The Union - Milpitas High School - April 2019

HATE COLLEGE? CONSIDER ENLISTING (3)

U NI N PLEASE REWARD US FOR GOOD SBAC SCORES (4)

HIGHER, FURTHER FASTER: CAPTAIN MARVEL IS GOOD (12)

YOUR PROMPOSAL REJECTED? HOW TO HANDLE IT (10)

THE COLLEGE LIFE OF MHS STAR TYREE BRACY (15)

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APRIL 2019 VOLUME XXX ISSUE V

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STUDENT VOICE OF MILPITAS HIGH SCHOOL

MUSD becomes top 20 district

By Andrew Dinh

MUSD was recently named as a top 20 school district in the Bay Area, according to an online article published by SFGate reporter Mike Moffitt. MUSD ranks highly in the quality of its academics and diversity, but lacks in areas like clubs and health, Moffitt said.

Niche, a ranking and review website, compiles rankings of Bay Area public school districts annually, Moffitt said. Their rankings are based on data compiled from the U.S. Department of Education, alongside millions of school reviews and survey responses, Moffitt added.

“The local list changes little from year to year--only one newcomer [MUSD] broke into the top 20 for 2019,” Moffitt said.

“Still, the differences between the No. 20 and No. 1 are less than earth-shattering. Every district received either an ‘A’ or ‘A+’ in the critical college prep category.”

MHS has contributed greatly to the improvement of MUSD’s overall ranking, Assistant Principal Skyler Draeger said. Over the past several years, MHS has added a variety of new programs and A-G approved classes, Draeger added.

“We have done a lot to make improvements at the school site overall in the last couple years.

I know we've seen a number of principals but we've also been working on a number of new programs,” Draeger said. “Overall, we've been working on systemic SEE “TOP DISTRICT” ON PAGE 16

LUKE REN THE UNION

The graph displays data from the California Healthy Kids survey concerning an individual student’s drug use. The survey is taken bianually, targeting 9th and 11th graders, and indicates decreasing drug use.

Admin: MHS sees ‘rise in vape usage’

By Neval Mulaomerovic Luke Ren

Drug use is on the rise in MHS with the increased availability of marijuana and vape pens, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hutchison said. The legalization of marijuana and the increase in acceptance towards drug use has contributed to this growing trend, she said.

Rising drug use among students can be attributed to flaws in the system, Hutchison said. Places that sell nicotine products might not ask for identification from underage kids who look older, and students may also gain access to their parents’ prescription drugs at home, she said.

“We definitely have a rise in vape usage,” Hutchison said.

“Studies are showing that it’s on the rise. Since marijuana has been legalized, it makes [drugs] more accessible and the society’s view on whether it’s good or bad for you has also changed because of that.

We’ve also seen students on Xanax. Xanax when not prescribed for an individual causes a lot of changes neurologically and can be extremely dangerous causing medical conditions.”

Students are exposed to drug use more nowadays Junior Mahika More said. Society has become more accepting towards teenage drug use, allowing more students to do drugs without understanding the consequences, she said.

“People talk about [drugs] a lot more openly than they did before,” More said. “It’s important

to know that there are real consequences to using drugs, and it’s not something that you should become dependent on at such a young age.”

Drug use can seriously impact a student’s performance in school, Hutchison said. Students tend to feel more tired and less motivated in physical and mental activities, she said.

“The reality is the health conditions that come as a result of [drug use] are very real,” Hutchison said.

“Instead of trying to scare people from it, we need to educate them so they’re making responsible decisions based on factual scientific evidence. We need to continue to do a good job at reaching out to inSEE “DRUG ABUSE” ON PAGE 16

Computer Science, Chinese AP classes planned

By Vivian Tsang

Two new AP classes will be available for MHS students to take during the 2019-2020 school year, according to Assistant Principal Jennifer Hutchison. It was possible to add AP Computer Science A and AP Chinese due to an increase in class enrollment and demand, Hutchison said.

The process for implementing a new AP class depends on multiple factors including student interest, availability of teachers who can teach the class, and financial reasons, Hutchison said. The class also needs to fit in the master schedule, she added.

“The class itself has to go through a process with our own Curriculum Policy Council (CPC) in Milpitas Unified School District, where the teacher presents what they're going to teach with their syllabus and the expected outcomes,” Hutchison said. “It gets approval through that committee. It has to go through the A - G requirements for all UC and CSU's which is a whole other process with submitting the syllabus

and making sure it is aligned to what the college would expect us to be teaching and College Board.”

One hundred and six students came in seeking pre-approval signatures for the AP Computer Science Course without any advertisement from the school, Math Teacher Charles Castleman, who will be teaching the class next year, said. The idea of the class was brought up last year, but this year the discussion is about implementing it, Castleman continued.

“I think it's important that we're offering this class especially being close to these tech companies in Silicon Valley and by offering this class at a high school where tuition is free and admission is public,” Castleman said.

“It's very important for equity to allow students who may have difficulty going to college for financial reasons to be able to take a class like this in high school that gives so many career opportunities.”

This is the third year that MHS has attempted to offer AP

Chinese, according to Chinese Teacher Martha Kang. With a total of 54 students who signed up to take the class, she expects to be able to teach two sections next year, Kang said.

“I collect students' data to show that people want to take it and then we have to show [the district] which textbook we can adopt,” Kang said. “We also have to show the current course description [in order to get the class approved].”

Due to the popularity of the AP Chinese exam, only students who take the AP Chinese Course at MHS will be able to sign up for the AP Chinese exam at MHS, Kang said. Each student should take the prerequisite Chinese 3 course before taking the AP Chinese class, she added.

Castleman expects the demand for AP Computer Science at MHS to continue to rise, he said. There has been discussion around the fact that if the class is successful, MHS would continue to offer more and more sections as the years go by, Castleman said.

LOAN-ANH PHAM THE UNION

Home Economics Teacher Lori Anderson-Day, first credentialed on 21 Jan. 1992, teaches while her students complete a worksheet.

Teacher credentialing may change for ongoing teacher shortage issue

By Genelle Gogue

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) is currently looking into reforming its process for teaching credentials, EdSource Writer Diana Lambert wrote. While some tests may be waived based on prior performance on the SAT or the completion of certain coursework, members of the educational community have called for allowing certain degrees or coursework as an alternative to testing, Lambert further wrote.

If the abundance of testing is preventing quality teachers from getting credentials, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hutchison would appreciate reform, she said. There is a teacher shortage, Hutchison continued.

“My hope, truthfully, is that we would actually be able to get teachers because we do have a teacher shortage; it is an issue,” Hutchison said. “Nowadays, teachers have to take two or three exams depending on what their credentialing is. If those are hindrances to getting qualified teachers, I would love it if [CCTC] would reflect and figure out alternatives.”

The CCOTC’s use of testing to

determine whether a prospective teacher deserves his credentials is still useful, Hutchison said.

One example of the merits of the current testing system is its ability to determine a teacher's writing ability, she continued.

“There’s a writing portion,” Hutchison said. “There are a lot of hoops to jump through to become an educator, and some of them are valuable and important. I would say this has been one of them that has some merit to it, but it may be we’re past that.”

Testing is not the only factor that is looked into when a teacher is hired. Even if the teacher credentialing system changes, teacher quality should stay the same due to diligence in the hiring process, she said.

“Tests scores are important, but so is their experience when it comes to getting through the hiring process,” Hutchison said.

“We’re looking more about experiences that they’ve had, what they’ve taught, what their references are saying about them, and how they’ve performed in the past. In our hiring practices, we do enough looking into quality candidates, and we know enough about the people to ensure that we’re getting good people.”

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College and Career Paths: Tips and Tricks Military an alternative to college

By Ashley Chen

For many seniors, the next step after graduation is college. However, Chief Petty Officer Fritzjon Lucero and Senior Earl Rios have other plans in addition to attending college. After graduating, both will join the United States Navy while completing their degrees.

He plans to join the Navy for 20 years, Lucero said. After his first enlistment, which is around three to four years of active duty, he hopes to attend the prestigious and reputable United States Naval Academy, he continued.

“Most naval aviators are from the Naval Academy,” Lucero said.

“My goal is getting my diploma, college, becoming an officer in the Navy, and being able to actually be an aviator and fly the F18s.”

As of Jul. 26, Rios will be going to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois for approximately eight weeks, Rios said. Afterwards, he will attend “A” school and “C” school and wait to find out where he will be stationed, he continued.

While “A” school teaches recruits the fundamentals of their Navy jobs, “C” school focuses on training for a specific job. His contract is five years with the Navy, and he is planning to stay for about 25 years, he said.

“I’m planning to get stationed in San Diego, go to San Diego State University, get my bachelor’s degree and my master’s through the Navy,” Rios said. “I’ll be majoring in business management. Part of my family does major in business management, so [I’m] basically following in their footsteps. I want to do it for myself, too.”

All of his uncles are in the Navy and in every branch of the military, Rios said. He decided to follow in their footsteps, he said.

Being in Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) since his freshman year has influenced him, Lucero said. NJROTC has structured him, prepared him for joining the Navy, and solidified his decision to enlist, he said. “[Skills I gained from NJROTC are] definitely knowledge, as in the general orders,” Lucero said.

“Pretty much all of our knowledge in the NJROTC program is reflected into the actual military. We still learn the ranks and the customs, [and] going into the military after high school [with this knowledge] will make it a lot easier for me than someone who is just a regular civilian going in.”

Since middle school, he has known that he was going to enlist, Lucero said. He wanted to

improve as a leader, and out of all the options he had, the Navy had the biggest potential for him, he continued.

“The military gives you more leadership opportunities than anywhere else,” Lucero said.

“With the military, you are getting experiences which prepares you for the private sector. Because who’s going to have a better chance of getting an engineering job: the person who has worked on that field or someone who has just been studying it and thinking about the theories of it?”

“I want to have benefits in my life,” Rios said. “I want to be independent. If you go to college, you rely on your parents to do that. If you’re in the military, you’re on your own, and you rely on your second family. You become more independent and strong, and become a better leader compared to people who do go to college.

I’m not saying they don’t, but it’s harder to maintain that.”

Don’t hesitate and don’t listen to what people are saying, Rios said when asked what advice he would give to students considering taking the same path as he.

If you’re uncertain, learn your options first; go check in with a recruiter, see what they have to offer, and try to imagine yourself in that position, Lucero said.

CHARLENE YANG | THE UNION

Consider what college to attend in fall

By Ishrak Ramzan

The month of March has finally come to an end, and with it so too has the agony of waiting to know where you were accepted or not.

However, even with the stress of uncertainty gone, you may be asking yourself the tough question: “How am I going to decide what school I will be attending for the next chapter of my life?”

If that is the situation you currently face, maybe these tips will provide some assistance.

1. Visit the different colleges you have been admitted to Typically, colleges will host a welcoming-day event on campus designed to help showcase what the school has to offer to potential members of the incoming freshmen class. By attending these events, you will be able to get a feel for a variety of aspects of the school, from student organizations to the best eateries and facilities for students. Even more importantly, you can get a sense for the vibe of the school.

Additionally, it will allow you to see what the housing options are for students–what are the dorms

like? How modern are the dorms, and how many students are in a typical dorm? Do most students stay on campus, or do they live in nearby apartments?

2. Talk to those already there There is a fair chance that you know people who attended the schools to which you have been admitted; they could be a close friend, teacher, counselor, or a relative. Not only will they have insight into the pros and cons of the school, they will be able to give you more personal and detailed knowledge about the school by drawing on their own experiences.

3. Consider both your academic and career-related goals Look at the programs for which you have been admitted and compare them. While the same general curriculum will likely be covered, there will probably be some variation in requirements and electives for the major. See what appeals to you and the areas that you are most interested in.

Also, look into relevant professors and their labs to see if there would be opportunities for you to get hands-on experience in your

chosen field.

4. Look into the various social opportunities and events on and around campus Maybe you want to join a fraternity or a sorority, in which case you should look at a school’s Greek system. Look into other popular student organizations as well. If you have an interest, chances are that there is a group of students who share it. But you shouldn’t limit yourself to just the immediate campus; also look at the surrounding area. Where do students like to go in their free time? If the school is based in or near a larger city, what are the popular attractions close by?

5. Examine the financial costs of attendance Like it or not, college isn’t free, and tuition gets more expensive every year. Money is something to consider. Look at the financial aid a school has awarded you, and compare multiple schools’ offers.

The initial price tag on a college isn’t final; with financial aid and scholarships, a school you may have thought to be far beyond your budget might be quite affordable.

WHITNEY TRAN | THE UNION

Scholarships pay for college, should not be overlooked

By Luke Ren

If you are a high-school senior looking to not go into severe debt after entering college, your best bet is through scholarships.

Scholarships are when large companies or organizations decide to give students free cash to pay for college.

If you do not want to go through the trouble of searching for scholarships on your own, Marissa Canez, the College & Career Technician at MHS, has a website dedicated to updating students on available and applicable scholarships. The College and Career Website can be accessed on the Student Resources page of the MHS website.

Websites like Scholarships. com, Fastweb.com, and Gomerry. com let you input your information and then pair you automatically with scholarships that apply to you. The websites mentioned above are not all that there is either; a simple internet search will provide you with a list of websites that will similarly find you scholarships.

Each scholarship has its own

set of hoops to jump through in order to apply. Websites like Unigo.com and Coursehero.com host scholarships that require a single essay. Other scholarships may require multiple essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, or a combination of the three. Some even provide internship and work experience opportunities alongside cash.

If you are in any program, club, or demographic, there is a scholarship for you. If you are in the NJROTC program at MHS, there are a series of scholarships available to you. The Navy ROTC Scholarship will provide students with almost everything they need to be commissioned into the Naval Service or Marine Corps.

Being able to navigate your way through the financial ecosystem surrounding college can be a great help, especially when the price tag on colleges is constantly increasing. The above mentioned resources are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to paying for college. There are people out there that will throw cash at you so you can go to school, so go out there and take it!

National Merit Finalists entered to win $2,500

By Ryanna Lui

The selected National Merit Finalists from MHS are the following seniors: Anvi Brahmbhatt, Ashley Chen, Eric de Guzman, Junyu Deng, Antoine Devictor, Josephine Tai, and Lisa Yan, Principal Francis Rojas said via email. Only one of the finalists will be getting the $2500 scholarship this year, Rojas wrote.

Each year, about 1.6 million juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for a chance at scholarships, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) website.

Participants go through several evaluations, and around 15,000 are made finalists.

“If you move on after finalists, you can get a $2,500 scholarship, or you can get scholarships from corporations and colleges,” Deng said. “I’m going to sit back and wait for more letters in the mail

to see if I get the scholarship.”

Finalist Antoine Devictor is glad for the return on investment as the school paid for the PSAT, he said. After notification of his status, Devictor submitted an application for merit consideration.

“You had to write an essay– write is a strong word, I just copied and pasted one of my college essays [about] an event that sparked growth,” Devictor said.

“I think you had to fill out an application that asked for your transcripts [and] extracurriculars.”

Juniors should not worry about the PSAT over the long run, especially because only a miniscule portion of test-takers qualify, Devictor stated. The test merely granted him a title, which he was only able to use for his college applications, he continued.

“Don’t stress about it. It basically tests how good of a test taker you are,” Devictor encouraged.

“But if you really want the award for some reason, you can study hard. Which I didn’t do.”

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PRO

Age to vote should decrease; students deserve to be heard Politics always seems to be recal landscape changes around us garded as one of those adult things we are helpless to do much about everyone puts off for as long as it, because we don’t have that vote. possible. Most teenagers will stick We can rally together in marches their heads in the sand, blissfully and walkouts, such as those seen ignore the understated role that across the country in the wake of the government plays shootings and continuous in everyday life, breeze gun violence, but it’s unthrough American Govfortunate that such grim ernment as seniors, and times have finally caused continue into college as our voices to be heard. unconcerned individSomething I always hear uals unaware that they from my friends is, “Of have a real stake in the course I don’t care about political environment who’s running for office. of America. I’m not sayI can’t even vote.” And I ing we should all start have to admit, they have running for president a point. I could sit here all JONATHAN or inspiring sweeping day and try to argue why TRAN political change in our being politically “woke” local towns (it’s not very is so beneficial, but witheasy!), but I feel that at least being aware of current events in the political sphere isn’t bad or difficult “But why do so few at all. But why do so few teenagers seem to care now? It’s because we teenagers seem lack a voice— we lack the power to vote. Lowering the voting age is a to care now? It’s good thing.

Understanding what’s happenbecause we lack a ing in America today is incredibly important. The actions being put voice— we lack the in motion now from every level of government are unlikely to affect power to vote.” teenagers today. However, they will affect those same teenagers in a couple years when they’re out the ability to act on that awareadults. Yet, many of us will choose ness, it’s a tough narrative to push. to ignore these impactful changes By lowering the voting age, it sends when they’re taking shape because a message to teenagers that their we don’t have the right to vote. As opinion does matter, and that they a result, many political candidates should take a more active role in the will choose to ignore the needs of events and politics of America— the the younger generation in America very same one they’re inheriting in because they know they won’t get only a few years. their votes anyway. As the politi-

CON

Voting age should stay at 18; viewpoints need to develop Students at MHS walked out of age, us screenagers can find it classrooms in solidarity for the very easy to latch on to the views Parkland shooting on March 14, of those around us or those of our 2019. And with such favored media outlets, tragedies directly afwithout looking much fecting high schoolers, it further into the facts. may seem only right that You are not going to find we should have a say in many students digging choosing how the coundeep into a presidential try should be run and candidate’s practical who should be in charge. legislation or long term However, although plans. many students under The vote of a student 18 have strong feelings under 18 can also be very susceptible to parental about politics, it is not ERIC so certain that most influence, as they are DE GUZMAN students are informed still living at home. Eienough to go to the polls ther a parent will have conditioned their children to lean toward their vote, or students may “Without real-life develop opposing opinions for the sake of rebellion. experience, how can High schoolers also do not have many of the responsibilities and students be expectexperiences that adults do. Until they reach the age of 18, students ed to make deciwill experience restrictive policies on labor and driving. In addition, sions concerning the most students have not yet made important financial decisions such whole nation and its as paying taxes or tuition. Without real-life experience, how can stucomplex economic dents be expected to make decisions concerning the whole nation and social issues?” and its complex economic and social issues?

Of course, there are bound to be and make such an important de- some younger students with a betcision. People usually don’t fully ter understanding of politics. But develop the prefrontal cortex, re- for the most part, study and hobsponsible for rational decisions, bies should be enough to keep stuuntil their 20’s, let alone 16 or 17. dents’ minds occupied. It may not Generally, students under 18 take more than a government class don’t do a lot of research either in to become a politician, but it may regards to their political stance. take a little more than that to truly Especially in the “social” media address the needs of our country.

OPINIONS

FEBRUARY 2019

Students need incentives for SBAC tests It’s an open secret that all you reBut what about the school as a ally have to do to get out of taking whole? According, once more, to the SBAC for another agonizing the CTA, the federal government time is get your parents to write a encourages states to create sancletter to a school official, according tions on reluctant school districts to the California Teachand may withhold feders Association (CTA), eral funding to states the premier teachers’ where less than 95% of union in California polstudents take the test. itics, “California EdWell, no such sanctions ucation Code section exist in California yet 60615 allows a parent and the sizable student or guardian to submit a population at MHS of written request to school around 3000 is a good officials to exclude his or deal less than the overall her child from any or all population of 6 million in parts of state-mandated our state.

KIRK assessments.”

Now, some high-horsTRAN By law, there is no perin’ stickler for the rules sonal consequence to out there might decry me opting out of testing, “Currently, for compelling you to play fast and there are no state-mandated con- loose with standardized testing. sequences for students who do not What if MHS is the catalyst and take the Smarter Balanced Assess- first victim of those sanctions? ments or other state-mandated Here’s a good state testing mantests...While there are federal laws tra: it’s for the school, not you. requiring states to administer The fact remains that the inthese tests to at least 95% of eli- dividual has no incentive to care gible students, the Every Student about the state’s needs or our felSucceeds Act (ESSA) recognizes a low student’s needs. If you are so parent’s right to refuse testing in charitable as to take the test for the states that have opt-out laws,” ac- school’s benefit, well, more power cording to the CTA. to you, but not everyone is so inYour parents won’t have extra strinsically motivated. taxes levied on them, you won’t go Not taking the SBAC has no imto juvie, God won’t send a divine mediate and pressing consquences, bolt of judgement towards your unlike teacher-given tests. We are way, and the world won’t end just only given incentive to care about because you skipped out on a test our academic performance, which that burns valuable learning time. unfortunately the great and golden

State of California plays no direct hand in. But it wasn’t always and doesn’t have to be this way.

In the past, students were given something called a “Trojan Access Card” (TAC) for good test performaance. The TAC imparted many benefits, but perhaps the most noteworthy benefit was the opportunity, once it was approved, to eat an off-campus lunch.

The TAC isn’t the only form of incentive that MHS could introduce to encourage students to put effort into the SBAC test. For example, MHS could implement an open lunch policy for every year that students meet a certain testing benchmark.

In fact, there’s not much stopping MHS from implementing open lunch in the first place, as the California Education Code says “the governing board of a school district may permit the pupils enrolled at any high school to leave the school grounds during the lunch period of such pupils. Neither the school district nor any officer or employee thereof shall be liable for the conduct or safety of any pupil during such time as the pupil has left the school grounds pursuant to this section.”

Of course, granting lunchtime freedom based on standardized test performance is not the only reward MHS may bestow. Any incentive would be better than the nothing we are given now.

MHS students losing their school spirit Spirit week is an event meant to unique or entertaining outfits and bring students of all classes togeth- have fun while doing so. er for fun activities. Posters detailI understand this isn’t meant to ing the themes for each day of the be easy; there’s no fun in that of week were hung up everywhere course. There would be no compearound campus, encouraging stu- tition between classes if students dents to get involved in the festivi- could just throw on any outfit for a ties. On every social media site you theme and call it a day. But there’s turn to, your peers post pictures of a fine line between making themes spirit week flyers, passive-aggres- to challenge students and making sively reminding you to themes that are plain dress up and help your boring. Take this year’s class win spirit points. diversity week for examSo why, save for maybe ple. One day was dubbed most of the upperclass“Favorite Holiday Day,” men, do some students yet if someone’s favorite opt out of dressing up for holiday were to be Halspirit week? loween for example, they One answer to this were not allowed to show question is glaringly up to school in costume. obvious: some students Instead, students were just don’t find spirit week encouraged to show up in ALANA festivities interesting clothing bearing HallowPENN enough to even bother een images. I understand with participating. This the safety concerns that is likely because some of the day- can come with this theme, such as to-day themes are not engaging to wearing costumes with masks, but some. Of course, the goal of spirit this takes the fun out of dressing week is to create themes that chal- up. Rules like this can contribute to lenge students to come up with a lack of spirit week participation.

This is not to discredit any of the work put into these events by MHS’s Associated Student Body (ASB) crew. It’s just that there is always room for improvement, and spirit week in general is no exception to this. You’re probably wondering how to boost spirit week participation in the first place.

How would one even go about doing this?

The answer lies in involvement.

Getting more people in the student body involved with spirit week plans could potentially help remedy this issue. For example, ASB can try to send out Google Forms to students regarding spirit week themes and gauge the opinion of the student body when making the schedule. This way, it would be much easier to figure out which themes are more popular with students beforehand. This in turn would make spirit week a more inclusive and fun experience for everyone. While there are still steps that could be taken towards solving this issue, this is definitely a solution to consider.

AP tests worth more than you think Now, most students at MHS But that’s an issue for another isknow that the regular price to take sue. one of the prestigious AP tests is 95 The question that all responsible dollars. Ninety-five dollars is more (and some irresponsible) AP stuthan you would spend on an appli- dents have asked is, “Is this AP test cation for most colleges; Stanford, worth 95 dollars?” The answer? It one of the most acclaimed in the depends. country, requires a 90 As it turns out, most dollar fee to submit your educational institutions, application. And 95 dolfrom Mission to Stanlars is about 50 percent ford, accept AP scores more than you would for some credit towards spend on an SAT or ACT comparable courses. test, which for many colGetting at least a 3 on leges is the baseline of the Calculus AB exam is academic success. enough to skip the first To most students, 95 Math 1A course at UC dollars seems like a lot Berkeley, and at least a of money, and rightly so.

4 offers about the same And again, this is just benefit at Stanford.

ERIC DE GUZMAN for one exam: my family A college class at these spent 285 dollars on this high-profile schools sorry senior to take my costs thousands of dolthree AP tests. lars, as well as weeks of your preWith the recent scandals in cious time; if you are an aspiring which test proctors have accepted student for one of these institubribes to give rich kids good scores, tions, 95 dollars per course should one may wonder if CollegeBoard seem like a pretty sweet deal. Also, really is a “nonprofit” institution. taking any AP test and doing well

is bound to look good to a lot of colleges.

However, not all schools look at AP tests the same way, which is why you must do a little research yourself as to how and if your dream college accepts AP credits.

And if you are planning to major in something like Gender Studies, you might want to consider foregoing the Calculus AB or Physics test if your family is pressed for money, and look at more pertaining courses, like AP Psychology.

It seems like the best way to deal with this financial burden is to use money wisely. Many students seem to ride the AP train wherever their peers go, with no real concern for which AP courses will actually benefit them, but used properly AP tests can be a real asset.

It is important to view these educational choices in a financial light as well; let us take the 95 dollar cost of AP tests as yet another preparation for the economic troubles that face many students in college, however painful it may be.

FEBRUARY 2019

EDITOR I A L : The Opinion of The Union

Scheduling classes needs to improve True education and going to school are not the same thing.

Many students dislike school and for forgivable reasons.

Homework, exams, and personal difficulties all create stress. And of course, we as individuals want freedom.

Some restrictions on freedom are necessary, but there is one freedom that cannot be infringed: that to explore, specialize, and be in control of our own educations. The Union believes that MHS’ current approach to class scheduling restricts this freedom and requires change so that more students have opportunities to discover their passions.

MHS graduation requirements for core classes exceed those of the California’s Education Code (EC) and tend to be a pathway to fulfilling college-application requirements. In short, MHS mandates one extra year of English and mathematics, half a year of social studies, and specifically one year of fine arts. It is good to support the college

mindset but not to force every student into fulfilling college requirements. If MHS lowers its graduation requirements to match state law, then students will have the freedom to find their passions The constrictive nature of the current approach to scheduling can dampen a student’s drive to learn. College is a breath of fresh air because students are allowed to pick their classes. However, at MHS freshmen and sophomores experience little variation in their schedules, possibly because of the frontload of mandatory classes. Their chief options to personalize are AP and honors courses; not until junior and senior year do they get much variation. As a result, some students think there isn’t enough time to take electives or other classes. MHS should spread core classes out over four years to make for more flexibility. Elective classes should be offered as early as possible rather than after two years.

MHS actually has an impressive catalog of elective classes, many of which are taught by good teachers. However, they need to be emphasized more.

Underclassmen should have opportunities to shadow upperclassmen in a variety of elective courses. Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) is also a great program for those with defined goals, and it should be promoted more so that every student knows they have that option.

Class schedules should not only reflect progress toward graduation and college requirements, but they should also be indicative of what that student has tried: what they have learned, tried to learn, want to learn. Scheduling does not have to be restrictive. With such a rich selection of electives, capable teachers, and understanding counselors, MHS can become a high school that allows its students the freedom to take chances, make mistakes, and find meaning in learning.

EDITOR I A L : The Opinion of The Union

2019 walkout is a shadow of yesteryear On March 14, a walkout, was held, attracting about 40 attendees. Students skipped third and fourth period to visit the football field, where they held a die-in and discussed the effects of gun violence on the student body and minority communities.

All students should have the right to go to a school without the fear of sudden death hanging over their heads. The overproliferation of firearms is a tangible and pressing crisis in America, and we laud the organizers of the walkout for bravely speaking their piece on the sensitive controversy.

However. if the goal of the walkout was to raise aware-

ness of the deleterious effects of gun violence, then the efforts of 2019 pale in comparison to the efforts of 2018. The preceding walkout mustered over 200 students who left campus and marched through town to make their mark in the minds of the populace.

This year’s walkout garnered only a fraction of that amount and stayed on campus. It is difficult to raise awareness and attract attention if one hardly leaves the comfort and safety of home.

In fact, many students were not even aware there was a walkout in the first place, a testament to how this year’s walkout failed to live up to its

predecessor.

Should walking out to protest gun policy become tradition, organizers must be prepared to send their message effectively. Last year’s protesters spread their plans all over social media, while this year’s protesters mostly used wordof-mouth and made hardly a peep online.

If protesters want to raise awareness, they must make a clarion call to rally, as opposed to the disorganized murmuring of dissent we saw this year.

We support the sentiments expressed by those walking out, but we are disappointed with the lackluster performance shown.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, On July 5, 2015, 17 year old Jay Cheshire hangs himself in the park after a retracted accusation of rape.

Exactly one year later, his mom hangs herself in the same park on the same tree. Armaan Premjee, a USC student, is accused of sexual assault at a party and is expelled despite video evidence that he was actually the victim and the girl was the aggressor. #BelieveWomen It’s these stories that don’t get posted on social media because they don’t support the feel-good narrative of the leftist feminists. To maintain their illusion of impartiality, they point to cherry picked cases of (male) celebrities, like Terry Crews, fortunate enough to have the platform to speak up, yet more obscure cases get conveniently swept under the rug.

Justice is dealt only when it’s convenient to the MeToo agenda-such as Aaron Persky-but where’s the justice for Jay Cheshire? The Left likes to believe it’s the enlightened among sheep, priding themselves every time they point out social injustice. At the end of the day, a morally bankrupt judge is out of a job and a son and his mother are dead over a lie. Yeah sure, our society is totally biased against rape victims.

Saying that trials are fair while also deciding who’s guilty before the trial even starts sounds like

something the North Korean government would say. It’s crazy how we can study the totalitarian regimes of the Nazis and Soviets and read dystopian novels like 1984 while still thinking we’re on the “right” side of history by assuming a group of people are innocent without an impartial trial. I wonder how that faired out for the Jews and capitalists in Germany and Russia.

The scary part is we’re not only heading down a path of discrimination; we’re heading down a path of justified discrimination, not unlike the Nazis using pseudoscience to convince themselves that races other the Aryan were inferior.

During the era of high racial tensions in the South after the Civil War, Democrats would falsely accuse blacks and Republicans of rape so that they’d have an excuse to lynch them, nobly claiming that they were protecting women while in actuality eliminating and silencing those that opposed their agenda. And look at what the Democrats are doing right now.

The sad, sad irony of the #MeToo movement is that because of all the accusations that have emerged, the voices of actual victims are being drowned out by those that exploit the movement for personal gain.

A major goal of the #MeToo movement was to condemn the supposed societal discrimination of victims, but it has turned into the villain it hoped to extinguish.

THE UNION

EDITORIAL

How is ruining the lives of people based only on proven lies any better than shaming victims of sexual abuse? Imagine for a moment being a stressed student only to then be falsely accused of sexual assault, having everyone you’ve known turn on you based on a lie and convinced that they’re doing something noble.

This culture is how school shooters are made, not lax gun regulations.

For any other crime, like murder or theft, just accusing someone isn’t enough for prosecution. It’s strange then that we hold sexual assault to a different standard. It’s quite the coincidence that this double standard allows the Left to both push their agenda and label their opposition as women-haters. It’s easy to gain power when all your opponents are suppressed, a tactic used by (not surprisingly) the Nazis and Soviets.

Before the feminists start misrepresenting my stance, I’ve never said that we shouldn’t believe women. I’m just saying that we need to treat sexual assault cases the same as we do any other crime, with substantial evidence and the presumption of innocence. Sadly, we live in a time where people that want legal equality for men and women are labeled as misogynists.

U NION The

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FEATURES

APRIL 2019

Measles outbreak calls for caution

By Vivian Tsang

COURTESY OF JONATHAN VAN

Senior Jonathan Van uses a voltmeter to test the static charge of the car battery in his Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) class.

The first cases of measles outbreak in the Bay Area were confirmed in Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz counties in early March this year, Reporter Annie Sciacca stated in a Mercury News article. The disease was initially spread by a Santa Cruz resident who was on an international flight to the San Francisco International Airport; at least three residents have been infected since, Sciacca said.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles is a highly infectious disease that is caused by a virus in the bloodstream. Before 1963, when a vaccine to combat measles was introduced, as many as four million people in the U.S. contracted the disease each year.

In those years, up to 500 people died and as many as 48,000 peo-

ple required hospitalization.

The last case of measles outbreak occurred in April 2018 and was primarily spread by unvaccinated patients, reporter Khalida Sarwari reported in a Mercury News article. In the United States, children are vaccinated against measles at the age of one and before primary school, Sarwari said.

Symptoms of the disease appear seven to fourteen days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, the CDC stated on their website. After several days, a rash composing of tiny red bumps on the skin will spread from the head to the rest of the body.

If an affected patient were to cough on an airplane flight, the disease can be sustained in the airspace for up to two hours, CDC stated. Up to 90% of people

in close environments with an affected person will contract the disease if they are not immune to it.

While the health risk is low with only three cases of outbreak reported so far, it is important to take precautions. The MMR vaccine is 97 percent effective against measles, rumps, and rubella, CDC stated. Since the use of the measles vaccine, there has been a 99 percent reduction in the number of arising cases since the 1900s. The vaccination is safe and can prevent the spread of infection to other individuals.

Making health appointments and confirming the status of your vaccination are efficient ways to stay safe in light of the current outbreaks.

Information from this article was obtained from www.mercurynews.com and www.cdc.gov/ measles.

SVCTE offers hands on courses; students earn work experience

By Ashley Chen Neval Mulaomerovic

SVCTE offers hands-on training and experience in courses that are not available at MHS, Counselor Beth Harke said. The programs provide students with vocational training that is sought after by colleges and employers, she said.

“You get hands-on experience in things such as VetTech, our veterinary program. You can’t take a VetTech program here, but there, their staff members bring their animals in,” Harke said.

“You’re either taking two or three classes there a day so that you’re really able to dive deep into the material and understand it.”

Courses are unique because they cover career topics that are not taught at MHS, Junior Sophia Ling said. In the Mobile Apps and Coding course, students receive one-on-one assistance from instructors as well as the opportunity to work on individual assignments, she said.

“We’re doing SWIFT right now,” Ling said. “We started off by doing some HTML, JavaScript, and Adobe Illustrator. We have a bunch of mini projects that we do.

We make a tic-tac-toe game or we make different calculators.”

Meanwhile, Senior Jonathan Van is taking Automotive Services. He decided to enroll out of personal interest, and he has already worked on cars before this program, Van said.

“It’s like a real shop [at SVCTE],”

Van said. “There are program tools and equipment we can use.

Some of the equipment can go up to twenty thousand dollars.”

Besides learning skills needed for the automotive industry, students are offered internships at dealerships, Van said. From there, you can get hired, he said.

Junior Shreyas Rangan is taking Mechatronics, which combines mechanics and electrical engineering. He is building a hydrogen fuel cell part car to compete in a race, Rangan said. “[My favorite part about Mechatronics is] the field trips,” Rangan said. “We went to a tech company and we got to see a robot that mapped out an entire floor, and it didn’t need any human assistance to move around.”

However, there are some downsides to going to SVCTE to take classes. Senior Anthony Ngo took Cybersecurity last semester at SVCTE because he was interested in pursuing a computer science major in the future, Ngo said.

“I would say the worst part would be buses,” Ngo said. “Sometimes the traffic would be really bad, and we get to the campus late or on the way back to school, so we’ll be late to third period.”

There are benefits to SVCTE, however, Ngo said. Classes at SVCTE are two hours long, which is one hour and 10 minutes more than class periods at MHS, he continued. “Because you spend extra time there, you’re able to get more work done, and learn more,” Ngo said.

La documents journey in film

By Maira Ramos

Senior Calvin La, a photographer, has ventured into the world of cinematography with his current short film project titled “To Myself.” Creating this film allows La to tell a more enticing story compared to photos of one snapshot in time, La said.

The work in progress is about La’s journey with mental illness throughout middle school and high school, La said. It’ll portray the difficulties of coping with mental illness and how it affects relationships with other people, he said. “[How I got the idea] is a funny story,” La said. “I was taking a nap, and I had a dream. I woke up and just started writing the script. That’s how I come up with a lot of my ideas.”

Despite La’s homework load, he commits most of his time to creating his film, La said. La spent

two months writing the script, sometimes during free moments in class, he said.

“Script writing is pretty hard,” La said. “I want to make sure that when I put this out, people of all ages can relate to it. I want to make sure most people will understand my vision.”

The main idea that La wants people to take away from his short film is that anyone who is dealing with a mental illness should seek help if they need it, La said.

“It’s hard for people to notice that you’re not alone in this,” La said. “There’s so many other people who care for you and love you—you just have to take the time to acknowledge and appreciate them.”

“To Myself” is set to premiere on May 18, La said. The details of the showing are yet to be released but updates can be found on La’s Instagram @caalvinoo.

COURTESY OF TAM NGO

Sophomore Makaila Agojo (middle row, third from left) and Senior Tam Ngo (bottom row, third from left) pose for a group photo with the 2018-19 Gobstoppers team. Auditions for the next season will be held in June.

Students shimmy into competitive dancing

By Maira Ramos

Most people dance for enjoyment, but some people also dance to win. Some MHS students have taken their love for dancing to another level by auditioning for youth dance teams.

Sophomore Makaila Agojo discovered her passion for dancing in freshman year and decided to audition for Gobstoppers, a junior dance team for dancers under 18 years old, Agojo said. The audition process was somewhat difficult, she said.

“We learned and performed a piece in front of the choreographer, directors, and team,” Agojo said. “It was my first audition and a lot of emotions were impacting me and I was very scared of messing up in front of everyone.”

Senior Tam Ngo is also on Gobstoppers but didn’t go through the normal audition process, Ngo said. Ngo attended private auditions.

“I took a class at the studio, and it was surprisingly a K-pop class which is really not my style,” Ngo said. “I guess it turned out well in the end since I’m on the team.”

Sophomore Jenina Fernandez auditioned and made it into the group Syndikidz, Fernandez said.

Her team learns new dances and prepares for their upcoming competition during their practices, she said.

“On this competitive team, everyone is really good, and it’s intimidating,” Fernandez said.

“Sometimes, there’s insecurities like, ‘Am I being the best dancer I can be?’”

Being on a team is nerve wracking at first if you’re shy and don’t know how to open up or talk to people, Agojo said. However, everyone on her team is positive and supportive of everyone, she said.

“Before, I was having a hard time, but being in the dance community with my team really

helped me out of that dark place and made my life more positive,” Agojo said. “We are a team, but we’re more than that, we’re a dance family.”

Fernandez overcomes her insecurities by reminding herself that everyone grows at their own pace, Fernandez said. Being surrounded by hard-working and talented dancers pushes her to become a better dancer, she said.

“When I learn a dance and I perform it, I feel really good,” Fernandez said. “Also, when I teach people, it’s really rewarding to see how people interpret the dances that I make.”

Ngo made up a lot of excuses in the past to not take dance classes despite being interested, like not having enough time and money, Ngo said. Looking back, she wishes that she didn’t make excuses and started earlier, she said.

“Seeing how much I’ve improved from day one to now is the most fulfilling part,” Ngo said.

APES project emphasizes conservation

By Ginnie Lo

Students taking Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES) were assigned a project in which they had to carry around a trash bag for two days in order to see how much waste they generated, APES Teacher Glenn Barrett said. After the project was assigned on Feb. 25, students had two days to fill their garbage bags, he continued.

Students had to carry around trash such as wrapping paper, mail, and other garbage generated, Barrett stated. Food waste and products that were considered harmful did not have to be carried and were tallied instead, he added.

“[Students] were graded on processing the data, so figuring how much they have in each category, doing the math on it, and figuring out their individual portions,” Barrett said. “They also earned some extra points by having an adult do [the project] as well.”

Students were given the option of whether to carry around their garbage bag around school or not, Junior Dania Kirmani said. The assignment showed students how every action they make affects the environment, she continued.

“I didn’t think we would have that much trash in two days, and that was only the trash we were allowed to collect,” Kirmani stated. “I learned that I create a lot of trash and that I really want to

start using reusable containers, like a reusable milk tea straw.”

Many students found the assignment eye-opening, Senior Nisha Porchezhiyan said. They learned how most products are impossible to reuse because of their one time use, she added.

“I think everyone can take away [from this project] how many things we throw away every day without even realizing and how we live in a throwaway economy,” Porchezhiyan said. “I really cut down on plastic items [after the project]. I bought a reusable straw that I take with me everywhere and I try to bring my own cup if I’m going to Starbucks or Peets. It isn’t a big leap, but it’s still something.”

APRIL 2019

FEATURES

THE UNION

7

Band students recognized, share talent across the Bay

By Neval Mulaomerovic

Several band students received recognition for being accepted into regional bands, District Music Teacher Moises Fagundes said. Along with a player from Thomas Russell Middle School, multiple MHS students qualified to Honor Groups in the state and county, he said.

Junior Rebecca Wang was accepted to the all-state honor band, which includes a rigorous application process, Fagundes said. “Many students from all over the state submit recordings by the beginning of December,” he said. “They have educators listen to them, rank them, and give them scores. In Rebecca’s case, she made the Wind Symphony which is the highest group to make in the state level.”

Clarinet Player Michael Nguyen was the only student who qualified to the Santa Clara County Honor Band this year. Students from high schools across the county audition to earn a seat in the band, which rivals some allstate bands, Nguyen said.

“It’s usually some months before that you know what the piece

that you’re going to perform is,” Nguyen said. “On the day of audition, [judges] pick some excerpts from the piece. It’s a blind audition, so they have their backs turned.”

Being placed in a high level band looks great on resumes, and the performance experience helps improve one’s playing, Nguyen said. The achievement is especially helpful for those pursuing music in college, he said.

“Getting into an event is a good accomplishment because there are a lot of other great players but not a lot of spots,” Nguyen said. “One of them is the Wind Symphony. When you get accepted, you’re not placed in a band right away. You keep auditioning.

There might be a live audition to place you in one of three bands and so they can give you seating within that specific band.”

Other outside band groups include the Peninsula Symphony and the San Jose Youth Symphony, Fagundes said. Students also participate in drum corps, which is an independent non-profit group where students can audition to compete against other groups in front of judges, he said.

COURTESY OF TRAN LE

STEMgirls members were given the opportunity to test virtual reality headsets during their Facebook field trip.

STEMgirls works to broaden their members’ mindset about a career in STEM through future experiences.

STEMgirls give Facebook a thumbs up

By Ginnie Lo

STEMgirls visited the Facebook Campus on Feb. 22 to learn more about careers in computer science, STEMgirls President Tran Le said. The 15 members that attended were able to tour around the campus and interview panelists on their experiences in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field, Le continued.

The trip was organized by Yale Alumnus Alan Lu at Facebook, Le said. Members were able to see the different aspects of engineering and what it is like to be a woman working in a male-dominated field, Le continued.

“There’s more than just sitting down and coding, such as working on sociology and how you can code things to fit people around the world,” Le stated. “There is a stigma that this career is only for guys. For example, one intern said that her team is all guys and she’s the only girl, but there are actually women who are successful in this field.”

Members were split into small groups with their own tour

guides, STEMgirls Member Merilyn Kuo said. They were able to have lunch with the interns and test out Oculus, a virtual reality headset that showed how people can interact with one another through its technology, Kuo continued.

“I learned that there isn’t just one path to getting to what you define as success,” Kuo said.

“There are a lot of different paths.

You don’t necessarily need to go to a good college to become a Facebook engineer.”

The members learned that many of the female engineers did not originally intend to pursue a career in STEM, STEMgirls Vice President Alfa Belen said. The trip inspired members to see that STEM could be an interesting career for them, she added. “[The members] were able to see first hand what it’s like as an engineer and also how females were able to get their dream jobs at Facebook,” Belen said. “I also learned that you don’t always have to be sure of what you want to do in life.”

The visit to the campus made

members’ dreams more tangible, Le stated. Members were inspired to work towards an internship at Facebook in the future, she added.

“Our [club’s] goal is to bridge the gender gap between men and women in the STEM field,” Le said. “For example, in engineering, there are only 13% of women who are working in that career. I think that by going to visits like these, girls really get to see what they’re getting into and how their future might look like.”

Future events for the club include visiting Cisco, San Jose State University, and labs, STEMgirls Advisor Elena Sherbakov stated. These trips are intended to inform members more about the STEM field and to empower girls, she continued.

“When I kept asking the girls to join Math Club, they said ‘we were intimidated. We come here at lunch and it’s all boys writing on the board so I look and I quit,’” Sherbakov said. “STEMgirls makes them feel comfortable, visiting and seeing the places where these girls work.”

Corsages for Charity roots for education

By Theodore Do FERICA TING | THE UNION

Seniors Ryanna Lui and Ishrak Ramzan embellish their s’mores cupcakes with mini marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate drizzle.

Battle of the Cupcakes returns; seniors achieve sweet victory

By Whitney Tran

Culinary Heroes hosted its seventh annual Battle of the Cupcakes on March 6, President Hanna Fei said. Nine contestants competed for the grand prize of $50 in room G03, Fei added.

“There were five teams that competed in total: four teams of two and one team of one,” Fei said. “Teams were given one and a half hours to bake and to decorate their own batch of cupcakes.”

Contestants were then judged based on five different categories by selected teachers, Fei said. The categories consisted of most creative, best decorated, best frosting, best cake, and best of show, she explained.

“The judges were Ms. Shine, Mr. and Mrs. Schletzbaum, Ms. Moore, and Mr. Fagundes,” Fei said. “Everyone got a prize for participating,” Fei added.

Seniors Ishrak Ramzan and Ryanna Lui won the grand prize of $50 for their entry named “Zanker S’mores,” Fei said. “The team won four of the five categories.”

“We titled [our] cupcakes Zanker S’mores because we’ve been friends since second grade and we went to Zanker together,” Ramzan said. “As for why we did s’mores cupcakes, I don’t think there was anything particular, we just thought it’d be fun.”

This was Lui’s second time competing at the Battle of the Cupcakes, Lui said. She competed last year by herself, she added.

The winner of best cake was Sophomore Jenny Beltran, Fei said. Her cake was titled “Pineapple Carrot Cupcake,” Fei added.

“This year I made spiced pineapple cupcakes,” Beltran said. “I really like baking with pineapple because it gives [the cupcake] a natural moisture.”

She was inspired to make it when she watched the holiday baking championship, Beltran said. She practiced a good handful of recipes and eventually settled on that one, practicing at least three times, she added.

“Battle of the Cupcakes was a huge success this year,” Fei said.

“Everyone had a lot of fun.”

As the prom season approaches, many students scramble to find the right outfits and adornments.

Meanwhile, a handful of students are promoting Corsages for Charity--a project that sells both corsages and boutonnieres. At MHS, there are four student representatives for the project: Freshman Kyanh Tran, Sophomore Cynthia Nguyen, and Seniors Nancy Nguyen and Andrew Phung.

The project started around five years ago by a religious group, Saint John Vianney STS, N. Nguyen said. The idea originated from a priest, whose goal was to help advance education in another country, she said.

“One of the priests in our parish wanted to start a school in Southeast Asia and created LEAP, LaSalle Education Advancement Program, to help advance youth literacy and reduce poverty in Southeast Asia,” N. Nguyen said.

“He needed some fundings and so one of our volunteer coordinators had the idea of creating corsages for school proms since she had a background in flower arrangements.”

Several students associated with this project have had the chance to visit Southeast Asia to see the changes they were able to make, according to C. Nguyen.

The group has continued to donate to the LEAP organization because of its success each year,

she said.

“There is a trip to Cambodia that some of us take, and we are able to see what the money was put into,” C. Nguyen said. “Last year we were able to buy a tuktuk, a small vehicle to help transport the kids to school.”

The students in the group are involved in the creation, distribution, and sales of the corsages. The group’s current goal is to raise more money than they did last year, C. Nguyen said.

“This year, we started planning around January, advertising in February, and the first prom we’ve made corsages for this year was California High on the 23rd of March,” C. Nguyen said. “We’re going to stop selling once we finish with our last prom of the year which is on the 25th of May.” Students would gather on the Friday before a school’s prom to create the corsages in order for the flowers to remain fresh and beautiful on the prom day, according to N. Nguyen. While the corsages may seem difficult to create at first, it eventually becomes easier with practice, she added.

“I first learned how to make a corsage three years ago by a florist that volunteered to help out,” N. Nguyen said. “It’s hard to make a corsage at first, but after a couple test trials and practice, I was able to make a corsage within about ten minutes.”

The group usually works in an

assembly line, assigning jobs for people to make ribbons, glue flowers and leaves onto wristbands, add rhinestones, and check corsages for any loose flowers. To prepare for the corsage-creation day, they would learn how to make corsages through workshop, C. Nguyen said.

“People who have made corsages before help out the people who are new, and we make practice corsages that we then use for our promotional pictures,” C. Nguyen said.

While prom season ends in late May, the group still anticipates bringing back the project again in future years, according to N. Nguyen. As long as corsages and boutonnieres are still on demand, Corsages for Charity will still continue, providing support for both high school seniors and the LEAP organization.

“Our ultimate goal is to raise funds to help children get the education they deserve and provide them with all the supplies they need,” N. Nguyen said. “This is an ongoing project and I don’t think we’ll we be stopping anytime soon.”

If you would like to buy a corsage or a boutonniere, you can order it through their Instagram page (@corsageforcharity), the link www.tinyurl.com/sjvc2019, or simply through one of their sales representatives. More information can be found on their Instagram or Facebook page.

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THE UNION

SPREAD

APRIL 2019

The quality of your food is paramount

By Kirk Tran

“Yeah, I would totally rather eat a box of Hot Pockets than a gourmet steak. I mean, I love eating a lot of food, you know?”

Do you know anyone who would ever actually say this? If you don’t, you still live in a sane and ordered world.

I0f you do, question if you’ve been transported to some bizzaro realm.

The mass produced food of the 21st century is made to be mediocre. It is neither filling nor edible.

Why do you think it’s so cheap?

It’s all factory-made, taste, nutrition, and satisfaction all be damned.

Everything is made to slightly dissatisfy to encourage you to buy and eat more, more more. There won’t be quite enough food in the bag to fill you. The food won’t be quite good enough to satisfy your taste buds. Larger packages won’t have quite enough food for your event of choice. Consumption is the name of the game in the food industry, and everything big business produces makes you want to consume more.

There’s no soul in the factory line food big business wants to shovel into your gullet wholesale. There’s no satisfaction in it and no love put into it. None of it is worth remembering, and none of it is made with any feeling. big business doesn’t have a big heart, but it does make sure that you have a big belly. You have to love the belt-lengthening and

obesity-increasing effects of microwave dinners, Hostess treats, potato chips, and other such junk food.

Can’t you remember the dinner your mother cooked in your youth?

Or the cake your lover baked you for your birthday? Or maybe you recall the satisfaction of a well-made meal that you made for yourself. All of these courses have good intentions backing them: filial, romantic, or self love is infused into all of them.

You remember these meals.

You enjoyed those meals. They weren’t just eaten for the sake of eating. For the short time it took for you to eat them, and for the rest of your life, they mattered.

From a more pragmatic perspective, though, it’s cheaper to eat one well-made filling meal than it is to eat unfulfilling meals that are eaten en masse because they can’t stand on their own. A carton of eggs can be made into a quality meal with less money and more feeling than any of Costco’s Hot Pockets.

Even if you don’t personally know the cook, a well-made meal still tastes better, has more feeling behind it, and is more fulfilling than the mass produced garbage shoveled out by Pillsbury. Some people just love to make food, to see a smile when a stranger takes a bite. Those people’s quality food are more deserving of your money than any food corporation.

GINNIE LO | THE UNION

Respect the people behind your meals

By Loan-Anh Pham

The bell rings. The din of children clamoring for food is deafening, and everyone makes a beeline for the lunch lines. Wait, grab the food, pay the fee, and out you go. Hardly do students pay attention to the people who served and prepared their meals. Yet, for the lunch staff, preparing meals means a work day that starts off bright and early.

Food Court Lead Cathy Lapena comes to work at 6:00 a.m. and leaves at 2:30 p.m. She manages the staff, keeps track of accounts, and orders the foods that come in.

“I like working with people,” Lapena commented. “It’s kind of hard dealing with different personalities, of course, but you manage somehow.”

Lapena has been working within the district for a staggering 28 years, with 12 years at MHS. Before that, she was a stay-at-home mom and learned of a job opening for the lunch staff when her children brought home a flier.

“I knew it was going to take a while to leave my kids,” Lapena said. “I looked at the time and everything, and it was just perfect.”

Fast forward nearly three decades later and she is almost ready to retire, Lapena notes. It’s time, considering that being old means more aches and pains, she added.

“When it’s time for me to go, I’ll never forget this place. This is where I mainly built a relationship with my co-workers, bad or good, but you know, you were there,” Lapena said.

“You remember all the things you’ve been through.”

As for Student Nutrition Services Employees Jocelyn Verceles, Maria Mendoza, and Xlathayla Fornoles, work starts at different times. For Mendoza, who has worked with the district for seven years, work starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m.

“We come in, we prepare,” Mendoza commented. “We wear our hair nets, wear our aprons, wash our hands, and then wear our gloves and do our job.”

Doing the same routine everyday doesn’t mean it’s an easy routine, Verceles commented. She’s been working within the district for 14 years, Verceles added.

“The same routine everyday. It’s not boring, because we’re happy with our job,” Verceles commented. “We’re doing everyday the same thing, but you have to be consistent.”

When all three were questioned about the worst part of their job, they all responded in unison: “The burns!”

Fornoles, who came from Luzon, Philippines, three years ago, raises her arms and shows them.

In the midst of preparations, the women rush to bring food out of the oven on time, making sure nothing burns or overcooks, Verceles noted.

That same rush occasionally leads to oven lids pulling back and burning the women on their arms, Verceles added.

The staff receives help from Special Education students and TAs too, Lapena said. Students serve food or help prepare meals, Lapena added.

“Before lunch, [Special Education students] do help,” Lapena said.

“They help us with prepping food, or washing dishes; they do a lot of things for us.”

When questioned about the best part of the job, Mendoza enthusiastically comments: “When you’re full and you’re happy!” Of course, there are things the lunch staff want to say to the students they serve: “We work hard over here,” Lampena said. “There are some kids that kind of give us problems: if we’re serving something and they don’t like it, they’ll go “yuck” and complain. But they don’t know how much time and effort we put in it.”

Consideration is important, Jocelyn noted. Sometimes, students will be mean and rude, even yelling the “f-word,” Verceles added.

“Respect, of course, is #1,” she said.

And what’s the favorite food item of the lunch staff?

“Salad,” they commented.

Americans do not eat properly — but why?

By Ryanna Lui

Americans have been gaining weight in the past several decades to the extent that two-thirds of Americans are categorized as overweight or obese.

These conditions occur when exceeding a healthy body max index (BMI), a number formulated through information regarding an individual’s height and weight to determine whether one has a normal amount of body fat.

Although Americans are getting fatter, they are also spending more money on weight-loss programs. Dieting trends emerge every year without much evidence to justify their effectiveness. There is much speculation regarding why people gain weight, but data only consistently shows that higher calorie consumption is directly linked to increased weight.

The availability and convenience of empty calories are easily found in fast food, which becomes more popular as the fast-paced American lifestyle leaves less and less time for cooking.

Fast food restaurants and their portions have doubled since the 1970s, all while remaining relatively affordable. One fast food meal easily contains a day’s worth of calories, which

mostly originates from excessive amounts of sugar rather than fat.

A nutritional deficit develops as Americans take consume too many unhealthy additives while neglecting fruits, vegetables, and other sources of vitamins and proper nourishment.

This is correlated to calorie consumption; research shows that people get full from the amount of food eaten rather than the amount of calories consumed. As a result, those who eat junk food often may eat around the same quantity as those with a balanced diet, but are packing in double the calories, which turn into fat.

Exercising is another well-known option for losing fat. However, exercising is inconvenient in America. Travelling by car is immensely common in America, while other countries encourage subway navigation and travel by foot.

The development of technology also distracts from exercise, with adults spending long hours employed in traditional offices and children gaming their afternoons away on the latest consoles. Thus, in addition to fastpaced lifestyles, Americans spend less time exercising.

APRIL 2019

SPREAD

THE UNION

9

Nutrition is poorly understood by many

By Edward Nguyen

JONATHAN TRAN | THE UNION

As the world we live in is fraught with clickbait about nutrition and supposedly perfect lifestyles for your health, there is a lot of misinformation about nutrition, easily spread thanks to the prevalence of the Internet, and the tendency of humans to. Here are a few common misconceptions about nutrition that should be cleared up.

Some consumers see that fruit is in a product and assume that it must be healthy. Fruits contain natural sugars that help make the fruit taste so good, as well as contribute to the nutrition that fruit gives. However, heavily processed items such as jam or fruit juice are very calorically dense, with a lot of calories in a small amount. The flavor and actual healthy aspects has been strained out, meaning these “healthy” fruit items are more just sugary concoctions that are sometimes as bad as chocolate or soda.

Eggs are often wrongly vilified for apparently having too much cholesterol. This is illogical for a number of reasons. The most obvious one is moderation. Any food will have negative drawbacks if not eaten in reasonable portions. Another reason is a fallacy about cholesterol overall. There are different types of cholesterol. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is the “bad” cholesterol, or LDL, which can build up in the arteries and lead to heart problems, and there is the

“good” cholesterol, which helps clear the arteries, and protect the liver.

This “good” cholesterol is the majority of the cholesterol in of eggs, and so they are not nearly as harmful as they are often believed to be.

Switching to multiple smaller meals a day is not some magical cure that will cut your weight down. A study from the University of Ottawa has shown that people eating the same amount but in smaller portions more frequently actually have no direct health change compared to those that eat normally. Fats are generally made out to be the worst thing possible for you to eat, but it is not so simple as that. There are definitely bad fats. Trans fats and most saturated fats often raise the aforementioned LDL cholesterol, which puts you in more danger of heart disease.

Saturated fats are sometimes inevitable as many everyday foods such as dairy or red meat has them, but trans fat mostly appears as a byproduct in the creation of processed foods such as baked or fried fast foods, so avoid these when possible. However, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those in olive oil or fish, are actually healthy in moderation. They provide plenty of flavor and energy in your foods without being as detrimental as the other fats, and have positive benefits for the skin and a variety of vitamins.

Deceptive practices exist in supermarkets

By Adarsh Burela

Ever think to yourself, “Why are all the good foods stuck in the front of the stores rather than the back?” Yeah, me neither.

No one thinks about why nearly all grocery stores are laid out the way they are.

We’ve all seen it before: you walk in andare immediately bombarded by the plentiful amounts of chip packs, candies, liquors, and frozen foods. Only after what seems like years of searching do you find one lonely pack of salad, or the fruits/vegetables packed out to another side. The people designing these aren’t complete idiots; they know what you want. Problem is, it’s all about the money.

“I’ll only pop in, grab the eggs and milk mom told me to grab,” you think to yourself. 10 minutes later, you’re crushed under unhealthy foods you didn’t even realize you wanted. Grocery stores and supermarkets rely on a human impulse

to feast on fattening foods by placing items nearer to the front of the store so you are more likely to buy them. Usually, these items are much cheaper than their healthy alternative, the gum you see when checking out for example. In most cases, you wouldn’t have even given the gum a second thought – I mean, why would you? You hadn’t come into the store to purchase a random pack of gum – you’re here for what’s dietarily important.

You may notice that the most common items you go to the store for are milk and eggs. Where can both of these items most likely be found? That’s right, in the back, past all the nonessential unhealthy foods. Most stores do this to optimize the amount of time you spend in the store.

In most cases, this causes you to buy something that you had not expected to buy when you walked in.

What are nutrients, anyway?

By Luke Ren

JONATHAN TRAN | THE UNION

Many scientific terms get thrown around when talking about nutrition: carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, and minerals. Figuring out which of these ingredients is actually beneficial to micromanage in one’s diet purely based on rumors and common knowledge can be a nightmare.

There are two major categories of nutrients when we talk about the particles and food components that fuel our health. Macronutrients make up the large part of a person’s diet and include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Micronutrients are needed in smaller quantities but are just as necessary to maintain one’s health; they include vitamins and minerals.

Proteins can mostly be found in meats, fish, eggs, and soybeans and are vital for the body in order to produce amino acids, which are necessary for growing and repairing muscle tissue. Bodybuilders and fitness trainers tend to emphasize the importance of protein, as the constant tearing of tissue from exercise requires amino acids for repair.

Carbohydrates help fuel the body by being a source of energy with which the body can draw from. The body constantly demands energy to do every day tasks, like walking,

talking, and even sleeping.

The main functions of fats are to aid in the structure of cells, prevent damage of membranes, and absorb certain vitamins.

A high-intake of low-quality fats will lead to weight gain; however, a healthy dose of high quality fats will only do your body good.

The two main types of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, are beneficial for the general function of cells. Vitamins are particularly great for repairing wounds, forming bones, and maintaining the health of eyes and skin. Minerals, such as calcium and iron, are typically used to promote the health of the heart and bones.

There are many common misconceptions that are thrown around when nutrition is being discussed, so make sure you do your research first. An overdose of any particular nutrient can and will be harmful to your body, but certain chemicals in healthy doses might have no negative effects.

Understanding what you are putting in your body and in what amounts is absolutely necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Long, scientific names may seem confusing and inherently harmful, but being able to tell fact from rumor will only make you smarter and healthier.

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THE UNION

LIFESTYLE

APRIL 2019

Prom rejections not the end of the world

By Ferica Ting Ashley Chen

Everyone has been through some form of rejection, whether it be college rejection or just a simple ‘no.’ Sadly, there is no easy solution to fully ease the pain of rejection. And so, with prom season quickly approaching, we decided to compile a list of ways to cope with prom rejection.

1. Go with your friends; you’re not required to have a date!

There’s no rulebook saying that you need a date to attend prom.

Why go through the trouble of coordinating outfits with a date when you can go with your best friends? Whether you’re snapping cool pictures with friends in the photo booth or partying with them on the dance floor, you’re bound to have a good time! By the end of the night, you’ll forget that you were even rejected.

2. It’s them, not you.

Getting rejected doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with you, as that is what people tend to think. The person may have rejected your promposal because of personal issues. Don’t take it to heart.

3. Find someone else.

There are plenty of fish in the sea. Ask another person if you’re up for it. After all, what is there to lose? Someone who says yes to your proposal is likely to genuinely enjoy your presence and want to spend quality time with you. Who knows, you might end up asking why you didn’t approach this person first. If you’re not up for it, we recommend following number one.

4. Cry it out.

It’s ok to cry when you’re sad from rejection, but you have to realize that life doesn’t always go your way. Rejection is a normal

part of life, and learning to move past it is a sign of growth. Having a support system, such as your friends and family, for you to share your feelings with is even better.

5. Don’t go to prom.

There are other fun places where you can go to to have fun with your friends for a cheaper price. Plus, you may not necessarily have a good experience at prom, and as a result, the money goes to waste.

Instead, rack your brain trying to solve challenging puzzles at an escape room or play laser tag.

Prom is sometimes overhyped, and it is not for everyone.

These tips are only some of the many methods to cope with rejection. People tend to feel pressured to go to prom with a date, but what really matters in the end is whether you had a good time or not.

3D Illusion Museum reflects good vibes

By Alana Penn

The Museum of 3D Illusions opened up in San Francisco on Feb. 1 to San Franciscans and tourists alike. It is located on 5561 Jefferson Street, a five minute walk from Pier 39. As its name suggests, the Museum of 3D Illusions features a collection of exhibits that encourages guests to get a hands on experience with the art. The museum is very Instagram friendly and features a lot of unique photo opportunities.

If this is something you enjoy, the Museum of 3D Illusions is the place for you.

The optical illusions displayed in the museum are incredibly well done and came out well in pictures. This pop up museum is located in San Francisco, so many iconic locations in the city were featured in the exhibits.

Landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Alcatraz Prison were among the many I found on my visit. In addition, posing for pictures and seeing the illusions in action were quite entertaining. This museum is a great attraction for families and social media enthusiasts alike.

However, there were some aspects of my visit that weren’t as great. If you don’t have any patience to wait in lines, this isn’t the museum for you. I waited in line for almost three hours to get into the museum, and then I had to wait more to buy tickets on top of this. The museum is very small, so it’s very easy to bump into people or accidentally get in the way of someone’s picture. If you don’t mind braving the chilly San Francisco weather for some photo-ops or being in crowded

spaces, issues will not arise.

Overall, I had a decent experience at the Museum of 3D Illusions. While the wait time and setup of the exhibits presented some problems for me, I still had a good time. I was able to take some cool photos for social media and spend time with family. If this is something you would find interesting, you shouldn’t miss out on it. Take a trip to SF to visit this pop up museum!

Tickets can be bought both online or at the museum, but I would recommend buying them online to avoid the massive lines to buy them in person. The general admission price is $25, kids 6-12 years old is $10, and kids 5 and under get in for free.

If you’re willing to spend more money for your experience, a personal photographer can be bought for a $100 VIP pack.

KELLY NGUYEN | THE UNION

The oreo and ube-swirled soft serve (left) with nutella-filled taiyaki is one of SomiSomi’s decadent offerings.

The matcha soft serve (right) features a flaky taiyaki, rainbow sprinkles, and a mouthwatering strawberry.

SomiSomi’s swirls sweet, super soft serve

By Kelly Nguyen

SomiSomi, a Korean soft serve and taiyaki dessert cafe, recently opened on 19540 Vallco Parkway in Cupertino. It’s located in a modern plaza with other restaurants and dessert cafes. SomiSomi offers a wide range of soft serve flavors such as ube, matcha, and oreo. The soft serve comes inside of taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped crispy bun, or inside of a cup (with taiyaki on the side, as an option).

Since SomiSomi is relatively new, there’s going to be a long line for the first few weeks. The wait on a Sunday afternoon was about half an hour long, granted that it was a warmer day. The inside of the cafe is extremely compact:

there’s a swarm of people crowding around the cashier, trying to choose their toppings and pay for their soft serve.

I ordered the oreo and ube swirl soft serve with nutella-filled taiyaki and the milk and matcha swirl soft serve with custardfilled taiyaki, both in a cup. They offered a variety of toppings, which were unlimited. In the oreo and ube swirl, I added fruity pebbles and a macaron. In the milk and matcha swirl, I added matcha powder and rainbow sprinkles.

The soft serve itself was true to flavor, and the flavors in each swirl complimented each other well. It had the perfect consistency, not too overly soft and creamy. The only downside to the ice cream

was its sweetness, which was a little overpowering. The matcha and milk was less sweet, but it lacked flavor compared to the ube and oreo. On the other hand, the taiyaki resembled a flaky waffle with a thin layer of filling. It was my favorite part, not too bland or too decadent.

Overall, I’d rate both soft serves 4 stars out of 5 stars. The presentation gets a higher rating, but the flavor and sweetness bring it down a little. The soft serve wasn’t unique compared to other dessert cafes, but the taiyaki definitely sets it apart. I enjoyed all of the different flavors and toppings, and I’d recommend swirling for a more tasty and fun twist.

LIFESTYLE

APRIL 2019

THE UNION

11

Maximize your thrift shop adventures

By Ryanna Lui

Thrifting is trendy. Good deals for cheap prices? Yes please!

However, it’s definitely not for the weak. Here are some guidelines to help ameliorate the process.

First, you should research types of thrift stores. Some, like Goodwill or Savers, carry miscellaneous everyday clothing.

Others carry vintage and highend pieces. In addition, stores also sell furniture and other goods; however, some second-hand items should be avoided for the sake of sanitation and effectiveness.

Afterwards, as an act of discipline, you should settle on a budget. It’s easy to get carried away when everything is so affordable. You can consider bringing a friend who knows your style well to reprimand you when

you attempt to purchase an item that you know you won’t wear.

If you plan on thrifting for a solid couple of hours, be sure to pack lightly, using an easy-tocarry bag that leaves both your hands free to browse clothing.

Essentials include snacks, water, and cash, as some thrift stores do not take credit cards. An additional reusable bag should also be considered because thrift stores don’t always offer bags.

Thrifters should dress in clothes that are comfortable, but tight enough so that clothes at the store can be pulled directly over. This saves time and eliminates the need for a dressing room which might not be present.

Once you arrive and browse the store, keep an open mind. The charm of thrifting is its element of surprise. Additionally, clothing

should be evaluated based on potential; unlikely pieces can be revamped with cuts, folds, and other personal touches.

Nevertheless, be realistic. Make sure the clothing of interest will actually be worn - bonus points are given for versatility.

Before checkout, evaluate the quality of each item in your shopping cart. Very carefully examine for stains, rips, and strange smells; items often cannot be returned. Anything that is irreparable should undoubtedly be returned to the shelf.

Once you get the hang of thrifting, follow the social media accounts or sign up for notifications from your favorite thrift stores. You’re sure to be notified of new releases that would be hard to come by anywhere else.

Happy thrifting!

Celebrate spring with these pursuits

By Kelly Nguyen

JONATHAN TRAN | THE UNION

Featured above is the Strawberry Hibiscus Tea, which was lackluster compared to the Mung Bean Milk Tea, which exceeded expecations.

7Leaves not exactly tea-riffic

By Jonathan Tran

The teashop 7Leaves has recently opened a new location on Berryessa Road in San Jose. It’s important to note that 7Leaves is not a milk tea shop but rather a tea shop. Most of its menu features traditional Vietnamese drinks, not milk tea. With that out of the way, let’s dive in!

I went two different times.

The first time, I ordered their Strawberry Hibiscus tea, which their menu description lists as “sweet and tangy.” Maybe it just didn’t sit right with me, but the drink looked better than it tasted.

It was sweet and tangy, but the flavor combination of apple, strawberry, and hibiscus frankly made me a little sick.

Equally off-putting were the odd little apple cubes tossed into the drink. The dark cubes staining the otherwise beautiful pink of the drink interfered with both its aesthetic and mouthfeel experience. I tend to favor fruit drinks, but I have to admit I was

let down by this one.

My second experience couldn’t have been more different. I went in a little embittered by my middling experience the last time I visited, but left pleasantly surprised by my drink. I’m really not a person in tune with his culture. I’m also not the biggest fan of milk tea. So when I ordered 7Leaves’s Mung Bean Milk Tea, which my enthused friend described to me as chè in a cup (chè is a traditional Vietnamese dessert containing mung bean), I was not expecting great things.

But it somehow worked for me.

That drink is probably one of the tastiest things I’ve ever ordered from an Asian drink shop.

I’ve definitely had some interesting encounters at 7Leaves. I would recommend it to any interested consumers, but I’d advise any potential customers to bring a coat for the long wait.

Fortunately, once you do get to the register, service is quick. 7Leaves is a solid tea shop to visit if you’re in the area.

Own these lemon scones

By Ishrak Ramzan

Ingredients for the scones: 3 cups of all purpose flour ⅓ cup of white sugar 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda ⅓ teaspoon of salt ¾ cups of cold butter, diced 9 tablespoons of milk 2 ½ teaspoons of lemon zest 3 tablespoons of lemon juice 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar Ingredients for the lemon glaze: 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar ⅓ cup of melted butter 2 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, add in the butter, and mix it into the dry ingredients until the consistency is similar to that of large crumbs.

3. In another bowl, whisk

together the wet ingredients.

Then slowly stir this mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.

4. Flour a work surface and then place the dough onto the surface.

Knead the dough and add flour as needed to prevent stickiness.

5. Once the dough has been adequately kneaded, roll it out into a 1 inch thick circle.

6. Cut the dough into 6-10 wedges; place parchment paper over a baking sheet and then place the wedges on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.

7. Bake the wedges until the bottoms are golden brown, which should take roughly 11-14 minutes. Once they are done, take them out and transfer them to a cooling rack or plates to cool for 15 minutes.

8. As the scones cool, prepare the glaze. Mix the confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Slowly add water to the mixture to make it thinner until it has reached a consistency you prefer.

9. Dip the scones into the glaze.

10. Enjoy!

Revamp your closet Since we’re transitioning to another season, it’s a good time to clean out your closet or revamp your wardrobe. My first tip for cleaning out your closet is to store all your fall and winter clothing in another space so that you have more room. Keep a few sweaters or thicker jackets in case it gets chilly at night. My next tips are to help with organization. Make sure to ask yourself which clothing pieces you wear often, and donate the ones you never wear. Another way to organize is to buy small containers to store loose items.

Hang the bulkier clothing pieces up, and fold the thinner pieces.

Decorate with spring decor Another way to prepare for spring is to spice up your

bedroom. Now is the time to put away your fall and winter decor and swap them out with more colorful pieces. Some easy ways to change up your bedroom are add floral candles, or to change your comforter to a lighter color. You can also make DIY projects, such as a floral garland or festive easter eggs.

Plan a spring break trip This is the perfect time to plan a spring break trip with your friends or family. Typically, for seniors, this is an ideal opportunity to visit the colleges you’re interested in.

Get a better idea of where you may spend the next chapter of your life at, and make it into a memorable trip with your loved ones. If you’re not planning on going to college, you can still have a relaxing time at some special destination; turn it into a road trip or fly to

some tropical resort. Take lots of pictures, bask in the sunlight, and try new experiences.

Start a healthy lifestyle During the fall and winter months, when the temperatures are cold, it may be more difficult to motivate yourself to go to the gym, take a hike, or simply walk around your neighborhood. It’s a lot warmer during the springtime, so it’s the perfect opportunity to work out and begin a healthier lifestyle. You can take gradual steps, such as taking the stairs instead of an escalator. You can get a gym membership and workout with some friends. With schoolwork and extracurriculars, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. Make sure you set out time in the day to relax, whether that be reading a book or taking a nap.

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THE UNION

APRIL 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Music Reviews

COURTESY OF MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

HI THIS IS FLUME by Flume

I MADE by (G)I-dle

WEEZER (BLACK ALBUM) by Weezer

“Ambitiously experimental and sonically in-your-face, ‘Hi This Is Flume’ is Flume’s deep dive into wonky electronica.”

-Andrew Dinh

“(G)I-dle’s title song ‘Senorita’ introduces Latin elements with trumpet instrumentals while the rest of the album embodies spunky pop.”

-Ryanna Lui

“Rivers Cuomo’s juvenile lyrical composition bogs down crisp pop soundscapes; the album is a shameful fall from grace.”

-Eric de Guzman

HYPERION by Gesaffelstein

WHILE WE WAIT by Kehlani

DEATH RACE FOR LOVE by Juice Wrld

“ G e s a f f e l s t e i n ’s brooding ‘Hyperion’ is sure to satiate those looking for a dark electro beat.”

“Kehlani skillfully weaves together melodic vocals, lyrical raps, and beautiful instrumentals on her third mixtape.”

“A roller coaster of feelings that employs diversity, heavy emotions, and classic Juice Wrld trap.”

-Eric de Guzman

-Ishrak Ramzan

-Luke Ren

SUCKER PUNCH by Sigrid

AMERICAN FOOTBALL (2019) by American Football

WHEN I GET HOME

by Solange

Marooned on Earth after an interstellar confrontation with Skrull soldiers, Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) searches for an escaped Skrull imposter that crash-landed with her who is diguised as a human on a train.

‘Captain Marvel’ empowers and exhilarates but fails to escape from shackles of the MCU morous take on a typically stoic character. Additionally, the way Mendelsohn turned the character of Talos into a compelling charBy Edward Nguyen acter instead of a one-note villian Ishrak Ramzan brought a lot of heart to the film.

The overall plot is a wonderful “Captain Marvel,” the twen- adaptation of the source materity-first installment in the Marvel al, with riveting twists and turns Cinematic Universe (MCU) film that allow the movie to be a genfranchise, is an American super- uinely interesting and unique inhero film that revolves around terpretation of the character’s origin story, while still paying the Marvel Comics character plenty of respect to the origCarol Danvers. Released to inal comic book storylines. audiences across the United The conflict at hand is simStates on March 8, the film MOVIE ple and straightforward, yet takes place in 1995, following REVIEW still manages to be complex Danvers as she becomes Capenough that there is a genutain Marvel and endeavors to prevent Earth from being caught ine sense of curiosity at how it will in the middle of a galactic conflict. unfold.

The story does lack a sense of The film’s lead is the eponymous Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), a urgency. While the stakes are warrior of the alien race known high, as per usual with superhero as the Kree, who are at war with a films, the movie never produces shapeshifting alien race known as that healthy sense of stress and the Skrulls, who are led by Talos tension that facilitates true emo(Ben Mendelsohn). Captain Mar- tional investment into the outvel is captured by Skrulls but she come of the characters’ actions, escapes to Earth, and teams up thus depriving itself of a satisfying with leading S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and cathartic conclusion. In adNick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) dition, the pacing is not ideal, as to investigate an unfolding skrull some scenes are undeniably more enjoyable to watch than others, conspiracy.

The acting and characteriza- and the story has bouts of lazition was one of the strong points ness, where certain things hapof the movie. Captain Marvel pen without explanation or fall herself was a surprisingly enter- perfectly into place for the sake of taining protagonist, with a brash convenience.

While the overarching story ityet likeable demeanor, at times serving as both the comic relief as self is clever, the moment-to-mowell as the charming hero to root ment dialogue is very inconsisfor. Jackson’s portrayal of a young tent. In general, the story has Fury was a gift to both newcomers good humor, and the exchanges to the MCU and long time fans as between the characters are quite well, being a lighter and more hu- entertaining. Danvers and FuRATING: 3.5 out of 5



ry’s relationship in particular is delightful to watch, as are Talos’ interactions with everyone. However, certain characters are written much better than others, and some conversations walk the line between being heartwarming and being uncomfortably cheesy.

Every now and then the humor stumbles, but it quickly picks up again without delay. The movie is not without its faults, but the good moments of the film definitely outnumber the bad ones.

The movie has remarkable special effects, and every render of alien technologies or flash of Captain Marvel’s powers looks incredibly polished. It manages to appear both fantastical yet realistic at the same time, creating an odd paradox of obvious special effects that still hold a semblance of believability. Unfortunately, while the interstellar aspects of the film gave the audience many sights for sore eyes, the majority of scenes that took place on Earth were eyesores, as poor color led to shots that felt dull and uninspired, an unfortunate contrast to the fantastical tale the movie was trying to be.

Though it is a superhero origin story in a sea of superhero origin stories, “Captain Marvel” does scale decently among its fellow MCU films. However, the film is clearly a cog in the greater machine of the MCU, and somewhat flat as a standalone experience. It does not land quite as well as previous origin stories such as “Iron Man” or “Black Panther,” and though it is far from the worst, it is definitely far from the best.

Third ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movie soars, glides on compelling characters and aesthetics bond with Hiccup, his new Light Fury love interest, and his duties as king of the dragons. Hiccup also struggles to come to terms with

By Eric de Guzman the possibility of letting Toothless go.

The focus on characters in this The third installment in the adventures of Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) film pays off for the most part: and his dragon Toothless, titled comic relief Vikings such as “How to Train Your Dragon: The Snotlout and Ruffnut are fleshed Hidden World,” brings the series out more than ever before, and to a satisfying conclusion in spite Hiccup enters the final phases of his maturity. The ongoing of its flaws. romance between Hiccup The film follows Hiccup and Astrid (America Ferreand the gang as they look for ra) is handled with nuance, a new home for the people of MOVIE while still remaining one of Berk and their dragons, in the face of threats from the vilREVIEW the more heartwarming relationships in an animated lainous dragon hunter Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) and his movie in recent years.

However, the villain Grimmel dragon hunting fleet.

But surprisingly, this seemingly and his motivations still leave grandiose plot gives way to per- much to be desired. Aside from sonal drama. Toothless, coming some meager allusions to his past, across a Light Fury and a hidden he never seems more threatening world of dragons (roll credits), or compelling than the average finds himself torn between his Saturday cartoon baddie. Touted RATING: 3.5 out of 5

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as a dragon killer, I was disappointed that no such dragon killings take place over the course of the film, which speaks volumes about the restrictions of the franchise’s PG rating.

Being a movie with big cool dragons, the visuals are stunning.

Each of the dragon and dragon suit designs are unique, colorful, and evocative of their strength or speed or other prowess.

The hidden world is a cornucopia of light, color, and dazzling crystal caverns. The oceans and clouds are almost photorealistic, and each of the set pieces, from the village of Berk to massive warships, are more vibrant than ever.

Overall, the film is an enjoyable culmination of the previous two films, of Hiccup’s journey from wannabe dragon slayer to protector of both human and dragon, and of all the colorful characters and creatures of the series. Dreamworks makes the dream work!

“Sigrid delivers a collection of songs with relatable lyrics layered on top of fun and whimsical electropop instrumentals.

-Ishrak Ramzan

DISTANCE OVER TIME by Dream Theater

“Intricate riffs and passionate vocals abound in this progressive rock band’s fourteenth studio album. Each complextrack is performed with virtuosity.”

-Eric de Guzman

“American Football uses subtle atmospheric melodies to convey melancholic themes of growing old.”

-Edward Nguyen

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? by Billie Eilish

“Fourteen songs long, the album consists of songs with eerie melodies and vibes about failed love or being alone.”

-Maliyah Fick

“Solange crafts a nostalgic album best characterized as dazzling slam poetry atop ambient, textured rhythms.”

- Andrew Dinh

THE DREAM CHAPTER: STAR

by TXT

“TXT’s first album, The Dream Chapter: Star, gives off an innocent vibe accompanied by catchy lyrics.”

-Ferica Ting

RATING KEY cherry blossoms orchids lotuses jasmines cauliflowers

APRIL 2019

THE UNION

ENTERTAINMENT

13

‘The Umbrella Academy’ has you covered, thrilling drama with sprinkling of humor follows the lives of the Hargreeves siblings as adults, when the death of their adopted father brings them all back together. Once reBy Alana Penn united, the Hargreeves must solve Charlene Yang the mystery of their father’s death and deal with the looming threat “The Umbrella Academy” is an of an apocalypse.

Luther (Tom Hopper) is the American science fiction and drama series released on Feb. 15. It first of the Hargreeves siblings was developed for Netflix by Jer- and the reluctant leader of the emy Slater and Steve Blackman. group. Diego (David Castañeda) The show is based on the comic is a hot-headed character who book series of the same name, sees Luther as competition, often which was created by former My butting heads with him. Next is Allison (Emmy Raver-LampChemical Romance frontman), an actress who has a man Gerard Way and comic complicated relationship book artist Gabriel Bá. The with Luther. The fan favorite TV series was met with both praise and criticism from TV-SERIES character is Klaus (Robert REVIEW Sheehan), a party animal and viewers upon its release. So, drug addict with a troubled is this new Netflix original past. Next is Number Five series worth watching? Stick (Aidan Gallagher), who discovers around to find out.

“The Umbrella Academy” fol- the apocalypse after traveling into lows the story of the estranged- the future. Vanya (Ellen Page) is Hargreeves siblings, a group of six the last of the living Hargreeves adopted individuals with extraor- siblings, an outcast to the others dinary superpowers. Raised by due to her initial lack of powers.

“The Umbrella Academy” has an eccentric billionaire, the Hargreeves children are made into many high points to it. Screen a superhero team known as the time is decently spread out beUmbrella Academy. The TV show tween the six main characters as RATING: 4 out of 5

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their individual stories interact with the main story. Each of the Hargreeves children brings his or her own personal flair to the table, and this makes it fun to follow them through the story. It’s also satisfying to watch as the clues leading to the apocalypse settle into place as time progresses in the show. The action scenes are engaging, and the songs that play to them only add to that.

There are, however, some minor issues. For instance, the CGI effects, while serving their purpose satisfactorily, can sometimes leave something to be desired.

The soundtrack, though featuring many catchy beats, includes a tad too many insert songs, if that matters to you. The show also includes a romantic subplot between adopted siblings Allison and Luther, which might make some viewers uncomfortable.

Overall, “The Umbrella Academy” is a worthwhile watch. Even with all its flaws, the exciting action, interesting storyline, and cast of colorful characters more than make up for that. So if you’re looking for a new show to get into, this could be the one for you!

COURTESY OF NINTENDO

Ten players remain in the match shown above. The player is targeting players based on badges while being targeted by one other player.

‘Tetris 99’ hard drops on Switch, newest installment squares up The player can choose to manually target other players or choose one of the targeting presets: Random, K.O.s, Attacker, and Badges.

By Devyn Nguyen The random preset will simply target random people. K.O.s will One of the most beloved puzzle target those close to death, a nice games ever is getting a sequel, but choice if you’re looking to increase this time with a huge twist added your multiplier. The attacker preto the mix. “Tetris 99,” the newest set targets those who target you, addition to the Tetris franchise, a nice defensive preset, and the sets 99 players against each oth- badges preset targets those with er in a frantic, battle royale styled the highest amount of K.O.s.

The graphics are basically the puzzle game.

Although multiplayer Tetris is same as previous Tetris games.

The only real difference is nothing new, multiplayer being able to see the screens with 98 other players cerof other players and seeing tainly is. Managing to win who you’re being targeted first place against 98 other GAME by, as well as who you’re tarplayers feels more rewardREVIEW geting. The classic graphics ing than winning against five make for a nice nostalgic other players. With almost 100 players stacked against you, feel, pairing perfectly with the “Tetris 99” forces you to make same old Tetris music everyone strategic decisions beyond decid- has come to love.

Of course, not every game is ing where to place your next piece, if you want even a chance at win- perfect, and “Tetris 99” is no exception. Although skill is the bigning.

One of the most compelling gest factor in winning a match, points of “Tetris 99” is its cost; luck is definitely still a major part the game is free. This is slightly of the game. In one match where I misleading, however, due to the had a neat tower set up and I only fact that a paid Nintendo online needed one specific block to clear membership is required to play it all, I ended up losing because the block never came. Targeting is the game.

Targeting other players is the also a significant factor. Being tarmain way to win the game. By geted by several people at once or clearing a row of tiles, the player no people at all gives you an idea will send a line of garbage blocks of how far you’ll get.

Other than the extreme amount to their target. Multipliers, ranging from 25 percent to 100 per- of players, “Tetris 99” doesn’t cent, determine how many lines offer anything new to the Tetris the player will send to their target. franchise. Even still, the euphoric Players can earn a higher multi- feeling of winning after being in plier rate by knocking out other dire straits keeps players coming back for more. players.

RATING: 3.5 out of 5

Ä

‘Us’ both comical and gripping; Peele’s latest movie a wild ride fright, the occasional humor helps break up the tension between these scenes before ramping up again. The actors do a great job

By Charlene Yang as well, especially when acting as their characters’ creepy lookOn March 22, “Us,” an American alikes. The soundtrack enhances horror film directed by Jordan the suspense of each scene and Peele was released in theaters. especially adds to the intensity The film follows Adelaide Wilson of the film’s climactic moment, (Lupita Nyong’o) as she and her matching the amazing cinematogfamily encounter their doppel- raphy.

The only part of the film gängers one night while on that is a bit of a problem is the vacation. explanation as to why things The movie begins by happen in the story. Throughshowing a young Adelaide as she wanders off from her MOVIE out most of the film, the auparents on a trip in Santa REVIEW dience is left with few clues as to who the doppelgängers Cruz, where she first encounters her look-alike. The film are and why they are hunting then moves to the present-day down the main characters. It’s with an adult Adelaide on summer only during the later parts of the vacation with her husband, Gabe movie that reasons are provided (Winston Duke), and her two and even then the reasons feel children, Zora (Shahadi Wright like they were dropped all at once.

Joseph) and Jason (Evan Alex). Some plot threads are also left a When Adelaide and her family re- little ambiguous, which may leave turn from their beach trip to San- you dissatisfied. Regardless, the ta Cruz, they meet their doppel- movie is enjoyable enough to algängers and have to survive being low you to forget any of the confusion you may have. pursued by them.

If you are itching for some psy“Us” is a thrill to watch the whole way through. While the chological horror this season and suspense built up between scares have a couple of hours to spare, I’d is done well enough to give you a recommend you give it a shot.

RATING: 4 out of 5

NEVAL MULAOMEROVIC & ISHR AK R AMZAN | THE UNION

Nancy Drew remake a step down from book tery surrounding an old, haunted mansion, which had ghosts that seemed to have ulterior motives of driving the elderly owners away

By Maansi Maskai from their deserved inheritance.

Along the way, Nancy and Ned enHaving endured the test of time, counter a few murders and a near teen sleuth Nancy Drew has re- drowning incident.

In the recent release, there is mained a perennial American pop culture favorite. Although the no Ned Nickerson! Ned has been character was first introduced in replaced by Nancy’s two best 1930, she has been the protagonist friends from the original series, Bess (Mackenzie Graham) of numerous film and televiand George (Zoe Renee). sion adaptations in decades Although they are engaging since. Recently, the movie characters, they fail to make “Nancy Drew and the Hidden up for the absence of Ned. Staircase” (an adaption of the MOVIE the two old sisoriginal novel) was released REVIEW Additionally, ters, who are the owners of on March 15.

Attempting to add a modern the mansion in the novel, are reelement to the story, the makers placed by an eccentric lady named have definitely taken creative lib- Flora (Linda Lavin). Flora is worerties with some details. In the ried that the ghosts of the two lovoriginal book, Nancy and Ned ers, who were buried in the walls Nickerson unravelled the mys- of her home, are haunting her, but RATING: 3 out of 5

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Nancy (Sophia Lillis) reassures her that there is a logical explanation for these occurrences.

Audiences also get to witness evolved versions of the original characters as they grapple with modern day struggles accompanied with the rapid onset of technology. We witness Nancy, Bess, and George enacting an elaborate plan of revenge against a conceited jock, who posted an insulting, edited video of Bess online.

Although the basic premise of the story has been retained, the modern adaptation fails to do justice to the original novel. The charm of the earlier characters gets lost somewhere in the petty high school drama. If you’re looking for a momentary distraction and don’t have any prior expectations from the books, you may enjoying watching this movie. If not, this movie is worth skipping.

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14

THE UNION

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APRIL 2019

APRIL 2019

SPORTS

15

THE UNION

Club sports help athletes stay in shape

By Genelle Gogue

Athletes of MHS continue to play in the offseason through club sports. With hopes of improving as athletes, students go around the Bay Area for the help, Junior James Westfall said.

Club sports are organizations outside of MHS that offer a different range of sports to students; since most seasons are in a span of three to four months, athletes have long offseasons, Westfall said. Some choose to relax, while others choose to play club sports, Westfall added.

“I don’t think it is a waste of my time,” Westfall said. “It is just a good way to better yourself.”

It helps him progress as a baseball player, both mentally and physically, he added.

Athletes get a sense of improvement by constantly playing, Junior Aneterea Lealao said. They have many forms of coaching, so they can really know and feel what they need to improve, Lealao added.

“I feel like it helps me more to progress as a person in basketball and succeed,” Lealao said. “With extra workouts and practice, the hard work definitely pays off in the end.”

Certain athletes use their club sport as a way to improve for the school team. Since colleges come to scout athletes at high-school games, that is their chance to show them what they have been working on, Westfall said.

“I do both for the extra practice.

I’m just trying to get better, because doing it for school is where

it counts more,” Westfall said.

“That is where colleges are going to notice you.”

Opinions vary among athletes whether they prefer club sports or school sports. Leolao has spent six years with his club sport, the South Bay Scholars, he said.

“I prefer to be with my AAU team because the people over there have helped me from sixth grade to now, by doing simple stuff, and they have more workouts for us to do rather than the regular team,” Lealao said.

Having that bond with his coaches really helps him be a better player, he added.

The ultimate goal is just to become a better athlete in all aspects you can. You can always improve, no matter what, Westfall said.

COURTESY OF CELINA REYES

Baseball teams cover all of their bases

By Melissa Nunes

The varsity baseball season is off to a good start, Right Fielder Will Leffler said. The team should be performing well this season as they are playing in the El Camino division, a lower league than they are used to playing in, he said.

“So far in league, we are one and one standing,” Leffler said. “I’m pretty sure we’re going to have a pretty successful season as long as we stay together as a team,” he said.

The varsity team won their first game thanks to Pitcher Max Gonzalez, Leffler said. While their defense was not performing well, they were able to win their first game at Gunn High School, he added. In their second game at home against Gunn High,

Gonzalez was not present.

“They scored six runs in the first inning, and it sort of brought our morale down for the rest of the game. We don’t have a lot of people come to our games,” Leffler mentioned. “Maybe if we did, it would boost the team morale a little bit.”

The JV baseball team’s season is off to a really good start as well, Left Fielder Rene Michel said.

They are three, three and zero in the season so far, and one and one in league, he said.

“We’re playing a lot of league games, so I feel like we really need to step up our game,” Michel said.

“The team is really gelling well, and we’re really confident in our season.”

The team’s losses have only been by one run, Michel said. In most

of the games played, there were really good hits accompanied with a lot of runs, Michel added.

“This is my second year playing baseball for the school,” Michel said. “I think we really need to step it up, but it’s going to be a good season.”

Varsity Coach Jesus Zamudio has been coaching the team for fifteen years, Zamudio said. The season so far has been up and down, and how the team plays is very crucial in the next couple weeks to see where the team will end this season, he said.

“We’re still waiting for the gelling to happen, and we believe it’s going to happen. It’s just a slow process,” Zamudio said. “I am still optimistic about the ball club that we can get to where we want to be, and that’s the play-offs.”

Varsity Baseball Catcher Nathaniel Reyes is at bat, ready to receive the pitch. The Milpitas Trojans are halfway through their 2019 season.

The Athlete of the Month: Catcher Nathaniel Reyes

By Genelle Gogue

Senior Nathaniel Reyes is on his final year of playing for the MHS baseball team. After an injury during his football season, he is looking to make a great comeback through baseball, Reyes said.

He takes on his role as a leader by guiding and helping the other players. Reyes shares his favorite memories regarding baseball along with his experiences.

Q: How do you believe you contribute to the MHS baseball team?

A: “Mostly with leadership, like being able to lead my team and making sure we accomplish everything. Making sure everything is good and that we stay on task.”

Q: How is baseball different from other sports?

A: “It is mentally tough; it’s different. The game is so fast paced,

but yet so slow, and you have to be mentally strong.”

Q: How do you deal with not liking a teammate or coach?

A: “I talk things out and understand the reason for why they’re doing something. Then I can state what I think and we can come to better grounds.”

Q: What has been your most memorable experience playing for the MHS baseball team?

A: “CCS Semi-Finals; it was my freshman year. I also remember the San Jose Giants game. Plus just hanging out with all of my teammates.”

Q: What is your favorite part about playing baseball?

A: “I say being able to play with friends. Probably that and having fun.”

Q: What inspires or motivates you to play?

A: “The love for the game.”

Bracy chases dream after MHS

By Genelle Gogue

WHITNEY TRAN | THE UNION

From left to right, Junior Thien Le and Freshman Yash Malegaonkar face off against Seniors Leon Huynh and Andrew Hua. Malegaonkar charges forward, lunging to propel the shuttlecock over to his opponents’ side.

Varsity badminton in mint condition

By Maliyah Fick

The varsity badminton team’s season has been off to a great start, Senior Andrew Hua said.

The team has been winning their games and getting along, he added.

Hua is a varsity one doubles player. He started playing badminton during his freshman year, and he has been on the team ever since. He has hope that the team will continue to win their games, grow as a team, and stay prepared this season, he said.

“I think the hardest schools are yet to come,” Hua said. “A lot of the new kids are playing varsity.”

One of the best parts about being on the badminton team isn’t just playing the sport. A lot of it goes into just being with your teammates, and the team feels closer this year than in their previous years, he commented.

“My favorite part of playing

badminton is just the team dynamic and just the variety of games where you really don’t know what’s going to happen,” Hua stated. “My favorite part about being on the team is just getting along with everyone because we grow on each other.”

The junior varsity team has also been winning most of their games, Junior Christine Ma said.

She is a junior varsity one girls’ doubles player. This year, they have a much younger team with very strong players, Ma said.

They are also very supportive of one another this season, she added.

“The team is optimistic, as our lineup for this year is quite strong,” Ma said. “I think as long as we continue to work hard and stay humble, we’ll have a great season.”

The team feels like one big group this year, Ma said. Everyone on the team is bonding

over the same game and going through the same conditioning all together, and it’s one of her favorite parts of being on the team, she said. The skill aspect when it comes to playing is another thing she enjoys about the sport, she said.

“There’s more technique than you’d expect,” Ma said. “So when someone hits a good shot, it’s only that much more impressive.”

According to Varsity Badminton Coach Jerell Maneja, the team has seen new players and new talent this year. He has been coaching badminton at MHS for four years now, he said, and this season has been more successful than they had been previously.

“We are currently sitting atthird place,” Maneja said. “We have beaten two teams that we did not beat last season, and so this year definitely is an improvement from prior seasons.”

MHS Alumni Tyree Bracy is living out a high-school dream playing college football. But being a first-year in college comes with some challenges: trying to balance sports and school.

Right after football season, Bracy was offered a scholarship for his stellar football skills. He attends San Diego State University and plays cornerback on their team. College football is a different scene from high-school football, he said, and although it is a great experience, it just doesn’t compare.

“It’s definitely different trying to make new bonds with teammates that I just met this year, compared to playing with people I’ve played with most of my life,” Bracy said. “There’s some good people on my team now, but I feel like it will never compare to what

it was like in high school.”

Bracy had played for the Milpitas Knights, so by the time he reached MHS, he already knew a good amount of the players since he’d played with them for almost all his life, he said. Luckily, he has a good relationship with his new teammates, but none can compare–even with all the excitement of playing for a new school, Bracy can definitely say he misses playing for MHS. “I miss being able to see all my teammates that I called family everyday, and going to play with them every Friday,” he said.

Attending college and working with different teammates is all new for Bracy, but it is something he has fun doing. With his freshmen year almost over, Bracy is excited to show his coaches all his capabilities next year, he said.

San Diego State has a lot to look forward to for football!

16

NEWS

THE UNION

APRIL 2019

DRUG ABUSE: Data shows MHS marijuana. e-cigarette use drops FROM PAGE 1

PAUL CHON THE UNION

From left to right, State Assemblyman Kansen Chu, School Boardsman Robert Jung, Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. Chu awards Jung.

MUSD intellect showcased

By Paul Chon

The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Showcase had more than 240 students attend the event on March 9, Founder of Milpitas Community Educational Endowment (MCEE) Robert Jung said. This event was made to inspire students to be interested in STEAM, Jung said.

The idea of STEAM Showcase came from trying to provide programs that were not being offered anywhere else, Jung said. MCEE partnered with MUSD to create STEAM Showcase, Jung added.

“It’s not a science fair where there are judges and you’re competing. ” Jung said. “The reason we chose to set up as non-competitive event is because we wanted everyone to participate.”

Doing a STEAM showcase instead of a STEM showcase reminds people of the art in STEM that allows people to be creative, Jung said. STEAM also inspires students to be more creative in their projects, Jung said.

“When you look at strictly STEM, people tend to forget that it’s the art component that allows you to be creative and we want to make sure that we get some of that creativity into the thinking around STEM,” Jung said. “You can solve problems many ways, but making it appealing and palatable for different people can

make a difference, such as from a marketing standpoint: [creativity] is a useful attribute to consider when you’re designing these things. That’s why we’re pushing STEAM instead of just STEM.” This year’s STEAM Showcase felt crowded, yet still an improvement over the preceding year, Sophomore Michelle Ngo said.

“It’s definitely a lot bigger and the change in location definitely gives a lot more diversity to what kind of project you can make,” Ngo said.

The STEAM Showcase used almost every single room at the San Jose City College (SJCC) Extension and was still crowded, Jung said. The challenge is to find a way to create more space, Jung said.

“We might split up into a software symposium for those projects that are really software based only,” Jung said. “Then, we take the projects that are hardware based or mixed, where you use software or hardware, [and] keep going as is. We might spawn off some projects that are strictly software based just to make it two events and make it a nice split.”

This is the first college that Second Grader Cameron Dahi has been to, he said. He was not that interested in his project, Dahi added.

“I had no idea what to do, and I didn’t even want to do this,” Dahi said. “But [now] we have Orbeez, and my mom thought of it.”

New counselor scheduling system meets positive reception on debut

By Andrew Dinh

Counselor appointments can now be made electronically, according to an email sent out by Counselor Cory Nakamoto on March 18. Students can now make appointments on the counseling website in seconds, Nakamoto said.

Scheduling an online appointment will result in a reminder being sent to the student’s phone, Nakamoto said. If one does not have access to a phone, one can come to the office to pick up a paper pass, he added.

“Appointments are blocked off in 15 minute time slots,” Nakamoto said in the email. “If you do not have computer or internet access, you may contact Julie Martinez (Counseling Secretary - 408-6352800 x4128) in person or by phone to schedule your appointment.”

The new scheduling system is much more efficient, Head Counselor Beth Harke said. Students and parents simply just go to the counseling website and check availability to make appointments, Harke added.

“We are moving into the next century! It’s time,” Harke said.

“You don’t have to wait. Our line is ridiculous.”

Waiting in line for an appointment has been frustrating for stu-

dents, Harke said. Now, the counseling system is more accessible for all, Harke said.

“It’s nice to be able to pull up our schedule for the day, not that we couldn’t on paper as well, but it’s easier across the board,” Harke said. “I’ve had kids who didn’t know that they could just show their phones to their teachers to come up. Show them your phone, and you can come up.”

Junior Arly Gomez often schedules appointments towards the end of each semester, Gomez said.

The new counseling system creates a faster process that’s easier for everyone, she said.

“It’s frustrating because everyone schedules appointments around the end of the semesters,” Gomez said. “Everyone has to wait a long time for that.”

The change to the scheduling system for counselor appointments was a welcome one, Senior Mitchell Wettenstein said. The annoyances of waiting in line for a slow service are long gone, he said.

“If you were late, and there were a lot of people in line, you would have to wait for lunch if you went during break,” Wettenstein said.

“I prefer the new system, and I won’t stand in line again because they won’t let me. They just told me to use the online one.”

dividuals who have emotional issues or concerns so that they have coping strategies that are healthy rather than harmful.”

About 8 percent and 17 percent of MHS freshmen and juniors respectively have used marijuana at least once in their lifetime, according to the 2017-2018 California Healthy Kids Survey. Nearly 11 percent and 15 percent of MHS freshmen and juniors respectively have used an e-cigarette before, according to the same survey.

The same survey held four years prior indicated that there had been a decrease in marijuana and e-cigarette activity, according to the 2014-2015 California Healthy Kids Survey. Marijuana use was measured to be 11 percent and 23 percent in MHS freshmen and juniors respectively; e-cigarette use was measured to be 20 percent and 28 percent in MHS freshmen and juniors respectively, the same

survey said.

Drug activity has remained constant, not visibly increasing from previous years, Senior Connor Lingle said. The school would also have trouble creating an effective method of preventing drug use, Lingle added.

“I think if students talk to each other about safe drug use or practices, it would be more effective than a school administrator,” Lingle said. “However, since it’s ‘cool’ to do drugs, and vaping is really popular now, I find it hard to see students telling other students to stop drug activity, in fear of being ostracized by their friend group.”

Preventing drug use can start at the student level, School Psychologist Noheli Guerrero said.

Since drugs are often used to cope, reaching out to students who are struggling with larger issues can help them find stability, she said.

“I would recommend having

more clubs available for students to have that type of leadership opportunity and hopefully attract those students who feel lonely or maybe want to fit in with other crowds,” Guerrero said. “Drugs can either be something that they’re doing to fit in or it could be a coping mechanism for support that they’re not getting in other areas. ” Counseling And Support Services for Youth therapists, counselors, and social workers are available for students seeking help on campus, Hutchison said. These resources serve as a safe space for students to discuss the underlying issues of what leads them to try drugs or alcohol and work through their emotions, she said.

“All of us admin are very comfortable and skilled in working with adolescents in identifying drug and alcohol issues,” Hutchison said. “We’re the first line.”

TOP DISTRICT: Students and staff speculate reasons for MHS’ rank FROM PAGE 1 change throughout the campus.”

“At Pomeroy Elementary School, there is a program called SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Literacy) and so a lot of the things that they’re doing is trying to work on best practices for literacy,” Lorenzana said. “Literacy was actually one of [MHS’s] top priorities to the point where social studies, science, and math were doing constructed responses and short readings because we really wanted to make sure that students got that reinforcement for reading and writing skills.”

Though MUSD is a top 20 Bay Area school district, MHS is not a top 20 Bay Area high school, according to rankings on the Niche website. MHS is ranked as 59th out of 191 Bay Area public high schools for college prep, Niche reported.

MHS’ highly diverse student body has contributed greatly to Sophomore Isabella Kellas’ high school experience, Kellas said.

However, having such a large student body raisess concern with the individual attention teachers can give students, Kellas said.

“MHS values diversity by showcasing different forms of them through noon time activities, performances and clubs,” Kellas

said. “I think MHS can improve their ranking if there was a smaller student-to-teacher ratio in the classroom.”

There are many barriers to the school’s overall progress, Senior Nandini Singh said. MHS faculty has room for improvement if MHS is to be ranked higher in the future, Singh said.

“Limiting the number of AP classes students can take severely restricts students academic potential. The school should also better supervise teachers and what they do in the classroom,” Singh said. “One of my teachers last year would just hand out useless worksheets and do nothing in class, after one of my friends complained to [an administrator]. [The admin] did nothing and instead started defending the teacher and her ‘teaching style.’”

MHS will eventually need to consider the implications of a constantly growing enrollment on the school’s academic strength, Lorenzana said. The school does not have the facilities to house the sheer number of students that will be coming to campus and simultaneously provide students with a quality education, Lorenzana continued.

“We’d like to think that we could

have smaller class sizes so that the students can have more access to teachers, more of that personalized attention,” Lorenzana said.

“The conversation of ‘How do we expand Milpitas High to accommodate these students, or do we make a second high school?’ to make sure that all the students are getting a fair and equitable education becomes a bigger priority moving forward.”

MHS could use more classrooms but that may be the only improvement it needs to make, Social Studies Teacher Michael Cummins said. But there is not necessarily a way to rank a school, Cummins added.

“Kids try here. They haven’t given up. I don’t know of too many extra entitled kids that feel like they don’t have to try, like you might find in Palo Alto or my own alma mater in Saratoga,” Cummins said. “I think we’re all doing the best we can with what we have. Could we bust the Milpitas population over to Palo Alto, and would we instantly be more successful? I would say no.”

MUSD’s rank may be seen here: ht t ps://w w w.niche.com/ k 12/ search/best-school-districts/m/ san-francisco-metro-area/

MHS students walk out, discuss gun control

By Genelle Gogue

MHS students participated in a walkout concerning gun control on March 14, Walkout Coordinator Nisha Porchezhiyan said. The walkout was meant to help spark activism at school, she said.

As an ambassador for March for Our Lives San Jose, one of her duties was to bring the walkout to her high school, Porchezhiyan said. She also wanted give students a voice and be a part of something bigger than them, since there is a lack of activism at MHS, Porchezhiyan said.

“I organized this walkout because I realized that there is a lack of activism living in this high school community,” Porchezhiyan said. “I just truly believe Trojans want something that they can be apart of and they want to be apart of something which is why we organized this so we can give them an opportunity to be apart of something.”

During the walkout, both proponents and opponents of gun control were allowed to speak to further educate students and let attendees understand that they must be willing to hear the views

of others, Porchezhiyan said.

“We wanted everyone to be represented in Milpitas,” Porchezhiyan said. “We didn’t want to stop anyone especially because we need to be tolerant of everyone’s views and we need to give everyone a platform to express their views.”

Communities affected by gun violence were able to speak at the walkout as well, Porchezhiyan said. People spoke out about how gun violence affects women, minorities, the LGBTQ community and others, she added.

It is significant to be involved in civic engagement, Walkout Coordinator Sean Nguyen said. MHS has a diverse campus, and it is very important to stay educated politically, Nguyen said.

“There’s people coming from all different sorts of minorities and we each have a role in how our politics are played out,” Nguyen said. “It’s important that we remain educated and we’re consistent with how we’re thinking for ourselves.

Both Nguyen and Porchezhiyan expressed satisfaction with the volume of attendees.

“A school population that some-

GENELLE GOGUE THE UNION

Students congregate on the football field during the walkout.

what cares enough to take the extra effort to come to the walkout is more important than numbers,” Nguyen said.

“Even if two students came aside from the speakers, I would’ve been happy,” Porchezhiyan said. “It means that at least there is someone here that cares about this issue and wants to come and cut class for it.”