UltraViolet Magazine Issue 6

ultraVIOLET

th e cycle iss u e May 2019 vol no2 issue 3

a UV Publication

Dear UltraViolet readers, We are so excited to assume the roles of editors-in-chief for this upcoming year! To us, the UltraViolet is not only a publication but also a community that we feel so honored to be a part of.

The “Cycles” theme carries two meanings. To UV staff, it represents both the beginning of a new era of newspaper staff and our last chance to work alongside the graduating seniors who have left such big shoes to fill. This theme also reflects our intentions to highlight accomplishments in the Marlborough community this year while looking forward to all that next year will bring.

To begin reading, flip to page 20 to read a feature about sleep cycles or to page 22 to read about menstrual cycles.

Our opinion section, “Perspectives,” is dedicated entirely to the voices of rising seniors. Read Kendra Mosenson’s frustrations with Marlborough’s system of honoring Cum Laude recipients (p. 43) and Cameron Lange’s denunciation of summer break (p. 41).

In keeping with the theme of cycles, please join us in welcoming our new columnists for the 2019-2020 school year! Taking on the famed senior column, View From the Top, is Maggie Marks ‘20 (p. 34). For our tripartite media review columns, Avery Crystal ‘20 dissects pop music (p. 35), Macy Lerner ‘22 reviews nonfiction literature (p. 40) and SarahMae Tuohy ‘22 tackles the horror film genre (p. 36).

The UltraViolet is the voice of Marlborough, so next year we hope to incorporate the perspectives of more members of our community into the paper. Part of that outreach can be seen in “IndiVisuals,” our student visual art forum that showcases art outside of the gallery, our opinion section and “Read the Signs,” written by contributing author Alex Leemann ‘19. Our expanding online presence also reflects these goals.

We are committed to representing the wonderful community within both Marlborough and the UV, and we cannot wait to continue to share their achievements with you.

— Talia and Cameron

DEDICATED TO JENA ENGLISH your strength inspires us

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caption Contest

Dear UltraViolet readers, It is a bittersweet goodbye to leave the UltraViolet. We have given so much of our time and hearts to the production of the UV, and seeing students and parents read our newspaper or magazine gives us so much joy.

That being said, in the spirit of this issue’s theme, “Cycles,” we know our cycle as editors is coming to an end, and we could not be more excited to see the next cycle of rising seniors grow into the incredible leaders we know them to be. More than anything, The UltraViolet has given us strong and long lasting friendships that we know we will have for the rest of our lives.

The UltraViolet has been a community of empowered women, and we can’t imagine our high school careers without it. Thank you to our staff. We lucked out with you. It is comforting to know we are leaving our beloved publication in capable hands. We are excited to see what you do with the UV. Last but certainly not least, thank you to Ms. English – we can honestly say there is no other teacher who would willingly stay at school past 9:30 P.M. on a school night, reading articles or helping us with tedious InDesign issues to perfect our magazine and newspaper. Your dedication to helping not only the UltraViolet grow, but allowing its staff members to take ownership over our work, truly turning the UV into a student-run publication has made us eternally grateful. We are indebted to you for your cultivation of a warm and inspiring environment. We wish you only the best.

Liv L(UV), Tessa and Rachel

The uLTraviolet

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table of CONTENTS 01 02 04 15 16 20 22 26 29 34 41 48 56

Letters from the Editors Table of Contents News and Policy Letters of Rec Culture Clash Features: Sleep Cycles Features: Periods The Sideline In the Community Voices Perspectives IndiVisuals Read the Signs

Robotics wins

By Fiona Tarses

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he Marlbots, Marlborough’s Robotics team, concluded their season by traveling to Houston from April 17-20 to participate in the FIRST Robotics World Championships.

The championship, the world’s largest event for STEM students, combined students of all ages in an enormous celebration of technology and innovation.

Winning is a really big deal, especially given that they are an all-girls team...the Marlbots [are] the first Los Angeles team to have two [awards from worlds].

—Andrew Witman In the FIRST Technical Challenge, the Marlbots competed against 160 top

teams from the US and around the world. They presented a robot that received considerable attention from other teams due to its laser cut wood construction and unique extending arm system. Over four days of competition, the team presented to judges, scouted other teams and played nine qualifying rounds.

The Marlbots placed 30th out of 80 teams overall in their division, 22nd out of 80 teams in offensive power ranking in their division (a metric that measures an individual robot’s ability to score points) and 39th out of 160 teams in offensive power ranking between both divisions. The Marlbots were able to achieve these awards despite the robot not functioning for two matches.

At the end of the competition, the Marlbots earned the Motivate Award for their off-field performance.

The award is given to the team that best exemplifies team spirit and encourages that in other teams.

The Marlbots were one of seven out of 160 teams to receive a Judges’ Award, while individual team members also received their own accolades. Sofia Simon Trench ’21 and Grace Tulinsky ’20 were Dean’s List Award Finalists for their leadership and commitment.

Robotics Coach Andrew Whitman is extremely proud of the Marlbots’ achievements.

“Winning is a really big deal, especially given that they are an all-girls team. This is the second time the Marlbots have won an award at Worlds, making them the first Los Angeles team to have two,” Witman said.

Team members were also pleased with the results of the tournament and the season as a whole.

When I signed up for robotics, I thought I was signing up to build a robot.

I didn’t know I was joining a family of people who are so supportive.

—EMMA CRUZ

Top row: Charlie Reardon ‘22, Catherine Or ‘21, Charlotte Cox ‘22, Jordan Ellis ‘22, Sofia Simon Trench ‘21. Middle row: Kendall Cooney ‘19, Emma Cruz ‘21, Nina Fischer ‘22, Sidney Bae ‘21, Arien Afshar ‘19, Shine Park ‘22, Leah Dimsu ‘22. Bottom row: Emma Kessner ‘19, Roxy Cowan ‘19, Sydney Su ‘19.

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“FIRST’s motto is ‘More Than Robots,’ and my experience on the Marlbots has definitely been more than robots.

I feel so lucky to have concluded the season at FIRST with my teammates.”

News and Policy

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAREN KESSNER

“When I signed up for robotics, I thought I was signing up to build a robot. I didn’t know I was joining a family of people who are so supportive,” Emma Cruz ’21 said.

Top row: Cameron Lange ‘20, Emma Yanai ‘21, Anya Karumanchi ‘22, Isabella Whitney ‘21, Jocelyn Shek ‘23.

Bottom row: Macy Lerner ‘22, Lily Kinnear ‘22, Eva Rodriguez ‘22, Helena Hudlin ‘23, Julianne Hannon ‘22.

Successful year for the Debate Team

By Sophia Zimmer The school debate season has come to a close for the 2018-2019 academic year, and the team’s numerous achievements were celebrated on the evening of April 18 at the Marlborough Debate Banquet.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM TORSON

The varsity team had a strong competitive season… we’re really going to miss [our senior leadership] next year.

—Adam Torson This year, the Debate Team racked up 66 winning records, up from 50 winning records last year. Team members received 40 speaker awards, including five top speaker awards.

In addition, Sophia Danielpour ’19 earned the highest single-season

the cycle issue

varsity winning percentage in team history with 69.44 percent, beating out Annie Gersh ’16’s rate of 68.65 percent.

“The Varsity team had a strong competitive season… We had wonderful senior leadership from Amy Jarkow, Sophia Danielpour and Grace Nelson.

We’re really going to miss those girls next year,” Debate Program Head Adam Torson said.

characterized by large growth in our novice and Middle School programs,” Torson said. “We have some extremely enthusiastic young debaters entering the program, so our future looks bright.”

The academic records of the Marlborough senior debaters helped all three earn the National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American Award. This honor is only earned by one percent of NSDA members annually.

Middle School debaters hit excellent strides this year as well.

“We had a strong season, particularly

Sophia Danielpour ‘19, Lydia Dimsu ‘20 and Amy Jarkow ‘19 pose for a photo.

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he Young Alumnae Council hosted the Courage Awards in which they honored Chelsea Burkett ’02, Mikaela Gilbert-Lurie ’13 and an anonymous alumna for their courage in speaking up about their abuse by former English Department Head Joseph Koetters.

Around 140 alumnae, Marlborough staff and faculty, current students and relatives attended the awards on Saturday, March 23 in the Alumnae Garden. Head of School Dr. Priscilla Sands and Head of the Young Alumnae Council Blythe Golay Kochsiek ’05 introduced the recipients before Gilbert-Lurie and Burkett’s remarks.

Gilbert-Lurie reported Koetters’ ongoing inappropriate comments and physical contact in 2012 several months after its start. In response to Gilbert-Lurie’s report, Marlborough mandated he end all interactions with her and attend a sexual harassment training, and they removed his title as English Department Chair.

In June 2014, as an incoming sophomore at University of Pennsylvania, Gilbert-Lurie published an article about Koetters’ inappropriate behavior and Marlborough’s inadequate response in an article on the Web site Xojane.com without explicitly naming Koetters or Marlborough.

After the article was published, Burkett announced under a pseudonym that Koetters initiated ongoing sexual contact with her during her time at Marlborough while she was a minor.

Chelsea Burkett ’02 describes what she went through after reading her fellow alumna’s experience.

While Gilbert-Lurie and Burkett’s experiences were published in various publications starting in 2014, the information from Marlborough was filtered, especially for the younger students.

by how they treated Mikaela, I didn’t trust them. While on a surface level I managed to keep it together at work, I was living in a personal hell distracted by the criminal case and living with undiagnosed PTSD.

“It was difficult to process and conceptualize the news I read when I was super new to Marlborough and in 8th grade. The current awards were impactful because they literally put a face to the people we talked about and ad-

Outside of work, I was paralyzed by an irrational but very real feeling fear that Koetters was going to come to kill me. When I came home at night I obsessively checked all the same places in my apartment for intruders in the exact same order... Because my flashbacks were still persistent, I’d often wake up throughout the night screaming at the top of my lungs,” Burkett said in her speech at the Courage Awards.

I got the sinking sense that the truth didn’t matter; that I didn’t matter.

—Chelsea Burkett mired,” Amy Jarkow ’19 said.

“There were a series of dominos that hit almost instantaneously after Mikaela’s [article] was published. Yes, I threw up when I read it, and yes I met with her and we decided to take action. But I had no real understanding of what I had gone through with Koetters. All I knew was Mikaela looked really, really young… I didn’t want to participate in Marlborough’s own investigation because I was disgusted

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“I feared for my safety and for that of my family’s, so I talked a big talk about wanting to seek justice, but in reality, I had zero conviction that it was actually Koetters’ fault.

What happened to me was my fault, but I couldn’t feel unsafe because I still had to protect [other] children from Koetters. I didn’t want to sue Marlborough, far from it; I wanted nothing to do with the lawsuit. I could barely survive a five-day work week. But Marlborough kept blasting the emails out that obfuscated the truth… I got the sinking sense that the truth didn’t matter; that I didn’t matter,” Burkett said.

Although both women addressed their continued anger

News and Policy

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ASHLEY MYERS-TURNER

During the award ceremony, Burkett spoke at length about the impact Gilbert-Lurie’s article had on her.

Burkett agreed to file a lawsuit against Marlborough under a pseudonym until the summer of 2017 for its negligence in protecting her from Koetters’ sexual abuse.

Th e

Courage

Aw a r d s

By Jenna Schiffer

Mikaela Gilbert-Lurie ’13 speaks about courage and the community in her remarks.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ASHLEY MYERS-TURNER

in regards to Marlborough’s handling of Koetters’ harassment, they acknowledged that the Awards were a positive first step to recognizing their experiences.

“It’s well and good to promote confidence, honor, excellence and community, but it’s what we do when we feel none of those things that shape who we really are. When we can’t muster up an ounce of your own courage, when you’re scared and insecure and terribly alone, you cannot feel confident or honorable or excellent. You can only embody those virtues if you know that there are people to encourage you who are standing behind you and never tell you to be quiet. Today, you have all given me the honor of letting my voice, my story and my heartbeat to be heard.

You have all encouraged me and for that, I am fully grate-

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Marlborough teaches us to strive to reach our fullest potential and never settle for anything less. Thanks to these women, generations of Marlborough girls can do just that...

—Blythe Golay Kochsiek ful. I only hope that today’s Marlborough girls won’t have to wait until they are adults until they have that experience,” Gilbert-Lurie said in her speech.

Kochsiek ’05 and the Young Allumnae Coucil wanted to recognize these three women for the lasting change their bravery and honesty have brought to The School community.

“Marlborough teaches us to strive to reach our fullest potential and never settle for anything less.” Kochsiek said in an email. “Thanks to these women, generations of Marlborough girls can do just that in an environment that is safe, healthy, and empowering. The awards were our way to acknowledge the unprecedented importance and influence of the courage of Chelsea, Mikaela, and our anonymous alumna.”

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saying goodbye By sophie dorf-kamienny and talia abrahamson

Tempus fugit: Latin Instructor Dr. Leigh Hansen is retiring after 37 years.

Hansen was initially hired as a part-time Latin teacher in 1982 following a one-month stint as the substitute Latin teacher at Westlake School for Girls. While attending a local Latin conference per her substitute duties, the Marlborough Latin teacher in attendance invited her to apply for the position.

“It just sort of happened in a very gratifying way,” Hansen said.

Over the following few decades, Hansen worked in various academic roles around Marlborough. In addition to teaching Latin, Hansen has taught 7th grade Ancient History and 8th grade English. She was the 8th Grade Dean, Dean of Faculty and World Languages Department Head. Under Hansen’s leadership, the Foreign Languages Department introduced Mandarin and established foreign exchange programs.

Dr. Leigh Hansen

Hansen was also an advisor for the UltraViolet. She drew upon her prior experience as a “copy boy” for the now-defunct Herald Examiner, Los Angeles’ evening newspaper. She also served as the Assistant Director of Summer School.

“Teaching Latin is my favorite thing. All those other things were things that somebody said, ‘Could you do this?’ And, I said, ‘Yes, I guess so, why not?’” Hansen said.

Hansen plans to spend her retirement in the United States and England. Hansen and her husband are moving part-time to Moreton-in-Marsh, a small market town in the Cotswolds located approximately two hours outside of London.

Hansen also hopes to start an independent business designing signs in Latin. Hansen’s other proposed project is writing Latin elegies for owners of deceased pets.

“I do want to keep on doing things with Latin, so if that works out, great, and if not we’ll just see,” Hansen said.

Her departure marks the beginning of the end of the Latin program. Latin is not being offered to incoming seventh graders, and without a current eighth grade Latin class, the program will be completely phased out by 2022.

“It’s easy to say that what I’ll miss most is the people. The students, the parents, my colleagues, everybody, because, obviously, one makes a lot of contact in 37 years,” Hansen said.

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Brown joined Marlborough in 1982 as a health teacher and volleyball coach. She previously coached volleyball at West Torrance High School and was a long-term sub for the Torrance Unified School District.

“I’m a beach girl down in the South Bay, and when I came up here, everybody was so embracing and kind and warm and inviting. Julie Napoleon took me under her wing and so did a number of the other teachers that were here, but just the students––that’s what’s kept me here. Just the kind, honest, authentic connections with students,” Brown said.

Each year, Brown has taught the required 9th grade health class, letting her personally interact with each student at Marlborough as they pass through the school.

“I really get to know the students. I mean we get to laugh together, we’re grossed out together. I always say that I teach about the ugly, uncomfortable, icky stuff, but as the layers shed, people just share stories, and they really let each other know who they are,” Brown said.

Brown has experienced the administration of three principals. Throughout her time at Marlborough, Brown assumed various coaching positions including those for volleyball, soccer, softball, basketball and track.

Under Brown’s guidance, the school’s Red Cross team has grown to encompass approximately 120 students and faculty members. Her Emergency Preparedness and Water Safety course has been a requirement for all Marlborough students, and she plans to pass leadership positions in these programs on to physical education instructor David Blanchard.

“To let go of my health class, to let go of emergency prep., to let go of the students. It’s pulling at the heartstrings,” Brown said.

Tinka Brown

Upon retirement she plans to stay active and travel. She has organized golf practice on Mondays, tennis on Tuesdays and is staying involved with the Red Cross and the Los Angeles County Disaster Healthcare Volunteers Surge Unit. Within this upcoming year, she also is visiting England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cabo and Washington DC. “I love teaching. It’s been an honor,” Brown said. “I feel very blessed.”

in the community

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TALIA ABRAHAMSON

However, Hansen plans on returning to celebrate the Latin program that she has built over the past 37 years at the annual Saturnalia feast––a Latin tradition––while it exists.

After 37 years of nutrition lectures, first aid demonstrations and sexual education classes, physical education instructor Tinka Brown is retiring.

Following her 11th year teaching courses ranging from physics to astronomy, science instructor Dr. Judy Mirick will not be returning to Marlborough in the fall.

She will begin a new chapter of her career at Spartanburg Methodist College, a two-year college in South Carolina where she will be a professor of calculus-based physics and physical science.

Mirick, who previously taught at Andrew College in Georgia, began working at Marlborough after the school contacted her through an employment website.

“I thought [Marlborough] felt like a small college… It was not nearly as structured as I thought it was going to be. There’s a lot of academic freedom,” Mirick said.

Although she noticed similarities between Marlborough and the college where she taught previously, Mirick was initially concerned about the prospect of transitioning to an all-girls’ school.

“I’ve learned how to be a lot more cognizant of students’ needs and students’ desires,” Mirick said.

Although it was challenging to gear her lessons towards a new audience, Mirick enjoyed the opportunity to teach in an allgirls’ institution.

“I found that I really liked the idea of single-gender education. I found it to be very useful,” Mirick said.

Dr. Judy Mirick

Mirick added that she will miss the Marlborough community the most once she leaves Los Angeles this summer.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SOPHIE DORF-KAMIENNY AND TALIA ABRAHAMSON

“I’m sad to go but I’m very happy to be going back East,” Mirick said. “It tugs at my heartstrings a little bit.”

Although Mirick will miss the Marlborough community, she is eager to live closer to her family after spending over a decade on the West Coast. Mirick’s parents, sisters and six nieces live within close proximity to Spartanburg.

“I’m going to get to know [my nieces] as adults, so being able to spend time with family is really important to me,” Mirick said.

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Kyanh Tonnu is sad to leave but eager to begin a new journey in the fall after teaching at Marlborough for 19 years. Tonnu will be an English and French teacher at Polytechnic School, a co-ed institution in Pasadena, where her elder son is finishing 6th grade.

Prior to joining Marlborough, Tonnu worked as a 2nd grade teacher within the Pasadena Unified School District.

She entered Marlborough in the English and French Kyanh Tonnu departments, but over time, her class schedule became more English-focused.

“I’ve been able to do a lot within the department, and that’s not always the case,” Tonnu said. “That flexibility and that freedom and the allowance for me to be a student in that way has been a gift.”

Tonnu also loves her creative writing elective, as well as Marlborough’s literary magazine “The Edge,” which she has advised for the past 10 years. She especially hopes to leave students with an understanding of her passion for English literature.

“For me, there is magic in being inside a book, and I know that’s not true for everyone. I recognize that even some of my best relationships with students are with students who don’t think that about books, but it doesn’t mean that that isn’t my primary message,” Tonnu said.

She emphasized that she will miss her relationships with students, even though she hopes to make similar connections at Polytechnic School.

“We have time to kind of watch somebody grow, and so I think that’s what I will really miss, the connections that you make,” Tonnu said. “When you go to a new school after you’ve been somewhere for 19 years... it doesn’t matter how familiar it is, it’s going to feel new.”

She looks forward to using the transition as a chance to push herself beyond her comfort zone.

“I do relish the opportunity to do something different, to experience change and and to see how flexible I am,” Tonnu said.

English Instructor Mary Fish is leaving Marlborough after five years. She will be a 7th grade English teacher at Brentwood School, a co-ed K-12 school in Los Angeles, within their middle school English department.

Fish joined the Marlborough community in 2014 as a one-month substitute teacher for AP US History and AP World classes when former history instructor Michael Rindge left on paternity leave.

“I was really impressed by the students that I worked with in AP World History and AP US History. They were just really intelligent and thoughtful and clearly had a desire to learn, and I mean that’s why I became a teacher in the first place,” Fish said.

“I’m fascinated by this discovery and knowledge, and I felt that same vibe from the students.”

Before filling in for Rindge, Fish was a 5th and 6th grade English teacher at the International School of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls institution in Japan, and she applied for an opening in the Marlborough English department the following fall.

While at Marlborough, Fish served as a 7th, 8th and 9th grade advisor and sat on the Middle School Experience committee. She has also advised the Middle School Theater Club, Bible Club and Girls Go Global.

With two young sons, Fish looks forward to teaching at the institution that they will attend eventually. She is also eager to teach in a co-ed environment again after working at two all-girls’ institutions––her last co-ed experience was in Kuwait.

“It’s a tough decision to leave.

There’s so much good at MarlMary Fish borough. I could easily stay, but I am looking forward to a new environment because I’ve had many different experiences, and each experience has had its benefits,” Fish said.

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MATRICULATION FOR Macalaster College Washington University in St. Louis (2)

University of Washington (2)

University of Oregon

Stanford University (2) University of California, Berkeley (3) University of California, Santa Cruz University of California, Los Angeles (2) Santa Monica College University of Southern California (3) Occidental College

Chapman University

University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University

Southern Methodist University (3)

Texas Christian University

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News and Policy

THE CLASS OF 2019 University of Wisconsin (2) University of Chicago (4) Columbia College Chicago

Middlebury College

University of Michigan (4)

Barnard College Columbia University (2)

Northwestern University

Smith College

New York University (4)

Williams College

Cornell University (6)

Brandeis University

University of Rochester

Northeastern University

Bard College Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2) Harvard College (2) Boston University Amherst College Brown University (2) Yale University (2) Wesleyan University (3) Trinity College

Princeton University (2)

University of Pennsylvannia (6) Johns Hopkins University George Washington University (2)

Georgetown University

University of Virginia University of Richmond Duke University (4) Wake Forest University Davidson College

Vanderbilt University (2)

Oberlin College

Kenyon College

University of the South

Tulane University

University of Edinburgh (Scotland)

The CYCLE ISSUE

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health and wellness evolves By fiona tarses

Health and Wellness, a mandatory course for 11th graders that began during the 2018-2019 school year, will undergo significant changes in the 2019-2020 school year. These adjustments come in response to feedback from current students and Alumnae.

The first major change to Health and Wellness will be a shift in scheduling from the second to the first semester of the school year, according to Health and Wellness Instructor Nicole Beck.

with the stress of junior year, i felt overwhelmed having what i thought would be a free period taken away.

—jaiden kaplan “Based on 11th grade feedback, a lot of people agreed that second semester is more intense in terms of workload,” Beck said. “Having it in the first semester instead of the second semester and getting that time as a free period in second semester would probably be more useful.”

As juniors weren’t given much information before taking the class, many didn’t know what to expect.

“There was no information given about the class before school started, so I think we were all a little confused and frustrated,” Riley Sandler ’20 said.

Beck was receptive to students’ responses and hopes the changes to next year’s course will help alleviate some of the stress students experienced this year.

“For any new program to be successful, you have to be open and willing to revise it and make changes based om students’ reactions and how they feel they would best be served,” Beck said.

There will also be notable changes to the curriculum. In the coming year classroom teaching will be combined with the Impact Self Defense course, which teaches students how to physically respond to attempted assault.

According to Beck, there are multiple reasons for this consolidation.

“We wanted to be able to give 11th graders a PE credit for Health and Wellness,” Beck said. “We have also had a lot of feedback from seniors and people who’ve graduated Marlborough who said that Impact Self Defense taught them some of the most useful skills they walked away from Marlborough with.”

ILLUSTRATION BY AUDREY LOO

Health and Wellness was met with mixed reactions when it was first introduced at the beginning of this year.

“I didn’t understand why it was necessary for us to take this class when we had already taken a similar health class in 9th grade,” Jaiden Kaplan ’20 said. “With the stress of junior year, I felt overwhelmed having what I thought would be a free period taken away.”

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News and Policy

a new wave of innovation is here

The Marlbot robot Asteria prepares to fight other robots in the tech challenge.

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his year marked the third year of the Celebration of Innovation, an event that showcases the talents and accomplishments of various Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation programs including Robotics; Honors Research in Science, Humanities and Social Science; Social Justice Capstones; entrepreneurship classes and Digital Citizenship. The event took place in the CEI on May 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and included both Upper School and Middle School students.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SOPHIA CHENAULT

we wanted the event to truly feel like a party to display all the great work that happens on campus that doesn’t necessarily get showcased.

—regina rosi-mitchell According to Honors Sciences Research Program Head Allison Ponzio, the event offered Marlborough students a chance to show their peers what they are passionate about.

“The Celebration of Innovation is a way that we can recognize students

The cycle issue

all over campus in a meaningful way, including students that do not typically have a dedicated event to celebrate them,” Ponzio said.

participated in a tech competition.

In the challenge, the robots were tested on efficiency as they solved a series of tasks.

The event was organized so that visitors could come and go as they please. To kick off the event there was a robotics scrimmage and as the celebration continued, students began their presentations in their designated avenues.

the celebration of innovation is a way that we can recognize students all over campus in a meaningful way, including students that do not typically have a dedicated event to celebrate them.

—allison ponzio

For example, Honors Research student, Bella Dennis ’20 presented her research poster.

“For my research, I studied a specific growth factor receptor in macrophages along the epithelial lining of the digestive tract. My project results shows that ErbB4 limits the production of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages, which supports the idea that this pathway can be used as a mechanism to limit the overaggressive inflammation associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease,” Dennis said.

In addition, students on the robotics team showcased their three robots, Curiosity, Asteria and Cosmos, which

Dean of Student Life Regina Rosi-Mitchell said that a primary goal of the event was celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and dedication the students have put towards their respective projects.

“We wanted the event to truly feel like a party to display all of the great work that happens on campus that doesn’t necessarily get showcased,” Rosi-Mitchell said.

- sophia chenault 13

student-made financial aid resources page By priya karumanchi not a shameful thing, and I am very proud to be here. I think we just need to be more open and upfront about it.”

The seniors hope the financial aid page will provide support for students at Marlborough and serve as a one-stop resource to inform everyone, not only current financial aid recipients.

“The page is to help financial aid students see the benefits they have earned being on financial aid. It is also creating a resource center on how to afford college,” Wright said.

Alexis ’19, another of the four seniors, aims to inform Marlborough students about little-known forms that provide financial aid discounts to cover the costs of school events.

Four seniors on financial aid reached out to Dean of Social Justice Pamela Wright to discuss the lack of information made available to students about the financial aid resources and support offered by the School. Their goal is to create a page on MyMarlborough, the school’s student website, where students can access all of the School’s financial aid information in one place.

Emely ’19, one of the four seniors, felt that she had to navigate the financial aid process both for college and at Marlborough largely on her own.

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“Financial aid should be something we talk [about] with our college counselors in our summer meeting…” Emely said.

“I had to figure what FAFSA, CSS and IDOC are on my own by looking at tax forms.”

Furthermore, according to Emely, the way the School addresses tuition assistance perpetuates stigma.

“Why is it called ‘aid’ instead of just ‘flexible tuition’? It is kept very secretive, and teachers and staff don’t know if you’re on financial aid unless you tell them,” she said. “It can feel like it’s a big coming out if you do tell them. It’s

“A lot of financial aid recipients don’t know about subsidized tickets for Winterfest or prom,” she said.

why is it called “aid” instead of just “flexible tuition”? it is kept very secretive, and teachers and staff don’t know if you’re on finanical aid unless you tell them. it can feel like a big coming out story if you do tell them.

—emely Emely said her goal is to dismantle the stereotype that everyone at Marlborough can afford tuition.

“A lot of people here are not full-paid families,” she said. “If we start to understand that as being the norm, we could make a lot of improvements.”

News and Policy/Letters of REc

ILLUSTRATION BY ELEANOR BERGER

the page is to help financial aid students see the benefits they have on financial aid. it is also creating a resource center on how to afford college.

—pamela wright

Emely believes that more support from the school was needed during the process of applying for college financial aid. Unique terminology is used on college applications, and students and parents are often left alone to figure out the specifics of what kind of aid they need to apply for.

Letters of rec: Flexfits by tessa kong

A few months ago, I sat with a circle of my friends complaining about how uncomfortable my period was and how I couldn’t down enough Midol to alleviate my cramps. Then, as Instagram listened in on my conversation, I saw an advertisement for FlexFits.

a try. FLEX has a strong base of customer service representatives who are focused solely on making your experience as comfortable as possible. When you sign up, a rep reaches out to you to explain the easiest way to insert, use and remove the product.

FlexFits’ product, FLEX, is a menstrual disc roughly the size of your palm that sits just above the vaginal canal, as opposed to being crammed in it like tampons. FLEX can hold as much as three super tampons and they are safe to use for up to 12 consecutive hours.

Other benefits include a substantial decrease in the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, cramp reduction in 60 percent of its users and safe usage during intercourse.

When my FLEX came in the mail, it was much larger than I expected, and unlike tampons, it did not have an applicator. If you’re uncomfortable putting your fingers in your vagina, FlexFits probably isn’t for you, as you need to squeeze the disc into an “8” shape and slide it in with your fingertips.

Everyone has varying degrees of comfort with their own bodies, especially in regards to your most private areas. If you’re comfortable inserting something into your vagina without an applicator, then FLEX could be a great experience for you.

If I know one thing about periods, it’s that they’re never going to be fun.

That being said, it doesn’t have to be a monstrously painful experience, and if you’re forgetful like me, it might even be nice to get a FlexFits package in the mail right before your period starts.

ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE ANDERSON

As a product with many appealing qualities and a 4.5 star rating from over 400 reviews, I thought I’d give FLEX

While that process was uncomfortable for the first time and admittedly did take a couple tries, once it was in place, the disc was extremely comfortable. I almost forgot I was on my period because I didn’t need to change feminine products, and the FLEX disc

eased my cramping. After 12 hours of the most comfortable period I’ve had in long time, I removed the disc and disposed of it. The removal process was difficult at first and slightly awkward, so I would definitely recommend taking the disc out in the shower to avoid mishaps in the bathroom.

The cycle issue

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The Little prince

Neve O’Brien ‘22 focusing.

The play adds the role of the “Writer,” Saint-Exupéry. This role is performed by Neve O’Brien ’22.

Lucy Hanna ‘22 and Josie Willems ‘22 rehearse.

Arts class on The Little Prince to reenact the scenes and brought the characters to life. Watt said the students in the class were interested in the material, which helped her narrow her options in the search for the Middle School piece.

ms. watt has really allowed us to give our input into how the show is produced.

—neve o’brien

“When I began the process of searching for the Middle School performance piece, I immediately thought of the excitement around The Little Prince that already seemed present for these students,” Watt said. “I’m always looking for ensemble pieces that offer a variety of roles for the most students possible, and this script seemed perfect.”

such as the Aviator and the Little Prince through interplanetary travel and newfound friendships.

At the beginning of the year, Theater Artist and Educator Lizi Watt worked with her students in Introduction to Performing

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Although the performance will stay fairly close to the overall plot, there have been some modifications.

“Ms. Watt has really allowed us to give our input into how the show is

it’s rewarding to do something entirely different and out of my comfort zone.

—lucy hanna going to be constructed, from the set to even the text. I got to pick out and play with my props, which was super fun, and it also allowed me to step into my character’s head to see what he was drawn to,” O’Brien said.

In addition the props mentioned

by O’Brien, the production will use puppets to portray the Little Prince, the Fox and the Snake. Lucy Hanna

Culture Clash

PHOTOGRAPHS BY FIONA TARSES

This year’s annual Middle School performance piece will showcase The Little Prince from May 9-11.

The Little Prince, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is known for capturing the minds of children as it follows the journey of characters

O’Brien said she has enjoyed the creativity of the show and the freedom to fully immerse into character.

comes to Marlborough

Maggie Marks ‘20, Louise Cutter ‘21, Ellie Atlee ‘21 and Amelia Charter do tech.

By Catherine Malanga

Lucy Hanna ‘22 and Beverly Cohen ‘22 getting notes.

’22, Beverly Cohen ’22 and Ella Menton ’23 have been working with puppeteer Drew McCourt to learn the techniques behind puppetry.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY FIONA TARSES

Hanna said although playing a puppeteer can be challenging, the role is rewarding as it brings her out of her comfort zone.

“Playing a puppeteer is something completely different than anything I’ve ever done before. Yes, it is way more difficult than any other roles I’ve played, but it’s rewarding to do something entirely different and out of my comfort zone,” Hanna said. “Having a puppet as the Little Prince helps me see the character in a new way and helps me deepen my understanding of him.”

The cycle issue

As a performer, actors tend to have to “step into a character’s shoes,” in a sense. O’Brien said she has been faced with the challenge to play a somewhat typical man in his thirties.

having a puppet as the tle prince helps me to the character in a new —lucy

litsee way. hanna

“Sometimes, I’ll find myself perched on the edge of my chair or sitting with my legs fully crossed during a scene, and I have to stop and ask myself, ‘Is this....realistic?’,” O’Brien said. “It’s kind of confusing, but I’m working at it through observation and trying different stuff out.”

Another modification to the original plot is the inclusion of a second Little Prince, played by Violet Affleck ’24. Affleck said she is excited to perform because she will be able to explore the different worlds within the play, but she said she will have to learn the theatrical aspects that come with performing in a play.

“I have very little formal theater experience, so some basic technical aspects are entirely foreign to me.

It’s been a very interesting learning curve so far and I look forward to diving even deeper,” Affleck said.

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music ensembles feature classical, jazz, pop

By Kaelyn

Fifty-two students from Marlborough’s Instrumental Ensemble program performed in the annual Instrumental Ensemble Performance on Saturday, April 27. The concert was an opportunity for the small student groups to showcase what they learned throughout the school year.

Music instructor Deborah Sealove explained the purpose of the concert.

“The concert gives the students an opportunity to share their talent and love of music. Music is meant to be shared,” she said.

Sealove believes the concert was a great success.

“All of the pieces performed were polished and represented many hours of preparation,” she said.

Sealove keeps each group engaged in music by making sure the performance groups range in instrument type and music style. One group consisted of four pianists while another included four flutists, a cellist, a bassoonist and a bass player.

The performance featured a wide range of song selections. While the majority of the songs were classical, a few jazz and pop pieces were also performed.

Sealove has a specific process behind selecting music to be played at the show.

“I choose music with the instrumentation in mind. In choosing music, I think about what the students will enjoy playing and I try to choose music that will highlight their musical strengths,”

Sealove said.

Nicole Golenberg ’20, one of the many spectators in the audience, enjoyed watching her friends perform.

“It was very nice to see students from all different grade levels and musical backgrounds playing together to create such beautiful pieces,” Golenberg said.

Amelia Levin ’20, a pianist in Instrumental Ensemble who played a duet in the Ensemble Performance with her sister, believes the concert is a great way for students to showcase the progress they have made.

“I like participating in the ensemble concerts because we all work so hard on our pieces throughout the year,” Levin said. “The show is the one time we have to showcase our dedication to music.”

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Culture Clash

PHOTOGRAPH BY RAND BLANTMEISTER

Katie Cruz ‘23 plays the flute.

a clear blue morning

By Charlotte Daniels

PHOTOGRAPH BY RAND BLANTMEISTER

Imogene Wolodarsky ‘20 and Alexis Kelly-Patino ‘19 sing at “A Clear Blue Morning.”

The spring choral concert, “A Clear Blue Morning,” was bittersweet for both the singers and audience members as they said farewell to the graduating seniors and celebrated the evolution of the chorus, under Choral Director Angela Lin.

Mia.”

Dorrit Corwin ’19, a senior member of Chamber Choir, said she found her last concert unique because of this year’s theme.

“I think this concert is different from all the others i’ve seen and been apart of” —Dorrit Corwin

“I think this concert is different from all the others I’ve seen and been apart of,” Corwin said. “Ms. Lin had a beautiful vision for this concert; she set out to bring the audience on a journey through life’s struggles from the dark of night to the light of day.”

Lin also experimented with the lighting, staging and choral instruction throughout the concert. Specifically, this year she allowed Chamber Choir to teach and conduct a piece entirely by themselves, “O Occhi Manza

The cycle issue

Marcella Tracy ’22, a member of Concert Choir who will be joining Chamber Choir next year said she admired the liberties Lin has taken with the choirs.

“Not only do we get to wear the professional looking dresses that Chamber Choir gets to wear, but compared to last year, Concert Choir has more pieces to perform,” Tracy said. “We all have learned to sight-read music, which is a really hard and frustrating process that Ms. Lin has helped us through.”

Marlborough’s bands, 3rd & Rossmore and the Mangoes, also performed, in addition to the Vocalist In-Residence students. Corwin, among a group of selectively chosen students, worked with this year’s Vocalist in Residence Lisa Vroman on a solo and said she really enjoyed the mentorship.

“She has a great energy and ear, and I appreciated getting feedback from someone new,” Corwin said.

After participating in the concert, Tracy said she is looking forward to more exciting opportunities in Chamber Choir next year.

“Looking at the current Chamber Choir members, I see them all as people to look up to, and I want to be that figure for other aspiring singers,” Tracy said. “Since Chamber Choir is a bigger group, the songs you do are harder and more complex which makes me nervous, yet I am excited to learn.”

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LOSING ZZZ'S LOSING FOCUS

GRAPHIC BY CHLOE ANDERSON

By kelly danielpour, Chloe hutchens and faye raad

20 features

A

s clocks tick towards midnight and empty coffee cups pile up next to beds, many students are faced with a daunting choice: go to sleep now, leave their essays unfinished on their laptops or push through and continue trying to string together coherent sentences into the early morning. Although teachers, doctors and parents preach the importance of sleep, many students find themselves unable to get the recommended 8-10 hours when homework and extracurriculars dominate their time outside of school.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need an average of 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but only 11 percent of the 102 respondents to a UV survey indicated that they rest the recommended number of hours.

39 percent of respondents reported they get 7 hours of sleep and 28 percent reported 6 hours, significantly less than the recommended amount.

Correspondingly, 78 percent said they do not get enough sleep.

Marlborough stresses the importance of sleep on the formation of teens’ brains and urges students to go to sleep earlier. However, studying and extracurriculars can prevent students from getting the recommended amount of sleep. 91 percent of survey respondents attributed lack of sleep partially to studying, while 73 percent cited extracurriculars.

“I play a sport, and I think whenever you have something after school it not only takes away the time playing the sport and transportation, but you’re tired when you come home, so you don’t do your work as efficiently,” Anjali Mehta ’21 said.

Tori Hickey ’22 said that her participation in sports is the reason for her lack of sleep.

“I play tennis after school, so I start my homework later and then go to sleep later,” Hickey said.

Additionally, students reported that they get less sleep the night before a test. While the majority of survey respondents said they get between 6-7 hours of sleep on a typical night, and only 22 percent get 5 hours or fewer, most students said they sleep for 5-6 hours before a test and 40 percent

the issue The cycle uLTraviolet

said they get five or fewer.

Rem Sleep

Director of Educational and Counseling Services Marisa Crandall said that a lack of sleep may lead to mood disorders.

Having healthy sleeping habits makes a huge difference in people’s mental and physical well-being.

Rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep is a phase one enters several times throughout the night while sleeping.

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, REM sleep takes up 25 percent of the sleep cycle. REM is what allows one to store memories, learn and balance one’s mood.

“We process everything that happened during the day when we’re sleeping... if you don’t get to the deeper layers of sleep, like REM sleep, you don’t ever process the good things that happened to you during the day... your brain will process the negative things that happened to you, and those things will become encased in your memory,” Crandall said. “This could account in some ways for why lack of sleep can lead to depression and other kinds of mood disorders.”

Many Marlborough students reported negative effects stemming from their lack of sleep. 84 percent of survey respondents said they have trouble focusing as a consequence of insufficient rest. While Marlborough has attempted to discourage students from consuming caffeine out of fear of its negative effects on developing brains, 29 percent of students reported that they always rely on caffeine to make up for lack of sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, consumption of caffeine, in particular coffee, has often been associated with numerous negative effects on developing brains. These include insomnia, jitteriness, upset stomach, headaches, difficulty concentrating and increased heart rate.

Dr. Jerome Siegel is a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles. In a New York Times article, “Why Do We Sleep,” he explained the brain’s functions during REM sleep.

“Sleep [is] not a simple turning off of the brain, but an active, organized physiological process,” Siegel said.

A lack of REM sleep can lead to migraines and an inability to remember what you learned the day before.

Kaelyn Hindshaw ’21 said her migraines intesify with a lack of sleep.

“When I get migraines, I’m in so much pain that I can’t even pay attention in any of my classes,” Hindshaw said.

According to the same New York Times article, Dr. J. Allan Hobson and Dr. Robert Stickgold from Harvard argue that REM sleep helps strengthen memory and advances learning.

“Despite knowing the negative effects its consumption can have, I often end up drinking coffee to make up for the sleep I am not having. This is a constant cycle I think many Marlborough students face, especially those who participate in extra-curriculars,” Dakota Benjamin ‘21 said.

“It’s harder for me to think towards the end of the [school] week. I found that it’s harder to concentrate during tests and classes. By Friday, it’s hard for me to get through the day, not because I dislike any of my classes, but just because I’m so tired,” SarahMae Tuohy ’22 said.

Department Head and science instructor Jennifer Garrison Ross said she has noticed a difference between when students get enough sleep versus when they are not rested.

Although 85 percent of respondents to the UV survey said they know what REM sleep is, less than 7 percent of them said they have methods to ensure that they achieve full REM. Garrison Ross said that Marlborough students need to be conscious of the workload they are taking on.

“When students are tired, they get less out of their class time and fall behind more in their studies. Even if they aren’t falling asleep in class, they aren’t able to focus like they would if they were better rested,” Garrison Ross said.

“Students need to realize that there are only limited hours in the day and start making healthy choices,” Garrison Ross said, “not biting off more than they can chew.”

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LET IT FLOW

By Samantha CHung, Allyson oh and Emma Yanai

22

Features

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TESSA KONG

Periods are a regular oc-currence for billions of people around the world, fueling a feminine hygiene products industry valued at $24 billion a year and growing. While once dominated by pads and tampons, the industry has recently diversified, and people now have a vast array of cups, discs and underwear to deal with their “time of the month.�

Despite feminine hygiene products being a necessity for half the population at some point in their lives, the topic remains taboo, and many disadvantaged women are unable to even obtain products in the first place.

The cycle issue

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The culture Aunt Flo, Shark Week, That Time of the Month. Girls use a virtually infinite number of euphemisms to avoid using one word: “period.”

According to Health and Wellness Instructor Nicole Beck, this word has become taboo.

“There are all these terms for periods...” Beck said. “But why can’t we just say ‘period’ or ‘menstruation’ or ‘cycle?’”

Among Marlborough students, 47 percent of 87 respondents to a UV survey said they have felt uncomfortable talking about their period.

An anonymous student said she did not feel comfortable even answering the survey.

“It can be awkward, and it’s not something I feel like talking about,” she said.

Even students who answered the survey noted a sense of awkwardness surrounding periods, especially in a co-ed environment.

“I think there is a deep stigma around periods,” Isabella Whitney ’21 said. “At a co-ed institution especially, it probably provokes

greater stigma...Given there are boys, it promotes the sense that girls should be embarrassed about periods because it makes them different than boys.”

This stigma is global. While living in Fiji, Beck witnessed boys and girls being separated when girls’ menstrual cycles began.

“Often, the weight and responsibility of the period falls upon the young women,” Beck said. “There are places in the world where it’s a shameful thing to talk about or to have in cultures where boys and girls around puberty are separated. It’s believed that young women, once they have their period, shouldn’t be around even their brothers in the home.”

Many feel that being at an all-girls school dramatically changes the culture around menstruation. 75 percent of survey respondents felt that Marlborough has a more open culture around periods than co-ed schools do.

“In public, if I drop a pad, I look around to see if anyone notices,” Sonora Robles ’21 said. “At Marlborough, I just pick it up. One time I dropped a pad and a Marlborough student came and picked it up for

me. It really made us bond.”

Not only do students believe that there is less stigma at Marlborough, but many also feel that periods can spark a sense of solidarity among classmates. Whitney said periods are a regular topic of conversation with her friends.

“I think that at our school in particular, there is a sense of bonding over shared suffering,” she said. “As that is what a period entails, there is a sense of community that surrounds it.”

Products Despite the popular belief that pads and tampons are the only products to handle periods, there are actually a wide variety of that are designed to help with periods. More recently, products have emerged including menstrual cups, which are inserted into the vagina to catch blood, and Thinx, underwear that can be bled directly into and then washed.

According to Healthline, menstrual cups are safer to use than tampons since they collect blood rather than absorbing it. As a result, users do not risk getting toxic shock syndrome, a dangerous infection sometimes caused by tampons.

Another new product is the FLEX Disc, ringed cups inserted into the vagina. They can absorb as much blood as three tampons, contributing to environmental benefits by reducing packaging waste. They can be worn for 12 hours without worry of TSS, reduce menstrual cramps in up

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TESSA KONG

24 Features

to 60 percent of users and reduce dryness and irritation in 80 percent of users (see p.15 for review).

Many products, including Thinx, are also more eco-friendly than pads or tampons.The average woman throws away 250-300 pounds of period products in her lifetime according to Green Matters, an environmentally conscious lifestyle company.

Although many products are available for purchase, pads and tampons are most common. 82 percent of 138 respondents to a UV survey indicated that they use pads, while 66 percent said they use tampons. By contrast, just 3 percent of respondents cited using menstrual cups.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TESSA KONG

One of the reasons why pads and tampons may be popular is because they are more “mainstream,” usually being the only supplies available in female restrooms, including those at Marlborough.

Marlborough began providing free pads and tampons in bathrooms two years ago, but some students feel that the supplies offered in Marlborough bathrooms are of lower quality than the products they would use at home. Furthermore, complementary pads and tampons often run out by the end of the day.

“They might not be the highest brand or quality that people might expect,” SarahMae Tuohy ’22 acknowledged, “but I don’t think that’s necessary to have...and it’s a good

The cycle issue

option for people who don’t have the expenses or time to constantly go out and buy those things.”

Accessibility According to the New York Times, the average woman will menstruate for seven years in her lifetime.

That’s seven years of pads, tampons, painkillers, and the occasional replaced pair of underwear, at a cost that the HuffPost estimates to be over $24,000. And for many of those 30 million, the majority of whom are women, the cost of feminine hygiene products can be insurmountable. A report in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 64 percent of the low-income women they surveyed had not been able to buy the necessary products in the past year.

Dr. Mary Rosser, director of Integrated Women’s Health at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, believes this crisis serves as a testament to the unique struggles women experience as a result of systemic inequality. Rosser notes that period products are often “the last thing that gets paid for,” with childcare and food taking priority.

Advocates have begun calling for what has been called “Menstrual Equity,” or equal access to hygiene products. The movement has called for an end to taxes on pads and tampons, which many argue are necessities of life. A common talking point among activists is to point out that Viagra remains tax-free.

The movement has seen real legislative change. Federal prisons and public schools in many states are now required to supply menstrual products, and bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives that would mandate that all companies with more than 100 employees provide menstrual products for their workers.

Marlborough students have also become involved in such movements. In addition to the spirit week drive that collected products for low-income women, SarahMae Tuohy ’22 donates to products to homeless shelters.

“I think [lack of access] is something we need to think about more,” Tuohy said, “Because I think a lot of people complain about their period, and should understand that we’re luckier than a lot of people.”

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Soulcycling 11 Times a week?!

By noor nouaili

Rollin vividly remembers the dread she felt towards attending her first SoulCycle class on March 10, 2018.

“My mom had to actually force me to go with her. I was so against it… But, the second I went in, I loved it,” Sykes said.

Sykes’s favorite parts about SoulCycle are the music, the people and the energy. Rollin also thanks SoulCycle for getting her back into shape and making her genuinely love exercising.

Rollin Sykes ‘20 celebrating her birthday at SoulCycle.

SoulCycle’s iconic yellow spin bikes and logo-emblazoned wheel are immediately recognizable to many Angelos.

For the few who have not been taken over by the SoulCycle frenzy, SoulCycle is a high-intensity, 45-minute spin class that has gained a cult following in Los Angeles and New York. While most of us may see SoulCycle as a fun way to exercise once in a while, to cycling fanatic junior Rollin Sykes, it is a lifestyle.

“I could definitely do it. It’s just about finding when the timing is right because of school and college.”

-Rollin sykes Looking toward the future, Sykes is planning on submitting an application to become a SoulCycle instructor in February once she turns 18. After the first audition process, all the applicants go to New York for a three-month intensive training program.

“I could definitely do it. It’s just about finding when the timing is right because of school and college,” Sykes said.

“It will happen eventually, it is just a matter of time.”

Sykes has been attending SoulCycle classes for a little over a year. Sykes’s SoulCycle schedule seems ambitious even to pro cyclers. While she attended classes three times a week during the beginning of the summer of 2018, by August, she found herself cycling 10 times a week. Now, Rollin continues to attend SoulCycle classes between 10 and 11 times every week, which often entails attending two or three classes in one day.

For anyone looking to join Sykes in a class, her favorite instructors are Ross, Brian and Jamie at the Culver City and Brentwood locations.

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Rollin Sykes ‘20 with one of her favorite instructors.

THE Sideline

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ROLLIN SYKES

“Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and sometimes Wednesdays I double,” Sykes said. “Tuesday and Thursday I do back-to-back classes. Wednesdays and Saturdays I do one in the morning and one at night, and Sundays I sometimes do two in the morning and one at night.”

LAX IS leaving their mark

By BELLA RHOW

The Varsity Lacrosse team, despite the rough start to their season, has pushed itself and finally pulled itself back to getting some wins. The team lost to Glendale High, Chaminade, Westlake, Crescenta Valley and Pali.

Despite their losses, the team felt like their season was a success. Westlake had two recruits going to Division I lacrosse schools, but Marlborough only lost by a slim three points. They took the team head on and fought all the way down to the final points.

Chaminade was also a very difficult game for Marlborough.

The team went in expecting a loss since Chaminade is considered a very high-level team and because Marlborough has never taken a win from them. But again, Marlborough battled and only lost by one point. The team was proud and was ready to take on Chaminade for a rematch on Monday, April 14th. After another close game, the team lost again by only one point.

Things began looking up on April 8. In their game against Notre Dame High School, Marlborough won by an impressive 5 points. Sophmore Faye Raad emphasized her dedication to the team and to her teammates following the Notre Dame win.

“I am so honored to be on a team that is so committed to the sport and willing to bring 120 percent to every practice,” Raad said.

The team is in high spirits after an exciting season.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ALISON MOSER

“I am so proud of my team and all that we’ve accomplished,” Audrey Loo ‘21 said.

LAX Seniors: Annette Kim ‘19, Chloe Freitas ‘19, Isabella Kong ‘19, Caroline Flintoft ‘19, Aubrey White ‘19, Chloe Kim ‘19, Morgan Schaack ‘19, and Haley Brown ‘19.

The Cycle issue

Emmie Johnston ‘20, Katie Suchniak ‘20, Morgan Schaack ‘19, Isabella Kong ‘19, Audrey Loo ‘21 and Aubrey White ‘19 before a home game.

Chloe Kim ‘19 in a home game.

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swim team is small but mighty

By Eleanor Berger and Noor Nouaili

The Swim team huddles before one of their home games.

While the Marlborough Varsity Swim team has had its fair share of challenges, the swimmers’ resilience and determination have pushed them to finish second place in Delphic League this past season.

Newly-instated team captain Blanca Diaz ’20 said the team faced numerous obstacles throughout the season.

“One of the main challenges Swim team faced this year was having league finals right after spring break. This was hard because many of us were out of town, so we could not swim as a team over break. We worked hard over spring break, even at times when we didn’t want to, and our hard work paid off at league finals and CIF,” Diaz said.

“We do lack swimmers, although we make up for this obstacle by being quality swimmers,” Diaz said.

With low participation and commitment at the start of the season, the swim captains needed to boost energy and foster team bonding.

This was accomplished successfully during the team’s annual Challenge Day where the swimmers spend 12 hours

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Senior and former Swim team captain Zoe Levin ’19 described the day as physically strenuous, but a valuable time for new and returning swimmers to bond.

“Challenge Day is incredibly difficult, but the teammates get very close from it. We end Challenge Day with something called Love Fest where the entire team gathers in a circle and shares compliments with one another while eating a ton of desserts,” Levin said.

In total, the Swim team displayed strong efforts this season, especially against their rival team from Immaculate Heart.

Swim team manager Sadie Gerber ‘20 emphasized how close the competition was during the first meet against Immaculate Heart.

“It was super intense as we were fighting for first place, and in the end we ended up winning by only three points,” Gerber said.

Nine swimmers this year qualified for CIF preliminaries which took place in Riverside on May 1, and six qualified for CIF finals on May 2.

THE Sideline/in the community

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ALISON MOSER

Another challenge Diaz cited was the small size of the team this year.

together doing a variety of exercises including two-hour long swim workouts, exercise classes, yoga and beach runs.

emma cruz advances to aime

by Talia Abrahamson and Sophie Dorf-Kamienny At 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 fueled by Sam’s Bagels and coffee, Marlborough mathletes sat down to take the American Mathematics Competition. One Multivariable Calculus student, Emma Cruz ’21, scored within the top 2.5 percent of AMC 10 test-takers, a pool of 10th grade participants and younger, qualifying her to take the prestigious American Invitational Mathematics Examination on March 13.

In the past seven years, only two Marlborough students have progressed By catherine malanga beyond the AMC. Top-scoring participants in AIME move on to either the USA Mathematical Olympiad or USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad.

The AIME is a three-hour examination with 15 questions. Although no calculators are allowed, rulers and protractors are permitted. Cruz learned from Mathematics Department Head Melissa Banister that she qualified three days before the exam, while participating in a tournament with the

Marlbots robotics team.

“I didn’t expect to make it that far, at all, because this is my third year taking the AMC but my first year qualifying. I was pleasantly surprised,” Cruz said.

Cruz worked on six questions and correctly answered two questions.

The exam, like the AMC, can be solved completely by using precalculus methods, but extensive mathematical knowledge is required to excel.

According to Cruz, lack of outside knowledge pertaining to number theory and some specific formulas as well as only

having a few days to prepare for the AIME hindered her success. Banister said, however, that her overall success speaks to her consistent drive and motivation to exceed in mathematics.

Banister has taught Cruz in Multivariable Calculus, a class well above her grade level, since the beginning of the academic year, but noted that Marlborough does not offer preparation for the AMC. Instead, students who wish to review for the exams, which follow a structure vastly different than that of a typical math assessment, must rely on practice material from math-focused websites such as Art of Problem Solving.

“She came in ahead,” Banister said, “so a lot of this is credit to her and whatever her path had been before she came to Marlborough, because she had the opportunity to get this far ahead.”

burke publishes new book by ava richars

PHOTOGRAPH BY TALIA ABRAHAMSON, © CICO BOOKS

Marlborough Yoga Instructor Christine Burke released her second book, “The Power of Breath and Hand Yoga: Pranayama and Mudras for Health and Well-being,” on April 9. The book provides breathing exercises and techniques for people of all ages, levels of mobility and schedules.

“The Power of Breath and Hand Yoga” is comprised of three sections: Mind, Body and Spirit. The section entitled Body offers mudras (movements or poses in yoga) and breathing exercises for 18 conditions including arthritis, headaches, ear trouble and sinus congestion. The Mind and Spirit sections

The uLTraviolet

are filled with anecdotal stories, scientific studies on the value of yoga practice and meditative affirmations that can be used to center oneself.

Burke was originally motivated to publish the book for Marlborough students to supply tools that aid in managing anxiety or finding emotional balance.

“I found teenagers were really responding to the mudras and the breath as something tangible that you can take away and implement before a sports game or a test,” Burke said.

Burke said her next book will be specifically dedicated to teenagers and the value of yoga in their everyday lives.

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meet all-school council for 2020 By julia edelman

TARA MANDaL: PRESIDENT

“Marlborough needs some more action in regards to confronting problems rather than just talking about them, so I want to be the voice between students and administration to truly make the changes necessary to improve our school.”

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“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with fellow student-athletes, council members and the athletics faculty to make our athletics program the best that it possibly can be. Go Mustangs.”

As Athletics Representative, Sandler wants to foster Mustang pride and keep students informed by collaborating with Class Communications Representatives to put Marlborough sports teams’ wins from the previous week in each class’s weekly email and notify students of upcoming home games and tryouts. Additionally, Sandler hopes to improve the quality of athletic spirit wear. Sandler’s final goal is to work with Class Athletics and Community Partnership Representatives to plan events involving food and games in order to raise money for sports-related charities.

lily bragin: community partnership representative

“I am determined to make sure that every Marlborough student finds a part of community partnership work that she loves.”

Bragin is very passionate about social justice, and her main goal as Community Partnership Representative is to create a community partnership fair with representatives from organizations from all over Los Angeles. This fair will ensure that Marlborough students will be able to find a cause that speaks to them and hopefully find opportunities to work with these organizations through volunteer work or internships.

Bragin is thrilled about her position for next year and invites anyone with questions to come to her.

in the community

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIA EDELMAN

Mandal’s main goal as All-School President is to relieve students from school-related stress. She hopes to do this by supplying monthly sheet masks that students can wear around campus, instituting pajama days (especially around midterms and finals) and surprising students with comfort food.

She also wants to face issues such as diversity and menstruation head on.

One way Mandal plans to take action is by stocking the school bathrooms with pads and tampons from popular brands in an effort to reduce the amount of stress that periods can cause. Mandal is most looking forward to getting to know Marlborough students across all grades and advocating for her peers’ interests.

riley sandler: athletics representative

fiona tarses: arts representative

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIA EDELMAN, TALIA ABRAHAMSON

“I think it is important for Marlborough students to see that you can make a career from art, and there is no better way to show them that than with the wise words of the multitude of artists we have right here in our city.”

As All-School Arts Representative, Tarses would like to foster interaction between Marlborough artists and the greater Los Angeles community. She would like to do this by reinstating AMP'd, a celebration of Marlborough's contemporary musicians, inviting other high schools to the event, bringing in professional artists to speak at Pushing Perspectives and including arts-related events in the weekly emails to raise student awareness and participation of arts events around the city. Tarses also wants to increase support of and involvement in the Marlborough Arts community by exhibiting student art around campus, starting lunchtime performances from theater classes and extended previews for the play, and making information for art shows and groups more accessible to increase school-wide participation. Tarses is excited to interact with and advocate for artists at Marlborough and in Los Angeles.

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kendra mosenson: communications representative

delaney michaelson: environmental representative

“I'm a really big fan of emails, so I'm looking forward to making my weekly emails as informative and entertaining as possible while also keeping them minimally invasive.”

“I want to create activities outside Café M where students can do fun activities that also benefit the environment, such as DIY scrunchies or potting succulents.”

Mosenson’s goals as Communications Representative include working with teachers to minimize test overlap following NADA nights by making the test calendar more accessible and flexible. Mosenson also wants to add a document of schoolwide birthdays to all weekly emails as well as a brief rundown of the past week’s news.

She is also eager to work with council to increase the level of communication between council and the rest of the student body in an effort to ensure that all students’ voices are heard.

Michaelson’s vision for next year as Environmental Representative is to help students connect their social justice passions to the environment. She wants to emphasize that the environment is a social, political, economic and cultural issue by organizing events where students can get involved with the environment.

Michaelson is excited to get to know other passionate environmentalists at Marlborough through her position on All-School Council.

emmie johnston: assembly coordinator “I’m excited to get to know everyone next year and be a person that will bring more fun and excitement to school.”

Johnston plans to bring enthusiasm and energy to her position as Assembly Coordinator. She hopes to make ASMs enjoyable for students in all grades by enstating small trivia games to mark the order in which grades are let out. The grade with the most victories by the end of the year will win a prize. Johnston also wants to revamp the @marlboroughlife Instagram account by posting more creative content, including her own vlogs, in an effort to generate more school spirit.

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LUx frisina goes hollywood Lux Frisina ’18’s new movie “Ditch,” the female spin-off of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” will be on Netflix. by tessa kong

By catherine

PHOTOGRAPH BY SONYA FRISINA

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In The community

What inspired you to write “DITCH?” I like to think of “Ditch” as an homage to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “16 Candles” and “Clueless.” I remember watching “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” for the first time when I was 15. My first reaction was, “Why aren’t there movies being made like this for my generation?” Then, I thought, “There should be a female version of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ because, frankly, there should be a female version of everything.”

Then I was like, “Hold up. Why should I wait around until someone else makes the movie that I want to watch? I’m going to write the female version of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’!” And so I did. At least, that’s what it started off as. But as I continued to write, it became something entirely different from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” While, yes, I worked hard to have it evoke the same emotional response, “Ditch” is entirely its own, and I’m really proud of it.

As I got into the revision process, it was really important to me that at the beginning of the movie I introduce Lucky as a confident young woman and that, by the end of the movie, she is still a confident young woman who has matured. Often, female protagonists start off shy and in a shell that they learn to break out of by the end when they finally find their voice and confidence; whereas, a lot of movies with male protagonists start off confident and end confident. While there is

definitely a need for the type of movie where we learn how to build confidence, I want to see more movies with women who are confident from start to finish. I also made the conscious decision to write female characters whenever the opportunity arose. So, naturally, all of the main characters are women except for Caleb, who is Lucky’s heterosexual love interest. It’s pretty cool to have the power to write stories and make movies about women for women that can be enjoyed by everyone.

What was the process of writing “DITCH” and selling it to Netflix?

I started writing “Ditch” on a Pages document during the summer between my freshman and sophomore year at Marlborough. As soon as I had a beginning, middle and end with a page count of roughly 90, I printed it out and showed it to my dad. My dad is an extremely talented screenwriter who has taught me everything I know about movies, screenwriting and beyond. He was impressed that I actually finished a first draft of a script and he recognized my dedication and passion. So, he put on his “professor’s cap” and took me seriously as a screenwriter. He marked up my first draft of “Ditch” with lots of notes, set me up on Final Draft, gave me a stack of books to read on how to write screenplays, and from there, I began the rewrite.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUDREY SIGEL, CLARE LARSEN

After the sixth rewrite, I reached a point where I was happy with where “Ditch” was and wanted to share it with people... but, then the question became, what people? I knew no people, or so I thought… For about six months, I had “Ditch” sitting in the drawer (as they say) until one magical day during my junior year at Marlborough. I was eating lunch at school with my friend Jordan Phillips, and we started talking about what our parents do. She said her mom is an agent. I played it cool but on the inside I was freaking out. So, after school, I worked up the courage to send Jordan an email saying, “I know this might sound super duper weird but I was wondering if your mom could read a script that I wrote to see if I’m on the right track.” And, she did! Jordan

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Phillips’ mom, Valarie Phillips, emailed me after she read it. I was expecting a one liner like, “This was great. I’d love to read your next one.” But, no.

Valarie went above and beyond (as usual) and sent me a three page long email about what she liked, what she didn’t like, very detailed. It was so thoughtful!

I then applied her notes and sent a rewrite back to her within a week.

Currently, Valarie Phillips is my agent at Paradigm Talent Agency and Jeff Okin is my manager at Anonymous Content. They sent my script out to potential buyers. During junior year at Marlborough, a company was in the process of optioning it. I was so excited. And then, the deal fell apart, and it didn’t get made. I was crushed. But, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because during senior year, two producers who know Naketha Mattocks at Netflix read it and reached out and said that they loved “Ditch” and wanted to meet me. I remember we had our meeting right after the annual senior tradition where we all run around campus as a class and jump into the pool together with our uniforms on. So, yeah, I showed up to that meeting with soaking wet hair, but it went great, and I hit it off with the producers. Next thing I knew, it was June of 2018, I’ve just graduated from Marlborough, and Valarie has set my meeting with Naketha. When I met Naketha at the Netflix Headquarters in Hollywood, she decided in the boardroom that she wanted to make my movie! It was a dream come true.

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view from the top By maggie marks

Honestly, I’m pretty sure I’m still twelve years old. If you told me that the last five years of my life were implanted by aliens or something, I would fully believe you. The fact that I will be graduating in a year doesn’t seem real at all. I don’t know how to quantify how much I have changed during my time at Marlborough, or how to articulate the fact that I have no idea what will come next. I have, however, recently encountered a person who is exactly how I want to be after I leave Marlborough.

As the bus approached the beachside facility, the scent of, well, sewage, grew stronger. The bus pulled up along-

“I bet your parents don’t let you do that with their nice couches!” she said.

I felt a smile break on my face. “What an icon,” I thought. “I wish I was so self-assured that I could tell teenagers, who are the scariest people in the world, what to do.”

After putting this senior in her place, my new hero began to lecture us on the history of the treatment plant. She emphasized how it has been operating for decades straight, through construction and updated regulations, and how vital its services are to Los Angeles.

After her lecture, our guide gave us a tour of the facilities that provide these services, all the chemical and physical

processes that make wastewater safe enough to put in the ocean. The services the facilities provide are, again, gross, but the guide was so passionate about her work. Her enthusiasm was infectious. I couldn’t help but forget about how disgusting sewage is, and be entranced by the marvel of human ingenuity that is wastewater management.

When I leave Marlborough, I want to find my sewage. I want to be a part of something vital, something that matters, something I care about deeply.

And I’m not kidding when I say I think about this woman at least twice a week, even though I never spoke with her and I am fairly certain I left no impression on her whatsoever. She found a place for herself; she has control and dedication. She is the Queen of Hyperion, lording over her dominion of high schoolers and wastewater. I can only dream that I, too, will one day find my Hyperion.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ARIN LITTMAN

It was a rainy day, and all the AP Environmental Science students were on a bus headed to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. While I consider myself a big proponent of modern plumbing, I was decidedly not excited to be confronted with the gross reality of sewage treatment.

side a building in the plant and all the students ran in, trying to get out of the rain and away from the smell. We entered a small auditorium and took our seats. As we sat down, our guide entered and immediately told one of the seniors to get her feet off of the furniture.

Billie eilish and the dawn of gen-z pop By avery crystal

ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE ANDERSON

Billie Eilish is the 17-year-old indie-pop star who went from dropping acoustic ballads on Soundcloud to charting on the Billboard Top 100 in under two years. With ethereal, whispery vocals that float smoothly over sharp baselines and hazy synths, Eilish is redefining melancholic pop. For some context, Eilish’s subgenre of “moody” pop was made mainstream by the likes of Lana Del Rey and Lorde––artists who can fold vulnerable lyricism into stylish ballads for a radio audience. After a long period of touring her debut EP “Don’t Smile At Me”, Eilish proves that she is the new face of spooky Gen-Z pop with the release of her first album, “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” With only a few forgettable pieces, “ASLEEP” is a success that manages to coalesce quirky melodies, rich vocal production and commercial sound into a powerful debut record.

Generally speaking, the most successful tracks on the album are those that blend Eilish’s signature bravado, eeriness and vulnerability into odes that push the boundaries of pop. This is most evident in her fifth piece, “all the good girls go to hell.” Supported by a playful beat, Eilish executes her most lyrically impressive song with lines that subvert the “good girl” idealism of suburban paradise, such as “pearly gates look more like a

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picket fence.” The track is striking and assertive, balancing Eilish’s aggressive independence with pop-princess bass and synth rhythms.

A similarly effective tone is achieved in perhaps the weirdest song on the album, “my strange addiction.” The track gracefully skates between blocky samplings of dialogue from television classic, “The Office,” and lyrical gymnastics that suggest we should “take a break, not an oxford comma.” In an industry inundated with overproduced club tracks, “my strange addiction” is an experimental risk that seamlessly blends poetic depth with chart-topping listenability.

One song that evades easy categorization is “ilomilo.” With reverberation applied to her vocals, Eilish laments the loss of close friend XXXTentacion over a synth-infused beat that mimics the sound effects used in popular arcade games. Throughout “ASLEEP,” Eilish references the complexities of grief in compositions such as “bury a friend” and “ilomilo,” but among these more personal tracks, Eilish’s most successful is “xanny.” Set to a minimalist drum beat that supports hazy, growling vocals, Eilish decries the excessive drug use of contemporary popular culture. The song alludes to the premature deaths of fellow artists such as Mac Miller and Lil Peep

through delicate songwriting that envelops listeners in a woozy post-party sunrise. “ilomilo,” “bury a friend” and “xanny” prove that Eilish has a depth of emotion rare in today’s saturated pop market and are refreshing deviations from her more saccharine hits.

Despite its underlying strength, Eilish front-loads the album with her best tracks, leaving the listener feeling slightly unsatisfied at its conclusion.

The penultimate three songs; “listen before i go,” “i love you,” and “goodbye” are drowsy musings on the turbulence of love that, despite brooding intentions, quickly become a “mom it’s not a phase” caricature of teenage angst. Replete with sloping guitar melodies, thunderclaps and whispering harmonies, the finales are sonically dynamic but fall flat amidst more original and surprising tracks.

“WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” is a fluttery ode to the darkness of teenage years. Eilish releases her inhibition with violent but purposeful lyrics, complex beats and graceful intonation. While the record ends on a slightly flatter note, Asleep expertly plumbs the depths of life and death without its self-reflective tone feeling forced. In the world of moody pop, Billie Eilish should definitely be on your radar as she continues to shatter convention with her eerie falsetto.

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the purge: a review By sarahmae tuohy For me, a weekend off, while almost as rare as a good episode of Riverdale, is full of potential opportunities. My movie selection process begins with a simple question: do I want to scream or laugh? I realize that this may seem confusing because horror movies are intended to scare their audiences, but I believe that a horror movie can be funnier than a comedy. A perfect example of this type of movie is “The Purge,” a fairly popular movie I decided to bite the bullet and watch, so I now have some thoughts to share.

“The Purge” is premised on an interesting thought: “What if all crime was legal for 12 hours every year?”

The idea is intriguing if you ignore the troubling plot holes, such as the impossibility of verifying whether crime was committed before 12 hours end or how all of the characters are able to return to normal life after witnessing their friends, family and co-workers commit horrible crimes. Unfortunately, the film’s potential is squandered as the movie turns out to be a shallow and accidentally comedic home invasion.

The film’s unintentional comedy begins as the central characters, the Sandin family, make laughable choices. While I know horror characters are infamous for going back into the haunted house for their dog, I still felt that the Sandins’ decision to provide sanctuary to a stranger –– a homeless man running from the main antagonists at the beginning of the film –– seems overwhelmingly idiotic. This is not to say it wasn’t a kind thing to do, but when all crime is legal, letting a stranger into one’s home is a terrible.

A more sympathetic viewing of “The Purge” could lead one to believe the film is an intentional and successful satire. However, satires are only influential when salient meaning lies behind the irony. “The Purge,” however, fails to convey any deep messages beneath of the surface-level plot.

Although the film attempts to portray the intrinsic darkness of human nature as ordinary people are shown committing brutal homicides, this message comes off as sloppy to most.

Later in “The Purge” franchise, the writers entirely contradict their original film’s inherently violent message and shift their focus to governmental corruption, suggesting that the exploration of human nature was not all that central to the film in the first place.

Some might also argue that “The Purge” is an artistic masterpiece for playing with horror tropes; however, there’s no reason why ridiculing or refusing to comply with a cliche might make a film intrinsically valuable. A far better attempt at depth within the horror genre can be found in Jordan Peele’s Us and Get Out, both of which are

NE

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Overall, I give “The Purge” a 6/10 for its interesting focus and humor, which makes it enjoyable to watch although it is lacking in quality. My recommendation for those who want to watch this movie is not to take it too seriously.

JESS LA

Polite Stranger, the film’s central antagonist who also happens to be my

None of this is to say the film doesn’t have any scary moments; there were a couple of jump scares that made me squeal as well as some ominous shots of the masked intruders as they break into the house.

able to make statements about society’s problems while still being scary.

As a result, at best, “The Purge” is social commentary that lacks depth. At worst, “The Purge” is a poorly made horror film that comes off as unintentionally funny, much like “The Room.”

ILLUSTRA TION BY

In addition to choices characters make, their dialogue often feels out of place. The acting, regardless of the film’s star-studded cast, feels so forced that the movie feels reminiscent of “The Room.”

personal favorite character, is driven by the desire to kill the homeless man let into the house at the beginning of the movie. Polite Stranger is introduced when he speaks to the Sandins in a strangely perky tone with dialogue that is clearly used in a desperate attempt by the filmmakers to paint him as intelligent. This off-putting tone, while intending to be eerie, comes off as a frat boy-sounding level of pretension.

voices

Last June, I drove my friend to the Mulholland Scenic Overlook to watch my favorite movie of all time in the backseat of my car. To my astonishment, he had never seen it before.

As pastel hues washed the clouds out of the horizon line through my windshield, the opening credits rolled to reveal a familiar California Christmas scene. I found myself on the edge of my seat – not because I had forgotten what was going to unfold next on screen, but because I was petrified that my friend would not cherish this film as I did. I’d really hyped this movie up to him and at the time, I didn’t know the guy all that well. Fortunately, he loved it. Ten months later, he’s my best friend, and the film is even closer to my heart as I prepare to graduate from high school and embark on my next journey.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DORRIT CORWIN

Almost Famous (2000), written and directed by Cameron Crowe, is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama that follows a teenage writer who lands the opportunity of a lifetime to travel with a rock band and document their tour for “Rolling Stone.” The film begins in 1969, focusing on child prodigy William Miller (Patrick Fugit) whose neurotic mother (Frances McDormand) forbade him from listening to rock music. After William’s older sister (Zooey Deschanel) informs him of some musical contraband that she left under his bed, he becomes transformed by The Who’s fourth album into a rock enthusiast. Miraculously, he receives an assignment from a local music journalist to review a Black Sabbath concert, where he befriends the lead singer of the opening band. The rest is history for William, who soon finds himself traveling across the country with the band and falling in love with mysterious “band-aids” like the infamous Penny Lane (Kate Hudson).

Almost Famous is the inspiration for this column and for the audacious lifestyle I’ve chosen to lead. Just as William’s concerned mother demands that her son call home every day, my mother was hesitant to let me attend Coachella as a freshman and was anxious every time she dropped me off at an indie concert in Koreatown on a school night. “You promise you did all of your school work?” “Yes, Mom.” “And you’ll be home by midnight?”

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over and out

the d side

by Dorrit corwin

Like Elaine, my mother has come to embrace this hobby of mine, and has seen it blossom into something more substantial than a way to have fun.

Weeknight concerts got me through seemingly endless weeks of back-toback assessments and let me out of my bubble, even if just for an evening, to witness the art of live music. Upon returning home, I’d immediately write down all of my thoughts. Soon, I found myself publishing these pieces and sharing them with executives at Goldenvoice, who were so taken by my passion for their industry that I was giving them music recommendations and being gifted free artist passes to Coachella I wasn’t quite William Miller, but I was pretty damn close.

William Miller has always been one of my greatest role models. A fellow journalist and old soul, I will take all that I’ve learned from him about meeting new people and writing with truth and grit as I continue on to college and beyond. I’d like to think that there’s a little bit of Penny in me: caring of those who surround her, and a little Anita: fearlessly independent and slightly rebellious. The three each exemplify different approaches to their fleeting adolescence, flooding viewers of the film with nostalgia.

Almost Famous is a film best watched

surrounded by those who empower you, and the experience is different every time. It was new when I watched it with my friends at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, when hundreds of people stood up on their picnic blankets to join the cast in screaming “Tiny Dancer” together during an iconic tour bus scene. It was new when I watched it a month later in my car because I was witnessing the blossoming of a friendship.

High school is memorable for the moments when you feel alive. As a UV columnist, it has been an honor to have a platform on which to share the experiences that have defined my adolescence. The soft chords of “America” by Simon and Garfunkel that play as William’s sister Anita packs her belongings into the trunk of her boyfriend’s car are already flooding my brain as I think about leaving home in a few months. I recall that at the very end of the film, Anita runs into a disheveled William in an airport and tells him she’ll take him anywhere in the world. He chooses home.

A piece of my heart will always be in Los Angeles, at Marlborough, at the UltraViolet. I will be back! But until then, I’m over and out. To quote the great Penny Lane, “It’s all happening.”

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+100 +90 +80 +70 +60

I

’m a sucker for personality tests. Myers-Briggs, Big Five, Dungeons and Dragons Alignment… name a test, and I’ve probably already taken it. I never thought this habit would lead me to spend my Saturday night sitting in the Church of Scientology (CoS) Visitors’ Center. Yet, when the Scientologist standing in front of me asked if I wanted to take a three-part exam unlike any other personality test in the world, I couldn’t refuse the offer.

though i knew i would be questioned, the reality of the experience felt far more invasive than i expected.

+50 +40

Since the CoS is not exactly considered a hip weekend scene, I’ll explain how I ended up there. I’d often read about Scientology in the news and heard it namedropped in conversations but knew very little about the religion and its roots. This is what I did know:

+30 +20

Scientology was founded in the 1950s by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, on the core belief that trauma throughout a person’s current life or past lives prevents them from thinking clearly and experiencing reality. Thus, members of the religion undergo a process called “auditing,” which involves in-depth questions and experiences meant to locate those sources of trauma and, ultimately, bring the individual to a state called “clear.”

+10 00 -10 -20

In popular culture, the Church is known

-40

-70

e c n e i

r e xp

e

my

-60

Based on our knowledge about the CoS and their persistence in the recruitment of new members, we decided to provide fake names and information for the personality tests. Even before the first test began, an auditor asked me what my greatest fear was and how it manifested in my day-to-day life, all while making unrelenting eye-contact. I would have assumed he was joking had he not waited patiently for my response. Luckily, before he could ask about any number of my deepest insecurities, I was called to begin my test.

The CoS initiates members

th

-50

Wanting to learn firsthand about the Church and understand its followers, my friend and I decided to head to the Visitors’ Center on Hollywood Boulevard. From the moment we walked into the shockingly clean building, we were treated with an intense friendliness and urgent curiosity – the kind that makes you conscious of everything you say and do.

As soon as we arrived, a man in a black floor-length coat ushered us inside, where a woman welcomed us and immediately provided sheets to fill out with our contact information.

wi

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for its fierce protection of its public image, and tendency to retaliate against those who stand against its belief system. It was even difficult for me to find information online about the CoS from non-Scientologist sources.

sc

-80 -90 -100 A

B

C

D

E

UNSTABLE

DEPRESSED

NERVOUS

UNCERTAINTY

INACTIVE

DISPERSED

38 voices

ing if I was experiencing “high levels of depression,” and warning me that I would be “prone to serious accidents during my lifetime.” When I told him neither of those things felt accurate to me internally, he glanced at the results of my tests and suggested I was contradicting myself based on answers I had given.

Each question is worth a certain number of points depending on your answer. When graded, the answers are scaled to produce results in categories like “stable/unstable,” “happy/depressed,” “composed/nervous” and “aggressive/inhibited.” The scaled scores fall into categories ranging from a “desirable state” to “normal,” or even “unacceptable state.”

yet, when the Scientolgist standing in front of me asked if i wanted to take a three-part exam unlike any other personality test in the world, i couldn’t refuse the offer.

After about 20 minutes, I was called to receive my results. The analyst greeted me with his eyebrows furrowed and a sense of extreme concern.

He jumped right in, ask-

Although I knew that the analyst would say anything to persuade me that Scientology was my only option for a “happier” life, his words echoed in my head as I left the building. For a few hours, I’d seen a glimpse of how easy it was for someone to manipulate my own self-perception, especially because (as I was reminded again and again), the analyst was only using the answers I provided for him in his analysis of my psyche.

Ultimately, my discomfort was overshadowed by the excitement of immersing myself in something completely new, if only for a short period of time. Yes, I could have watched documentaries and combed through the Scientology subReddit threads, but I wanted to experience what I read online firsthand. Now that I know more about the religion, I have the ability to recognize its presence in the world around me (including in a Super Bowl commercial that aired the day after my visit). Even if you don’t head straight to the Church of Scientology, learning something new is always a worthwhile way to spend a free night.

By r ache l ca rlso n

UNACCEPTABLE

Though I knew I would be questioned, the reality of the experience felt far more invasive than I expected. Despite my reluctance to offer personal information, the analyst pressed for more, and explained that the more information I gave, the more helpful Scientology could be in eliminating negative habits and raising my “scores” in each test category. After a few minutes, the intensity of his questions made me second-guess my own feelings and statements. Was I happy or just pretending? Did I really see myself as a selfless person, or did I want to help others in order to avoid

y g o l o t

n e i c

When I realized two hours had passed since I’d arrived at the Visitors’ Center and told the analyst I needed to leave, I was bombarded with even more questions about where I was going and who I was meeting. The analyst said he was only trying to help me and that I had serious issues to confront (with the CoS’s help, of course).

NORMAL

The next two tests of the OCA are a 30-minute IQ test and a final speedbased test (though its purpose remains unclear to me). After I finished, the auditor took the tests away for scoring, and I was again approached with more questions about my life.

My own questions, on the other hand, were met with hesitation, making it feel more like an interview and less like a conversation.

my own problems?

DESIRABLE STATE

using a group of three tests known as the Oxford Capacity Analysis (OCA).

The first test is comprised of 200 questions, ranging from basic information: “Do you often sing or whistle just for the fun of it?” to the slightly more serious: “Would you use corporal punishment on a child aged ten if it refused to obey you?”

STATE

F

G

H

I

J

INHIBITED

IRRESPONSIBLE

CRITICAL

LACK OF

WITHDRAWN

ACCORD

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39

the woman’s hour

“The Woman’s Hour” is a novel that follows the women’s suffrage movement during the final stretch of its campaign. what many of the main leaders of both the suffrage and anti-suffrage factions were like.

leader of the more militant suffrage organization, the National Women’s Party.

When I first started to read this book, I was worried that it would be another excruciatingly dry nonfiction book filled with footnotes containing obscure tidbits of information, as had been my past experience with some works of nonfiction. To my surprise, not only was “The Woman’s Hour” about a very interesting epoch of history that I knew nothing about, but it also was very easy to read.

The stakes were high: the suffragists needed one more state to achieve the total of 36 states, or two-thirds of the country, needed to ratify the amendment. Led by Josephine Pearson, who believed that giving women the right to vote would degrade society’s morals and destroy the traditional family, the anti-suffragists put up a strong fight. Remarkably, Weiss creates tension about what is going to happen next in the story to the extent that, for a while, I was considering flipping to the end of the book to see what happened even though I knew that the 19th Amendment eventually passed.

“The Woman’s Hour” also touches on the racist arguments deployed by both sides to appeal to Southern delegates.

Many of the prominent suffragists within both parties believed that they could not get all women the right to vote immediately, so they should focus first on getting white women the vote.

This racism still haunts women’s rights organizations today, as illustrated by the current split within the Women’s March movement as many claim that there are not enough women of color in its leadership.

The book begins by immediately engrossing the reader in the action-packed race between the major suffragists and “Antis,” or anti-suffragists, to Nashville to campaign. The narrative gives an intimate sense of

The book celebrates the crucial achievements of many important but underrecognized suffragists including Carrie Chapman Catt, the president of the National American Women’s Suffrage Association, and Sue White, the

Most Marlborough students have already learned about the fight for women’s suffrage, but for many, the details of the suffrage movement remain unknown. “The Woman’s Hour” by Elaine Weiss follows the fight to get Tennessee to ratify the 19th Amendment, which granted suffrage to women.

Though “The Woman’s Hour” illuminates how far we have already come in the struggle for women’s rights, the fight is not yet over. Moreover, this book may inspire us to continue to build on the accomplishments of the women who came before us.

—Macy Lerner

40 voices

Setbacks of Summer Break

BY CAMERON LANGE As a young person in America today, it is difficult to remain optimistic about the power of meritocracy.

The cycle issue

Moreover, according to the New York Times, the achievement gap among children from high-income and low-income families is 40 percent larger among children born in 2001 than among children born 25 years prior.

These glaring educational disparities contribute to dwindling levels

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GRAPHIC BY JESS LANE

According to Psychology Today, by the middle of high school, students from the bottom 10 percent in income receive test scores placing them, on average, three to six grade levels below students from the top 10 percent.

This achievement gap continues to widen even as federal, state, and local governments have worked to minimize disparities in spending between rich and poor school districts. Government standardization programs such as the No Child Left Behind Act and the Every Child Succeeds Act have also failed to level the playing field amongst students nationwide.

of social mobility (one’s ability to move among social strata) in America, which goes hand in hand with the growing concentration of wealth among an increasingly small group of individuals.

Potentially, a reimagining of our customary 8-10 week summer vacation could serve as the impetus for minimizing these disparities.

Summer vacation was originally developed for reasons that are obsolete today. In the 19th century, it was implemented largely due to misguided fears about too much education being detrimental to a child’s health and because excessively warm classrooms were thought to spread disease in a pre-vaccination and pre-air conditioning era.

Just as a piano player will see her skills atrophy without practice, so too do students backtrack academically over the summer. According to a 2011 RAND study, students lose one month of learning over the summer on average, particularly in math. Research has proven these losses to be cumulative. Furthermore, 90 percent of teachers report spending over three weeks at the beginning of each year re-teaching or reviewing lessons from the past year. Add this all up, and over the course of a student’s 12 summer breaks, two full years of classroom time spent learning evaporate.

over the course of a student’s 12 summer breaks, two full years of classroom time spent learning evaporate.

Summer vacation is disproportionately detrimental for socioeconomically disadvantaged families. For many, school functions not only as a place of learning but also as a free source of childcare and subsidized food. In the Los Angeles Unified School District, 82 percent of students receive free or subsidized lunch every day, with even more students receiving breakfast at school in addition. The sudden revocation of services on which so many families rely for two months at a time is inherently problematic.

Also significant are income-based disparities in lost learning over the summer. A Johns Hopkins study involving

the collection of more than 20 years of data tracking students as they moved from kindergarten through high school found that students from all different income groups make similar progress during the school year.

However, in large part as a result of summer vacation, by the end of elementary school, low-income students fall nearly three grade levels behind students from other income groups, with the largest disparities in lost learning being in reading skills.

an unexpected $400 expense without borrowing or selling something, the average day camp in America is priced at $304 per week. For additional perspective, Riverway Ranch Camp, an exceptionally popular choice among affluent Los Angeles families, costs $374 per day.

It’s time to radicaly reimagine our education system, even if that means sacrificing some hotdogs and sandcastles.

Experts have devised various new proposals for school scheduling. One such proposal is the “balanced calendar,” which disperses summer vacation days into smaller breaks throughout the year known as “intersessions” that are used for remediation and enrichment programs. Other experts propose a simple replacement of summer vacation with more days of instruction.

By ninth grade, the study found that a remarkable two-thirds of the achievement gap separating low-income students from their middle-income peers could be attributed solely to the unequal loss of learning over summer break.

It is important to critically interrogate the claims made by vacation proponents that often attribute deep value to summer vacation. These arguments are most likely idyllic, normative claims about what summer should be, detached from the reality of what it is.

Summer jobs, once a rite of passage for most of America’s youth and arguably a constructive way to spend one’s summer, are only half as common among teenagers today as they were in the late 1970s as privileged teens have begun to participate more in internships and summer programs.

Although summer is envisioned as a time for kids to get outside and engage in physical activity, research from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that over the summer, kids’ exercise levels barely budge from during the school year as they replace time spent in class with time spent sitting in front of a screen.

The narrative of summer as a time of liberated play proves particularly false for kids who lack the financial means to exercise physically at camps or on family vacations, and intellectually at museums or enrichment classes.

While the Federal Reserve Board found that 40 percent of American families would be unable to cover

“For many children—especially children of low-income families—summer is a season of boredom, inactivity, and isolation,” writes David Von Drehle for TIME Magazine.

Any proposal that involves trimming our current 8-10 week educational hiatus could be costly to implement.

Although ending summer break solely for low-income students could serve both to cut costs and minimize the achievement gap, it seems unfair and even discriminatory to force only certain students to spend their summers in a classroom. Furthermore, even privileged kids can benefit from more time spent learning—and short term fiscal impacts should not deter us from making the right long term choice. Shortening summer vacation for all students would serve as a productive, bottom-up investment in America’s future that could help to hugely alleviate inequality beyond one’s years in school.

Shortening summer vacation for all students would serve as a productive, bottom-up investment in America’s future.

It would be viewed as absurd and unacceptable if any other public service disappeared for two months of the year. Our public school system should not be understood any differently, so long as we make an effort to see past romanticized myths about summer.

It’s time to radically reimagine our education system, even if that means sacrificing some hotdogs and sandcastles.

42 Perspectives

Cum laude From someone who didn’t make the cut.

BY Kendra Mosenson I want to open with a disclaimer: I do not wish that I were a part of Cum Laude. I am very happy with who I am as a student and my reason for writing this article is not spite. Rather, my issue is with the concept of a select group of juniors and seniors being secretly celebrated by Marlborough.

For those of you who don’t know, Cum Laude consists of the top 10 percent of the junior class and the top 20 percent of the senior class, as calculated solely by one’s weighted grade point average. These students attend an annual dinner in the CEI during the middle of the second semester with teachers who were themselves formerly Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

a special dinner inherently makes it appear ... as though the school believes that these students are more dedicated to schoolwork than all of their peers.

Marlborough prides itself on the fact that it does not rank its students, but I cannot think of a more overt ranking system than through the recognition of Cum Laude. And I know that the concept of Cum Laude is not unique to this school. It is an old and widespread tradition that will not be disappearing anytime soon. I am going to express my disappointment in the presence of an honors society anyway, however, because I think both Cum Laude itself and the commemorative dinner are well-known institutions (no matter how quiet the school attempts to keep them) that people at Marlborough don’t speak enough about.

The cycle issue

First of all, hosting a dinner for the Cum Laude students is an archaic tradition that should have no place in today’s Marlborough. We all work hard here. We all stay up late studying and doing homework and we all pack our course loads with as many honors and AP classes as we can handle in order to look appealing on a college application. I’ve done it, and you have too. I truly don’t mean to undermine the work that I know Cum Laude students put into everything they do, but the celebration of them with a special dinner inherently makes it appear to their classmates as though the school believes that these students are more dedicated to schoolwork than all of their peers.

In the same way that the junior class’s top secret spirit week dance could not be kept a secret for more than an hour, knowledge of the Cum Laude dinner always spreads no matter how under wraps Marlborough attempts to make it. The very fact that the school tries to keep the event a secret reflects that the administration knows it will make other students, particularly those who probably thought they had a shot at Cum Laude, feel worse. There is an overt culture of competition at Marlborough that all students are, at some point, subject to, whether it be through a friend refusing to share a study guide or the endlessly talked about “Sleep Olympics.”

The school realizes that there is an implicit connotation of superiority surrounding the society, one that conditions students to feel that they are better if they are Cum Laude and not good enough if they are not, and yet administration has never considered stopping Cum Laude acknowledgment, or at the very least stopping the dinner.

The difference between a student who makes and one who does not make Cum Laude could be that the former took just one more honors course in their freshman year. It could also be because the latter chose to take an exciting elective. Because there is not weight added to the grade one receives in a regular class or elective, taking one can actually harm a student’s GPA. Personal life, extracurriculars, or working a parttime job could lead to a student not making the top 10 percent of their class. The factors that ultimately determine who is and is not in Cum Laude are often so minuscule that celebrating the students who managed to make all the right choices without a single misstep becomes that much more ridiculous.

there is an overt culture of competition at marlborough that all students are, at some point, subject to.

I can imagine that a common counter-argument to this article might be a sports analogy: at track meets, only a few runners win awards even though every runner works hard. Awards are given on a strictly factual basis, often determined by fractions of a second, and thus are not necessarily reflective of hard work since wins might be due to natural physical talent, money spent on expensive sneakers and personal trainers, or other such factors that awards simply cannot take into account. So, you might be wondering why this is any different than academics. To that I would say that athletics are voluntary. Going into every season and every game, student athletes know that there is going to be a winner and a loser, and they then

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choose whether or not that is the kind of environment in which they want to participate. Academics at Marlborough are different. When giving tours to prospective families, members of Violet Key are told to emphasize that Marlborough does not have a “track system,” or that students can take a regular class one year and honors the next without it affecting their GPAs drastically. Marlborough talks about providing students with flexibility that best suits them, but

Cum Laude directly contradicts this by giving a decision made when a student was 13 enough weight to continue affecting them at 17 and 18.

Even though I know I’ve spent the last 740 words expressing my disapproval of Cum Laude, I’m actually not going to conclude this article by petitioning for its termination. Instead, I ask only that the school acknowledges that both the society itself and the dinner

may have more negative consequences than positive. Assuming that Cum Laude remains, however, then I want the school to rethink the way it goes about celebrating these students. I know they’ll continue to be honored for many years to come, but there isn’t any reason it can’t be done through a nice letter. Maybe add in some purple glitter to make it more festive.

Press Start to Play Marlborough students should play more video games.

BY Emilynne Newsom Unpopular opinion: we should play more video games.

playing video games while offering commentary.

real as the friends I see at school, and that is a powerful thing.

Look, I know it sounds crazy – Marlborough students doing something as frivolous as video games – but hear me out. Video games have become a massive industry, due to increased production and consumption of such content. For proof, look no further than the newly created Overwatch League, an esports league (professional sports, but for video games) that is already shaping up to earn $1 billion for the company that makes the game, according to the Motley Fool, a website that offers financial advice.

Thousands of other streamers have followed their lead. Video gamers today are much more than kids in their bedrooms on computers. And who knows? Marlborough students might be able to take advantage of growing opportunities in the gaming industry.

In some cases, video games can cause harm: certain studies link them to aggressive behavior and depression.

Focusing solely on these elements, though, ignores the cognitive benefits that video games can have. Studies in peer-reviewed journals find that video games can improve memory, perception, and cognition, as well as other benefits like potentially reducing intrusive memories after trauma. Just like anything else, video games aren’t always good, but they certainly can be helpful.

the game may be virtual, but the sense of satisfaction when you finally land that last hit or achieve victory is completely real.

Furthermore, video games, especially big multiplayer ones, can provide a sense of community across borders and oceans. Shared interest among fans creates common ground on which gamers can build meaningful, long-lasting relationships and meet others who are completely different from them.

And for those seeking to work at businesses like Activision or to create video games in general, the best way to find out how to make a fun game is to play a fun game. The act of playing video games alone has itself created an entirely new business. Ever heard of Jacksepticeye? Or Markiplier? They’re both extremely popular content creators on YouTube with millions of subscribers each. A significant number of their videos involve

Beyond opening up new careers, video games provide opportunities for people to find joy. The game may be virtual, but the sense of satisfaction when you finally land that last hit or achieve victory is completely real.

In addition, social interaction follows a lot of unspoken rules, like where you’re supposed to look or how you’re supposed to stand, and failure to comply with these rules can make interactions awkward. Being online removes these issues from the conversation, creating a space where people may find it easier to connect. The friends I play with online can be just as

The friends I play with online can be just as real as the friends I see at school.

I know most Marlborough students think “free time” is a myth. But if you ever manage to find a little space in that packed schedule, maybe check out Steam, or other game stores like it, and see if anything catches your fancy. Google the titles you might have already heard of, like “League of Legends”, or even check out some of the more “gamey” games on your phone, like “Life Is Strange”. Video games vary wildly in genre, type and playstyle, so you’re almost guaranteed to find something you’ll like. They’re not for everyone, but it can’t hurt to try.

44 Perspectives

In Defense of Latin

BY Isabel Arroyo Starting next year, new seventh graders will no longer be able to enroll in Latin, ending an academic tradition that has been with Marlborough since its founding. The decision to discontinue Latin is shortsighted and detrimental to Marlborough students both for their intellectual development and college admission.

The cycle issue

cetera even more thoroughly than students of other Romance languages. And, all of these concepts are useful in English classes, as well as for learning other languages descended from Latin.

Latin is also an inflected language, meaning that verbs and nouns change their form depending on their function in the sentence. These “conjugations” and “declensions”require students to understand the grammatical concepts of direct object, indirect object, instrument, possession, et

The enhanced logic and problem-solving skills that Latin students must apply to their translations, coupled with their expanded vocabulary and grammar knowledge, may have a positive impact on standardized testing. According to studies undertaken by the Educational Testing Service,

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GRAPHIC BY JESS LANE

First of all, studying the complex structure of the Latin language gives students a deeper understanding of English. Over 60 percent of English words are derived directly from Latin,

which helps Latin students quickly identify the meanings of unfamiliar terms. This skill is especially helpful in English literature courses and on the reading comprehension portions of standardized tests.

Latin students consistently outperform students of every other languages on standardized tests, especially on the reading and writing portions of the SAT. Not only is Latin correlated with stronger test scores, but it is also looked on favorably by college admissions officers. According to William Fitzsimmons, former Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Harvard University, “We certainly do take notice [of Latin]...It can end up tipping the student into the class.” And according to Michael C. Behnke, Vice President for Enrollment at the University of Chicago, the student of Latin “is likely to be disciplined, have a strong basis for further learning, and be a little more creative toward intellectual pursuits than most.”

latin students consistently outperform students of other languages on standardized tests.

Another reason Latin is favored by admissions officers is that it instills in each student a deeper understanding of the language, history, and culture upon which much of Western society is based. For example, studying the history of Rome helps students unpack many of the texts we study at Marlborough. Virtually all of these texts were either published in English or translated from another Romance language, and often carry allusions, references, character types, and plot points derived from Roman literature. For example, many writings by John Milton and Alfred, Lord Tennyson––two of the most influential poets of the last few centuries––were heavily influenced by the plot and the poetic style of Virgil’s Aeneid. Outside the British poetic tradition, Dante Alighieri’s 14th century Italian masterpiece, the Inferno, features the ghost of Vergil and incorporates many elements of his works.

Studying Latin also offers invaluable insight into art history, as Latin students are simultaneously able to understand the sculptures and frescoes actually produced in the Roman

Empire, and to identify the influence of ancient Rome on painting and sculpture throughout all subsequent centuries.

Furthermore, the republican government of Rome is the foundation upon which the American government is directly modeled. Studying the writings of Roman historians and political analysts provides a deeper understanding of our own democratic system, while also allowing us as Americans to guard against the dangers––e.g. political factionalism–– that toppled the representative government of our Roman predecessors. The legacy of Rome is also apparent in modern courts of law, where Latin terms and concepts abound.

However, Latin will still be discontinued at Marlborough––largely due to a perceived disinterest within the student body. This year, for example, so few students enrolled in Latin IA that no class could be formed.

However, a brief look at Los Angeles private schools reveals that this disinterest seems to be unique to Marlborough.

One way to gauge students’ enthusiasm for Latin is the popularity of the Junior Classical League (JCL), a national organization devoted to encouraging the study of Latin and Greek among middle and high school students. The JCL has 52 chapters across California, with over 2,500 individual members between them.

As of 2017-18, Harvard-Westlake had 64 students, Loyola High School had 45 students, and Crossroads School had 79 students involved in JCL activities. Marlborough has only seven, and of those only two have attended JCL events this school year. Even controlling for differences in student body size, our school’s engagement is outstandingly low.

the decision to discontinue Latin is shortsighted and detrimental to Marlborough students.

Involvement in the Junior Classical League and its myriad competitions––which include academic testing, Jeopardy!-style trivia com-

petitions, and fun artistic and athletic contests–– brings honor and recognition both to students and their schools, and many other Southern California institutions actively encourage JCL membership. Since JCL members must be enrolled in a classical language at their school, by dropping Latin, Marlborough is removing itself from the honor of student membership and victories.

While I understand the school’s decision to cut a seemingly unpopular subject from the curriculum, as president of the Marlborough Latin Club and JCL chapter, I think that a better course of action would be a greater publicity campaign. Before cutting the language, a revitalization effort should be made and greater promotional attention be given to Latin as a subject and to membership in the JCL. In previous years, Marlborough Open Houses held a language panel for student representatives to speak directly with prospective students.

Many current students mention the impact of these panels on their decision to enroll in Latin. Furthermore, each language department used to include letters alongside the Course of Study, explaining the specific benefits of learning that language. This policy, too, has been discontinued in recent years, contributing to the decline in Latin enrollment. If the Administration once again implemented these historically effective measures, I am confident that enrollments would increase.

Latin may not be a spoken language, but its unique advantages not conferred by other languages make it extremely valuable. I therefore implore the Administration to make a greater effort to promote it––both for the sake of the school’s honor and the individual enrichment of students. In the words of Matthew Potts, Admissions Counselor at the University of Notre Dame, “The study of Roman culture which typically accompanies Latin study informs the study of any Western literature, art, or culture as well. [. . .] If Latin were dead, every Western culture and language would be also bereft of life.”

46 Perspectives

a call for better activism

BY Ava Morgan I love the activist spirit of our generation, but I am concerned about how misguided so many young adults seem in their efforts to effect change through posts on social media about current issues. I find that when used appropriately, social media actually presents the potential to spread accurate information and to organize.

Social media posts provide a lazy way to prove that you are hip to the issues and, therefore, you are hip in general.

of research, but also I am angered to see that most of the people who I saw reposting about the hotel boycotts have attended Coachella, a music festival where profits are donated largely to fund anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups (Cameron Lange’s article on Coachella in the fourth issue of the UV goes into detail on this point).

When the issues a person may have

My latest frustration has been the boycotts of luxury hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei after he enacted legislation that made homosexual sex punishable by stoning.

The cycle issue

Being stoned to death for being LGBTQ+ isn’t cute.

previously protested against get in the way of their aesthetic and fun, morals can be tossed aside and money floods to the opposition.

Likewise, social media activism also makes the issues at hand “cute.”

Being stoned to death for being LGBTQ+ isn’t cute, and the pink color scheme with nicely outlined fonts on posts about the boycotts diminishes

I understand that people are busy and social media is a low-commitment means of participating in activism, but teens seem to disassociate the actual issue at hand with the post they’re making. If you want your activism to go beyond aesthetics, spend the time educating yourself, volunteering, donating, calling your representatives, and urge others to do the same. And guess what? You just might make an impact that is so cool after all.

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GRAPHIC BY ELEANOR BERGER

Not only am I infuriated by the lack

As social justice posts are often disseminated through Instagram stories that last just 24 hours, the issues seem to be forgotten as quickly as they were posted with the only lasting impact being the spread of misguided messages. Such a feature lends itself well to the abandonment of an issue until the next trendy one arrives.

If you intend to use social media for activism, think about your audience— how many of your followers would actually be frequenting hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei, for example? If you’re simply trying to raise awareness about a problem, then post reputable information about that problem and suggest ways your followers could realistically make an impact. Find ways to effectively put pressure on the government enacting the discriminatory policies you’re protesting, such as Brunei, and educate yourself on the root of the issue; why are policies like this being enacted, and how do we address them?

Being an activist is now in vogue, so posting about an issue allows young adults to demonstrate their global awareness without necessarily taking the time to fully comprehend the injustice at hand.

On Instagram, multiple accounts have reposted a cutesy poster urging people to boycott the hotels. The ease of reposting seems to make people less inclined to research social issues’ roots and the most effective solutions. I’m guessing that the people who reposted either didn’t know or conveniently forgot that these same hotels were boycotted only five years ago to no effect. They also probably didn’t consider that these boycotts would likely have little economic effect on the Sultan of Brunei due to his estimated net worth of 20 billion dollars. Instead, a boycott would primarily impact hotel employees.

the gravity of the issue.

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Indivisuals

FAYE RAAD You don’t have to go somewhere far and exotic to get a good picture; sometimes the best things can be right at home. I took these pictures in my kitchen, bathroom and living room. I used my dad on a lazy Sunday afternoon and our proud basil plant as my subjects.

I wanted to show strong shadows and light. I also wanted to explore simplicity. I like the idea that anytime, anywhere, you can take a nice picture.

The cycle Issue

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Riley Sandler

This year, I have discovered my knack for collage-making and experimenting with different textures and mediums. Usually, my process for making each piece is quite laborious and can take up to a few months for me to complete, but when I discovered a broken clock in Ms. Rea’s room, I was immediately struck with inspiration and was able to complete the piece within two class periods. I’m really proud of this piece, and I’m super excited to share it. me feel like a different person or a character.(photo on opposite page)

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Indivisuals

These photographs symbolize the most important time in my life because I took them while I lived in London from 2010-2012. I went on weekend trips with my family to different European countries like Germany and Norway while I lived in England. Specifically, Norway was the location where I discovered my passion for the environment. As I watched the glaciers recede in front of my eyes, I was captivated by the effects of climate change. When I take photographs, I use the rule of thirds, a frame within a frame, and leading line to capture images.

DElaney Michaelson

The cycle Issue

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Over winter break, I traveled to Havana, Cuba. It was shocking to find out it was so close to the United States but seems like a whole other world. While I was there I learned about its history and how it still affected how people lived. I was surprised to see that communities were being closely monitored by the government and how there were only vintage cars as a result of Fidel Castro. I wanted to show how a place like Cuba could be so close but yet feel like you’re going back in time.

Eleanor Berger

52 Indivisuals

The cycle Issue

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These pictures were taken on my trip to Morocco, and I took them on film.

On my trip, we went to the Sahara desert, explored Marrakesh and we also went to the Atlas mountains, so my pictures show a diverse geography of Morroco. It was an eye-opening experience for me; I was in contact with a culture very different than mine, and I’m glad that I was able to take pictures to have as memories.

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Indivisuals

MIra Kwon

The cycle Issue

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READ THE SIGNS Alex Leemann

Happy Taurus Season! In general, you are feeling at home. But buckle up, sister. You’re in for a Uranusian transformation; as in, you feel the urge to change and innovate who you are at the core. How very un-Taurean of you. You may feel challenged by the way people see

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20

you and how you want to be seen. Mercury is in Taurus, meaning you are saying exactly what you think. Don’t let this bluntness get the best of you because you can surely use Mercury’s power to make those around you understand you better. Transformative things are happening to you and people should respect your growth.

“You Don’t Know Me” by Caetano Veloso

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 21

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

You’re a martian! Not in a “you’re so alien” way, per say, but in a more action-oriented, assertive, high heart-rate way, as Mars is the planet of getting what you want and being the star of it all. Mars is in Gemini, and when this planet is conjunct (in the same sign) with your sun, you become determined to find your inner bliss. It is not about anyone else but you. It sounds very Leo, but the positive aspect of this is that this conjunction will reveal itself in ego-affirming, energy-boosting ways. Release your energy and tension — perhaps through aerobic exercise, meeting new people, taking up a hobby, etc.

“LES FLEURS” BY MINNIE RIPERTON

You are literally the leader of the water signs. You are cardinal, meaning you initiate projects and newness. Saturn, the planet of responsibility and authority, is currently in Capricorn, which evokes a sense of weightiness, and can make people quite pessimistic. Saturn’s position is opposite your sun in Cancer. You have either ended or are on the path to ending something that was not good for you emotionally or mentally.

Saturn’s position will aid in this transition, though. It’s easy for you to initiate but sometimes hard for you to end things. If you’ve checked off all the boxes, this opposition will bring forth the strength to be able to say “no” to things that have harmed you.

“YOU WANT IT DARKER”

BY LEONARD COHENN

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ROLAND GODEFROY

LEO JULY 23 - AUG. 22

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You are brilliant sunflowers. You lead with grace and we all admire your benevolent yet commanding leadership. Currently, the sun is in Taurus, meaning that it is in a square aspect with your sun, Leo. Square means that there is tension and maybe friction, but potential for growth too. You may feel like your ideas are being blocked by authoritative figures. This astrological aspect could bring about new ways for you to deal with authority and rules. Uranus is also transiting your 10th house, meaning a shake up for all things related to career, life plans, etc. Although you are the fixed fire sign (you are motivated, determined and set in what you want), right now you just want to explore what’s out there. It feels as if many life paths have opened themselves up to you. As someone with many mutable signs in my chart, I encourage exploration of new interests and an expansion of thought.

“LIVIN’ THING” BY ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF WARING ABBOTT/GETTY IMAGES

Read The Signs

VIRGO AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22

LIBRA SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22

Mutable Earth is such a fascinating combination. You have things to do and you complete them with efficiency and drive.

Then you quickly move onto the next thing, which doesn’t give you much time to focus on your emotions. Right now, though, you’re more emotional than usual and perhaps you require more validation and attention. This is because the moon (representing emotional depths, feminine energy, etc.) is in Virgo.

You want to be recognized and “seen,” especially now. You may feel neglected if you don’t soon receive validation from those around you; be aware of this. Also be aware that you can feel seen not only by people in your life, but by music, art, movies, characters, artists, etc. Immerse yourself in that. Search for truth in art.

“RUN ON” BY MOBY

Venus is currently in Aries, which means you tend to feel beautiful. And we love that for you already very pretty and handsome Libras! This, however, could lead people to think that you are self-absorbed or self-centered. Just remember that vanity is wonderful if kept in check. Enjoy Venus as it brings an abundance of new opportunity in matters of love and relationships, so there’s a chance you could get involved in something new with someone new. Secondly, Pluto (the antithesis of Venus) will be transiting your fourth house if you have a Libra rising. This will lead you to dig up and evaluate the deep realms of your psyche. A major crisis or realization could be on the horizon. Pluto is about intensity, and oftentimes people like to say that Libras aren’t as intense as your neighbor, Scorpio.

But they’re wrong, at least right now.

“MATURE NATURE” BY KID CUDI

© UNCENSORED INTERVIEW

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SELLAHREMY

SCORPIO OCT. 23 - NOV. 22

SAGITTARIUS NOV. 23 - DEC. 21

The cycle issue

Be wary of a new beginning. Neptune is the planet that rules illusions. It is transiting into your fifth house of casual relationships, recreation and general fun. Neptune might make you feel magical, but it is necessary to use your Scorpio analysis and psychological probing skills to approach new relationships with prudence. Also, Neptune in its home sign of Pisces will make you a ball of intuition. Your dreams and aspirations may have been vivid lately. While this is good, you may fall into the trap of thinking you’ve already accomplished your dreams. You haven’t. Generally, Neptune doesn’t “do” reality, so revel in the dreams for the time being, but be ready to cut through the excess and the smoke screens. Maybe have a chat with one of your Earth sign friends when you’re feeling especially hazy.

Planetary transits sometimes make us into different people— and different signs for that matter. The great thing about the transits right now is that they are quite “Sagittarius.” You love to talk and be heard. You like to be loud, and you detest small talk. Mercury, the planet of communication and the mind, is transiting your eighth house, meaning you’re even more “sag.” You’re quite philosophical, but you’re also a joyful optimist. While you could keep your discussions lighthearted, you could use this transit to further in-depth discussions with your friends and family. You’re a naturally lucky person.

Maybe it’s because of your optimism, but in any case, that sense of luck and optimism will be renewed. It’s a good spring for you.

“THE OTHER WOMAN” BY DEVANDRA BANHART

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LAUREN

DUKOFF

“REBEL REBEL” BY SEU JORGE

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JOSÉ GOULÃO

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CAPRICORN DEC. 22 - JAN. 19

AQUARIUS JAN. 20 - FEB. 18

PISCES FEB. 19 - MARCH 20

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 19

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Wherever there’s a Capricorn, there’s a set of rules. Don’t get me wrong, you sure do know how to have a good time, but there is a structure for almost everything that you can clearly outline. For you Capricorn risings, Uranus will be transiting your fifth house. This is a zesty and exciting combination, as Uranus is all about uniqueness and individuality, like your cool aunt. The fifth house rules over fun in every area of life! It’s all about new experiences with this transit… perhaps with another person. The moon transiting your ninth house (which rules over mental exploration and long distance travel) will lead you to question all of your surroundings. The Earth elements are strong right now in the sky, so you’re insured.

For example, if you hear a friend talking about taking a weekend trip or you see an invite on Facebook for a cool event, it’s second semester — go for it.

Many of these horoscopes have had to do with the planet Uranus and how Uranus is meddling in other signs’ lives. You actually know Uranus well because she rules the sign of Aquarius. Uranus is going into Taurus, so she’s taking on a more grounded, stable persona — which isn’t very you. But it’s okay, because although something may be confusing you, it all tends to work out with transits like these. Uranus knows what she’s doing.

For Aquarius risings, Saturn will be moving into your 12th house, meaning it is the home of compassion and dreams, but also of illusions and hidden secrets. You are feeling like a recluse lately, despite your usual social nature. Vulnerability could really help you lately. You may even find yourself being a guru-like figure to those around you. Use that rational airdominant mind to sort through the watery thoughts.

For a few short days, you’ll perhaps feel more dejected than usual. The moon was in Virgo on May 12-13, signifying an emotional need in you. You could find yourself nurturing others more than usual. Pay attention to the moon’s transits. In a few days you’ll feel more self-sufficient and wanted. Your naturally compassionate nature is currently amplified, as Neptune is in Pisces. As has been discussed previously, whenever a planet goes into the same sign as our sun, we take on the traits of this planet. Neptune, in Pisces especially, gives one a chameleon quality. You could perhaps be inserting yourself into conver-sations with groups of people and have no idea how or why. But there’s beauty in that! Neptune can be confusing, but it takes a Pisces to make the most of it. Use your newfound “disguises” to be like a sponge of experience and connection.

Just don’t get muddled in the confusion of Neptune’s illusory quality.

For the past seven years, the planet Uranus (the one that likes to shake things up) has been in Aries, but it is now moving into Taurus. Uranusian values are almost totally opposed to a Taure-an lifestyle, but it’s happening. This is not a drill.

For you, Aries, Uranus’ position for the past seven years brought about an easing change in the way you present yourself.

You’ve reeval-uated your identity in a way and it’s been fun!

Now, Uranus will be semi-sextile (one sign away) from your sun.

You don’t feel in control, and it’s almost as if there are puppeteers rearranging your life. However, in times like these, it really is for the best. Moreover, Neptune will transit your 12th house, where it feels at home. It’s time for peace in your life. Withdrawal from social activities and obligations could give you a newfound ap-preciation for your perceptive self.

“3 DAYS” BY RHYE

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GENEVIÉVE MEDOW JENKINS (ROLLING STONE)

“SUDDENLY” BY DRUGDEALER

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MCGMCGMCG

“CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION”

BY TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS

© ROULETTE RECORDS

“HAZY SHADE OF WINTER” BY SIMON AND GARFUNKEL

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JOOST EVERS

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thank you