said. “How-

“A new generation of curators is discovering the richness of what is in our collection, and there is great work being made around the world that we need to pay attention to,” Glenn D. Lowry, director of the museum, told the Times. “It means that the usual gets supplanted now by the unexpected.”

Guests can experience the culture of Latin American art with Sur moderno: Journeys of Abstraction—The Patricia Phelps de Cisneros Gift. They can view pieces inspired by family, history, mysticism, and life cycles

by Betye Saar in Betye Saar: The Legends of Black Girl’s Window. With mediums including performance, drawing, and sculpture, member: Pope.L, 1978–2001 by Pope.L is described by MoMA to use “abjection, humor, endurance, and absurdity to undermine rigid categories of difference.”

Although it seems like a long time from now, the renovation is crucial to exploring the museum’s collections in methods not previously highlighted in the galleries. It reflects not only the melting pot of culture that is a main feature of New York City, but the constant evolution of modern thinking and art.

Subtle Asian Traits The Facebook Group Taking Social Media By Storm

By JIWON ESTEE YI experienced before,” Zhang said. Now, he Additionally, SAT creates an undernot only finds entertainment in the memes standing environment where things that available on SAT’s Facebook page each may seem abnormal to non-Asians are day, but comfort in the fact that there were shared and encouraged. “There’s a lot of others who share his experiences. “While stereotyping with Asians, always. I think growing up in the Bronx, it was hard to find that if we tell people who aren’t Asian another Chiparts of our nese family lifestyle or that I could some of our relate to. habits, they Not only has might stethis group reotype and brought my look down friends and upon it simfamily closply because er, but it has they don’t also shown understand the world our roots,” that when said Ellen together, the Ellen Ren ‘19 browses through Subtle Asian Traits’ homepage, Ren ’19. “I Asian comthink that in which is the source of hundreds of new posts every day. munity is a SAT, it’s compowerful one.” pletely safe, if not encouraged to share Suporna Das ’20 also feels that the anything that may seem ‘out of the ordigroup allows for a sense of community nary’ to other people who aren’t Asian and through the sharing of certain experienchave people react well and say they experies. “Some members share problematic stoence the same.” ries about a racist encounter while they’re It is clear that the group has helped out with friends or about feeling under to bring the Asian community together pressure from strict parents,” said Das. through enjoyable content while also pro“Whenever someone shares a story like viding comfort and support to those who that, you can bet that half the community need it, and according to Kin Yang ’20, the will be ready to give support and let them group provides additional representation know that they’re not alone!” This is one of that may be missing in American media. the many significant qualities that allowed “In SAT, every individual has the powSubtle Asian Traits to go viral, the ability er to have their voice heard and to share to be a strong support system for members unique experiences that may not be heard of the Asian community who may need in mainstream media,” said Yang. “Withone. in the Facebook group, relatable conJiwon Estee Yi / The Science Survey

In September 2018, Facebook welcomed a new group to its community: Subtle Asian Traits (known to some as SAT).

The group is the source of thousands of posts, which consist mainly of memes and pictures of traits that are subtly Asian, as the name suggests. What started as a Facebook group is now a place where Asians all over the world can share their relatable experiences, characteristics, and cultural tendencies.

The group’s content is inclusive of many cultures, from East to South Asian.

Regardless of the cultural heritage that members associate with, many are able to relate to the laughable stereotypes, language puns, and love of bubble tea.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, Subtle Asian Traits was originally inspired by a Facebook group known as Subtle Private School Traits, where students who had gone to the same Chinese school shared experiences and jokes. According to admin Darren Qiang, it was thought that it might be fun for local Asians to create a platform for Asian-oriented memes and nothing more.

While Subtle Asian Traits started as a group made just for fun, it has had meaningful impacts on the lives of its members, even bringing attention to larger issues and aspects of society that were once unrecognized. In fact, many members of the Bronx Science community in the group have experienced such effects firsthand.

Tomson Zhang ’19 is a member of the group who discovered SAT from a shared post. “My friends were sending me memes of Chinese sayings, which I’ve never really

tent spreads very quickly, and the group serves as a stepping stone for representation that Asian Americans are missing.”

Yang believes that while there are famous Asian-American influencers who contribute to media representation, SAT is more personal since its content comes from the perspectives of ordinary people.

Numerous administrators and moderators of Subtle Asian Traits enjoy and appreciate the group as much as its members. Admin Qiang feels that his favorite part of being an Admin is getting to connect with members. “It’s great being able to respond to others and help out with any problems and inquiries they have. It’s also quite enjoyable being able to share our experience in making the page with interviewers,” said Qiang. He also recognizes how closely the SAT can bring people of Asian heritage together simply through relatable content and personal experiences.

“Once people realise that they’re not alone, they start to appreciate their culture a lot more, and I’ve personally received a lot of inboxes from people thanking the admin team for creating the page,” he said.

The entertainment and community of Subtle Asian Traits are hard to ignore and have touched the lives of many. Going forward, Qiang hopes that the group can continue to create and produce quality content and hints at possible new giveaways and events. For those who may not have known much about this group but are now mildly interested, do some research; chances are you may have found your new favorite Facebook page.

Arts & Entertainment From Orthopedic Corsets to Torzalas

9

A Review of the Brooklyn Museum’s Frida Kahlo Exhibit

By JULIA CATRAMBONE separate Frida from her radical nature was present in this show. Instead, her activism is embraced with unabashed appreciation and she is lauded for every and all of her deviations from the norm. Plaster casts that Frida decorated with communist iconography and letters to other radical activists are proudly displayed with other items in the collection.

Her house was frequently referred to as a “microcosm of Mexico” and she often proclaimed that “aquí nací” [“here I was born”].

Beyond her house, Frida also expressed her trailblazer spirit and Mexican identity through her clothing. In the exhibit, spectators could walk through a massive room full of mannequins modeling flowing tehuana dresses, embroidered huipil blouses, and gender non-conformant suits. Featured beside these outfits were sunglasses, beauty products (Revlon was her favorite brand!), and “torzalas” (coin laden dowry necklaces).

A significant portion of the exhibit was also devoted to her relationship with her husband, Diego. Throughout her lifetime, Diego often overshadowed Frida in the press, but Frida never doubted her own skill and once stated, “No pinta nada mal para ser un chiquillo, pero yo soy la verdadera artista” [“He doesn’t paint badly for a kid, but I am the real artist”]. Despite their disparity in recognition and the tumultuous nature of their on-again-off-again relationship, the deep affection between them is depicted through small love notes that they wrote to each other [“A la niña fisita, del [little frog doodle] con un 10000000 de besos”/”To the girl Fisita, from [from] with 10000000 of kisses”] and photos of them with Frida’s looping script labeling them in accordance with their pet-names for each other [“Fisita” and “Sapo” (frog!)].

“She was a revolutionary artist and had an incredibly interesting life,” said Candace McQuaig ’18. This is certainly demonstrated throughout the show. Filled with items such as the old perfume bottles Frida put tequila in and carried around with her to the dolls she made in her own likeness to the collection of Walt Whitman’s poetry that was found at her bedside when she died in 1954, the Brooklyn museum’s show was a wonderful accumulation of ephemera from an illustrious life that was definitely worth a visit.

Akenah Wang/ The Science Survey

AP Spanish Teachers Sra. Olmedo and Sr. San Martin pose in costume together as Diego and Frida.

This activist spirit was further emboldened through her relationship to fellow artist, Diego Rivera. Both Diego and Frida were strong proponents of the “Mexicanidad” movement and took pride in their Mexican heritage. In their separate homes, they held a massive collection of ceramics from indigenous Mexican sculptors and hundreds of votive printages (“retablos”) were hung in Frida’s kitchen in a church-like manner. Frida’s sprawling “Casa Azul” was filled with paintings and various trinkets given to her by globe trotting friends and fellow artists. Within her backyard, she kept pet dogs, parrots, monkeys, and a fawn, as well as plenty of apricot, orange, and pine trees.

Your Wish Is Our Command

Nasha’s Back Better Than Ever!

Bronx Science Presents ‘Into the Woods’

By FAREHA MAZUMDER

Sazida Marzia / The Science Survey

Springtime performance. was full of exAs the Presicitement at dent and Vice Bronx Science President, and everyone they had to be was anticiin charge of pating some other groups, fun exciting help them spring events present their and activities. performances The NASHA and download Club hosted an mixes, create a annual show schedule, book before Spring the stage for Break, exhibitrehearsal, coning various astrol the lights, pects of South and more.

Asian Culture.

This is EsEshani Chowdhury ’19 helps leads her group Students put hani Chowdfor their NASHA performance. on a variety hury’s ’19 secof performancond year of being es and whether it was creating their own in the Nasha show with her group “Feisty dances, singing, or playing instruments, Four.” She is a dancer outside of school with each performer completely captivat- with a dance team named “Bafa.” She loves ing the the audience, consisting of both incorporating what she has learned outside fellow peers and staff. The performances of school with her friends in her group. She ranged from Traditional to Western Fusion has been dancing for eleven years and she and tooks months of practice to perfect. A is happy that Bronx Science has a club that group of around sixty Bronx Science stu- helps her to express her passion. Chowddents figured out how to put a show togeth- hury loves NASHA, since it helps her to do er right after school. The show helps stu- what she loves the most. Her friends use dents to build their confidence and share her expertise to gain more skills and to imtheir passion through their performances. prove their dancing.

This year there were about twenty perNASHA is for both experienced dancers formances, which is more than in previous and students who want to get out of their years. The show was extended to 5:45 pm shell. For the first time ever, there was a to account for the increase in participants. group of just hijabis. “Since I was young, The students practiced both inside and out- I always loved dancing. After wearing the side of school. Practice began all the way hijab, I realized there seemed to be an back in December. Students prepared their imaginary set of rules of do’s and don’ts. own costumes, group names, mixes, and I wanted to break that barrier. I asked my more. Alumni, students outside of school, hijabi friends and we made our own group. and family were also welcome to see the We couldn’t be more happy,” said Momina NASHA Show of Culture. President Sakshi Begum ‘19.

Shah ’19 and vice president Helina Rathod NASHA gave us an amazing and un’19 have both been a part of Nasha for the forgettable performance that left the past three years. Helina and Sakshi per- audience in awe. It is remarkable how forming once again with their group “Desi much effort and talent is showcased X,” has grown so much over time. “I’m so throughout all the performances, and excited to show everyone our dance. I’m how much this show has helped the perreally content and happy with my group. formers connect with their heritage. The We’ve learned a whole lot together over the members of NASHA are truly one big years,” said Rathod. The board of NASHA family, strengthening their cultural ties. has a huge responsibility besides their own

By JING MAE WANG Students gather around the piano in the dim lighting of the auditorium. As the pianist guides them through musical scales, the three student directors discuss their plans for the rehearsal. With the harmonies of the thirty-two person cast echoing through the auditorium and lobby, anyone who passes through the first floor knows that ‘Into the Woods’ was coming to Bronx Science.

Into the Woods is a favorite amongst In rehearsal, Victoria Ono ’19 works the cast and crew and is “[the] most amazwith the musical director on the ing musical to have ever hit Broadway,” opening number for her role as the according to Chloe Schamisso ’21. This understudy for the Baker’s Wife. fairytale-inspired show, written by James Lapine and orchestrated by Stephen Sond- said, “We help with quick changes backheim, is highly regarded, grossing over stage, choosing which costume pieces the two-hundred million dollars when Disney characters should wear, keeping the cosreleased their movie adaptation of the mu- tumes clean, and making sure nothing is sical in 2014. torn or broken.”

With talented celebrities like Meryl Duffy is one of several crew members Streep (the Witch) and James Corden (the who are a part of running crew, meaning Baker) starring in the film version, it may she assumes tasks both before and during seem daunting to assume the same roles. the show. In Duffy’s case, her tasks are Still, the performers of Bronx Science re- maintaining and managing costumes as mained committed to the process, dedicat- well as helping to assemble them. “An ing long hours after school to rehearse. especially exciting thing with ‘Into the In fact, many actors have found a Woods’ is that we have to assemble two strong connection to the material. “‘Into fursuits for Milky White and the Wolf,” the Woods’ takes the stories of our child- Duffy added. With the more fantastical hood and twists them into a haunting met- setting, the show features some outlandish aphor for the relationship between child characters. “We also need a very long wig and parent,” said Schamisso, who plays for Rapunzel,” she notes.

Rapunzel. “It offers something both satisDespite the trying tasks, the crew confyingly twisted and nostalgic. Being able to siders the musical to be a labor of love. connect to the material makes it easier to “Originally I didn’t have much experience put more effort and energy into a charac- with the show, but I did attend the first full ter.” cast read-through of the script,” Klingborg Stage crew members have also been said. “The cast is full of talented people putting in a lot of effort and energy. “As and I’m excited to see the final result of evassistant stage manager, I give cues to the eryone’s hard work.” actors and to the crew during the show and As the drama department is known makes sure everything is running smooth- for its impressive shows, many students ly,” said Sylvie Klingborg ’21. “I help work cleared their calendars for the opening with the stage manager and our drama night in late May. moderator as well as the directors to make No matter how involved you are with sure that we have all of our necessary sup- the drama department, the cast and crew plies and we are working as efficiently and hope you saw ‘Into the Woods.’ With a well as possible to put together this show.” phenomenal cast and dedicated crew, you Other members of crew, with more spe- are sure to have received everything that cialized duties such as lighting or makeup, you could have wished for in this fantastiare also gearing up for the show. Margaret cal theater experience.

Duffy ’21, the assistant head of costumes, Jing Mae Wang / The Science Survey

Brightly painted lips and a defiant gaze resting below a single brow: Frida Kahlo’s trademark features have turned the artist herself into an ubiquitous image. The artist behind said image was beautifully encapsulated by the incredible exhibit dedicated to her showing at the Brooklyn Museum from February 8th to May 12th, 2019.

Through a plethora of personal photos, clothing, leather-bound diaries, and other artifacts, viewers of the show got a seldom seen and deeply intimate look into one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century.

The show opened with a short clip of Frida, laughing and talking, projected against a wall. As a viewer, I felt a brief moment of shock at seeing her move through the world, as opposed to the stagnance she has taken on in my perception of her. But once the cognitive dissonance faded, it was immediately apparent what attracted so many to her. Languid gesticulations and melting smiles gave her an undeniable charisma, magnetizing any spectator towards her even through the barrier of film.

This sentiment was only heightened through intimate pictures from incredible photographers, such as Lola Álvarez Bravo and Nickolas Muray, which coated the walls.

As close friends and lovers, they took portraits so close and personal, it feels as though the viewer is standing in the same confidence she had endowed the photographers.

These gorgeous pictures are accompanied by small anecdotes that demonstrate the broad scope of influence Frida wielded upon those in her community. One photo of her sitting near a market stall is paired with a line from a local vendor, who fondly recalled that, while Frida searched for interesting trinkets in local areas, “she never bargained.”

“I think it’s very interesting how Frida Kahlo has been whitewashed by mainstream history and most people divorce her art from her politics. Most people don’t know that she was part of the Mexican Communist Party and that she was a staunch opponent of capitalism, colonialism, and racism,” said Daniel Iskhakov ’19. No attempt to

10

Arts & Entertainment

‘Free Food For Millionaires’ and ‘Pachinko’

Winter Is Here: Thrones Finale Will Be EPIC

Min Jin Lee’s Powerful Novels on the Korean Diaspora

Science Students Try To Predict the Most Unpredictable Show For the Anticipated Finale

Alexander Thorp / The Science Survey

By YANNY LIANG In literature, we seek to understand ourselves and learn something new. And that is exactly what Min Jin Lee’s novels, Free Food for Millionaires and Pachinko, allow readers to do. Lee, a Yale and Georgetown graduate, author, former lawyer, and our Keynote Speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony, has written about culture, politics, and travel for various publications including ‘The New Yorker’ Min Jin Lee’s best-selling novels, Pachinko and Free Food for Millionaires and ‘The Guardian.’ Her two novels, both nationtogether and the ideas and beliefs that al bestsellers, have garnered places on can drive it apart. Lee also presents difover seventy-five “best books of the year” ferent types of love, giving readers a more lists. Her most recent novel Pachinko, holistic understanding of the community. published in 2017, was a finalist for the As many East Asian immigrants and National Book Award for Fiction. Both of children of immigrants can tell you, love, Lee’s novels make up the first two parts particularly between parents and their of a trilogy she is writing about Korean children, is often not expressed through diaspora. physical affection or explicit verbal sentiFree Food for Millionaires, Lee’s dements, but rather through acts of service. but novel published in 2007, tells the Free Food for Millionaires illustrates this story of the indelible Casey Han, the Ivydynamic beautifully. Love blooms in the League graduate daughter of Korean imcare that Leah, Casey’s mother, puts into migrants, as she navigates life after colpreparing dinner for her husband and lege. A first-generation student thrown children every night, the long hours both into a privileged world full of riches that parents work at a dry cleaning store to fishe eventually grows far too accustomed nance their children’s education, and the to, Casey is forced to deal with her desire high expectations for success. Without an for a lifestyle that she cannot afford after intimate understanding of East Asian culshe graduates from Princeton University ture, it may be difficult to understand the without a job. Free Food for Millionaires love that exists between Casey’s parents follows Casey as she struggles with her or between Casey and her parents. Howpersonal, romantic, and professional enever, Lee captures the nuances of each indeavors in her post-graduate life. teraction so carefully and gracefully that The beauty of this book resides in the even readers who aren’t East Asian immiway that Lee captures how love manifests grants can come to understand the nature and expresses itself, particularly within of and expectations in Asian-American the Asian-American immigrant commurelationships. The result is a stunning nity. With a strong ensemble of characstory that crosses cultural boundaries. ters, Lee weaves an intricate picture of the relationships that hold a community Continued online

Adam Israelevitz / The Science Survey

By ADAM ISRAELEVITZ

Both Evaluna Smithgartner, ‘19 (left) and Elisa Pappagallo, ’19 (right) think the last season of Thrones will be its best yet.

Warning to those that have not watched the show: there are spoilers ahead.

Few final seasons have been as hotly anticipated as Season 8 of Game of Thrones. The first of six episodes in the final season premiered Sunday April 14th, with the series finale showing on May 19th. Each show is over an hour in length, with the final two episodes clocking in at over 80 minutes a piece.

Many Hollywood critics said this was the most anticipated season premiere in decades for the TV industry. The suspense was almost unbearable for GOT fans, because each season takes over a year to film and edit. In fact, Episode Three of the new season has the longest battle sequence in tv show history, so serious time for special effects need to be allotted.

There are many developing storylines that are highlighted this season and many questions that loyal audience members expect to be answered. Will Daenerys Targaryen accept Jon as the true heir to the Iron Throne? Will Jon and Arya unite?

How will Jon and Dany defeat the Cersi?

Whose side is Jamie on? Who is the prince that was promised? And of course, the eternal question, who will end up sitting

on the Throne at the end of the show (if the Throne still exists)? “I think the show will give us a few more surprises.There are so many fan theories and conspiracies out there, but I’m confident George R.R. Martin will have cooked up something crazy,” Morgan Covino ’19 said.

The show has reportedly recorded four separate endings for the show. With all the special effects that go into just one scene on the show that films in three continents per season, why would they waste so much money on this? The answer is simple. Considering how much people love the show, and that leaked video from the production site can spoil an entire episode of key reveals, false endings are needed in order to keep the audience guessing. “I have watched countless fan theories and predictions, so I feel as if I know any possible outcome. Having said that, it is Game of Thrones, so in the end, all my preparation will be wasted on an insane new twist,” said Evaluna Smith Gartner ’19, a longtime Thrones fan.

Another source of debate revolves around the politics of Game of Thrones.

Because the show centers so much around power and authoritarian rule, there have been parallels drawn from the show to the modern political arena. Some argue that Game of Thrones is in a position to subtly show the parallels and dangers of power in politics, while others believe that Game of Thrones is a fantasy show, and should remain apolitical, and instead unify audiences through their love of the show.

Although this will be the end of the show as we know it, due to its massive popularity, HBO is creating four new spin off shows based off the original series, including a highly-anticipated prequel.

What will happen in the hotly anticipated finale of the world’s greatest show?

Watch it to find out!

Us Review

By MICHELLE LI in danger -- the rest of the continental United States will likewise be subjected to the ensuing chaos. An example of subversion done well, it is not done for its own sake, but rather to remind that no place and no one is truly safe.

Except Mexico.

Other times, originality just feels overwrought. The

formulaic effective. As for the script, I notice that tense moments are often dissipated with injection of bathos. As Sterling Knight ’19 said, “Since it’s from Jordan Peele, it [is] appropriately funny.” Peele’s signature humor brands the movie like a watermark, and is about as distracting as one. Being fair, in other instances, it is welcomed. A personal favorite scene pairs inappropriate music with a particularly gruesome encounter.

That said, most of the real terror is found in the implications of having doppelgänger adversaries rather than in the suspense. The film seems more to be a thought-provoking meditation of the “Us versus Them” mentality, as incongruous as that is in what is traditionally a vapid, thrill-seeking medium. When the possibility of an allegory is taken into consideration, suddenly, “Us” makes a lot more sense. The motives of the doppelgängers, the recurring themes of dichotomy, of linkage, the twist ending, even the aforementioned politically-bound range of the crisis.

With so much to ponder, audiences are bound to have different interpretations of the supposed message.

Michael Toscano ’21 said, “The movie had a number of interesting plot twists, which were completely unexpected.” He also mentions that, “I agree with a theory that the title “Us” also stands for the United States (U.S.) referencing oppression in America.”

That the movie is about marginalization in the United States is an universally-accepted postulate, evinced by the dynamic between the characters and their tethered counterparts. Knight gives an example: “Adelaide and Red… mutually developed talents, but only the one placed in an environment with [adequate] resources (like therapy) grew up to be well-adjusted.”

But overall, the general consensus amongst viewers is, as Sophia Randall ’20 puts it: “I thought it had a thrilling and compelling storyline, as well as interesting characters that I cared about and at times, related to. Of course, the best part of the movie was that ‘Us’ was absolutely terrifying.”

Taylor Chapman / The Science Survey

The film “Us,” directed by director/comedian Jordan Peele, marks his second foray into the horror genre. And it is certainly one he pulls off with style.

Basics first: the plot follows your standard American family of two parents and two kids. They are on vacation with their friends in Santa Cruz, California, a getaway that, as it will soon turn out, they cannot wait to get away from. The main protagonist is Adelaide Wilson (played by Lupita Nyong’o), a loving wife and mother who has a bit of history in the area. However, she is willing to put aside her reservations for the sake of her children and husband, who are presently unaware of the secret that she harbors or of the things that lurk in the dark. Namely, doppelgängers. People who think, speak, and look like you -- only with added murderous intent. But nothing is ever, really, as it seems.

The presence of homicidal clones plays into the ever-pervasive uncanniness that simmers throughout the movie. It is, in part, aided by preconceived expectation. Contrary to the gloom of an drafty mansion, the carefree environment that ought to be the setting of a decidedly less dramatic story lends unease precisely because it is simultaneously atypical and typical. Atypical because of the existing tropes of the genre, and typical because…well, it’s so normal. I’d venture to say that none of us will dare approach a rundown Victorian estate, a dilapidated cemetery, or some shack in the middle of the woods, but that would not hold true for fun times at the beach. The color scheme likewise reflects this, a bright, retro chrome belies traditional muted grays. It’s almost comforting. The same goes for the familiar personalities: the phone-addicted teenager in Zora Wilson (played by Shahadi Wright Joseph), the awkward child in Jason Wilson (played by Evan Alex), the comical dad in Gabe Wilson (played by Winston Duke), the pragmatic mother in Adelaide, all of whom share a realistically flawed but close relationship, played out beautifully by the talented cast. The film takes care to portray them as more than disposable stock characters in the beginning.

Besides, they are not the only ones who are going to be

Michael Toscano ’21 enjoys the movie’s plot twists and said that he felt the ending was very tragic. fluffy bunnies of pleasant associations transformed into sinister “rabbit hole” motifs is a nice touch, but I fail to see much significance past its unsettling the viewer. And even if they did carry some hidden symbolism, it cannot be easily divined from scant clues in the film and would require a subsequent Google search, which I suppose the audience is meant to do, as the mirrored numbers of Jeremiah 11:11 crop up many times with nary any context for Bible-illiterates. Such deliberate vagueness can be interpreted as a speculative free-for-all. Or it can leave a discontented and thoroughly confused audience. Maybe it’s just a horror thing?

Begging the question: is it horror? The film does have its moments: jumpscares, gore, creepy soundtracks, and gratuitous furniture-breaking galore. Many kudos to the actors, and their terrific double renditions, for making the

Spotlight Summer Camp Helps Teenagers to Build Leadership Skills

Violet Kopp

By PAYEL ISLAM Impromptu dance parties in the small conversation slowly evolved into one about hall, color games, and two-hour dialogue the separation of art versus artist, and about sessions about facing conflict were all typi- how some may decide to appreciate an artcal aspects of camp. Last summer, Edie Fine ist’s art, despite not liking the artist; and ’21 spent her time in a campsite in Maine. whether it is possible to separate the charShe attributes her personal growth to the acter of the art from the art itself. meaningful experiences that she has had in Other special activities pertained to Seeds of Peace. a wide range of Seeds of Peace, topics such as founded by author philosophy and and journalist John conspiracy theoWallach, inspires ries. There were new generations also more outof global leaders in of-the-ordinary communities dividspecial activities ed by political and as well, including religious conflict. one called “Being With over seven Weird,” in which thousand alumni, Edie Fine ’21 writes a spoken word piece campers were free for a special activity. the Seeds of Peace to act as weirdly network spans as they possibly multiple parts of the globe, including the could. During this activity, a few seeds came Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and the up with a song about hot dogs and Pepto United States. Using a selective application Bismol. process, Seeds of Peace equips qualified Edie Fine’s personal experiences with youth and educators with the the necessary the camp have greatly contributed to her skills to surge social, political, and econom- character today. “Seeds encouraged me to ic changes. figure out who I am in the context of figurFor Fine, the day to day activities were ing out the world,” said Fine. A truly memalways interesting and there were a wide orable moment for Fine was when Sarah array of ‘special activities’ to choose from. Brajtbord sent the campers off from their Every morning, campers, called ‘Seeds’, morning lineups with words of wisdom to woke up at 7:00 a.m. and went to lineup face the day with. The words of wisdom by 7:30 a.m. During lineup, the campers went as follows: “Conflict is not a negative sat on benches overlooking Pleasant Lake thing; nor is it positive. Aim to see conflict while Sarah Brajtbord, the camp director, as existing between the two: a neutral force. wished them a good morning and gave them Conflict is inevitable, and we should stop a rundown of the day. Then, they went to treating it like it is something to avoid.” breakfast, where a quirky Seeds tradition These words stuck with Fine, as she often called “table dating” would occur. Although recites them to herself. For Fine, Seeds is it may seem minor or perhaps even silly at a place where young people become advofirst, these traditions allowed campers to cates through learning to love and listen. get closer to their peers through a fun, enSeeds of Peace camp serves as the pergaging activity. fect summer opportunity for students who “For table dating, we wrote and per- are passionate about civic engagement and formed chants that were meant to ‘woo’ wish to cultivate peace. Although ideal canthe other tables. My table, table 8, married didates to become a seed are between the table 9. The proposal was very elaborate,” ages of fourteen and sixteen, those who are Fine said. above this range are encouraged to get inAfter the daily morning routine, campers volved in other ways. Applications can be broke out into the special activities of their found on their website for different delegachoice. The special activities are designed tions. They have delegations in New York, to stimulate discussions about important Los Angeles, Chicago, Maine, Syracuse, the ideas and issues. Fine’s first special activi- United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Isty was based on the premise of discussing rael, Jordan, and Palestine.

Kanye West. “I am not a Kanye fan, but I All in all, Seeds of Peace is a truly knew I wanted to be a part of this group, transformative experience. Fine is gratewhich served to open a dialogue about ful for having the opportunity to be a part Kanye, and other ultra-famous musicians of the program last summer and highly that are controversial figures,” Fine said. suggests ninth and tenth graders apply.

During this special activity, the main

A Tribute To Velma Lane

In Memoriam: Remembering a Committed School Aide Who Taught Us To Be Role Models Photo provided courtesy of Humans of Bronx Science Facebook Page

By ARTEA BRAHAJ

Ms. Lane with her signature, heartwarming smile.

She called us her role model students.

With a bright smile and warm voice, she greeted every student who walked into the cafeteria and somehow made our day that much better. Ms. Lane was a lot of things to a lot of people. She was a school aide, a BOSS/WIS advisor, a library assistant, a Wolverine TV personality with her segment ‘Life in the Fast Lane’, and frankly, a ray of sunshine. Here is what she meant to us through a collection of quotes from the people who knew her best: Ms. Chevelle Sindab, School Aide “She was my ride or die. That lady went to every senior prom and made me get dressed up for every prom with her. My mother used to go ‘Who’s this prom for?

The students, or you and Ms. Lane?’ She used to educate us; she taught us how to be better. She always used to get on our case about how we talk to the kids because she wanted us to remember that we were kids once and kids are gonna be kids. She said that if we relate to them in a positive way rather than discipline them in a negative way, only then can we connect to them.

That’s why she called every girl her princess and called these kids role models and geniuses. She made them feel special and that they could be more. She always went out of her way. She gave them words of encouragement and even gave them her snacks. She was just such a loving, caring person and she showed both her students and coworkers so much love and respect.

Friends Forever: Bronx Science Siblings

By KATHERINE DOSS A child’s first playmate is the longest friendship they’ll ever have. The playmate will teach them new skills and expose them to many of their interests and tastes. They’re siblings and despite their differences, they probably understand each other better than anyone else.

National Siblings Day is on April 10th each year. On this day, siblings enjoy time with each other and celebrate being in each other’s life. Many Bronx Science students have brothers or sisters that are within the school or have graduated in recent years.

These unique relationships help strengthen the bond between them.

Joy ’19, Julie ’21, and Eddy ’22 Lin certainly know this. “Being in the same high school has definitely given us similar experiences that we can relate to and has given me an opportunity to help my brother and get advice from my sister,” said Julie Lin. This relationship has particularly been useful with Spanish courses as they give each other tips on how to best complete the homework assignments.

Being at Bronx Science together has further improved their relationship because they can see each other more often than before. “Bronx Science is so far from our home that if we didn’t see each other at school, we would barely see each other on top of our extracurriculars,” said Julie Lin, who is very involved in cross country and track.

Jack ’19 and Ben ’20 Nicastro share a similar bond, enjoying all the time that they get to spend with each other. “We struggle together through our grueling ninety minute commute from Brooklyn, take some of the same classes (such as orchestra, AP Spanish Language and Spanish Film and Narrative) and handle similarly burdensome workloads,” said Jack Nicastro. They make quite the team, backing up each other’s arguments last year in Ms. Patricia Núñez’s AP Spanish Language class. When discussing the various debate topics, they would “inevitably end up dissenting to the popular opinion and would bounce our arguments off each other to substantiate our points and refute the others’ arguments,” said Jack Nicastro.

Outside of the classroom, the two lead the school’s World Languages literary magazine, Vox Discipulorum, exercise, and discuss movies together in their free time. The brothers love to spend time together, always cracking each other up. “I appreciate having Ben at Bronx Science with me because it provides us yet another shared experience with which to strengthen our brotherhood”

And lastly, Ms. Lane made sure this cafeteria was the cleanest. She cleaned the table, swept the floor, and just today I was sweeping and thinking about her because she would never let the cafeteria get this messy. Oh, I miss her,” said Ms. Sindab.

Ms. Yvonne Quinones, School Aide “She knew everybody by name. She volunteered a lot for BOSS and devoted her extra time to these kids. I remember she used to make fried chicken and lemon iced tea for every meeting,” said Ms. Quinones.

Alumnus Karen Aki Huang ’11 “Ms. Lane went above and beyond for the students. During my junior year, I was taken to Montefiore for an asthma attack.

Ms. Lane accompanied me to the ER and stayed with me the entire time. In fact, she was there until 8 p.m. which I’m sure is past her hours. The next day when she saw me in school, she asked how I was feeling. I feel like in a big school like Bronx Science, sometimes the educators and students rush through things without giving much regard to the people around them. It felt really nice to be noticed and to be cared about. She was the real role model for us role model students,” said Huang.

Ms. Phoebe Cooper, Assistant Principal Organization “Velma will be remembered for her love of our students, her great positivity and her amazing smile among her many qualities,” said Ms. Cooper.

Photo provided courtesy of the Ngo family

Cultivating Leaders of Peace

11

Megan and Kevin Ngo pose outside of their house in the Bronx.

said Jack Nicastro.

Another sibling friendship within the walls of this school is between Kevin ’17 and Megan ’19 Ngo. The two share similar interests and activities, as both enjoy playing the guitar and piano. They are very close, ready to help one another in times of need and to provide comedic relief. Recalling one of her most memorable moments with her brother, Megan referred to a time when she almost drowned in the ocean. “My brother was next to me so he swam to save me, and then I pushed him down in order to breathe,” said Megan Ngo. Though Kevin Ngo jokes that he will never save her again, the pair knows that they can always count on each other.

While the Nicastro brothers participate in the same two activities in school, when Megan Ngo was accepted, she was motivated to create an identity for herself separate from that of her brother. This kept her from joining robotics in her first year, but later she decided participating in similar in-school activities would be a fun way to get closer to her brother. Now, after joining the FeMaidens in her sophomore year, she is one of the Heads of Engineering. “I really wanted to do something different, that was more humanitarian based, and that’s probably why I was so drawn to Key Club,” said Megan Ngo. She has been very influential in the club, acting as Scrapbook Committee Co-Head, Treasurer, and President in her sophomore, junior, and senior years respectively.

Despite the occasional issues that all siblings inevitably face, she still loves him very much, enjoying every moment that they can play Guitar Hero, their favorite game. “We still use the ten year old Wii in our house to beat the last high score on ‘Living On a Prayer,’” said Megan Ngo. This National Siblings Day, everyone should let their siblings know they are appreciated, whether they are in Bronx Science or not. Life is a lot better when siblings have each other to depend on and spend time together.

Alumnus Matthew Burke ’18 “Ms. Lane to me and I think for most students was someone we all looked to for guidance. She taught students how to be the best they were and whenever she wasn’t in school there was always a missing presence,” said Burke.

Alumnus Swara Kalra ’18 “Even if I was having a super rough day, if I saw her giving her advice on the TV, it made me feel better just because of how positive her attitude was. There are few people who have that type of energy,” said Kalra.

Alumnus Tea Braxton ’18 “She was absolutely amazing and as a black girl, I was really motivated by anything she had to say to me, even if she was just calling me princess,” said Braxton.

Alumnus Anika Lamia ’18 “I met her during my first year and the lunch table I sat at used to be right next to the door leading out to the courtyard, so I talked to Ms. Lane every day. She was so sweet and caring. She loved calling us her role model students and telling us about how she believed in us to do good,” said Lamia.

Ms. Lane will always be loved here. She has inspired so many students to live life authentically and with a smile. Thank you Ms. Lane for all the love you gave us, the wisdom you imparted, and for reminding us to always be role model students. I hope we make you proud.

SURVEY SPORTS

By SUSAN HUANG

Nicole Sisilli / The Science Survey

The Girls' Table Tennis team had to and my opponents out of my mind; I imagovercome many challenges as they recruit- ined a bubble around all of us,” said Yan Fen ed several new (Yanny) Liang. members on the Everyone on team this year inthe team was cluding Gina Seo extremely ded’22 , Chloe Guericated, and rero ’22, Kristimany stayed na Lian ’22 and even later afEmery John ’20. ter practice to Seo had an espeimprove their cially important skills, which role on the team ultimately paid as a ninth gradoff with the title er playing first of champions. singles. This put “It was the little The Girls’ Varsity Table Tennis team claim their extreme presbaby steps that championship banner. sure on her since helped me conit was a very tinue and evenimportant spot on the team. “The commit- tually win,” said Liang ’19. ment that I had to make for this team was Encouragement and advice from the very impactful, and I am happy that we as a teammates and Coach Sisilli were very imteam were able to overcome this challenge portant for the overall success of the team. together as we supported each other no mat- “They always made me laugh when I start ter what, just like a family would,” said Seo. getting nervous and always founds ways to Overcoming stress before matches was help me improve, ” said Jasmine Lo ’21. definitely a challenge for many of the memThis year, the team was especially close bers. The matches happening around them, with each other. They learned very quickly their surroundings, and the all people that they were a team, and that they must watching the game made it difficult for the work for both themselves and the team. They players to focus on their match. Instead of helped each other along the way, just like a focusing on scoring, everyone focused more family. “All our incredible seniors who are on learning from their mistakes and do- graduating will be missed, yet we will not lose ing better the next time they face the same our team spirit! Our goal is to take over the challenge. “I fine-tuned my focus and tried city championships once again!” said Seo ’22. to cast everything but the ball, my partner,

A Tale of Two Free Agencies

Max Jaffe/ The Science Survey

By MAX JAFFE Major League Baseball and the National their current team via a super-max contract, Basketball Association are two of the most players really hold all the cards and will popular sports leagues in the United States sign with whichever team they prefer. They and the world, but recently, their labor re- can stay where they are now and sign a sulations are heading in per-max worth upopposite directions. wards of forty milBaseball, which has not lion a year, or they seen a strike since the could choose to join 1994 season, seems to together and form a be heading towards a sitsuper team and still uation whereone when be paid in the upper the current Collective thirty millions.

Bargaining Agreement Harry Markov (CBA) expires after the ’19 believes these Harry Markov ’19, thinks that recent 2021 season. Basketball new trends will hurt trends in free agency will propel the NBA on the other hand, is barbaseball while more past the MLB in youth popularity. reling in the direction of fans flock to the NBA: another exciting offsea“Currently, MLB free son after one of the most high spending on agency keeps good teams good and makes record last year. it harder for worse teams to acquire players.

Baseball incurred its second straight off- In the NBA it’s more exciting, and you see season where many star players remained really big name players sign and it shifts the unsigned for months. For context, the MLB dynamics of the whole league.” offseason starts the first week of November, However, it seems a new trend may be yet the two greatest stars of the free agen- emerging in baseball. Throughout spring cy class, Manny Machado and Bryce Harp- training and into the first few weeks of the er, did not sign until the end of February, season, waves of young superstars have when Spring Training had already started. been signing extensions with their current Granted, they signed for a combined 630 teams. Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, Paul million dollars, more than any NBA player Goldschmidt, Chris Sale, Jacob deGrom, could dream of due to contract length, but Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Luis Sevethe rest of the offseason class didn’t make rino, Aaron Hicks, Blake Snell, Aaron Nola out as well. Many former star veterans, such and others signed extensions ranging from as Jose Bautista and Matt Holliday, remain four to twelve years in Trout’s case. Trout without a team and may be forced into re- became the first player in American sports tirement. Even players who years ago may to break the four hundred million dollar have controlled rather lucrative contracts barrier, and combined with others, over two are now signing minor league deals or deals billion dollars has been doled out in the last for the Major League minimum. Two of the couple months to players that weren’t even three biggest pitchers available on the mar- free agents. ket, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel, who This new trend may prove well for basewere projected to sign for a combined one ball, as fanbases who’ve become attached hundred fifty million dollars, still do not to players will get to see them play out have a team over a monthtwo weeks into the possibly the rest of their careers with that season. team. “Baseball is decreasing especially Last year, NBA teams spent over 1.75 among younger viewing audiences, while billion dollars in free agency, most of that the NBA is becoming more and more popwithin the first week. The year before, nearly ular,” Markov continued. While it is yet to two and a half billion was doled out. With be seen how this new wave of extensions stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi will effect all this, fans can look forward Leonard, Jimmy Butler and others who will to more baseball players signing extenlikely receive a max contract, another big sions throughout the season, and anothoffseason seems to be on the horizon. Al- er exciting summer of NBA free agency. though players are incentivized to stay with

Skull Cap to No Cap

PSAL Wrestling Revises Rule Regarding Skull Caps Under Headgear

By LYN KAJIHARA It’s early morning on a Saturday and you use the skullcap or not," Chen said. Chen’s are surrounded by large circled mats as the opinions seemed to have been in agreesound of whistles, voices and screams fill ment with many wrestlers across the state, the gym. You’re on deck. The match before as an incident at a New Jersey High School yours is about to finish and as you rush to sparked a controversy that eventually led to put on your headgear you realize, you’ve the removal of this rule. forgotten your skullcap! And then…you reOn December 19th, 2018, Andrew Johnalize that it is no longer a problem. son was an athlete competing in a local tourUntil very recently, PSAL required all nament when he was stopped by a referee female and male wrestlers with hair ex- due to a violation of the skullcap rule. Johnceeding shoulder length to wear a skullcap son had dreadlocks which were not covered under their headgear before being per- by his skullcap, which was then considmitted to wrestle. “Hair that is braided or ered a violation. He was given a choice: he dreadlocked could cut his may not exdreadlocks, tend below or forfeit the the forehead match. Being or earlobe," the dedicatas was stated ed wrestler in the Nathat he was, tional Associhe decidation of State ed to cut his High School dreadlocks, Associations and continrule book. ue with the The skullcap A view of the skull caps on co-ed wrestling captains match.

But Lyn Kajihara '19 and Zainab Mridha '19. consists of a the aftermath stretchy maof this interial that covers the entire head, and is cident sparked nationwide outrage, as often connected to the headgear through many were upset at the way the situation straps. If wrestlers did not have their skull- was handled. As a result, the skullcap was caps on, they would be disqualified from ruled unnecessary and leaving it up to the match. “I already feel nervous about the the wrestlers to choose to wear it or not. match, and struggling with the skullcap and The revision of this rule was happy news the headgear before walking up to the mat is for many, especially for the girls in the really stressful,” Maya Giardina ’20 a mem- sport. “Being able to wrestle without a ber of the Girls’ Varsity wrestling team said. skullcap feels like a relief, because I felt it While the PSAL enforced these rules for was unnecessary in keeping my hair back,” the safety of its athletes, there were heavy Susan Xiao ’21 said. Xiao is an athlete on downsides to this supposedly 'helpful' piece the Bronx Science Girls’ Varsity Wrestling of equipment. “It’s really uncomfortable at team, and her relief in being able to throw times, and it sometimes feels like it’s chok- away her headpiece is joined by the male ing me,” Rachel Chen ’20, another mem- athletes on the co-ed team as well. Joseph ber of the Girls' Varsity Wrestling team Zeltsan ’20, a member of the co-ed team, commented. Some girls also felt that it was recalls when he had to cut his hair the day unfair they were unable to wrestle without before a tournament, as he did not possess a skullcap. “While I understand the PSAL a skullcap and did not have time to buy one. meant it as a precaution for people pulling “The fact that I couldn’t just tie it up under on their opponents hair, wrestlers under- my headgear was frustrating, so I’m realstand this consequence when they enter the ly happy that I don’t have to wear a skullsport, so I feel as though we should be able cap, even if I have long hair,” Zeltsan said. to choose between whether we choose to Andrew Zhang / The Science Survey

Girls’ Table Tennis Claims PSAL Champs!

A Free Agency for the Books?

By KIERAN AUG Regarded by many as one of the most kees have quietly added established veterinfluential off-seasons ans to their roster in in Major League Basethe hopes of bringing ball (M.L.B.) history, a 28th championship this year’s 2019 free to New York. Their agency has certainly not notable acquisitions lived up to the hype. include: SP (Starting Populated with colossal Pitcher) James Paxnames such as RF (Right ton, one of the A.L.’s Fielder) Bryce Harper (American League) Noah Bushlow ’20 thinks the Mets and SS/3B (Shortstop/ have a chance to do some damage in top aces last season, Third Baseman) Manny their respective division, given their 2B (Second Basenewfound talent.

Machado, teams were man) D.J. LeMahieu, expected to be engaged former N.L. (National in a no-holds-barred war for possible League) batting champion, RP (Relief signings. Yet, there was a lack of teams Pitcher) Adam Ottavino, a key piece in the willing to offer hundreds of millions to Rockies pitching rotation last year, and SS boost their talent. Just recently, Machado Troy Tulowitzki, an aging veteran with five stunned fans after he signed a ten-year, all-star appearances. Key re-signings in$300 million deal with the San Diego Pa- clude: SP C.C. Sabathia, SP J.A. Happ, and dres—a team lacking talent, in a desper- RP Zack Britton, all of which played big ate attempt to cash out while he could. roles in their pitching rotation last year.

Following this, Harper accepted a re- Until now, they have been a top contendcord-breaking contract of $330 million for er willing to shell out money for a young thirteen years from the Philadelphia Phil- superstar. However, their recent signings lies, one of the few teams willing to offer. indicate the direction they intend to go in.

Below are some popular teams that have All of these new acquisitions are age thirty made moves in free agency to improve years or older, making it clear that the frantheir chances this season. chise is in win-now mode. Adding these The New York Yankees seasoned veterans will surely contribute to The large market of New York and the the lasting impact RF(Right Fielder) Aaron historical success makes the Yankees a Judge, DH (Designated Hitter) Giancarlo desirable team to root for. Girls' Varsity Stanton, and the rest of the Bronx Bombers Softball player Pema Lama ’20 said, “Giv- left last year in a strong, 100-win season. en the close proximity to our school and their talented team, it’s not a surprise that

Continued Online most kids here root for them.” The YanKieran Aug / The Science Survey

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