Highlander Newsmagazine Issue 3 2019-2020

HIGHLANDER SCOTS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN Scotlight: Having fun in high school READ IT ON PG. 16

IN THIS ISSUE:

Constant news tires us out READ IT ON PG 6

Carlmont's four-person diving team READ IT ON PG 22

"Thrifting" has its benefits READ IT ON PG 28

Vol. XI Issue III | November 2019 | Carlmont High School | scotscoop.com

HIGHLANDER newsmagazine

in this issue...

Highlander Editors-in-Chief Nisha Marino Emma Romanowsky

features 4-7

Scot Scoop Editor-in-Chief Veronica Roseborough

The news makes us tired

Cute local coffee shops

ScotCenter Editor-in-Chief Mandy Hitchcock

campus 9-15

Publicity Director Rachel Matatyaou

Carlmont's music program

Faculty Adviser Justin Raisner Editors Andrea Butler Molly Donaldson Francesca D’Urzo Rachel McCrea Kimberly Mitchell Emma O’Connor Mari Ramirez Auva Soheili Staff Writers Joshua Baxter Audrey Boyce Brianna Cheng Samantha Chu Eoin Cunningham Natalie Doud Anna Feng Nihal Karim Zachary Khouri Ailee Lim Audrey Luey Ayal Meyers Miki Nguyen Miles Ozorio Bella Reeves Ava Richards Alena Ruhstaller Maddy Ting Taisiia Yakovenko Highlander is a newsmagazine dedicated to providing Carlmont students, staff, and the community with highquality news, features, and opinion articles. We want to keep our readers informed on important issues ranging from events at Carlmont to international news, and want to engage them with unique stories and designs. Highlander is a publication completely run by the students of the journalism classes at Carlmont High School. Story ideas are generated by the students and the published content is up to the direction of the editorial staff. This issue’s editorial was written by Emma O'Connor and the editorial cartoon was drawn by Ava Richards. From left to right, the models on the front are Katherine Emerson, Marina Ferme, and Samantha Day.

The pros and cons of Teen Talk High school leads to self-discovery

sports 22-25

Carlmont's four-person diving team Carlmont football is improving

opinion 26-31

Divorced holidays have their benefits The thrifting trend is a good thing Fitting in is expensive

SCOTLIGHT: What is "fun"?

Scotlight is Highlander newsmagazine’s in-depth cover story section.

In this issue, Scotlight is focused on the ways Carlmont students have fun. Many students have challenging academic schedules, and it can be difficult to balance schoolwork and a social life. Still, Carlmont students like Emily Kim and Joe Seaman find ways to enjoy themselves during their free time.

READ ON PAGE 16 Scotlight was designed by Kimberly Mitchell and written by Miles Ozorio.

Carlmont High School 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA

Editorial:

Fun is for everyone but parties are not Parties, bonfires, and relationships are the kind of things that come to mind when most picture high school fun.

Movies about high school always highlight that aforementioned stereotypical fun, with the leading characters enjoying all that high school seems to offer. In those same movies, there are also other kids, the extras, who choose to abstain from the parties.

These characters are usually unnamed, or the nerdy sidekicks who are characterized by their “party-pooper” status.

In real life, however, the division between those who “have fun” and those who don’t, does not exist.

Yet due to stereotypes of high school culture, it can feel like the way one chooses to spend their free time is not socially accepted.

Often met with the advice of “you should get out more” or “you’re only in high school once,” students can feel pressure to pursue activities that are traditionally associated with fun in high school. And students will participate in these events whether they like them or not, all to fulfill the non-existent idea that there is a “one size fits all” approach to enjoying high school There is an assumption that there are only a few distinct ways for high schoolers to have a good time, and that if a student chooses not to participate, they are void of having fun altogether. But no such list of enjoyable high school activities exists. Truly, there is no right or wrong way for a person to enjoy themselves.

For some, this means reading a book, for others, it means watching movies, and for many, it means staying out late with friends.

Each activity is equally capable of causing someone the joy that another person could experience from something completely different. In essence, every person is entitled to their own individual kind of fun.

It is unlikely that movies will cease to portray the parties so commonly associated with high school, however, there has been a push to shed light on other types of high school students. And so too should life imitate art.

Society should make a conscious effort to recognize that fun comes in many forms from many sources.

Not everyone goes to parties, but everyone has fun.

Scots' Spirit

Emma Romanowsky

Seniors Griffin Soelberg, Ayan Dixit, Joe Sison, and Nate Rutter cheer during Carlmont's final football game of the season on Nov. 8

Correction

In Issue II of Highlander newsmagazine, there was an error on pages 10 and 11. The names and pictures of the individuals on each page were switched. The error has been corrected in our digital edition.

Irwin Dillon

Amilcar Sagrero

Luis Mendoza

Rudy Medina

To the left are the accurate names paired with their photos.

View the updated spread on issuu.com

Let’s go on a date...

Four coffee shops you can go on friend dates to Nihal Karim As the holiday season approaches, many of us are still dealing with our college applications. Spending time with friends and loved ones can be a beneficial way to relieve stress, and friend dates are a perfect way to do that.

A “friend date” is similar to hanging out with your friends, but with the added fun of an interesting location.

By going on a friend date, you’re giving yourself and your friends time to relax and de-stress.

4 HIGHLANDER F E AT U R E S

Mints & Honey If you’re looking for a cute, modern brunch place, Mints & Honey is the perfect coffee shop to go to. Whether you’re there to simply relax or even have a quick study session, this local San Carlos coffee shop offers a small yet cozy outdoor area that is ideal for a friend date.

With its nice selection of coffees, teas, and food items such as toast and waffles, this coffee shop is a great place to grab some brunch and catch up with a friend.

Mints & Honey offers a variety of sweet and savory flavors and toppings such as strawberries and bananas. The Lavender Latte and Butterfly Lemonade that I ordered were delicious, though I would not recommend the Sparkling Mint Americano because of its bitter taste. In addition, their Strawberry Rose Waffles and Peach Ricotta Toast had a lot of complementary flavors.

Cyclismo Cafe This coffee shop is near the Redwood City movie theater, which makes it a nice spot to spend some time before going to see a movie.

Cyclismo has a range of quality coffees and teas, in addition to their delicious food menu. The menu offers interesting choices with a unique twist on the flavor and they have a variety of dairy and gluten-free options available to their customers. I was surprised to see that Cyclismo offers orange syrup, which I have never seen at any other coffee shop. Their Mexican Mocha had a good ratio of chocolate to spice flavors, and the orange syrup in my latte enhanced the coffee flavor.

Cyclismo also has a very spacious and relaxing setting, and their bicyclerelated decorations add dimension and contribute to the coffee shop’s modern urban aesthetic.

Coffeebar Menlo Park Coffeebar is by far a personal favorite. Their drinks, pastries, and other foods are absolutely amazing, and the shop itself has a great atmosphere.

Their menu offers a wide range of quality coffees and teas, as well as a great selection of delicious menu items. The Lavender Tea Latte has a delicate flavor of lavender that is complemented by the foamy, warm tea, and their pastries have strong flavor.

When it comes to drinks, you can find many options that may fit your needs, as they do provide dairy-free products. They also have delicious pastries, breakfast, and lunch options.

The coffee shop itself has a hipster yet professional atmosphere, and though it can get pretty crowded during the day, going there later in the evening is a great option if you want to have a good time and relax with friends.

Red Giant Coffee Out of these four coffee shops, Red Giant Coffee ranks lowest when it comes to their menu items. However, their outdoor sitting is worth trying it out.

The coffee shop itself has a cute, rustic aesthetic, which allows it to provide a spacious yet cozy outdoor sitting area.

The place is decorated in a clean and simplistic manner, which adds to the overall mood.

Their menu, however, has some room for improvement. The specialty drinks were pretty basic, so I ended up ordering an iced coffee, which tasted plain and simple, and did not impress in quality. Their small selection of pastries did look nice, but the donut I ordered was too sweet, and the consistency of the dough was wet and mushy.

While this coffee shop has a nice sitting area with a calming air, the menu doesn’t satisfy quality or flavor.

NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 5

You can’t care about everything.

News fatigue continues to plague society Maddy Ting

Maddy Ting

Rise and shine, it’s your daily news announcements!

Every day, the media bombards American society with reports about everything from recent shootings to elections.

According to ResearchGate, more than 5,000 articles are published daily within the U.S. Tired of seeing headline after headline?

You may be experiencing news fatigue.

According to Pew Research Center, seven in 10 Americans experience news fatigue. News fatigue is characterized by a feeling of tiredness when reading the news, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the amount of articles published each day.

Despite the term being unfamiliar to many, the feeling of being overwhelmed by modern coverage can be seen throughout society.

“I hadn’t seen the term used before, but when I first heard ‘news fatigue,’ it evoked a familiar feeling of seeing yet another blaring headline that didn’t even register,” Mira Wakefield, a sophomore, said.

Being overwhelmed by daily articles has become more of a trend in modern society because of technology. Social media and television have made it even easier for the average American to receive news.

Pew Research Center reports that nearly 6 HIGHLANDER FEATURES

two-thirds of Americans receive their news from social media while also using traditional news sources to supplement their intake of reporting.

“When I first heard ‘news fatigue,’ it evoked a familiar feeling of seeing yet another blaring headline that didn’t even register.”

Mira Wakefield Sophomore

“I like feeling informed about the news but I usually don’t go out of my way to read it. I usually get my news either from wordof-mouth or from social media,” Sophie Oesterich, a junior, said.

Because social media is readily available, it’s become easier for the average

American to read the news daily, increasing one’s chances of experiencing news fatigue.

According to the American Press Institute, nearly two-thirds of adults look at the news several times a day.

In severe cases, news fatigue can lead to news avoidance. Oesterich alludes to the idea of avoiding headlines, relating to her own experience with the news.

“I am very, very passionate about climate change and climate justice, but when I keep seeing more and more articles and headlines about the lack of action being taken, it can be really hard to keep a positive mindset and not lose hope,” Oesterich said. “In addition, the sheer number of headlines coming from our current political climate have led me to try to completely avoid those headlines.”

News avoidance is a common way to deal with news fatigue. According to The Reuters Institute’s 2017 Digital News Report, one in every three Americans “sometimes” or “often” avoided the news, “usually because they did not trust it or found it upsetting.”

“News fatigue is the reason I do not want to watch the news, as a lot of the time, it is a depression booster, especially for teens,” Anthony Yip, a sophomore, said.

Yip adds that news fatigue often has a larger effect on an individual’s life, impact-

ing one’s mood.

“After one of my family members watches the news, they always tell me that they would rather not watch it, as it brings their mood down for the rest of the day,” Yip said.

Oesterich shares a similar perspective to Yip, noting that news fatigue affects her own experiences in school.

“I am currently in the process of trying to make the Carlmont community more sustainable and eco-friendly, but it can be very discouraging to keep moving forward with the constant stream of negativity,” Oesterich said. “I’ve also definitely begun to see more and more of my friends just become extremely overwhelmed a lot more easily, and while I’m not sure the cause is news fatigue, I’m sure that it plays a part.”

With the news being everywhere in society, the challenge of balancing one’s desire to stay informed and news fatigue is getting harder and harder.

“The sheer number of headlines coming from our current political climate have led me to try to completely avoid those headlines.”

Sophie Oesterich Junior

“I think that talking to peers can help to reduce the effects of news fatigue, but as far as avoiding it, I think it’s kind of an allor-nothing kind of thing,” Oesterich said.

However, some hold out hope for possible solutions to news fatigue.

“I think following examples set by positive news stations like CNN10 will help brighten everyone’s day and motivate them to do more in their lives,” Yip said.

While the effects of news fatigue are serious, many continue to argue that they are, in fact, reversible.

“I believe the concept of news fatigue could be remedied if news media and outlets focused on two major points: personally connecting the events they cover to their audience and relating them back to greater issues,” Wakefield said. “I believe I’m in agreement with many when I say that stories which connect to their audience and give events greater context are the ones that make an impact amongst a sea of fast-paced, loud headlines.”

Maddy Ting

NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 7

8 HIGHLANDER ADVERTISEMENTS

Let’s talk about sex...

Taisiia Yakovenko

Let’s have the talk. Yes, that talk.

Every Carlmont student has to take Life Skills, a quarter-long class during freshman year that covers mental, social, personal, and community health. As part of the Life Skills course, students spend two weeks completing Teen Talk.

Teen Talk is a program that, in cooperation with Health Connected, educates teens about healthy and safe sex practices.

“The purpose of Teen Talk is to inform kids about everything related to relationships,” Dylan Wong, a freshman, said. “I think that the most important thing that we learn is how to stay safe while having sex.”

Under the California Healthy Youth Act, schools are required to teach sex education, safe sex practices, disease education, and human development.

“I think Life Skills is one of the most important classes since it teaches students skills that they would be able to use throughout their lifetime,” Patricia Braunstein, a Life Skills teacher, said. “Students take the class pretty seriously, and they are interested in the topics that we are discussing.”

Even though schools teach sex education, the majority of teens do not get enough exposure to the topic.

“For some of the teens, sex education at school is the first and only exposure to the topic,” Molly McNinch, a Carlmont teacher, said. “Unfortunately, in the past [few] decades, parents have passed on the responsibility for sex education to schools.

The information does not come from the family or trusted adults anymore.”

The importance of sex education and its role in teen development called for the creation of programs such as Teen Talk.

“I think that the things we learn about in TeenTalk will help me in all aspects of life, especially when I become older,” Gloria Destiny King, a freshman, said. “The best things about this class are the information provided and the fact that it helps with self-discovery.”

In addition to giving students information about relationships, the program also allows students to learn more about themselves and their gender identity.

“I think the most valuable thing about Teen Talk is the opportunity that they provide for students to understand their gender,” Molly McNinch said. “The program allows students to learn more about their gender in relation to their sex and their preferred pronouns.”

By giving students the tools and information to

learn about their gender identity, the program encourages open conversations about topics that students often shy away from.

“The best thing about Teen Talk is that we can ask questions anonymously,” Ughur Karim, a freshman, said. “It is very different from other classes because I can ask anything without being judged or feeling ashamed about my question.

Anonymous questions make the class comfortable.”

Although Carlmont’s Teen Talk program is effective in its message, the participants of the program see some room for improvement.

“The information that the program presents is sufficient and valuable, but there are some things that need to be worked on,” Karim said. “One thing that Teen Talk should address is the communication between teens and their guardians. I think that sometimes teens are very uncomfortable talking to their parents about sex.”

Some expressed ideas about changing the timing of the program to enhance its overall message and make it more applicable to students’ lives.

“I do not remember the majority of the information that I learned in Life Skills or Teen Talk since it was so long ago,” Kaitlyn Paroghinog, a senior, said.

“I think that it is good to have it during freshman year because it teaches information that would be useful in high school, but it needs to be followed up once in a while because students forget.”

Furthermore, some students believe that the timing of the program could enhance the information that it presents.

“I think that it might be better to have the program at the beginning of the sophomore year or during senior year,” Rishi Iyer, a sophomore, said.

“I think that it would be best to have the program at the beginning of high school, freshman year, and later as a follow-up. Students would be able to learn the most information and understand the topics better.”

The programs that schools provide for their students in terms of sex education stress the importance of identity and safe practices. Teen Talk opens up a conversation about sex to educate students and make them more aware of the topic.

“Overall, the program does an excellent job with giving students a better sense of where they might stand sexually, and it provides them with resources to be able to lead a healthy sex life,” McNinch said. “There are some flaws with the program, but it addresses most of the pressing issues and fits the informational needs of most students.” read the q&a on pg. 11 NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 9

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Your business could go here Contact Us:

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10 HIGHLANDER ADVERTISEMENTS

Q&A

with Health Connected Presenter Kelly McNinch What happens when you have sex for the first time?

What is an orgasm?

“If someone is choosing to have sex for the first time, the most important things to remember are communication, relaxation, and lubrication. Our biggest sexual organ is our brain. If someone is interested in having sex, excited, comfortable, etc., their body is naturally going to relax and possibly self-lubricate. If someone is nervous about their first time, the body can become tense and it might be overly sensitive. It is also important to think about why you are having sex. When sharing your body with a partner you need to understand yourself fully so you can communicate clearly with your partner. The foundation you set up with yourself will help to create a solid foundation with our sexual partners.”

“An orgasm is reaching the peak of sexual pleasure. It is important to know that some people may experience this, and some may not. If someone does not experience this, that is alright; nothing is wrong with them. There is a chemical release during this time causing that sensation.

If we think about eating our favorite food, or getting a massage, we have that ‘feel good’ feeling in our body. Also, it is important to check in with your partner since this sensation might be a bit overwhelming for some. Make sure they are okay and feeling comfortable.”

What are the birth control options for LGBTQ individuals?

What are the most common forms of gender expression?

“For some couples, depending on what body parts they each have, pregnancy isn’t a possible outcome of sex. For those people, conversations and decisions around birth control depend on the reason(s) they are seeking to use birth control.

It could help to talk to a doctor about what option makes the most sense given your specific circumstance, or if you aren’t comfortable talking to a doctor quite yet, online resources such as Nurx and Bedsider offer insights about how other queer and trans folks have navigated birth control.

It’s also important to recognize that ‘queer couple’ doesn’t mean the same as ‘couple who both have the same sets of body parts.”

“In terms of gender expression, there are many ways a person can communicate their gender identity to the outside world. Some people might be more feminine, while others may be more masculine. But these aren’t the only ways people can express themselves. What’s important to know is that usually our initial thought of what 'masculine' or 'feminine' means is a stereotype. Expression is unique and different to each person. I think it’s important for individuals to reflect on what their own desires and boundaries are and to then figure out how that fits in with their partner’s desires and boundaries. It doesn’t matter what’s mainstream or common as long as there is good, healthy communication happening and all people involved are on the same page.”

read more about sex ed on pg. 9 NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 11

‘Bach’ to the classics Carlmont’s music program broadens horizons

Robyn Peters

Brianna Cheng

At the front of the room, the conductor lifts his baton. The musicians watch closely, waiting for the signal. He quietly counts the beats: one, two, three, four, then the room explodes with sound.

The cymbals crash, and the brass begins the melody. The conductor continues to count the beats as his left hand gestures to the orchestra to play louder. The string players concentrate on the sheet music, focusing on the notes dancing across the page as the phrase reaches its climax. The music reverberates through the room. The conductor puts down his baton and begins to work with each section to improve their parts. This is Carlmont's music program, where students hone their musical skills.

The instrumental program is split up into four primary ensembles: Concert Band, String Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra. In addition to these 12 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS

larger groups, there is also a smaller Jazz Ensemble, composed of musicians solely focused on the jazz section of the repertoire.

“String Orchestra and Concert Band are comprised of students who are less serious about music because there is no audition requirement,” Lilly He, a violinist in Symphonic Orchestra, said. “Symphonic Orchestra attracts people who like classical music because the instruments in this group allow it to play classical music that the other groups cannot. The few students in Jazz Ensemble are highly dedicated to music, spending lunchtime as a continuation of the class.”

In each class, students are further split by section. The string section includes violins, cellos, and violas; the woodwind section is comprised of flutes, oboes, and clarinets. The brass section is composed of trumpets, tubas, and French horns; and the final section, percussion, includes different

types of drums, xylophones, and other instruments that can be struck or rattled.

Under the guidance of music director John DaBaldo and assistant music director Brian Switzer, the sections learn how to work together as a group to produce quality music.

“When we first get in, we spend five to 10 minutes warming up. Then the teachers come in and we play over pieces. They’ll stop us when we need to work on some specific part. Now and then, we’ll have sectionals, where different sections will go into a practice room with a private teacher, and they’ll get help,” Vyas Kepler, a trumpeter in Symphonic Band, said.

In addition to daily music classes, the program puts on several concerts throughout the year, the largest of which are the Winter and Spring concerts. Carlmont has been working hard to perfect its musical curriculum for many years to put on these big productions. The program has been in

existence since the 1950s, attracting many different musicians over the years.

“At Carlmont, we have many high-level musicians who are very passionate about what they do. I love feeling the music, especially when I connect with a certain piece,” Jonathan Su, a viola player in Symphonic Orchestra, said.

Carlmont has a close group of musicians, who not only enjoy playing together but also have fun within the musical setting.

“The Carlmont music program is very united. Each section strengthens their bonds through inside jokes and time spent together. I enjoyed Orchestra, not only because of the music, but because of the people who sat near me,” Shiina Sugioka, a former violinist in the program, said.

" At Carlmont, we have many high-level musicians who are very passionate about what they do. I love feeling the music, especially when I connect with a certain piece"

opportunity to meet new people,” Sydney Phan, an oboist in Concert Band, said.

Students also get a chance to meet people outside of the local community.

Every year, musicians in the program get a chance to travel to competitions to test their newly-honed skills.

“This year, Symphonic Band and the Jazz Ensemble are taking a tour to Chicago. We’re going to watch the Chicago Symphony and take a look around the city.

We’re also going to be performing and attending clinics at DePaul University. Then, we’ll also see a couple of Chicago high schools. Their directors will work with our musicians, and we’ll work with their groups,” Switzer said.

Carlmont also offers a chance for students to learn how to take their playing to the next level and continue their music career after high school.

“A jazz combo is coming in from New York, all composed of Juilliard and the

Manhattan School of Music graduates.

They are going to do a concert and Q&A about how to get into an elite music school and then a workshop with the Jazz Ensemble. Our program is striving to provide excellent experiences like that,” Switzer said.

However, students believe one of the most impactful experiences the music program provides is the sense of community that helps connect students to their peers and the school.

“Music continues to be one of the greatest inspirations for young people. Whether it be classical music or modern music, music gives an identity to an individual. The music we enjoy and associate with contributes greatly to personality and affiliation,” Sugioka said. “I think it’s important for Carlmont to provide a place for students to freely express themselves through music.

Students feel like they belong in instrumental music or choral music; it’s a sense of home and identity.”

Jonathan Su Junior

However, it’s not all fun and games.

Playing at such a high level means that these musicians must understand the nuances of the pieces.

“I think it’s frustrating when we know we can play better but it isn’t working.

There are a lot of passionate musicians who have different ideas of how the music should be played, which makes balancing each perspective complicated,” Su said.

Despite all these setbacks, the students are still excited to be a part of the program.

The opportunities that the program brings to musicians transcends frustrations.

“The music program allows people to freely express themselves. People can try something new or do something they already enjoy. In the program, you can go places and meet other people that share a similar interest. You perform for people at school and outside of school. It’s a great

Robyn Peters

NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 13

Self-discovery is a personal journey Audrey Luey

Who are you? What do you stand for?

Are you aware of who you have become?

Change is inevitable. It’s a natural process that aligns with the adventures of life.

Middle and high school expose adolescents to new experiences and independence. These years pave the way to self-discovery.

One does not become a completely different person overnight. Self-discovery is a gradual process influenced by one’s circumstances. From a young age, relationships are just as quickly formed as they are outgrown.

Middle school is the first opportunity where students are mature enough to recognize the meaning of friendship, as it is the initiation of developing a support system outside of a family environment.

Many people don’t realize the influence friends have in shaping who they are as a person. For teenagers, making new friends and creating stable bonds can be a priority, as having people to rely on provides a sense of comfort and happiness. Connections through similar interests, coinciding personalities, and shared goals are examples of what these friendships could be built on.

But these bonds may not be able to withstand some disruptions that occur in high school.

“I feel like I’m growing apart from friends from middle school because I don’t have many of them in my classes anymore.

I have met new people, and I feel like I can’t trust people I used to know as much as I did in middle school because we hardly ever talk,” Ella Yee, a freshman, said.

As time moves on, so can people’s preferences. Things that used to intrigue an individual may not anymore, and the people they usually hung out with may not be an ideal fit now.

Often, a person’s close peers acknowledge the person’s growth before they do.

Many individuals are so used to repeating the same routine every day that they are unaware of their gradually changing mindsets.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information’s research in developmental psychology and neuroscience has revealed that a significant reorganization of the 14 HIGHLANDER CAMPUS

brain takes place during adolescence, “As we grow older, we become our own people, which is great, but you also might realize that your friends have changed into different personalities. You might disagree with their lifestyle choices and, in some instances, decide to cut them off,” Ryan Irwin, a junior, said.

Connections made from middle school are so pure and fragile that when incoming high schoolers are confronted with a more rigorous student lifestyle, more factors can influence them to branch out.

Some high schoolers tend to reevaluate their long term life goals and what they need to do to achieve them. This can be a point of realizing how one needs to change to find what they truly want.

“I think the reason so many friend groups from middle school split off is that everyone going into high school wants to meet new people and make new friends.

I think it is harder for people to maintain their friendships from middle school, especially because everyone becomes so busy in high school,” Sam Kiyasu, a junior, said. “Also, almost everyone changes in high school, not necessarily bad or good, but naturally, people will drift apart as they change.”

Change is a component that becomes more evident in our lives as we are forced to take on more responsibility. Adolescent development is characterized by biological, conscious, and social changes according to a Developmental Psychology course by Lumen. The adjustments during this period are seen through one’s identity formation, which involves a period of experimental behavior.

The surroundings that students are immersed in begin to vary significantly throughout high school, leading to the formation of their own opinions and thought processes.

Sometimes acknowledging this change in environment makes discovering oneself more natural.

“Over time, everyone’s gravitated to their friend groups and found their people, and with that, their more authentic behavior is revealed,” Valentina Baehrle, a senior, said. “In addition, stress from academics and potentially out of school stressors has led to many of my close peers either deteriorate or find new strength.”

Entering high school marks a new chapter in life. The significance a middle school experience plays in a high schooler’s life varies based upon their circumstances.

“I realized that the most important thing was that I knew what I stood for and what made me happy.”

Sam Kiyasu Junior

“I think since coming to high school, I started to give my future more thought. I never really considered what I wanted to do with my life in middle school, but people have recently started asking me more,” Kiyasu said.

A high school environment places pressure on students to maintain good grades, guide themselves through rights and wrongs, and figure out how to define themselves as a person all at once.

The stress of learning to “adult” is suddenly increased, and many students crack under the pressure of fulfilling the demands of high school. Balance has always been a critical factor to a successful student life.

“I’d say my priorities have remained pretty much the same throughout high school; I always wanted to be motivated and get good grades while balancing spending time doing things I enjoy,” Jai Sinha, a junior, said.

For some, time management skills and maintaining healthy habits are acquired naturally, while others may struggle. Idealized lifestyles are formed at such a young age that expectations can be hard to meet.

But by continually facing new obstacles and overcoming them, a person is able to learn more about themselves.

“I’ve gotten a better sense of who I am, but lost parts of me along the way that I am still trying to get back,” Evynne Yee, a junior, said.

The path to discovering who you are and what you need is not easy, as it requires various adjustments in your character and the type of energy you give off.

Patience and self-acceptance are two qualities that are crucial to allowing yourself to have a healthy growth mindset. By being open-minded, the chances to explore and gain insight are higher.

“I feel I have an excellent understanding of who I am currently. I’m fortunate to have such good friends to support me through anything, and I wouldn’t be the

same person without them in my life,” Vincent Wai, a senior, said. “Ever since middle school, we have developed a bond that shared so much of all of us. These things include surface-level aspects such as our humor and personality.”

From middle school to high school, there are many changes that one experiences. It can be hard to guarantee what these changes may entail or what causes them, but one can determine whether there will be a positive or negative outcome, as you have control over how you

handle the entire process.

The element of self-discovery is ultimately the result of all social and academic changes that are still being experienced, and middle school is only a small building block in a bigger picture.

“I think I have a better idea of who I am now. Recently, I started overthinking everything about my future and who I was,” Kiyasu said. “I realized that the most important thing was that I knew what I stood for and what made me happy. High school helped me figure that out.”

Ask yourself...

Are you still close with your friends from middle school?

How much do you feel you've changed from middle school to high school?

Carlmont says...

We conducted a poll in several classes asking students whether they were still close with their friends from middle school. Although one may expect friend groups to diverge as high school progresses, our poll found that there was little difference across the grades.

Carlmont students who feel they're still close with the same friends from middle school 50

Number of students

40 30 20 10 0

9

10

Grade Level

11

12

Poll Conducted by Audrey Luey

NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 15

SCOTS JUST WANNA

Kimberly Mitchell

Kimberly Mitchell

Valentina Baehrle, a senior and co-president of =Ukulele Club, laughs while strumming a tune on her ukulele.

Baehrle occasionally spends her Monday lunches with her friends from the club in preparation for Heritage Fair.

Emma Lee (left) enjoys a piggyback ride from her friend Olga Pyalling (right). The two seniors have known each other since fifth grade and, like most students, spend their lunches having fun with their friend group.

Writing by Miles Ozorio Design by Kimberly Mitchell

for fun. This lack of free-time that many students face is often due to a lack of balance.

“When I just stress out about school, I’m not as happy because it’s really hard mentally to just focus on school, school, school,” Salah said. “Honestly, without having a balanced life with school work and the social aspect of school, I feel like I don’t do as well.”

And while the vast majority of students can relate to Salah’s struggles, many have also found ways to overcome this challenge.

As students mature through high school, the importance of having a passion becomes clearer.

Fun can be an ambiguous word. For some, fun means chilling at home binging “The Office.” For others, fun means finding the perfect house party on a Friday night.

Whatever your definition of a good time is, it’s clear to students at Carlmont that fun is a necessity.

However, for students like Naya Salah, a junior, spontaneous excursions and memory-creating adventures are few and far between.

More often than not, her days are filled with tests and quizzes and her nights with re16

sponsibilities and schoolwork.

Despite having to balance taking three AP classes, playing tennis, being junior class president, and working, Salah believes it’s important for her to still have fun.

“I feel like having a balanced life helps with stress. And one way that I [relieve] stress is spending time with friends,” Salah said. “It’s like a little getaway from all the schoolwork and stuff.”

Overall, a student’s shortage of fun mostly results from a lack of time.

There’s a time for work, there’s a time for school, there’s a time to eat, but for many, there doesn’t seem to be a time

Selena Sun, a senior, has found this to be the case in her life.

Despite taking four AP classes, Sun manages to balance schoolwork with her own research projects, finding joy as she discovers her passion.

Most days after school, Sun can be found at either Stanford or San Francisco State in labs working on her self-driven research projects.

Sun has found that for her, deviating from the path school set up for a student’s success and pursuing her own academic interests outside of school can be more satisfying than school itself.

“School is setting you up

HAVE

Kimberly Mitchell

Ryan Sundermeyer, a sophomore, plays his saxophone while smiling. Sundermeyer is one of the many students at Carlmont who spends their free time playing an instrument.

“ AS I’VE GOTTEN

OLDER, IT’S STILL IMPORTANT TO ME TO GET THE GRADES, BUT I CAN DO IT ALONG WITH HAVING A GOOD TIME. ” – ETHAN MAYOSS

to maintain these good grades and to achieve success in your classes, but the step of deviating from the path that’s already set for you and trying to find opportunities for yourself is a lot harder and is so much more fulfilling,” Sun said.

Discovering a passion is one way many students have fun amidst busy schedules.

For Ethan Mayoss, a senior, volleyball has taught him to pursue and value his passions.

“I’ve gotten more competitive in volleyball than I ever thought I would in soccer.

And I really appreciate having something after school to go to that I love,” Mayoss said.

As her high school years

Kimberly Mitchell

Samantha Turtle, a junior, (left), Naomi Metzler, a freshman, (center), and Emily Kim, a junior, (right) laugh as they run a warm-up lap together before practice. The three girls run every day after school as part of the cross country team. are coming to the end Salah, like many upperclassmen, has decided to make discovering her passion a priority.

“I’m trying to find my passion and what I want to do when I grow up, so I’m doing a lot of internships having to do with medicine to figure out what I want for the future,” Salah said.

Still, finding one’s passion remains a difficult challenge for many. For those who have yet to find their passion, the daily routine of school and homework can seem to take over their life.

However, Mayoss thinks that lifestyle has changed as he has matured.

“As a freshman, school took up most of my time. I definitely thought getting the best grades possible was more important than having a fun experience throughout high school,” Mayoss said. “As I’ve gotten older, it’s still important to me to get the grades, but I can do it along with having a good time.”

Whether a student has an out-of-school interest, plays a sport they love, or is still struggling to find their balance, everyone wants to have fun.

Although it can be difficult, there are many different ways students can have fun and enjoy life both inside and outside of school.

17

EMILY KIM

Joy Feng

Sabrina Jackson

Mairwyn Forster

Emily Kim (center) looks up while playing her violin during her trip to the Baltics this summer.

Kim (left) and Sophie Brack (right) pose after Kim’s first SoulCycle session.

Kim (left) and Mairwyn Forster (right) wrap blankets around themselves to stay warm while watching fireworks.

Emily Kim, a junior, has found that the best way to find joy in her busy schedule is to do what she loves.

“It’s important to do what you like because it sucks when you take classes on stuff that you’re not interested in and then you end up procrastinating on homework that you don’t like and it’s just not enjoyable,” Kim said.

Balancing a difficult junior year school schedule with cross country, Peninsula Youth Orchestra, Music Mentors, and two volunteering gigs can be a daunting task.

As a result of her lack of free-time, Kim finds it is even more important that she truly enjoys everything she does, including school.

“As I’ve met more people and as I’ve grown up, I think I’m lucky to actually be able to enjoy school because I’ve met people who hate school and people who didn’t get the opportunity to go to school,” Kim said. “So ever since that, I think that I’m just happy to be here.”

However, it wasn’t always this way for Kim. As a freshman, Kim often found herself in classes she didn’t enjoy, treating homework as a chore: with little interest and enjoyment. She believes that this atti-

tude was due to her lack of perspective.

“As a freshman, I was very much self-absorbed in the sense that I didn’t really know that education was a privilege,” Kim said.

Now a junior, Kim makes sure that she takes advantage of her privilege, pushing herself in areas she enjoys.

Unlike most students taking multiple five-point classes, Kim doesn’t just do it for the grade. Instead, her years of experience have taught her how to get the most out of her time in school, something which she didn’t always do.

“As a freshman, it was very much like you have to get an ‘A’, but as time went by, it was more because I liked the class so I tried my best and then the ‘A’ just came with it,” Kim said.

Through her time in school, Kim has found something many fail to grasp until they are much older: the importance of doing what you love.

Kim finds a substantial amount of her daily joy in the work she does both inside and outside of school.

Instead of attempting to live a separate life away from school, Kim manages to make the most of school by taking the

courses she finds interesting enough and values enough to spend extra time and energy on. In this way, she is able to treat school as something she likes to do rather than a government mandated requirement.

In addition to her passion for the things she does at school, Kim also finds other ways to have fun amidst a busy schedule.

Her joy outside of school mainly comes from those around her.

“My friends come over a lot, mostly for my mom’s food, but that’s fine,” Kim said.

“It’s a lot of making fun of each other and a lot of laughing ... It’s really lighthearted.”

Kim’s friends not only provide constant comic relief but also a group environment in which she can grow. Tightly-knit groups of friends in which members push each other to do their bests are essential to the success of many, including Kim. “Having friends who value the things we do as much as I do helps me try my best in all the different activities that I have,” Kim said.

For Kim, nearly everything she pursues she finds fun. Mix passion with a lively group of close friends, and Kim can easily find herself content within the busiest of schedules.

18

JOE SEAMAN

Kaija Villagrand

Francesca D’Urzo

Molly Donaldson

Joe Seaman (upper right) poses with his friends at during a Carlmont football game.

Seaman performs in front of the school during the Homecoming Assembly as part of drumline.

Seaman smiles as he drums to the beat of a Screaming Scots cheer during a football game.

Joe Seaman, a senior, lives a life that reflects that of the average high schooler in many ways. Like many, Seaman puts value in his academics while also trying to maintain a life outside of school. However, what separates Seaman from the average student is that he believes he has found a good balance between the two.

“The secret is just staying committed and making sure you get everything done on time for school,” Seaman said. “That way you never really have too much work and you can still have fun outside of school without worrying about schoolwork.”

Time management is an important skill, especially for Seaman. Seaman takes three AP classes in addition to various extracurricular activities. Like most seniors during the fall, Seaman has to balance his after-school time between homework and college applications. Unlike most seniors, however, he also finds himself practicing for basketball or drumline nearly every day. When drumline is called to perform on multiple occasions throughout the school year, Seaman’s workload can increase tremendously.

“A lot of times, especially with missing classes, I’ll have to do homework during an

assembly or before an assembly and stuff like that, which I’ve learned to kind of do by now,” Seaman said.

Through his multiple years of balancing school with basketball and drumline, Seaman has learned that the best way for him to manage his stress is to manage his work.

For him, this means getting work done as quickly and as efficiently as possible. He believes his strong work ethic is a result of such a busy schedule.

“If I didn’t have all these activities, I’d probably take even longer to get my homework done,” Seaman said. “I think having other responsibilities kind of motivates me to actually be more efficient with my time.”

Once he finishes his schoolwork, that’s when the fun begins for Seaman. In addition to playing basketball and being a member of drumline, Seaman plays the drums in a band named Grandma’s Cat, which he created with his friends as a way to have fun together making music. Overall, Seaman finds much of his joy comes from music, whether it be school based or not.

“I’ve done stuff before recording on GarageBand and stuff like that with different instruments, which is kind of

fun,” Seaman said.

In addition to music, Seaman finds many other ways to enjoy himself after getting his schoolwork out of the way.

“I just like doing stuff with friends, going into beach, ‘Party at Ethan’s’, watching movies, stuff like that,” Seaman said.

“Party at Ethan’s” is one of the more atypical activities Seaman enjoys. It involves a group of friends showing up at the door of Mayoss just for the sake of having fun. The lack of pressure and anxiety that comes from an efficient work ethic allows Seaman and his friends to completely relax during these times, finding entertainment in the most irregular of things.

Along with the laid back times found in a “Party at Ethan’s,” Seaman, like Kim, has learned to find joy as he has matured.

“I’ve found that it’s better to care less about grades and actually [care more] about learning stuff,” Seaman said. “If you’re treating everything like it’s just an assignment to get out of the way, it’s useless.”

For both Kim and Seaman, it has become more obvious that having fun both in school and out is important to have a balanced and fulfilling life.

19

FIND A NEW HOBBY WORK OUT Volleyball has taught Mayoss the value of working with others and playing as a team.

Not only does playing sports or going to the gym teach you new values, but exercise is often the ultimate stress reliever and provides an escape from the world.

Finding a sport that drives you to push yourself to your limits is a fulfilling experience that all athletes can attest to.

From biking around Crystal Springs to bulking up at the Carlmont weight room, there are countless ways to work up a sweat and feel pumped with some exercise.

Whether it’s taking classes you enjoy like Kim or joining a club, doing something fun and productive can provide constant satisfaction.

“Outside of class, I compose my own music and I go to a recording studio to record it,” Salah said. “It’s something I love to do.”

While music may be Salah’s outlet for fun, there are plenty of other activities students can pursue such as surfing, painting, and baking.

SIX WAYS SCOTS HAVE

CHILL OUT Although some activities can often be associated with poor time management, bingeing TV shows, watching movies, or watching videos on YouTube are several ways many teens relax and unwind.

“I love watching ‘FRIENDS’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ They really help me de-stress and relax during the week and it’s a good break in between studying,” Salah said.

Listening to music and creating new playlists with all of your favorite songs can also be a relaxing activity for people craving a musical breather from the stresses that come with high school.

20

EAT OUT Tired of eating the same meals?

Want to try something new and hang out with your friends at the same time?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then going out to a new cafe or restaurant may be the adventure you need to spice up your life.

“I like to explore new restaurants with people, anywhere from sushi places to just exploring Downtown San Mateo,” Sun said.

Some popular places you may find fellow Scots include: In ‘N Out, Boba Guys, Sweet Basil Thai, and Blue Line Pizza.

HANG OUT

GO TO THE BEACH Going to the beaches in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay with your friends can be a relaxing getaway from a normal routine.

“This summer, we went to the beach a lot. Ethan [Mayoss] would volunteer to just drive us all, and it’s fun to do,” Seaman said.

Whether you go to watch the sunset, bring your dog, or just for the sake of adventure, the beach can be a more serene way to unwind.

From picnics and road trips to stargazing and having pizza parties, spending time with your friends can be the perfect way to let loose, have fun, and make some unforgettable high school memories.

A tight group of friends can provide laughter, excitement, and a relaxed mood that few other things can.

Although a substantial amount of time spent with friends can be considered unproductive, volunteering, studying, and pursuing passions as a group are some ways more driven friend groups can have fun together.

19

2019

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Samantha Chu

She takes a deep breath and steps onto the 3-meter springboard. Reaching the end of the board, she quickly turns around, her back facing the open pool. With arms extended straight out to the side, she prepares for the dive. One more breath and she jumps off.

This experience isn’t new for sophomore Mackenzie Young; she’s been diving since she was 8. But she’s not the only one who feels the thrill of jumping off the springboard.

Last spring, Young, along with three other girls, made history by forming the first official Carlmont diving team.

The team consists of four girls who are all a part of the Stanford diving club.

Despite being closely associated with one another, their diving journeys are all different.

Before becoming a diver, Young was initially on a swim team. But after seeing a couple of divers practicing near her, Young became interested in the sport and decided to start diving.

“I kind of like the adrenaline rush of diving and the fact that you get to learn a lot of new things,” Young said.

While Young started diving before everyone else on the team, the three other girls were all previously gymnasts before becoming divers.

Kathryn Nguyen, a junior on the diving team, quit gymnastics after realizing that it was impacting her academic performance.

“I decided to start diving because after quitting gymnastics in late 6th grade, I was looking into doing a sport that would involve skills similar to those I used before,” Nguyen said. “I didn’t want to let go of everything I learned in gymnastics, so I thought diving would be a good sport to transition to.”

Although diving and gymnastics have similar skill sets, they are still two entirely different sports. Nonetheless, Nguyen enjoys diving and continues to progress through her diving career.

“I love how diving helps me keep my mind off of the stress I’m going through in my school and social life,” Nguyen said.

“The sport itself is really great because it constantly challenges me to learn new skills and overcome my fears.”

Like Nguyen, Melina Dimick, a senior, and Emma Scott, a sophomore, also did gymnastics before diving. Both of them realized that gymnastics was too much of 22 HIGHLANDER SPORTS

Photo By Kimberly Mitchell Illustration By Samantha Chu

Under the surface of the diving team

Samantha Chu

Samantha Chu

Samantha Chu

The girls practice at the Stanford Avery Aquatic Center. To warm up, they often do dryland exercises, which are just exercises that the girls do out of the water. Stanford’s dryland facility includes trampolines, springboards, a foam pit, and a belt that helps them get the timing down for their dive.

a time commitment and decided to switch to diving, a less time-consuming sport.

Nevertheless, they enjoy diving and look forward to continuing their diving career.

“I like the consistency of diving. I go to practice with a goal of what dives I want to practice in mind, and I work towards that goal. It is an individual sport, so I really get to push past my comfort zone and test my boundaries,” Dimick said.

While each girl enjoys diving for personal reasons, they connect through Carlmont’s diving team.

Before the team formed, the girls were all familiar with one another through the Stanford diving club. Last year, they decided that they wanted to represent Carlmont in high school diving meets. So, Becky Scott, Emma Scott’s mother, reached out to Athletic Director Pat Smith about forming a Carlmont diving team. After working out

the logistics, the diving team was born.

Becky Scott also volunteered to be the coach of this team. As coach, she works with Smith to register for meets and organizes the girls’ dive lists (their scheduled dives).

Despite all she does, Becky Scott is still a mother and cares for the girls too.

“As a coach, I worry about the girls’ form, attitude, and performance. As a mom, I worry that they brought enough sunscreen, water, and healthy snacks to last through the meet,” Becky Scott said.

Becky Scott’s compassion is one of the many things that strengthens the diving team, even when the girls don’t practice together.

Only Emma Scott and Dimick practice with each other since they are in the same group within their diving club. Although Young and Nguyen practice separately,

this does not hinder the Carlmont team’s companionship.

“Other than meets, we don’t practice or come together as a team. But when we are all together, it is super fun to cheer each other on,” Dimick said.

Although the team just formed last year, they have already accomplished a lot. All four girls qualified for the Central Coast Section (CCS) championship meet within their first meet. Additionally, Young and Dimick qualified for the semi-finals at CCS, and Young scored high enough to apply for All-American consideration.

Coming off of a very successful season, the team aspires to keep on working together next season.

Becky Scott said, “I’m looking forward to our season this year. All four girls are returning and will be even stronger than they were last year.”

NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 23

Joshua Baxter

Si’i Tengei barges through the Wildcats defense to score a touchdown in the first quarter in a 61-16 road victory.

Carlmont football is on the rise Joshua Baxter

The Carlmont football program went 27 years without a playoff win, a streak broken with a 28-7 win over Willow Glen last year. Remarkably, not a single player on this year’s or last year’s roster was even alive when the feat was last completed.

In fact, the last playoff win in 1991 came while current head coach Jake Messina was still playing football in college.

Messina came to Carlmont in 2016, bringing with him the experience of coaching varsity for 24 years at schools like Golden Valley and Sunnyvale, where he was the head coach. In his first year with the Scots, the team finished with a disappointing 3-7 season.

“The situation wasn’t great; there was just a lack of infrastructure. The athletes were great but there just wasn’t a real plan and basically we had to start from 24 HIGHLANDER SPORTS

scratch,” Messina said.

The next season, he helped turn things around, leading the Scots to an 8-2 record and just narrowly missing the playoffs.

In 2018, Messina’s third season as head coach, the Scots finished 10-3 and won their first playoff game in 27 years.

The Scots’ huge turnaround resulted in their first Central Coast Section (CCS) Championship appearance since 1991, in which they were blown out by Burlingame, 39-0. Still, the Scots efforts did not go unnoticed, and the team ended moved into the Ocean Division, a B-league, or second-tier division in the PAL competitive structure.

This season, the Scots are currently 3-6 overall and 0-4 in their division, meaning that out of the seven games they’ve played, four have been division matchups.

These games help determine whether a team makes the playoffs or not. Accord-

ing to Prep2Prep’s preseason rankings, Carlmont was ranked 20th overall in the CCS. While they aren’t living up to their expectations set by past records and future predictions, they have shown obvious improvement from past seasons.

The Scots are holding their own against teams who easily defeated them in previous years. In 2016, the last time the Scots played the Menlo Knights, they were blown out 43-0, and the year before it was 42-0.

This year, the Scots lost a tight game against the Knights, 23-17, losing by one touchdown. Additionally, when the Scots last played the Palo Alto Vikings, they lost 49-8. However, in their first matchup since 2006, Carlmont was able to put up a fight against the Vikings and lost by only 10 points, 34-24.

Nelson Gifford, the head coach of Palo Alto’s football team, is one of many Bay

Area coaches who have seen the progress a small-town experience with big crowds At Carlmont, the Scots work hard to the Scots have made. make sure that everyone is on the same and the community was very involved.

“At Palo Alto, we try to put athletes in Football was taken very seriously and it’s page and can cooperate together on the a position to succeed and work to their field. taken us a little time to recreate that here, strengths and trust in the process, and “We’re all family, really, because I’ve but I think we’ve done a good job,” Messina they’ve done that. On Carlmont’s end, I been playing with some of the guys forevsaid. “The nice part is that the crowd was think that Jake Messina has transformed er and our team has been working togethalready built-in because of the environment that program into what I think is just er since after last season, so we naturally Mr. Kelly’s created with the Screamin’ Scots going to be a power,” Gifford said. all just hang out together. We usually go and ASB and we just had to provide quality In a loss to Sacred Heart Prep, one of out to eat after practice or we go hang out entertainment, which was not easy.” the better teams in the CCS, the Scots’ at somebody’s house,” Jonaven Kuhn, a Along with its crowds, Carlmont prides trend was exemplified by their spirit. senior on the team, said. itself on making sure that the players have “It’s a huge thing when you can come Part of what makes Carlmont good is time to work hard and improve their athletout and win the first game of the year. the athletes’ desire to be out on the field ic skills while also being the best students Carlmont is a good football team, their and give it their all. they can be. program is on the rise, and every year “Overall, we want kids to enjoy the “The biggest thing is for student athletes they get better,” said Sacred Heart Prep sport they’re playing so that they continue to understand the time commitment, so head coach Mark Grieb. to want to play it, as they’ll probably keep they need to have better time management The Scots improving program is also on doing it if they’re enjoying it. If this when playing a sport,” Smith said. “I think what drove athletes such as Ralphie happens then some of their friends will that our coaches do a good job of making Holmes to transfer to Carlmont. Holmes, sure the kids are doing well in their acaeven want to play it,” Smith said. who graduated in 2019, was one of last Being in the Ocean Division, things are demic classes because if you don’t do well in year’s biggest assets. going to be tougher for the Scots. Howyour academic classes you’re probably not “For me, I transferred here my junior ever, the program is heading in the right going to have success in a sport either.” year, and I saw what was happening with direction.

If athletes are unable to participate in this program and I just really wanted to Even though their current season is games, the chemistry of the team takes a be part of it. This is my hometown, and all big hit. While big plays by individual playover, the Scots are looking towards the my brothers went to Carlmont and I just ers may cause shifts in momentum, nothing future with hope and determination, really wanted to be part of this. I’m glad ready to take on next year. Though their will be cemented unless each player plays we were able to pull it together and do their part well enough so that no one player challenge is yet to be determined, the something special,” Holmes said. must be relied upon. If too many players are Scots can always count on each other and Pat Smith, the athletic director and a have faith in the program they’ve built. missing, the team will be forced to adjust. previous coach at Carlmont, has also taken note of the difference between this year’s team and those of the past.

“I coached for three years and we were an okay team, we were in Ocean division but since then we’ve kind of been up and down with some 6-4 and 5-5 years surrounded by 2-9 and 3-8 years. I think the biggest issue has been consistency in coaching, we’d have a coach that would come for only a few years,” Smith said. “Messina is here year-round and runs an outstanding weight training program along with his assistant coaches, and it’s nice.”

Consistency among coaches is key in football, and it’s important to find a coach who will be able to successfully implement a game plan for years to come. Carlmont thinks they have found that in Messina.

However, having a good coach or excellent players isn’t the only aspect of a good team. Creating a good football atJoshua Baxter mosphere with supportive fans is crucial Quarterback Timothy Netane makes sure his team is set before the ball is hiked in a to a team’s success. tight 34-24 loss versus Palo Alto.

“When I coached in the valley, it was NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 25

The game of divorced life

Divorced holidays can be better than united ones Bella Reeves The bell rings, and I start to pack my bag while everyone giggles, excited about Thanksgiving break. Friends share their plans, driving to Utah or flying to Malibu. I sit there already knowing that my holidays have been planned out for me and that I don’t really have a say in where I’m going.

My classmate asks me where I’m going for Thanksgiving break.

“My mom’s,” I reply.

“Oh, what about your dad?” they ask.

“My parents are divorced.”

“You celebrate it separately?”

“I like it better that way.”

The holiday season is usually considered a time where families come together, but when you have divorced parents, things are a little different.

I am lucky that my parents divorced when I was only three years old because I don’t remember a time when they were together. This also means that I don’t remember a united holiday either.

So, separate holidays are all I’ve ever known, and from what I can tell, I like it that way.

Although some people might say to divorced parents, “Do what’s best for the child, spend the holidays together,” I disagree.

I would always feel the need to make sure both parents and families get equal time with me, so it wouldn’t seem like I have a favorite.

It would be unfair to my siblings, whose parents are different. It wouldn’t be fair to them to have to spend their holiday with a family they aren’t even related to.

I would have to make sure I follow both of my parent’s rules, which are very different from each other.

My two worlds would collide, and I am a different person in each.

I would never want to spend my holidays together.

According to an article written by Carl Pickhardt, a psychologist, “parents who

26 HIGHLANDER OPINION

put in a joint presence at special family celebrations and holiday events to recreate family closeness for the child only feed the child’s fantasy and delay his adjustment.”

Although the idea of celebrating the holidays together may seem nice, in the end, the child would feel more stressed.

The holidays are all about family, but stressing about one’s family is not ideal, especially for children of divorce. Holidays are a subtle reminder to kids like me that it is supposed to feel awkward, but it’s okay that it is.

The term “divorced” carries a negative connotation, but it doesn’t have to.

“Divorced” could also mean the parents realized what’s best for the family and themselves, and decided to split up.

I’ve grown accustomed to celebrating my holidays separately, and although I do enjoy my time, there are some setbacks.

Everything I say, I have to say twice, which sometimes makes me dread telling my parents anything.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, children with divorced parents are more likely to side with one parent than the other. In general, the child would rather confide in one parent than the other, weakening their relationship with the other parent.

Sometimes, my step-parents — who share a child with one of my biological parents — and their families would play favorites. One Christmas, my younger half-brother received so many gifts from my step-grandparents whereas I only received one. It made me feel like I was not part of their family, but I knew that I shouldn’t have felt that way. I said “thank you,” and went to my room wearing the lime green, oversized jacket they gave me.

I was truly grateful, but it was the first holiday where I realized that having divorced parents wasn’t considered “normal.”

Although not the main reason as to why I prefer celebrating my holidays separately, the other parent’s house is always able to provide a “private get-away” for me.

Judith Wallerstein, a renowned psychologist who conducted a 25-year study on kids of divorce, learned that some children resent the parent they see less,

feeling like they have to go out of their way to visit them. Wallerstein mentioned kids of divorce think of logistics rather than enjoyment. For example, spend the night at dad’s, pack a bag, and wake up early to drive to mom’s.

People sometimes say, “You’re lucky because you have two Christmases,” and although they mean well, they should know that it is a little insensitive.

Despite getting double the presents, I only spend Christmas with one parent. So, after the holidays, I go to my other parent’s home and open my presents by myself, which is not the most ideal setting.

When I’m not at one parent’s house for a holiday, I call them on the day. They send me countless photos, but it’s not the same.

Family members always say, “Remember when Victor ate too much and fell asleep on the couch last year during Thanksgiving?” or something along those lines. This always results in the awkward reply, “No, I don’t. I wasn’t there last year.”

Holidays are a time where you feel like you don’t belong to any parent.

I’m used to it.

I am really grateful to have such great parents who do what’s best for me. Despite their differences, they strive to raise me into the best person I can be.

To make the holidays easier, establish a defined visitation schedule. According to Batch and Williams law firm, they recommend splitting up Thanksgiving and Christmas. One parent gets the child for Christmas, and the other for Thanksgiving.

Even though it seems like a burden, I prefer celebrating my holidays separately.

Growing up with divorced parents made me mature faster and appreciate my family.

I learned that being separated and happy is so much better than being together and miserable. Some people don’t even get to see their parent until the summer, or ever.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones.

I’m not from a “broken home,” but an improved one.

I’m not lucky to have divorced parents but thankful to have mature ones.

At times it can get a little uncomfortable during the holidays, but that’s the way it is, and I’m okay with it.

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Eco-friendly fashion

The critics of thrifting fail to acknowledge its benefits Anna Feng As Thanksgiving comes around the corner, giving back is in season. And what better way is there to give back than to repurpose used clothing?

Although it was once seen as something shameful, thrifting has become a trendy way to shop sustainably without breaking the bank. And, as with most popular things, it’s sparked a whole wave of dissenters, who, frankly, ought to spend their time arguing against other issues with far more negative implications.

For the first millennia or so of human existence, wearing hand-me-down clothes was the obvious thing to do. Clothing was expensive and fashion wasn’t a big priority to the majority of the population. However, that all changed with the Industrial Revolution, which began to take off in the mid-1800s. It introduced the concept of mass-manufacturing, and new clothes were suddenly not the rare commodity that they had been for most of human existence.

This gave rise to the concept of repurposing used clothing and the stigma surrounding it. According to Time Magazine, most of the stigma stemmed from anti-Semitism, since most used clothing was available from the carts of old, Jewish women. There was also the fact that people thought wearing used clothing was a sign of a lack of money.

However, the Salvation Army soon challenged this perception when it launched its Salvation Brigade in 1897, quickly followed by the establishment of Goodwill in 1902. These stores saw a real profit that could be made in selling used items, and, in turn, gave immigrants the chance to assimilate into American culture by emulating American fashion.

By the 1920s, thrifting no longer had as much stigma attached to it. Thrift stores made up half of the Salvation Army’s annual budget by the time of the 1929 stock market crash. By 1935, there were nearly 100 Goodwill stores across the U.S. Highend consignment shops emerged in the 1950s, and, according to IBIS World, thrift stores make up a $14.4 billion industry today.

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Thrift shops’ popularity continues to grow. As today’s trends shift increasingly toward being eco-friendly, we’ve also seen a rise in social media personalities who emphasize thrifting or sustainable fashion.

As a result, more teens are thrifting now than ever. And that, apparently, hasn’t gone down well in the thrifting community.

A common and logical assumption is that an increase in demand means an increase in prices, making it harder for the people who actually need thrift stores to purchase items. However, there is no evidence to support that conclusion.

Every year, about 16% to 18% of Americans will shop at a thrift store, while about 12% to 15% of Americans shop at consignment or resale shops per year.

After surfing through multiple Google search queries, I could not find a single credible source to back up the claim that teenagers were driving up prices. In fact, the most common sources I could find were mommy blogs asking if anybody else thought thrift store prices were rising.

Even so, most of these sites cited inflation as the driving factor behind the increase in pricing.

In addition, fast fashion – cheap, mass-produced, trendy clothing – is simply terrible for both the wallet and the earth. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, fast fashion will have used up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe cites fast fashion as one of the greatest contributors to pollution. Fast fashion is responsible for producing 20% of global wastewater and

10% of global carbon emissions, more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined. With the average price of a piece of clothing from Reformation, one of the more famous sustainable clothing brands, costing nearly $200, thrifting is an easy, cheap solution to remain eco-friendly.

Some will also say that thin people need to stop thrifting large clothing and “thrift-flipping” it. However, this fails to take into consideration the fact that most of the clothes are donated by older people, most of whom tend to run several sizes bigger than the average teenager.

Not everything will fit perfectly, but that shouldn’t stop somebody from trying to shop sustainably.

And unbought clothing doesn’t sit in the thrift store forever, either. According to Mental Floss, most stores try to find places to recycle clothing; otherwise, it goes to the landfill. Even so, recycling relies heavily on chemicals and vast amounts of energy, with many unsolved problems making it far from ideal.

In other words, it simply does not make sense that people would try to tear down such a positive trend. In a time where environmental sustainability is more imperative than ever, any effort to better the environment should be celebrated. After all, aren’t there bigger things to worry about?

Local Thrift Stores Thrift Center

1060 El Camino Real San Carlos, CA 94070

Goodwill

28 W 25th Ave San Mateo, CA 94403

The Shop

785 Santa Cruz Ave Menlo Park, CA 94025

Savers

875 Main St Redwood City, CA 94063

Anna Feng

NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLANDER 29

It costs to fit in Bay Area trends are outside a high school budget Rachel Matatyaou People are hardwired to want to fit in.

Cars, clothing, and technology are all factors that play a role in the way we are perceived. The need to fit in is present at a subconscious level.

However, in terms of psychology, this is normal.

“In social psychology, we look at why people conform. We also look at something called normative social influence.

Basically, this means that we conform to things because we want others’ approval.

We want to be liked,” said AP Psychology teacher Michelle McKee. Conforming doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for everyone. In high school and society, we associate ourselves with the people who are accepted who wish to be as well. In turn, this means we are easily influenced by the group of people we choose to spend our time with.

Currently, some brands seen at Carlmont are Lululemon, Gucci, Brandy Melville, and Kappa, whose items range from $50 to over $1,500 each. These brands have become a vital aspect of the Bay Area’s culture and Carlmont students are constantly trying to keep up with the high cost and demand of social trends.

While some students can afford the expense, a couple of

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hundred dollars for one item is simply too expensive for the average teenager.

Peer pressure isn’t new. However, what is new is the need to display high-end brands that are increasingly more present through the power of social media.

One established 18-year-old YouTuber, Emma Chamberlain, is constantly marketing for Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein, influencing teenagers even more to purchase such brands.

Rappers also hold a large influence over teenagers as many songs are either named after high-end brands or include such brands within their lyrics, further raising the pedestal that teenagers place brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci on.

“I wear a mixture of designer and streetwear. I got into fashion and all that through rappers. They introduced me to a lot of brands that I fell in love with,” Max Kolotinsky, a senior, said.

The desire to dress like rappers combined with the socioeconomic status of teens develop unattainable and unrealistic goals.

According to Racked, an online fashion blog, “Gucci is high fashion. The polo shirts [Lil] Pump shows off on his Instagram cost roughly $800, out of reach for the average middle-class kid, let alone teens from low-income households.”

Students’ wants are often greater than their needs; teens’ socioeconomic standing doesn’t impede their want for expensive clothing, creating a culture unphased by the commonality of expensive prices.

Students try to stand out by wearing an outfit that costs more than $1,000, thinking they’re unique, but in

reality, everyone ends up wearing the same brands.

With one glance at Carlmont, the acceptable uniform is clear: Lululemon leggings, Brandy Melville top, and Nike AirForce 1’s accompanied by a North Face backpack and scrunchies.

I wear this uniform for the same reason everyone else does. I subconsciously feel comfortable in this set outfit because it ensures that I don’t stand out in a crowd.

It’s likely that others, just like me, feel the same and use this “uniform” in order to follow acceptable clothing trends.

Social psychology has coined another term for the aforementioned desire to fit in: groupthink. The value of harmony over questioning values within a group of people can be applied to teenagers dressing alike. Instead of wearing an outfit that drastically differs from the norm, teens would rather wear what is socially acceptable.

For many, clothing is a way to express oneself. But this outlet is often eliminated, as a desire to fit in can overpower personal style. The same complaint can be made towards schools that require a uniform. In Carlmont’s case, students, instead of the administration, have created an unwritten set of requirements of what’s acceptable to wear to school.

While “fitting in” often refers to appearances, possessions are also a factor. For example, cars play a role in how we perceive others and determine wealth or status in the Bay Area. This is so ingrained in our society that a 4-year-old boy recognizes what owning an expensive car symbolizes.

“My neighbor has a preschool student and they knew it was time to leave this area when their son was talking in the back of their car and said, while pointing at cars, ‘When do we get our Tesla?’ and that’s when they realized that what matters around here isn’t what’s important to them,” history teacher David Braunstein said.

The Bay Area also fosters an environment that values technology, a trend that

results from an abundance of tech companies. Because of the emphasis we place on owning and using advanced technology within our daily lives, the ongoing list of requirements to fit in is ever-growing. Inc. com reports that the average age of a child getting their first smartphone is 10.3 years old.

The fact that children beginning at age 10 already own the latest technology eliminates the notion that expensive items are awarded with age and personal growth.

Rather than being seen as a luxury, our society takes iPhone 11s and Apple Watches for granted, resulting in everyone walking around with $1,000 computers in their pockets.

“Does anybody really need a $1,000 phone? We bought into the idea that we need a $1,000 phone because of all the bells and whistles it has, but it’s also a status [symbol].

Even if we don’t call it that, it is,” Braunstein said.

Sometimes, having and using these status symbols isn’t enough.

We need affirmation from our peers in order to feel as if we truly belong.

Consequently, people post a superficial version of their life to show off their clothing, technology, cars, or events that they have attended. This often results in judgment from peers. Whether or not teens admit to judging their classmates and friends, judgment is a trap that we all easily fall into.

In some cases, students try to set themselves apart by not following the unspoken guidelines and expectations society has

developed. Brianna Butler, a Carlmont junior, shops at clothing stores that differ from mainstream ones. She doesn’t adjust her wardrobe style based on what her friends are wearing. In fact, she tries to find cheaper clothing options by shopping at online stores, like Zaful. The pressure to fit in doesn’t matter as much to people like Butler.

“To me, fitting in has never been something I was self-con-

scious about because I strongly believe that everyone is unique and all types of styles are acceptable,” Butler said. “The only way I would feel pressure to fit in is from other people’s judgment. And, when I feel this judgment, I feel self-conscious, which seems to be a really big thing for our generation.”

Rachel Matatyaou

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