The Birds Eye Volume 1

MARCH 2020

ISSUE 001

THE BIRD’S EYE

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Table of Contents

Page 2: Staff Introductions

Page 3: Climate Change: Empty Activism and Futile Action

Page 4: Coronavirus for Asian Americans: Xenophobia

Page 5: Visual Arts Page 6: Performing Arts

Page 7: Kobe Bryant Dedication Page

Page 8: Kobe Bryant Dedication Page

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Page 9: Harkness Learning is For Everyone... Not Again

Page 10: Playlist Page : What We’re Listening To

Page 11: Here’s to “The Flock”

Page 13: The Time(s?) for Celebration: PRS and the Lunar New Year

Page 14: It’s Time to Acknowledge Religious Minorities at Pacfic Ridge

Page 12: Firebirds Hockey: Beyond the Glass

STAFF INT RODUCTIONS Reid - “sOrry abOOt that”

Annie - *wears wrong college sweatshirt to college interview*

Edie - She likes anime… weeb.

Mia - *volume 100, speed 1000, hand gestures activated*

Ben - Graphic design is my passion

Martha - Currently occupying La La Land...

Evan - thinks Overwatch is a sport...

Mika - *Drives a Prius while blasting NPR*

Mishaal - Watch out for that eye roll!

Ethan - Smart for a hockey kid

Emily - Has 4.8k pins on Pinterest.

Ashley - Beware! She’s watching your every move…

Katie - *Buys fountain drink, fills it with water*

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Our journalism class is largely student led and project oriented. We began the year with little to no knowledge of how to create a newspaper, and have had to navigate the numerous seemingly daunting tasks that have come our way. We quickly realized that roles and responsibilities would have to be assigned, and set to work delegating various tasks. Although each member of the editorial staff focuses their work in one specific area, our roles and responsibilities are fairly loose. In fact, our class itself enjoys a fairly loosey-goosey atmosphere, and essentially everything that we accomplish is brainstormed and put into action by students. Our work is largely collaborative, and every person contributes in one way or another to each project that we carry to fulfillment. In order to make sure that we are proud of our work, we have also played a fairly large role in realizing the physical printing of our newspaper. We visited Vista Printing Pressand and were able to tour the facilities thereby witnessing for ourselves the process of printing a paper.

We also got a chance to meet the employees there and speak with them about the various options they were able to provide regarding newspaper style and layout. Although we have undoubtedly encountered some bumps along the road, we have slowly but surely found a way to make the process our own, and we are proud of the first newspaper that we have produced.

Jou

Who We Are

Mr. Richter - The period goes inside the quotation!

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Climate Change: Empty Activism and Futile Action By: Mia Ogle

Have you stopped using plastic straws? Maybe you have cut your water usage over the past couple of months.

You’ve turned the faucet off while you’re brushing your teeth, cut your shower time by a few minutes. Who knows, maybe you’ve even planted a couple of trees. If this is you, you’re probably feeling pretty good about yourself right about now. Well, the bad news is: none of it really matters. Look, I’m not here to tell you to throw away your metal straw. Or to use more water. And by all means, keep on planting those trees. These practices are a step in the right direction, and they’re certainly far better for our planet than the alternative.

However, in order to legitimately stall climate change, widespread change is necessary: the small few that care can not be the only ones to act.

I interviewed several Pacific Ridge School students about the lengths that they go through to protect the planet. The majority cited some type of water conservation, such as cutting down shower times, some mentioned cutting down on red meat, and a few poor souls confidently exclaimed, “I recycle!” Hate to break it to those of you that “recycle,” but “recycling” effectively does nothing. But there was one answer that really got me. One girl told me that in order to raise awareness for climate change, she posts on social media. I almost laughed out loud.

First of all, I think that we are all aware that the concept of climate change exists, regardless of whether or not we believe in it source(s). And if some estranged older gentleman who lives in a hole legitimately does not know what climate change is, he most certainly is not in a position to be educated by social media. So, raising awareness via social media, much like recycling, means nothing. In fact, I think that social media has the potential to actually detract from legitimate action. I scrolled past my fair share of “save the Amazon” posts when social media users first realized that the Amazon Rainforest was burning up. I’m sure that the people behind these posts felt pretty good about themselves for caring about the planet; most probably they truly believed that they were aiding in saving the Amazon! But in reality, they

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were just adding their voice to the muddled jumble of useless voices already present on social media. None of those posts actually saved the Amazon or even contributed to saving the Amazon. They simply made white noise.

The same can be said about posts regarding climate change. Posting about climate change does not reflect action, and does not cause action. It simply results in more posts. Social media users are posting about climate change, in an attempt to “do their part”. Many feel satisfied with themselves for posting, satisfied enough to make no further efforts to help the planet.

They believe that posting is enough.

For those of you that have cut your water usage, stopped eating meat, planted trees, etc., well, I suppose good for you. At least you aren’t projecting empty activism on social media. But, unfortunately, your efforts mean nothing without the collective effort of the world. For every American that stops eating meat, there are at least nine others that still do.

I know that I, for one, will never stop eating red meat, unless I am forced to. The same type of analogy can be made for basically every means of combating climate change. No matter how many people do their part, there will still be people like me spewing carbon dioxide into the air, thereby canceling out preventative actions.

Civilians themselves can not single-handedly enact change, and my unwillingness to give up meat is proof of this reality.

Change can only be widespread, or nonexistent. And widespread change only comes via legislation. So, sure, post about the turtles, buy a metal straw, and please, keep planting those trees. But while you’re at it, go register to vote. Only through legislation can climate change be stalled, and only through voting can we push for legislation. Please, if you actually care, instead of adding your voice to the muddled jumble of voices present on social media, add your voice to the muddled jumble of voices present in the real world.

Coronavirus and What It Looks Like to Me By: Zhining Zhuge

By now we are all well aware of the coronavirus, its history, its death toll, and its infectiousness, but are we aware of the other damage it is doing?

According to the most recent from CBS at the time of publication, the coronavirus has killed over 3,300 people worldwide and infected 96,000 people globally. The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December of 2019. Numerous cities in China, including Wuhan, have been locked down. On Jan 30, WHO declared that the coronavirus outbreak in China was a PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concerns) and followed up with a series of travel bans. That list is rapidly expanding.

Although the spreading of the coronavirus horrifies thousands of people and is a disaster, to a typical Chinese high school student living through the outbreaks, it is people’s reactions to the disaster that are truly appalling.

Journalists are wielding their pens, leaving traces of xenophobia and racism all over the world: recently UC Berkeley received a backlash for normalizing a xenophobic reaction to people coming from Asia as a reasonable response under the fear of coronavirus infection, and on February 5 there was a Chinese exchange student beaten up by strangers in Sheffield, Germany over coronavirus fears. However, the roots of hatred do not only grow in hostile outsiders; they are planted even deeper within the Chinese people themselves.

“Why do the ****ing Wuhan people eat bats?” was the most frequent question I heard in China. It didn’t just appear in angry comments on social media: my old classmates said that, my boyfriend has said that, and my friend who is a blogger with over a thousand followers has said that -- all with fear and wrath. Admittedly, even I have yelled out the words, “Why do the ****ing Wuhan people eat bats?” Many Chinese people are belittling our own nation and citizens. Fear and hatred are spreading faster than the virus itself, In China children are asking their parents, “Why are the people in Wuhan so selfish that they escaped from their own town and spread the disease to our hometown?”

As an additional strange twist, the coronavirus excites some Chinese students because it can distinguish individual college applications. On the day the Chinese government extended the Chinese New Year holiday because of the outbreaks, a counselor in China sent messages to all his students: “Please pay attention to the situation and react. For example, organize fundraising activities in reaction to the outbreaks. This is a good opportunity for filling up the activity lists on your application and will help your college applications.” As a result, student posts on social media are begging for funds and giving the illusions of action. Chinese students are creating their own organizations and “administrative” positions; many have taken to their personal blogs and made them the official site for their new programs. It is not right to have pessimistic assumptions of people’s intentions, but I can’t stop wondering: who are the people who really care, and who are just building their image as a perfect applicant? I blame the counselor who taught students to turn their kindness into pure egoism, and I blame myself for doubting people’s kind intentions.

Though I am healthy and virus-free, the coronavirus has infected me and planted darkness in my heart, and I think that I will be sick for a long time.

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Visual Arts

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Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Credit to NICY, Zafir, McKayla, and Yo Jin

Perfoming Arts

Perfoming Arts

Perfoming Arts 6

Perfoming Arts

1/27/20. The world stood still and the Internet stopped buzzing; we lost a legend and a childhood hero.

We had the privilege to witness him revolutionize the game of basketball,

and then we felt his pain when it was time for him to say goodbye to the game which he gave his all – energy, blood, sweat and tears – through his Oscar-winning short film “Dear Basketball.” His body could no longer keep up: he was becoming more susceptible to injuries; each game wore him down more and more; and no matter how hard he pushed himself, he knew that it was time. Of course though, Kobe had to go out Kobe style; he stepped on the court for the last time and dropped 60 points as an injured 38-year old. His determination to keep fighting a painful battle with his body was fueled by his passion for the game, as well as his mental strength.

He was an amazing player and became a legend because of his Mamba mentality. He refused to feel demoralized and defeat from failure: “When we are saying this cannot be accomplished, this cannot be done, then we are short-changing ourselves. My brain, it cannot process failure. It will not process failure. Because if I have to sit there and tell myself ‘you are a failure,’ I think that is almost worse than dying.” Meanwhile, he used failure as motivation: “Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.”

Although his impact on the court had ended, he was barely getting started on making real changes off the court. He used his voice and social media platform to advocate for the youth, gender equality in sports, and other injustices. He supported the women’s basketball community immensely by watching the games of young players with potential such as Han Van Lith, donating money to girls’ basketball programs, and opening Mamba Academy – a facility where he trained his daughter’s team and big-time players from the NBA as well as WNBA. He also created Granity Studios (an award-winning multimedia original content company) to “teach valuable life lessons to the next generation” (Kobe, November 19, 2019).

Even though he will always be remembered for his Mamba mentality and accomplishments on the court, it is also important to honor and preserve the vision he had for this world.

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MAMBA OUT 5-time NBA champion (2000-2002,2009-2010) 7 NBA finals appearances

Youngest to start a game in the NBA (18) 2-time gold medalist for Olympic Games (2008,12)

2-time finals MVP (2009 & 2010) NBA Most Valuable Player (2008) 18-time NBA All-Star

4-time NBA All-Star game MVP Youngest NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (18)

Most seasons played for Lakers Franchise (20) 2nd most points in a game (81) 8

Harkness Harkness focuses on student participation and student-led classes as a means to produce an effective learning environment. It seeks to build an atmosphere in which students can foster their own growth and individuality. Building independence is key and is the ultimate goal of the Harkness learning system; students can continue to grow and learn without becoming dependent on teachers for knowledge. Harkness learning exists to teach students these valuable skills using alternative teaching methods; but how exactly are those goals achieved, and what is Harkness supposed to look like at Pacific Ridge?

Both Ends of the Table Not Again

By Martha Contreras

You can’t hide. You can’t be on your phone since everyone can see you around the wooden oval-shaped table. You can’t daydream because the teacher will notice that you aren’t engaged in the discussion. You can’t speak too many times— one must “share the air.” You can’t speak too little or else you will receive a bad grade on the discussion. You can’t raise your hand when you want to speak, for you need to jump into the conversation without interrupting or speaking over people. The most PRS thing: Harkness.

As a PRS lifer (been here since seventh grade), I think it is safe to say that I have done at least a hundred Harknesses, and heard about it at least a thousand times. I can say, with confidence, that all students are sick of hearing about Harkness. The fact that it is worshipped almost religiously by the school pushes us away from it. Every single Pacific Ridge advertisement includes the original Harkness table, and it is the first thing you hear at an open house. We get it. We Harkness. Even though it is good publicity for the school, as students the hype creates tedium and annoyance.

Although this system is more entertaining for me than the average “teacher speaks for 80 minutes and students just sit there and take notes” kind of class, I can’t even enjoy it along with the rest of the students. By pushing Harkness in our faces, the school is taking away its potential benefits by over-advertising the concept to students, and creating a negative culture surrounding this method at our school.

So, ignoring the irony, we should stop talking about Harkness and its amazing benefits, but rather allow students to experience them. The school needs to stop praising this learning style, and allow us to converse and thrive through it.

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Harkness Learning is for Everyone

By Ben Heidenreich

My Harkness experience at Pacific Ridge School has resulted in a variety of positive events for me. It has helped me converse with others better, be well-spoken, and feel more confident in the ideas that I bring to the table—no pun intended. My school does a great job integrating the Harkness style of learning while ensuring that students are comfortable, confident, and learning what they need and want to know.

Now comes the important question: why doesn’t everyone like Harkness learning? Just as Communism is promising in theory yet imperfect in its application, Harkness is sometimes applied or practiced in ways that push students into uncomfortable positions. Typically, it is the introverted students who struggle the most, as discussion can be difficult for a lot of naturally quiet or shy people. I argue that most people who dislike Harkness only dislike it because it has not been applied in the right way. All students should learn using this style, and I think all schools should incorporate it; Harkness has really changed my life.

However, I truly believe that as classes are run with Harkness over the course of many years, students grow accustomed to debating, formulating, and voicing thoughts at a sophisticated level. These skills become habits, which is precisely what makes Harkness so beautiful. Just as actions become muscle memory if one plays a sport long enough, the more students speak, interact, and learn, the more naturally these advanced social skills become ingrained and automated.

PLAYLIST PLAYLIST PLAYLIST PLAYLIST PLAYLIST

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO Talia - King Princess Lost in Yesterday - Tame Impala Watermelon Sugar- Harry Styles Butterflies - Kasey Musgraves This Life - Vampire Weekend Guilty Conscience- 070shake Comfort Crowd - Conan Gray Scope Set - $uicide Boy$

ARE YOU OK? - Daniel Caesar Circles - Mac Miller Leave The Night On - Sam Hunt Hit Me Up - Omar Apollo Tusa- KAROL G, Niki Minaj 1901 - Phoenix California - Berhana In my room - Frank Ocean

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Here's To The Flock

The fans were nonexistent and the sidelines were vacant. Teams were lucky to get one after-school straggler to even peer into the gym to look at the score or, even more uncommon, sit and watch for a whole quarter of a game! While togetherness was found in the classroom, many students at Pacific Ridge craved more camaraderie beyond the limited hours of the eight to three school day.

Slowly, students became more enthusiastic to partake in after-school activities, and the stands began to fill.

Over each successive year, the small handful of early members has gradually grown into a school-wide support system that is prepared to come together to form

Luckily, lots of people were eager and anxious to build school spirit. At the beginning of 2016, there was a surge of new energy in the air. The source came from all corners of the campus: coaches, students, teachers, parents, and, of course, the athletes. With that, “The Flock” was born.

Initially student interest was lukewarm. Through persuasion, the members of The Flock convinced people to attend games and begged them to purchase five-dollar t-shirts. Eventually, The Flock defied many doubtful bystanders and grew exponentially.

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a formidable front for the season’s most hyped up games. As an athlete myself, I know how much the support means to every player on every team. When rallied together as a unit, the energy is contagious and travels back and forth from the stands to the court/field and vice versa.

Now, on big game days, car horns honk as everyone arrives, shirts are sold left-and-right, music plays around campus at lunchtime, a pep rally concludes the school day, and game highlights are uploaded onto the well-known Instagram, @theflock_ pacificridge. On Fridays, it is not difficult to spot both students and faculty rocking this year’s Flock t-shirt, exclaiming “Welcome to The Nest” plastered across the back.

The energy has blossomed in just a few short years and the traditions started in The Flock will continue long after each consecutive year graduates and passes down the torch to the next.

Do not get me wrong, there is a lot more that can be done in the future, but The Flock has established a new sense of community, collaboration, belonging, and school pride. It has begun to build a family within a school—something to always come back to!

By Reid Dinning

Firebirds Hockey Beyond the Glass quickly, as they lacked consistent defense

by Ethan Kuhrt

and goaltending; but something bigger was missing.

The Pacific Ridge Firebirds Varsity ice hockey team won the ADHDHL division 1 Champi- The following season, coach Trevino made the decision to completely re-construct onship and has been turning heads lately. . his team in search for the grit and respect that was needed in previous years. Trevino It seems as if our school’s “hockey hype” wanted to head into the 2018 season with a came out of nowhere, and has more or less become our school’s replacement for football. shock, so he began welcoming in possible Many students and staff, or even you, may be recruits from around the greater San Diego wondering, “How did that come to be?” Well, County. When asked what exactly he was looking for, Trevino stated, “A sincere depth we have the full story for you here. of commitment.” That season in addition Let’s take a step back. About five or so years to some returnees Coach Trevino and the Firebirds acquired a handful of players who ago, there was no Pacific Ridge ice hockey team; there was Carlsbad United: a JV team were believed to be essential additions to the team. The year would end up being one made up of players from mainly two comto remember, as the Firebirds went undemunities, San Marcos and more obviously, feated for the majority of the season until Carlsbad. In 2015, the team started off with four players from Pacific Ridge School with a disheartening series of losses led to their the remaining eleven or so attending schools eventual elimination in the playoffs. With a successful season in the books and what it throughout North County. Because of the looked like to be a resurrection of PRS hockteam’s school diversity, the coaching staff ey from the previous year, Trevino and the and management did not believe becoming team set off to prepare for their next season a school-organized sport would be the best decision; however, they hoped to become the with even more compassion and excitement.

PRS Firebirds the following year.

Today, the Firebirds Varsity Hockey team is built up of solely PRS students, a “pure’’ After Carlsbad United’s successful first year in the JV division during the 2015-2016 sea- team by the ADHSHL’s standards. This difference allowed the team to move up one son, management decided the team needed last division this year, this time into division to step up their intensity level; in response, 1 (D1). Finally, it seemed as if coach Trevino the Firebirds joined the Anaheim Ducks had reached the goal he was longing for: a High School Hockey League’s (ADHSHL) strong, gritty, well-respected team. Howdivision-three varsity bracket. In addition, ever, that was not the case, and due to the they decided that that as of the 2016-2017 Firebird’s outstanding record in the previseason, the team would play under Pacific Ridge’s name, adding to the list of the school’s ous season dominating nearly every team, theADHSHL decided to change the leagues recognized sports. That season, the Firestandards ruling of needing a “pure team” to birds fought hard but fell just short of the be eligible to play in the D1 bracket. Now, division-three title. According to the team’s entering divisions was determined solely by assistant coach at the time, Hans Richter, skill.

“It was a strong team made up of skilled players; we just did not have any systems to Trevino was not satisfied and neither were stick with. Really, only one line had consistency.” Despite their occasional difficulties in his players. The Firebirds wanted more competition, more challenges, greater communication and slight skill deficiency, the team had a fortunate year that motivated obstacles—anything to help strengthen their physical and mental game in the long run. the management’s decision to take another Moreover, now that the team felt as if they forward leap the following season: division “wasted” their time becoming a pure team, two. they looked to pursue excellence at greater distances and to make the most of what they Entering the 2017-2018 season, Juan Trehad become. What they had already accomvino assumed the head coaching position plished was not enough. and strove to build a successful, gritty, and well-respected varsity team. Trevino’s dream would not come true that year, and the team Looking to expand beyond the boundaries struggled to maintain their motivation after of Southern California hockey, the team many tough losses. The year came to a close decided to join a new league, the North

American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL). As a part of this league, the Firebirds partake in a series of trips to the Midwest (Minnesota for example) to compete against elite teams from all over North America. Here, the team has thrived. Competing against other teams with matched or higher skill levels has been an impactful experience for the team, and this higher bar has improved everything: games, practice, dryland, and school.

We talked to coach Juan Trevino about his accomplishments and the team’s accomplishments over the past two or so years, and questioned his coaching tactics, wondering what exactly he has done to bring the team to this point of success.

“They have gotten themselves here,” he stated. “They have pushed and eaten at each other to better themselves. They ask me to push them harder; I don’t need to ask them.”

With all team sports comes sacrifice, but like no other sport, hockey brings blood, cuts, bruises, and heavy intensity. “We put our bodies on the line. People would be shocked to watch our games and practices—to see the reality of what we put ourselves and each other through. We’re never not pushing one another.”

So finally, now that you know just how the PRS Varsity ice hockey team became who they are today, we decided to get some final input from one of the players, Daniel Parizek, a captain and team MVP. When asked what it’s like to be a PRS hockey player, he responded, “It is kinda funny because you go to school and no one thinks of who you really are beyond being a student. If only they knew that an hour before school started coach harped on Kento Mencel for five straight minutes for not using his body, Jace Phillips broke his tooth from taking a stick to the face, and Tyler Sheridan fell to the ice because of a hard shot that hit his upper knee. Yet, we all walk into school and put smiles on our faces and raise our heads. That’s what it is like to be a hockey player here at PRS, or anywhere for that matter.”

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The Time(s?) for Celebration?

PRS and the Lunar New Year January 1 is well behind us, and another calendar landmark has come and gone as well: the Lunar New Year, or, for many students at PRS, simply “The New Year.” As the year of the pig turns into the year of the rat, The Bird’s Eye decided to take a look at what the new year looks like.

One theme prevalent among students who observe the holiday was the adaptation of the holiday to suit more American customs. Edie Choi, a junior, mentioned that her family actually celebrates “a bit before” the actual date. Rather than struggle through the holiday by preparing a big meal on what could be a weekday (Lunar New Year fell on a Saturday this year, but last year it was on a Tuesday— yikes), many families decide to observe tradition on the Gregorian Calendar’s time.

What does this mean for the sanctity of the holiday, and what is really important about eating certain foods and doing certain things if you don’t follow every tradition all the way, and at the right time?

overnight show broadcasted from China).

Both students have been celebrating the New Year since before they can remember, and Camille has gone to the carnival her Chinese school puts on to “buy food, perform, see the lion dance, and have fun with family and friends.”

In terms of how to recognize the holiday itself, there are plenty of options to choose from. Mr. Decrop, a history teacher, recalls how it was celebrated when he lived in Thailand: “The Buddhist Thai calendar works with the moon, and as a teacher there, I had holidays almost every week.”

Although most kids in high school have outgrown the practice, it echoes the ideas of togetherness and unity, as Vivian puts it, of the holiday. It is a time to feel grateful and humble, but also to be rewarded with good food, dance, and the love of family and friends around you.

As a parenthesetical, what a lot of people who don’t celebrate Lunar New Year will recognize from this day is the changing of the zodiac sign, in this case from the Year of the Pig to the Year of the Rat. What does this mean for all of us? Well, you’d have to ask an actual expert, but what I can glean Geneho Hong, ‘22, names “dduk guk,” a from Googling tells me this: the Year soup that has rice cakes, seaweed, and of the Rat is the first in the twelve year egg as a meal that defines his new year. cycle, so most of us will feel as invigoOther practices include making hotpot rated as we did twelve years ago, aka and eating mooncakes, going to local fes- when we were about five. I don’t know tivals to watch dances and other cultural about y’all, but I’m looking forward to performances, and watching Chunwan, that. Furthermore, people born in this a broadcast by China Central Television year will be intelligent, practical and that is aired on the eve of every new year social. As for your individual predicand currently holds the record for the tions for they year, I suggest you do most-watched television broadcast in the your own Googling. I can’t promise world, with over one billion viewers as complete accuracy, but it probably Junior Camille Chang says that what of last year. However, the most common can’t hurt to have another reason to makes Lunar New Year significant way to celebrate was gathering and eatlook forward to the year ahead. for her is the preservation of such ing a lot of food (dumplings! Hotpot! Dduk tradition across national and cultural guk!) with family and friends, which is

Of course, the most treasured barriers. “Being in America and being familiar to everyone as something to do aspect of New Year, whether you call it an American-born Chinese person, when the weather is cold and rainy. 새해 or Xīnnián before, during, or after I think it’s really important for me to the Gregorian New Year, is having a celebrate cultural holidays, and Lunar

Noticeably missing from all this big dinner with your family and taking New Year is the most important holireminiscing was one of my favorite parts the time to remember what your day in Chinese culture.” of the New Year when I was young: if you culture means to you. In the words of bow to your elders (in the right way, with those in your community, the Lunar Vivian Zhong, a sophomore, says that the right posture and the right clothes New Year is a time to “make dumpit is significant for her “because my and a red envelope while saying the right lings” (Vivian Zhong), “get together and family comes from China… and it’s thing), you get money! When I was a little celebrate” (Edie Choi), “Celebration! important to remember our heritage.” kid, this amount was usually a quarter, Family! Fun! Food! Being full!” (Camille Her favorite activity on New Year’s is to but it was nonetheless a way to show Chang), with the addition of now-im“make dumplings together and unite respect for your elders and for the people mortal words of Geneho Hong, 23’, and watch Chunwan.” (Chunwan is an who raised you, and a renewal of the “and we get money! Yaaay.” relationship between a parent and child.

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It’s Time to Acknowledge Religious Minorities at PRS When I walk out of my last period class the Thursday before the start of Christmas break, I overhear my teacher saying, “Happy Holidays!” as if they are trying to avoid saying the name of the holiday that is the purpose of a two-week break in December. Over my years at Pacific Ridge School, the administration has attempted to make Christmas break more neutral and inclusive by calling it “winter break” or “holiday break,” but what holiday always lies at the end of December?

As a Muslim student, I always feel like the school is trying to sell me the idea

effective ways of closing gaps between religious and ethnic majorities and minorities in this school community. I am specifying that the alliance and affinity groups are struggling on this campus in particular because there is evidence, according to student Karina Polanco who writes for the Columbia Spectator, that “affinity groups can cultivate a sense of empowerment and liberation” when organized and maintained properly (Polanco). Unfortunately, the groups on this campus do not seem to embody empowerment, because when my religious holiday passed without a word coming

largest religion in the United States.

However, I am asking for Pacific Ridge to at least acknowledge other religious holidays besides Christmas. Take the Randal Cremer Primary School in London for example: instead of giving the day off to students, since that would result in a large schedule shift, the school decided to have a mini Eid celebration during class time. Not only are students learning about other religious events, the kids and faculty who celebrate Eid are able to take a small part out of their day to enjoy their holiday (Ferit).

that they care about celebrating all religions other than Christianity, but I’m not buying it.

PRS has attempted to be more inclusive by allowing the creation of many affinity and alliance groups, but these groups can present their own set of problems. For example, the Southeast Asian Alliance group that I could be part of because I am Pakistani, only chooses to acknowledge Hindu holidays—essentially cutting out the many other religions such as Buddhism, Islam, and Jainism that all exist in the vast region of South East Asia. Even if the members of the group are all Hindu, they have an obligation to be representatives for religious minorities like me who fall into the same regional group as they do.

Based on my observations of alliance and affinity groups on campus, it is clear that most of them are not

out of the Southeast Asian Alliance, I felt quite defeated.

The systematic problem that surrounds minorities at Pacific Ridge is that when I attempt to take days off to celebrate my major religious holiday, Eid, I am often met with the emails of teachers telling me to submit my homework by the next day. Even if I end up skipping school, all I can think about are the countless hours of homework I have to complete for the next day once I get home. The root of the problem is that many teachers and students are unaware or choose not to recognize other religious holidays besides Christmas, and are unforgiving towards students who have to “skip” school to attend their religious festivities.

I want to make it clear that I am not demanding that the school gives students days off for each and every religious event since that is difficult to pull off, and I am also aware that Christianity is the

Having a small celebration for other holidays, even if it’s just an announcement saying what holiday it is, speaks volumes for minority students like me. To be acknowledged in a community can often be translated into being valued in that community. I have hope for the reformation of the affinity and alliance groups at Pacific Ridge, especially since a multicultural group was just introduced that desires to find commonalities and differences within students that belong to many cultures.

I can only hope that as a community, we can come together to close the gap between those who can enjoy their Christmas festivities during a lengthy break from school, and those who have to fight for a sliver of acknowledgment from our community.

By Mishaal Ijaz

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