Volume L, No. 5

MISSION SAN JOSE HIGH SCHOOL

VOL. 50, NO. 5

January 30, 2015

41717 PALM AVENUE, FREMONT, CA 94539

Social Studies Teacher Joins CA Advisory Board World History and Ethnic Studies Teacher Risha Krishna accepted to state education commission

staff writer neha shah

By Neha Shah Staff Writer World History and Ethnic Studies Teacher Risha Krishna had the honor of being accepted as one of the 18 members of the California Instructional Quality Commission (IQC). Krishna now has significant influence over the types of instructional materials being submitted by various publishers, and is in charge of developing criteria for evaluating instruc-

tional materials currently being used.

The IQC is an advisory body of the State Board of Education (SBE) whose primary goal is to develop and recommend curriculum frameworks for all schools across CA. The 18 members have four two-day meetings a year as well as some summer commitments where they develop and recommend both criteria framework and criteria for evaluating instructional materials submitted for adoption. Krishna will also evaluate instruc-

tional materials that have been submitted by publishers and advise either the adoption or rejection of each submission. The IQC also proposes policies and activities to the SBE, the California Department of Education (CDE), and the local educational agencies regarding curriculum and instruction. The IQC advises and consults with the SBE on implementing the state’s academic content standards. Out of the applicants, Krishna was selected as one of the three newest IQC members. The IQC includes members such as CA State Senator Carol Liu, who sits alongside 13 teachers from across CA, three public members, and one assembly member.

Krishna is now also part of three committees: Social Science, Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and Assessment and Accountability.

After viewing an email sent out to all teachers in CA recruiting educators to be part of the IQC, Krishna remembers her excitement about the opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to stepping up almost, in a way, doing my civic duty,” she said. She successfully completed the twostep application process, including an

See IQC NEWS Page 2

MSJ Students Found Branch of Girls Who Code Two MSJ students introduce free computer science classes at Milpitas Library

In August 2014, Senior Claire Chiu and Junior Shreya Reddy, ambassadors for Girls Who Code, founded a branch for the organization at the Milpitas Library. Girls Who Code is an organization that provides female youths with free computer science education via summer camps working with major tech companies including Twitter, Facebook and eBay. Chiu and Reddy have helped lead computer science lessons on topics such as universal language components, JavaScript, and general HTML and CSS at the weekly two hour sessions every Sunday, which officially began in October 2014

-Junior Shreya Reddy for their club of roughly 20 middle school and high school girls.

Chiu and Reddy’s work with Girls Who

Common Core assessment system implemented

By Andrew Chen Staff Writer Similar to last spring, MSJ will be having standardized testing changes. However, this year will complete the California Department of Education’s transition from the traditional Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program to the newer, Common Core-aligned California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). CAASPP will use the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) online assessment, which is required for all Californian schools this year, for grades 3 to 8, and 11.

From May 4-29, all CA public schools will administer the new SBAC tests, which current MSJ seniors were chosen to field-test last year.

According to FUSD Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Kim Wallace in her FUSD parent letter, “[The field test] allowed staff and students a valuable experience to prepare for the technology requirements and academic content of the new system.” As the only FUSD high school to take the SBAC tests last year, MSJ borrowed computers in order to meet the technology requirements necessary to assess the junior class, totaling eight laptop carts. This year, MSJ has four laptop carts, two of which require additional headsets and mice to be ready as test-taking media. Even though SBAC assessments will be implemented district-wide, preventing MSJ from borrowing equipment as it did last year, MSJ has the benefit of a much more feasible testing window than last

“[The field test] allowed staff and students a valuable experience to prepare for the technology requirements and academic content of the new system.”

By Kylie Cheung Staff Writer

“The minimal number of females pursuing STEM careers is caused by a lack of exposure to STEM, as a whole, due to some societal gender bias...”

Standardized Testing Changes

-Kim Wallace, FUSD Assistant Superintendent of Instruction

amount of girls and boys interested in the sciences, but that all changes starting in middle school and then in high school, which is why Girls Who Code reaches out to this age group in particular.” One of the ultimate goals of the organization is to encourage what it calls a “pay it forward” method of teaching. “That

year, according to MSJ’s testing site coordinator Diana Brumbaugh.

One of the key differences between this year’s SBAC test and last year’s is the computer adaptive feature. Although it did not do so last year, SBAC will capitalize on new technology and adjust the difficulty of questions throughout the assessment. For example, a student who correctly answers a challenging question may receive a more challenging item, whereas an incorrect response prompts an easier question. SBAC also differs from STAR in that SBAC assessments focus on testing analytical skills and critical thinking instead of being purely knowledge-based, incorporating many free-response questions. Also, juniors will not have to take both the STAR test and the SBAC assessment as they did last year be-

See GWC NEWS Page 2

See TESTING NEWS Page 2

Junior Shreya Reddy and Senior Claire Chiu are founders of a new branch of Girls Who Code.

Code began at a summer camp at Twitter, where they developed enthusiasm for not only coding, but the organization’s ultimate purpose of reaching gender equality in the tech industry. “The minimal number of females pursuing STEM careers is caused by a lack of exposure to STEM, as a whole, due to some societal gender bias that seems to appear beginning in middle school,” Reddy said. “Throughout elementary school, there seems to be an equal

In Loving Memory of

Kathleen Gao

Jan. 22, 1997 - Jan. 22, 2015

staff writer kylie cheung

“Kathy was enrolled in the Functional Academic and Life Skill program in the Special Day class (SDC). Kathy touched our lives in a very gentle way.

Her compassion and laughter will always be missed.”

- SDC Teacher Sujata Singh fallwallpaper.com, photo courtesy costanoan

2 News

www.thesmokesignal.org

The Smoke Signal

TESTING| Changes

New Solar Lights

continued from page 1

Motion-sensor solar lights installed to combat vandalism

cause the California State University system will be using SBAC instead of STAR to determine class placement from this year onward.

The change to SBAC is not quite complete, however. The STAR science tests for grades 5, 8, and 10 and the California Alternate Performance

By Ansh Patel Staff Writer After considering changes to MSJ’s safety and policies, the FUSD school board agreed on Nov. 2, 2014 to approve and buy twenty new motion-sensor solar lights for MSJ, which would light up the campus at night to combat vandalism. The lights, which were paid for by the Mission Possible Parent Faculty Association (MPPFA), were installed during the week of Jan. 19-23, 2015 at the horseshoe, library, C-120 building, boys locker room, P6 building, and B-Wing Cafeteria.

Collecting funds from students and par-

“We’ve been looking for new ways to invest our money, and we believe that the solar lighting could be the most efficient way to light up MSJ at night.”

-Jeff Evans, Assistant Principal ents, the MPPFA acquired the new solar lights in December 2014. After a series of inspections and tests, Principal Zack Larsen and Officer Pipp pinpointed the poorly lit parts of campus, which were slightly modified to accommodate for new lights.

Assistant Principal Jeff Evans, the driving force behind the new initiative said, “We’ve been looking for new ways to invest our money, and we believe that the solar lighting could be the most efficient way to light up MSJ at night.” Evans said that the school had an incentive to install these lights after receiv-

“Students’ scores on the Smarter Balanced assessments are much lower than on the previous state assessments...It simply means that we are holding our students to a high standard of learning” -Kim Wallace, FUSD Assistant Superintendent of Instruction

ing complaints from custodians who found it difficult to see in the dark with the current lights. Not only that, but the current lighting has also led to injuries, with students and parents blindly tripping over cracks at night in the darker parts of campus. Furthermore, MSJ is prone to vandalism at night, which increases the school’s expenses.

The MPPFA and faculty members hope that solar lighting is the solution to these problems. The nighttime lights would shine brighter than the traditional lights, creating a safer environment for custodians, students, and parents. Furthermore, Officer Pipp stated that lights would act as a deterrent to scare off vandals, since schools with better nighttime lighting are faced with less vandalism.

The solar power behind the lights also came with unique benefits, as motion-calibrated, solar-powered lights would reduce MSJ’s overall electricity costs in the long run, as they are more efficient than traditional lights. In addition, the easy-to-use technology cuts expenses because the lights require no rewiring and no complicated set up.

Commenting on their usefulness, Freshman Devesh Kodnani said, “I really think that the solar lighting would be a step in the right direction for MSJ. I hope that the lights will help make this school greener, and safer.”

MSJ is excited to announce its new form of lighting as it comes with a variety of environmental, safety, and financial benefits that will aid MSJ for many years. ▪

Assessment and California Modified Assessment for disabled students grades 2 to 11 will still remain in place. FUSD expects that in the future, the Science tests will also be converted to a computer-based system. At this point, it is unclear what plans FUSD or the California Department of Education has for standardized testing for the disabled.

Regarding the relative difficulty of the SBAC assessments, Wallace writes in the FUSD parent letter, “Students’ scores on the Smarter Balanced assessments are much lower than on the previous state assessments. This does not mean that students are any less proficient than they used to be.

It simply means that we are holding our students to a higher standard of learning. We expect that over time, the scores will increase as our students become more adept…[and develop] skills needed to be successful.” Official SBAC practice and training tests can be found at sbac.portal.airast.org. ▪

GWC| Branch

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

online application due back in October 2014 as well as an over-the-phone interview. Krishna says, “The application was lengthy. It asked for previous experiences as well as a variety of differentiation in curriculum.” The online application also required knowledge of diverse student populations and the subjects she specialized in, her leadership experience, and ways she thought she could impact students district-wide.

“Teachers do so much so I feel in this way I can do a tremendous amount for the students and the community; this is another way I feel I can give back, yet this time to the state and not just the local community.” Krishna is serious about her new position, and is confident that with her new insight into the process of creating curriculums, she will justly represent the needs of schools and will be able to advocate for positive change.

According to Krishna, “Material in the classroom should be relevant to the classroom and also to the students.” She said that the job will “help me enhance my knowledge on education policy and

News Page 1: The Finite course was replaced by the new C++ class.

Feature Page 7: Tata Teahouse’s address is 39230 Argonaut Way. A&E Page 14: The images are from images.google.com.

A&E Page 15: Christo Bowman’s name was misspelled.

Sports Page 18: The name of the Pittsburgh Steelers was misspelled.

news editor tiffany huang

Solar lights in the N-Wing (left), the library (top right), and the C-Wing (bottom right).

IQC| Krishna

corrections for the dec. 19, 2014 issue

Friday, January 30, 2015

basically means that we encourage girls to share the knowledge they gained over the summer to teach more girls how to code, creating a sort of domino effect that reaches computer science out to even more girls,” Chiu said.

With the Bay Area’s Silicon Valley as the widely recognized tech venture capital of the

“We really want them to experience the exciting side of coding, and above all, be exposed to its place in the real world.”

-Senior Claire Chiu

staff writer neha shah

World History and Ethnic Studies Teacher Risha Krishna talks to Sophomore Isis Chu.

help me bring that back to my students, my site, and my district by sharing my experience and relevant content that is available statewide to all the students.”

Krishna is eager to do everything in her power to benefit the students of MSJ, as well as students across the state. She will be attending her first of four yearly meetings on February 4-5, during which she will take an oath of office. ▪

world, Chiu and Reddy were inspired by the organization’s “pay it forward” outlook to further spread computer science knowledge to other girls within the Bay Area. Thus, under their direction, Girls Who Code developed a branch at the Milpitas Library, an ideal facility that is free of charge, with an abundance of computers accessible to students. Built entirely around the volunteer work of its student coordinators and Stanford undergraduate lead instructor Michelle Zhao, the branch was established without financial cost to the organization, and will

courtesy shreya reddy

Junior Shreya Reddy presents to a group of Girls Who Code participants at the Milpitas Library.

remain completely free to any female youths interested in learning coding.

Chiu and Reddy are currently coordinating a field trip for the girls of the Milpitas Library branch to take place in March or April of 2015.

The field trip will explore the headquarters of either Facebook or Twitter. “We really want them to experience the exciting side of coding, and above all, be exposed to its place in the real world,” Chiu said. ▪

NEWS IN

brief

Compiled by Staff Writers Brian Tseng, Shivane Sabharwal & Rishab Ramapriyan

sanjoseinside.com Milpitas residents are speaking out against the proposed expansion of the Newby Island Landfill.

dailymail.co.uk Two Delta Air Lines flights are grounded at New York’s JFK airport.

timesofisrael.com The International Criminal Court is beginning to investigate Israeli war crimes.

Milpitas citizens protest landfill expansion

Delta Air Lines receives bomb threat A bomb threat on January 19 caused two planes to be grounded at New York’s JFK airport. Delta Airlines announced that they had received a bomb threat for Delta Flight 468, which caused passengers on two planes to deplane and be searched. Passengers were then transported to the terminal on buses while the planes were searched. Both planes were given the all clear after a search by the FBI.

International Criminal Court (ICC) launches investigation The International Criminal Court (ICC) is beginning investigation on Palestinian attacks, creating a possible war crimes investigation against the Israelis. This decision follows Palestine’s signing of the Rome Statute. The US is strongly opposed to this decision because it believes that the Palestinian authority is not a country and that the investigation may have a negative impact on associated Israel.

A group of Milpitas residents is protesting against the planned expansion of the Newby Island Landfill due to the landfill odor that blows into the city. “We’re trying to stop the expansion of Newby Island until they mitigate the odors,” said group coordinator John Weinstein. The group has attracted hundreds of supporters via social media postings and a Facebook page, “Milpitas Odor Problem.”

Friday, January 30, 2015

the

The Smoke Signal

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Opinion 3

Smoke Signal

Mission San Jose High School Est. 1964 Vol. 50, No. 5 | January 30, 2015 www.thesmokesignal.org

41717 Palm Ave. Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 657-3600 Editors-in-Chief Tingting Bi, Laura Chen News Michael Hsiu, Tiffany Huang Opinion Alice Cheng, Catherine Wang Feature Megan Ren, Katie Sun Centerspread Katrina Cherk, Vivian Liu A&E Melissa Peng, Andrea Tam Sports Arti Patankar, Abigail Wong Graphics Kevin Chen, Lillian Zhao Web Jacinta Chang, Nithya Rajeev

AnAliceis

Catalyst

By Catherine Wang Opinion Editor

Following the viral photoblog “Humans of New York” is a ritual for me and about twelve million other fans. We’re amazed by the diversity of people who Brandon Stanton somehow finds, Tech Santhosh Paramasivan, Peter Qiu interviews, and photographs every Business Anand Balaji Circulation Hairol Ma day. Wondering about the stories Ads Grace Dong, Madeline Zheng behind his snapshots reminds us Events Tanvi Raja, Apoorva Rajanala that we can meet diverse humans right at home if we seek them out.

Writers & Photographers Admittedly, when we’re asked to Andrew Chen, Kylie Cheung, Sarina Chitre, describe MSJ, “diverse” probably Andrew Choi, Sayan Ghosh, Purvi Goel, isn’t the first adjective that pops out.

Harshita Gupta, Pratham Gupta, Chakshu Hurria, Amrith Krishnan, Ansh Patel, Gelsey As a senior, I still find it crazy how Plaza, Iyesha Puri, Deeksha Raina, Rishab the library fills up immediately every Ramapriyan, Shivane Sabharwal, Neha lunch, and how juniors race every year Shah, Ruiwen Shen, Annie Tang, Monica Tang, Brian Tseng, Hanson Wang, Didi Wu, to get in line for PSAT registration.

Rebecca Wu At first glance, our student body can appear one-dimensional in the Adviser Sandra Cohen way we throw other things aside Send letters to the editors to opinion@the smokesignal.org. Letters under 300 words for the grade. We often assume that may be considered for publication and MSJ lacks diversity, be it cultural or must include a full name and school affiliaacademic. We can’t wait for college tion. The Smoke Signal reserves the right – that’s when we’ll finally get to to edit for clarity and length. meet truly different types of people.

The Smoke Signal’s right to freedom of Especially because we don’t speech and press is protected by the First expect much diversity at MSJ, it’s Amendment of the Constitution. tempting to spend most of our time with the same group of people and make assumptions about To advertise in the Smoke Signal, e-mail ads@thesmokesignal.org. others. I used to assume that some Advertising that is included on the classmates weren’t worth talking to pages of, or carried within, the Smoke because they only seemed to talk Signal, is paid advertising, and as such is independent of the news and about grades and test scores. I didn’t feature content. really realize that I was contributing to the sameness by habitually

using academics as conversationstarters, instead of looking for other ways to relate to classmates.

Someone recently asked me, “What are your convictions?” Here’s one: everyone is worth getting to know. Since I joined MSJ Speech as a freshman, I’ve learned to work with and love an amazingly diverse family of people, some really quiet and some really loud. And it’s not just in speech.

I walked into Econ the first day of school expecting no new faces, but I met a girl who has three classes with me. We think it’s funny how since Hopkins we’ve walked by each other without even noticing until this year, and now we talk like old friends.

Diversity comes in so many different forms. From gender identity to athletics, MSJ students are more diverse than we often assume. Heck, we have our own “Humans of MSJ” (hint: check out the Smoke Signal’s Facebook page!).

Recognizing all this diversity just takes willingness to reach out to anyone.

As we move through our years in high school, we gain the confidence of knowing this place inside and out. But as I don the gilded title of second-semester senior, I’m going to try spending my last few months acting like a freshman. I want to make an effort to meet new people, be open-minded, and maybe even get lost once in a while. ▪

By Alice Cheng Opinion Editor As the chaos surrounding Ferguson seems to have faded from the nation’s spotlight to an occurrence of the past year, America’s constant struggle with race and power seems to have somewhat dissipated along with it. What we have yet to realize is that we’re in a never-ending cycle – that until we can address the root cause of the problem, our lives will look like this: Oscar Grant. Forget. Repeat. Michael Brown.

Forget. Repeat. Tamir Rice. Forget. Repeat.

Though no longer the nation’s center of attention, Ferguson has set up a commission that has met earlier this month to create actionable policy that will solve for the tension with the police that led up to Michael Brown’s shooting. Similarly, a petition was circulated to file charges against the BART police after Grant’s shooting six years ago. News of African-American individuals shot by the police permeates the media quickly when they occur, causing an uproar questioning American ideals. However, we rarely stop to ask ourselves: why do such shootings keep happening?

Although I support these well-intentioned actions,weneedtorealizethatwhilethespecifics of these situations may vary, the primary causes of Grant’s, Brown’s, and Rice’s deaths are the same; thus, our efforts should also be geared towards fighting the origin of the problem and critiquing the fundamental assumptions that constitute our society’s dominant thoughts and ideas. Currently, we isolate the individual cases, so when we sign Grant’s petition, we’re simply confronting the facts outlined by an individual policy, a temporary solution to racism and disparity in power, problems that will continue to plague us.

So, what’s the root cause then? We need to realize that there is not a policy solution to every problem. On a much more basic level, we need to interrogate the use of racial slurs and stereotypes and how our actions and thoughts right now label whole classes of people as inferior and unworthy of the fundamental rights they deserve. Ultimately, we need to do more than use policy to solve for the problems that surface at individual shootings – we need to closely scrutinize the history and social context that have shaped our biased views.

That’s where our education system comes in. Schools should be responsible for helping us understand the social context behind our thoughts and revolutionizing our thought processes so that we question the assumptions that have already been made about different races. For example, a thirst for knowledge about Ferguson’s context can be quenched by an educational campaign called #FergusonSyllabus created by Georgetown professor Marcia Chatelain in which teachers and students of many disciplines offer relevant books, blog posts, videos and articles. Professors such as Norman A. White of St. Louis University propose looking at “human justice” in a way that “offers dignity to everyone.” By exploring social context and history and relating them to current events in educational campaigns such as #FergusonSyllabus, we extend our understanding beyond the mere facts of a policy that may or may not work and transform the needless deaths of these young men into teachable moments used to re-evaluate the way we think.

At the end of the day, I can’t guarantee that using the education system will save the next Mike Brown. But I promise it can help. It can help us be a bit wiser and a bit less racist. I just hope we’re not a bit too late. ▪

The Opinion of the Smoke Signal Editorial Board

Editorial: Give Community College a Chance “With grades like these, I’ll only get into Ohlone.”

“Dude, I just failed my AP Lit, AP Calc, and AP Physics tests. Ohlone, here I come.” At MSJ, we tend to stigmatize a community college education. Many of us see a community college education as a last resort or an indication of failure. However, many of us overlook the value of a community college education as we focus on qualifying for a “privileged” education.

President Obama announced on January 8 his plan to offer the first two years of community college free nationwide for students who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. Obama aims to make higher education a universal opportunity, encouraging people of all backgrounds, not just fresh high school graduates, to learn and improve their quality of life. According to the White House, nine million students across the US could qualify for Obama’s program, with each student saving $3,800 on average. This is a step in the right direction towards shrinking educational disparity and providing self-driven students with a practical option after high school. At MSJ, the new proposal should remind us of the validity and value of the community college path.

Especially as paying for college becomes increasingly difficult in the US, we shouldn’t be dismissing the affordability of a community college education. More of us should consider the option to take two years of community college and then possibly transfer to a university. The transfer plan is valid not just for financial reasons, but also since it provides students with a strong basic foundation and an opportunity to fulfill general education credits before choosing a major at a university later on. Moreover, our local community colleges achieve high transfer rates and academic success. In 2013, SF Gate ranked Ohlone College second in CA for transfer rates to four year colleges and universities.

Something we don’t often consider is the diversity at community colleges. Elite universities advertise their student bodies’ racial diversity, which makes it easy to overlook these schools’ relative lack of economic diversity. Even though prestigious schools

offer financial aid, students from low-income backgrounds are still underrepresented. According to the Harvard Crimson, 45.6 percent of Harvard undergraduates come from families who earn more than $200,000 per year. On the other hand, according to the Foundation for California Community Colleges, over 55 percent of community college students are people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, and the community colleges enroll the state’s lowest-income students, the median income being $16,000. Community colleges bring together students from all walks of life, from working mothers to retired lawyers. This diversity gives students a taste of the “real world” that even an Ivy League education may lack.

A community college provides a potpourri of educational opportunities. As actor Tom Hanks puts it in his description of Hayward’s Chabot College, his alma mater, “I made Chabot’s dean’s list taking classes I loved (oral interpretation), classes I loathed (health, a requirement), classes I aced (film as art - like Jean Renoir’s ‘Golden Coach’ and Luis Bunel’s ‘Simon of the Desert’), and classes I dropped after the first hour (astronomy, because it was all math)...The books of Carlos Castaneda were incomprehensible to me, but my assigned presentation on the analytic process called structural dynamics was hailed as clear and concise.”

While going to a top-notch school is certainly valuable, we shouldn’t make prestige the point of education. If our goal is to attain a self-motivated education, the main question we need to ask ourselves isn’t where we want to learn, but rather how we want to learn. We need to ask ourselves what constitutes our educational philosophy. If we discover that our learning philosophy happens to bring us to a top-tier school, then kudos to us. If we believe that community college is a more practical decision, know that a self-motivated community college education is just as valuable as any other. ▪

Send letters to the editors to: opinion@thesmokesignal.org

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Feature 5

christine ngo

By Kylie Cheung Staff Writer

Christine Ngo, MSJ Alumna, distinguished herself by placing in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 2015 list for her achievements as a digital brand manager for various companies that are household names across America.

Her work includes leading social media campaigning for Mountain Dew as well as the digital strategy for brands including AT&T, Ralph Lauren, Intel and 20th Century Fox at BBDO New York. As the title implies, 30 Under 30 recognizes the country’s most ambitious and innovative millennials in the country based on their achievements in varying fields including art and style, venture capital, sports, science, and, in Ngo’s case, marketing and advertising. In an exclusive interview with the Smoke Signal, Ngo opens up about what drove her into the field, the most rewarding experiences of her career, and ultimately, how her MSJ roots have influenced and affected her path to success.

The field of marketing and advertising is essentially interconnected with social media and media trends. Ever since she was a child, Ngo recalls being drawn to online blogs and the Hollywood culture. She said, “I knew I wanted to do something that related to all of that. I just

wasn’t initially aware that that was a job in marketing.” While a student at MSJ, Ngo vividly recalls a prevalent academic culture among her peers. “I know Mission’s really famous for academic rigor. However, I wasn’t necessarily the best student in the classroom, but while I was at Mission I was definitely pretty involved in leadership and public-speaking extracurriculars,” said Ngo. “I experimented and explored and really put myself out there, and in a lot of ways that’s taken me to where I am today.”

Alongside placing in 30 Under 30, Ngo considers her work with the eminent 20th Century Fox to have been among the most rewarding experiences in her career.

“Working on the digital strategy for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was a great experience because it was the number one movie of the summer,” Ngo says. Looking forward, Ngo aspires to pursue a career leading marketing for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).

Considering any advice she has for students with interest in her field or success in the professional world, in general, what comes to Ngo’s mind almost immediately is passion.

“Getting good grades is important, it’s always great to attend a good university, but it’s also important to nurture

your passions; you have to really love what you do, because I can’t adequately stress how much time you’re going to spend where you work, doing your job,” Ngo said.

“It’s so important to follow your passions, whether that is to be a lawyer or a doctor or neither – go for it! That’s definitely what I did. I guess compared to the fields my friends went into, I was kind of untraditional, but I’ve never regretted my decision.”

Check back next month to read about Vikrum Aiyer, the second MSJ Alumnus on the Forbes 30 under 30 List.

PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTINE NGO

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Hannah Choi

& Stella Han

By Tanvi Raja and Rebecca Wu Staff Writers

Two MSJ students were invited to perform solos at Carnegie Hall in New York City this past December. Junior Hannah Choi and Senior Stella Han played a cello and violin solo, respectively, after winning separate competitions where both students competed against many musicians worldwide, including university students, PhDs in music, and television stars. The Smoke Signal sat down separately with Choi and Han, to discuss their individual accomplishments and goals in music .

Han (12)

SS: Has playing your instrument always been a passion?

HC: Playing the cello has always been a passion for me, and a sense of comfort. The cello has become my best friend as we produced beautiful music together and learned to understand each other. I love the cello! It is a part of who I am.

SH: Playing the violin started out as something that was just for fun, until one day I went to watch my relative’s performance with her orchestra. Watching her perform her solo on the big stage made me realize that this was something I wanted to do, too, and that moment is what inspired me to practice and train more so that I could be like her one day.

SS: Where do you hope to take your skills in the future?

HC: In the future, I would love to become a cellist in major symphonies, Broadway productions such as Les Miserables, or even ballets.

SH: This summer in 2015, the El Camino Youth Symphony will be making our international tour to Spain. I will also be soloing with Chen Zhao of the San Francisco Symphony in March later this year. In the future, I hope to be able to play in the university symphony as well.

Stella

Smoke Signal: What motivated you to first get involved with your instrument and when did you begin learning?

Hannah Choi (11) Hannah Choi: I started piano at the age of four and my parents soon recognized my passion for music. At the age of seven I chose to play the cello after listening to one of my mother’s CDs of Mischa Maisky performing the Bach Suites for Cello. I am currently learning cello from a Stanford University Professor, Northwestern University Professor, New York City Ballet Cellist, and faculty from The Juilliard School of Music. I also work closely with my symphony conductor, Maestro Leo Eylar, who has always been a best friend and supporter.

Stella Han: I started learning the violin in sixth grade when I joined my elementary school’s after-school orchestra. Although I had already been playing the piano since the age of three, being able to play with a large group of students who also shared my love for music was a much more fun and rewarding experience. This is why I ultimately decided to switch to violin.

love, and persistence have allowed me to achieve my dreams.

I thank my family, teachers, and true friends for helping me through this journey. Never stop dreaming.

SH: It was an amazing experience to be able to play at Carnegie Hall. The acoustics were incredible and I really enjoyed being able to perform in front of the large audience and share my music with the other musicians present.

SS: Do you have any upcoming performances?

HC: Recently, I won the Grand Prize in the Contra Costa Young Artist Competition. I was awarded a scholarship, and I will be performing with the orchestra this year! I also won First Place in the American Fine Arts International Concerto Competition. I will be playing at Carnegie Hall again this coming Valentine’s Day. I am given the opportunity to study at the Moscow Conservatory and perform in Russia this summer.

SS: What advice do you have to give to other aspiring violinists?

SH: I didn’t pick up the violin until the sixth grade, so it’s not like I was a child prodigy. My message for aspiring musicians is this: if you’re passionate and dedicated, it’s never too late to start.

SS: How were you invited to play at Carnegie Hall?

HC: I won first place in an International Concerto Competition sponsored by Carnegie Hall. I was invited to perform after winning 1st Prize. I also received the Best Performance Award. It was an honor!

SH: In February of last year, I competed in the 2014 United States Open Music Competition, a competition open to anyone in the United States as well as international competitors. Because I won first place and the Outstanding Gold Medalist Award, I was invited to play at Carnegie Hall this past December.

SS: What was the experience like?

HC: The experience was extremely emotional for me as well as nerve-racking. As a child, I always dreamed about performing in Carnegie Hall one day. Ever since the age of 7, I have continuously pushed myself forward as a musician with the help of my loving parents and supporters. I am proud to say that I have accomplished one of my greatest dreams. Performing at Carnegie Hall showed me that passion, hard work, PHOTOS COURTESY HANNAH CHOI & STELLA HAN, IMAGES.GOOGLE.COM

6 Feature

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An Inside Look at the Smoke Signal

Friday, January 30, 2014

By Harshita Gupta & Didi Wu Staff Writers

roles

The Smoke Signal is run entirely by Journalism 1, 2, and 3 students in second and third period classes. As a campus organization, we raise funds for publication by selling ads and hosting fundraisers. Read on if you’d like to learn more about how we run, or are interested in applying to be a part of the 2015-16 Smoke Signal staff.

editors

Every section of the newspaper has two editors, who choose stories, help writers find a story’s direction, and are responsible for their section’s layout.

Editors-in-Chief supervise the entire process.

y c c le e h

t

1. Beats and Story Ideas (BSI) The month-long cycle begins with BSI, when all staffers share their ideas for stories to cover in the issue. Prior to BSI, each staffer consults their “beat”, the individual or organization they’re assigned to contact for current news or updates at MSJ and other FUSD schools. Beats range from clubs like DECA and Speech to individuals like Assistant Principals and sports coaches. Editors select the stories for their section that night, and staff writers are assigned to the stories.

managers

There are five types of managers: tech, business, circulation, ads, and events.

Managers ensure that the newspaper is published smoothly and maintain funding for the Smoke Signal.

“Sometimes we assume who people are, what they do, and why they do it, but a good journalist seeks out more than what he or she thinks they know.”

-Sports Editor Abigail Wong, 12 2. Angles Editors and writers meet to discuss each story’s unique “angle”, or approach. If the article is one that requires information from outside sources, journalists schedule interviews to gather information.

staff writers

Staff writers write articles. They gather information, interview sources, take photos, and get creative to make articles interesting and fun to read.

“The Smoke Signal has a high concentration of thoughtful people who work hard for the right reasons, and it’s amazing to see the final product that comes from 50 people each putting thought and effort into the moving parts they’re responsible for. You learn to make real-world decisions where choices A, B, and C are all flawed, but you’ll decide that one of them is better than the rest and be able to argue why. You learn how to view yourself as part of a chain of command and consider the consequences of your actions in a context beyond yourself. You learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, while finding comfort in a group of incredibly vibrant and creative human beings.” -Editor-in-Chief Laura Chen, 12

3. Drafting process Section editors review the first rough draft (RD1) of every article. After edits are made, the second rough draft (RD2) goes on to the Editors-in-Chief (EICs) and finally to the adviser as the final draft (FD) for editing.

#smokielove 6. Critique The Monday after distribution, the whole staff goes over the issue page-by-page, pointing out any necessary corrections and providing feedback.

5. Inserts and Distribution Four to five weeks after the start of the cycle, the paper is ready to go. The staff inserts paper advertisements into the freshly-printed issues and delivers them to MSJ’s classrooms during read on a Thursday or Friday, typically near the end of the month.

adviser

Mrs. Cohen is the adviser for the Smoke Signal. She gives advice and support to the staff while making sure all articles are up to journalistic standards.

“Just meeting and learning from the editors, managers, and other staff writers makes the whole experience worthwhile. From being in the Smoke Signal, you learn valuable life skills, such as communicating with others and working together.” -Staff Writer Brian Tseng, 10 “You don’t need to consider journalism as a career to join the Smoke Signal! Whenever ‘Smokie’ alumni come back to visit us, they all talk about how much high school journalism has prepared them for college and the real world. Especially at Mission, we don’t always consider the importance of ‘soft’ skills like delivering an elevator pitch or mediating an argument.”

-Opinion Editor Catherine Wang, 12

4. Workweek Editors work at lunch and afterschool for a week and for four hours on Saturday to arrange the content and ads on the pages and create graphic spreads. The pages are copy-edited, edited by the EICs, and approved by the adviser. A PDF of the complete paper is sent to the printer after multiple rounds of proofreading.

“In the spring of my freshman year, I was experiencing the usual ‘what am I supposed to do with my life’ phase that many underclassmen go through. Applying to the Smoke Signal was my very first attempt in my high school career to branch out from my day in, day out academia in order to develop new skills and meet new people. Taking that chance to step out of my safety zone has allowed me to formulate a better idea of my own strengths and weaknesses, as well as my goals for my future.” -Ads Manager Grace Dong, 11 “Smokies,” as we like to call ourselves, are recruited through an application process during third quarter. The application consists of a written portion, a teacher recommendation form, and an interview process as a second round after the written application stage. Applications will be released on our website, www.thesmokesignal.org, in February. ▪ photo by graphics editor kevin chen, images.google.com

Friday, January 30, 2015

The Smoke Signal

Blogilates GRACE

Feature 7

By Grace Dong, Apoorva Rajanala, Hanson Wang, & Melissa Peng Staff Writers and A&E Editor Blogilates is an online pilates series created by social media fitness entrepreneur Cassey Ho. Four dedicated members of the Smoke Signal decided to follow the daily exercises specified in the Blogilates’ “new beginner’s workout calendar” and reflected upon their experiences below.

HANSON

When people think Grace Dong, they don’t think the word “athletic.” They’re right in a sense; throw me into any sport with a ball, and I will land myself on crutches (I speak from experience, or rather, two experiences). However, having danced for eleven years, I hope that the countless flexibility and body toning classes have paid off. Blogilates, come at me.

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Let me get this out of the way: this is my first experience with Pilates.

My sister and girlfriend both do it, so I thought, “Why not me?” I don’t anticipate Blogilates being a huge challenge for me because I already work out for baseball once or twice a week, and everyone knows how physically fit baseball players are! Honestly, I don’t know what to expect, but I’m worried about “9 Steps to Doing the Splits.”

APOORVA

Every so often my mom will pull out a pair of old sneakers and force me into the biting cold. After jogging the rugged paths near my humble abode, I turn back and decide that enough is enough. But I’ve realized it’s time to make a change with the minimal stamina I’ve built up from the few historical jogs. Blogilates, whether my body is ready or not, here I come.

MELISSA

I’m here to represent the lower end of the fitness spectrum at MSJ. My muscle mass is negligible and my breathing grows heavy after short flights of stairs. I can’t remember the last time I successfully did a push-up. That being said, I’d like to make it to seventy and feel confident in a swimsuit (Waterworld was a rough time) so Blogilates, here I slowly and laboriously come!

Week

1

Lateral breathing A big thank you to Thanks to Cassie, my thighs have transis quite possibly the Cassie for helping me formed into incredible rods of steel! Despite hardest thing I have finally achieve bubble the breathless evenings, I’ve found myself Everything is sore. So, so sore. ever had to control. butt status! All those growing accustomed to the athletic lifestyle. Sometimes when the exercises get complicated all I can do is lie I’ve never had to leg lifts and all that Luckily, the routines down on the ground sucking in my tummy refocus on pressing include some relaxand watch Cassey ally did its job!

In all my belly button exercise by heration so I’m not faintinto my spine or seriousness, though, my self for a few mining every other day. breathing without thighs and butt are a utes as I catch my puffing my chest bit sore. Granted, it is Although I grow more breath. I don’t think I’m strong enough quite as much as just the first week, so I’m sore as time passes, to even perform I have in this past looking forward to the I feel myself growing some of the moves week, but the more challenging work- healthier and stronger (ab workouts continst too.

Honestly though, outs.

I also think some of harde the beauty of beibly poss quite Lateral breathing is ue to elude me) but a ginners pilates Cassie’s videos should my back aches, my lot of the routines are thing I have ever had to control. be renamed as a disis that there is thighs burn, and my turning out to be surplenty of time claimer. “6 Min to Sexy neck is starting to grow prisingly fun. Weeks ...my thighs have transformed into to relax and focus on form. The slow and gentle pace Arms”? More like “6 Min sore. I sure am gratetwo through four, I was definitely appreciated in my attempts to do a headstand. Until Your Arms Fall Off.” ful for those rest days… eagerly await thee. incredible rods of steel!

Week

2

The name “Killer Legs” had me worried at first, but I was slightly disappointed by the lack of fatalities. My quad strength of five mules was not challenged much but since Cassey promises they are being worked, I eagerly await the day when this easy, breezy workout makes me beautiful. I do not recommend “5 Minute Fat Burner” for those who live in two story houses because it sounds like a herd of stomping elephants.

Oh man, I honestly thought I Now that the novelty of Blogilates has worn off, I can am I start- would have bailed by see it for what it is: frequent, vigorous exercise. Being to feel it now, but I guess my neath the thin veneer of Cassey’s high production value and aggressive enthusiasm is nothing but achnow. Cassie zest for physical activ- ing and sweat. Dedication to the Smoke Signal and is starting to kick my butt, ity has kept me going. its beloved readers literally. Al- More than the mas- is the only thing though my sacre of my muffin top, keeping me gothighs and I remember the day ing through endgluteus maxi- I learned my ABC’s less planks and V-sits, although I mus haven’t vividly.... especially the do strongly regret turned into day that I was forced to signing up for lead yet, practice writing them Although my thighs and gluteus maximus this article. Nevertheless, there haven’t turned into lead yet... they’re begin- I am quite with my legs. Good aware that luck to you if you’re take.

I step are two weeks every with ning to groan they’re beleft and I’ll finish continuing with this ginning to groan with every step I take. them if it’s the Nonetheless, I still feel great, especially challenge, these eccenlast thing I do. Behind the thin veneer of Cassey’s high knowing that “6 Min to Sexy Thighs” will tric exercises have my Remember me production value and aggressive enthusiasm help me bring that thunder from down under. body twisted in a bind. fondly, MSJ. is nothing but aching and

sweat.

If you looked up the

After the third week of definition of “sore” in the doing POP Pilates for dictionary, you would beginners workouts, come across a picture I am honestly getting of me crying in the fetal tired of Cassey’s voice. position. Okay, maybe I’m I’m not sure which is embellishing my struggles harder to push through, the actual workouts or a bit, but this week has the half hour of preppy totally upped the intenmusic. Though I have sity. After doing the seeto admit, the “Muffinsaw move, I felt like sometop Massacre” certainly one literally drove a saw makes me feel like a through my lower abs. At couple more desserts are least now I’ve reached justified.

cover girl status.

Final Thoughts...

I’ve been waiting and waiting for my next rest day, but it seems so far away.

As I get up in the morning, my slowly hardening core aches as I groan and roll out of bed. My dad found me facedown on my bedroom floor, desperately trying to recover from the previous night’s rigorous workout. One perk is that I’ve been enjoying my time trying out the various treats that Cassey has presented, although some were a bit too green to be appetizing.

Things have been looking up! The soreness in my thighs, once a source of great pain, has become a beacon of pride.

I’ve informed countless people in the past three days alone of how much my legs hurt in order to make it really clear to everyone that I work out. My form is still terrible and I’d be wildly embarrassed to do any of Cassey’s moves in front of anyone else, but at least Blogilates is now something to look forward to instead of a chore.

Week

3

The Fearsome Fo

I think I’m finally getting tired of Three long weeks are finally over and Cassie repeating “Keep those boy am I relieved. I came into the new shoulders up!” and “Suck in that year pushed into making a change, and Blogilates Beginner Calendar is exactly tummy!” Regardless, I’ve seen results that lo and behold, I have become a fitter and what it sounds like: workouts for beginthose “Shocking Weight Loss Secret that healthier person. Surprisingly enough, deners. The workout videos are short and Doctors Don’t Want You to Know!” ads spite the sore thighs and aching back, I’ve sweet but quickly become absolutely could never match, so I’m satisfied with my learned how to incorporate simple exercisboring. However, pilates isn’t somebody of work (pun intended) these past thing I plan on quitting for a while, so es into my daily schedule. I’ve been holding three weeks. Hopefully all those thigh and hopefully Cassey’s other videos are off for a while but I think it’s time I eat those butt exercises can get me into the next chocolate covered strawberries now. more challenging.

Jason Derulo song.

ur

I stand before you a (sort of) new, marginally more fit woman. I’ve decided to attempt the regular calendar too, although to be honest I’d probably need many more laps on the beginner’s calendar before my lower abs catch up to the average beginner. This past month has motivated me so much that I may even –contain your gasps–finally join a gym. Wish me luck!

PHOTOS BY GRAPHICS EDITOR KEVIN CHEN

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Feature 9

By Peter Qiu Staff Writer

“You think technology is your ally? You merely adopted this computer. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn’t come out of my room until I was already a man, and by then the sun was blinding!” Technology today can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on what we use it for. It streamlines and simplifies our lives, but this usefulness has made our reliance on tech an addiction. How many times have we stayed awake in the wee hours of the morning, glued to a screen until our eyes sting? How many times have we been lying down, staring at our smartphones and feverishly refreshing social media, until our phones fall and hit us in the face? We do not admit our technology addictions, and as a result, we cannot fathom what life would be like without technology. Try to picture a life without smartphones, computers, or the internet, even for just a few days. This is a life devoid of most technology – go ahead and keep your refrigerator and microwave – but it would be enough of a change to have astounding ripple effects. This is how I would imagine it.

The first day would be rough. I would sleep through my alarm before realizing the alarm was set on a phone I no longer had, and after arriving to school a few minutes late, a series of small panic attacks would hit me, as I wonder where my phone is. Unless one of my classes requires internet, an iPad, or a computer, school would pass by uneventfully.

Home would be where the miracles begin. After staring at a blank screen for ten minutes, I might as well start homework. No computer, no distractions; just me and Dostoevsky’s genius. I anticipate finishing annotations with blistering speed and single-minded focus, but without the internet’s distractions, the inside of Raskolnikov’s mind will grow noticeably creepier.

I wake up refreshed. After going to bed at the remarkable time of 10:30, I receive my medically recommended amount of sleep for the first time in four years, and I decide I could get used to this.

The saga continues. I used to quiver before deadlines, but after subtracting all the time spent on the phone or computer, I have an abundance of spare time. The few hours, at least, would be enough to work on guitar, learn some new techniques, or even pick up the old skateboard sitting underneath a pile of dust. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies though. So much of my life revolves around technology that I’m bound to get sucked back in eventually. Resistance is futile.

It starts with Schoolloop: specifically, an assignment posted as homework. How am I going to print an attachment? No e-mail, no printer, no internet. Asking someone else to print it for me would be cheating the no-tech challenge. Furthermore, how would I research topics without the omniscience of Google? As much as I complained about technology, the good came with the bad, and I have to make a few sacrifices on this no-tech journey. I would lose a few points here and there from missing online assignments, but it’s an enlightening, if not academically painful, experience.

So what’s the take-away from this thought experiment? Try to look up from the screen sometimes, and don’t let the devices you own, own you. Going full-on Amish won’t work, because there is no question that technology has its benefits; in fact, it’s probably helped us far more than it’s harmed us. However, a lifestyle revolving around tech pushes away other hobbies and activities, deteriorates human interaction, and not to mention, causes some pretty awful health effects.

Imagine a group of friends together during a lull in conversation. Despite being less than two feet away from each other, the first reaction is to pull out phones and slowly retreat from the real world into idealized virtual bubbles. Humans are a social species, and without quality interaction, loneliness will settle in no matter how many Facebook friends we have. Of course, one can’t keep talking forever, and a break is necessary, but the problems don’t stop there.

As cliché as it sounds, you could pursue your dreams if not for technology’s potential to be the world’s largest time sink. Whether Netflix is on in the background or your phone buzzes every few seconds, these distractions and diversions will take away from your goals of writing a book, learning how to cook, or picking up knitting! Improving one percent a day for a year creates a 38-fold improvement, but let’s not forget what the opposite would do.

Beyond oft-quoted numbers from gimmicky self-help books, tech addiction can cause some serious health problems. A recent study published in the National Library of Medicine identified an “epidemic” of “text neck.” Bent necks caused by staring at a smartphone put increased weight on the cervical spine, ruining posture and accelerating spinal degeneration. Along with hours of immobilization spent stooping over a computer, the hazards of technology are all too real. Now that I’ve hopefully amused, persuaded, and scared you, try leaving the computer for a while. It’ll be there when you come back.

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Centerspread 11

By Sarina Chitre, Chakshu Hurria, Iyesha Puri & Shivane Sabharwal Staff Writers

The Smoke Signal has compiled TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) Talks and Humans of MSJ posts with the most meaningful messages to boost your morale as you begin the new semester. Find some positive ways to deal with stress as The Smoke Signal presents information to help you tackle your life problems. We hope the inspirational messages will help you broaden your horizons for the coming year.

“For me, the motivation to write this book came from the excitement of having a book in my name and from my teachers and parents, who encouraged me to finish draft after draft.”

Psychologist Kelly McGonigal’s speech on making stress a friend is a must-see for stressed out students.

While stress has been made into a public health enemy, new research suggests that stress may only be bad for you if you believe that to be the case. McGonigal urges us to see stress positively and introduces us to an unsung mechanism for stress reduction: reaching out to others. She pushes us to go after opportunities that we find meaning in, rather than ones we find simpler to handle, and that will help us deal with the stress that comes along with our decisions in a more positive light.

“What is your motto?”

“One thing we know for certain is that chasing meaning is better for your health than trying to avoid discomfort.”

“When I was 51, I was given three amazing children. One was five, one was three, and one was 17 months old. The five-year-old was autistic, though I didn’t know that at the time. I’ve raised them all for the last 16 years, and it has truly enriched my life.”

“What have your experiences with your daughters taught you?”

“The more you put into something, the more you get out of it. Put time into what you’re passionate about and it will pay off in the end.”

“I think that these young women have enriched my life, opened my eyes to different generational experiences, and taught me what it means to advocate for children with special needs. A lot of people told me I was too old to raise children and to think twice to do it. Now I would say, ‘Raising children has brought me many blessings, and I have grown so much as a person.’”

This TED Talk is for those who have ever experienced a low point or felt as if they’ve experienced something that they will never be able to come back from.

Neal Pasricha describes how he moved past two very difficult events in his life: his wife telling him she no longer loved him and the death of his best friend. He started a website called “1000 Awesome Things” where he blogs daily about the little pleasures in life like waiters who bring refills without asking and twisting the lid off a jar after nobody else could. Through his website, he aims to continuously remind his readers that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

“Having a great attitude is about choosing option number two, and choosing, no matter how difficult it is, no matter what pain hits you, choosing to move forward and move on and take baby steps into the future.”

Kimberley Motley is an American litigator who practices in Afghanistan. She initially went to train Afghan lawyers, but recognized that the laws meant to protect the people were being misused. She went on a “quest for justness, using laws for their intended purpose: to protect.” Achieving justness in places like Afghanistan is difficult because people are uneducated about their rights. Laws are often ignored by tribal customs, and even with good, existing laws, there aren’t people or lawyers that are willing to fight them. Therefore, Motley uses “existing laws to the benefit of her clients; she works the system inside out, using laws for their intended purpose.”

“My biggest motto is to breathe. And the reason is because with any situation we get into, whether it’s stressful or whatever, we just take that breath in between and it refocuses us, or it will stop us and we pause before we say something we shouldn’t say. It gives us a time to think and reflect inward a little bit just by taking that breath. And especially here I find so many people are so stressed out all the time and they’re always running back and forth, and sometimes you just need to stop and take a breath and just breathe and let yourself relax and it’s all ok. What it all comes down to is that breathing is the most important thing; for if you stop breathing the world will fall apart and you’ll die. And metaphorically speaking, if you don’t stop and take a breath in life, you’re going to die too. You’ve got to learn to take a moment and relax and breathe in life.”

“I no longer want to postpone anything in life. And that urgency, that purpose, has really changed my life.”

“We have this bucket list; we have these things we want to do in life, and I thought about all the people I wanted to reach out to that I didn’t, all the fences I wanted to mend, all the experiences I wanted to have and I never did. As I thought about that later on, I came up with a saying, which is, “I collect bad wines.” Because if the wine is ready and the person is there, I’m opening it. I no longer want to postpone anything in life. And that urgency, that purpose, has really changed my life.”

Solomon, who writes on politics, culture, and psychology, delved deep into his childhood of adversity and exclusion due to his sexual orientation. He explains how facing this adversity allowed him to see his own identity, and how, upon later reflection, this can be applied to anyone’s life.

“Look, we’re all going to get lumps, and we’re all going to get bumps. None of us can predict the future, but we do know one thing about it and that’s that it ain’t gonna go according to plan.”

“You need to take the traumas and make them part of who you’ve come to be, and you need to fold the worst events of your life into a narrative of triumph, evincing a better self in response to things that hurt.”

“It [identity] involves substituting “and” for “but” -- not “I am here but I have cancer,” but rather, “I have cancer and I am here.”

The late Steve Jobs’s 2005 Stanford commencement speech includes three stories which can help to reshape our entire perspective on life. He points out the importance of believing in something, following your heart, and not losing faith even if you fail. He defines death as the greatest invention because its existence is the one thing that gives life value. From this point of view he makes us understand that in life we have nothing to lose, but only to gain.

“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

Ric Elias, CEO of Red Ventures, told TED watchers about his experience as a passenger of a flight that crash-landed in New York’s Hudson River in January 2009. He shared three things that he learned about himself that day: Life can change in an instant. Don’t postpone any pleasure. Eliminate negative energy. Often the things that are most important to us are the people around us.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.”

“Grit is sticking with your future — day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years — and working really hard to make that future a reality.”

Angela Lee Duckworth, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, has been studying the idea of “grit,” and she says it’s this hard work and perseverance that is the best indicator of whether we will achieve success. This TED Talk is perfect for all who need that extra motivation to continue putting in 110%, even when it may seem like they may not succeed. And this isn’t just a motivational speech. Duckworth has grounded her claims in actual psychology and confirmed it with research that she has been working on at the University of Pennsylvania.

In her talk, Duckworth explains that talent and success are not intrinsically connected because many talented individuals don’t have the willpower to follow through with their commitments. It is sheer hard work that drives us to achieve what we set out to do.

“Tell me about something you’re very proud of.”

“I think I’m proud that I didn’t allow my cultural background or traditions in my family impede (me) in where I am in my life. If I had, I would not be as educated as I am. I’m proud that I didn’t listen to my parents, in the sense that they didn’t want me to go to college, not even junior college.”

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Arts & Entertainment 13

Selma Stuns

Under the radar:

GOWE

Falling for Fall Out Boy

By Hairol Ma Staff Writer

Gifted on West East, or Gowe, is an alternative hip hop artist who specializes in jazz hop. His music is filled with complex lyrics and laced with beautiful soul beats, but it is also able to connect with different people of all backgrounds through its plaintive and universal humanity.

Born and raised in Seattle, Gowe was heavily influenced by the environment of rich jazz. When he began listening to rap he found himself drawn to east coast rap, which inspired his stage name.

Gowe’s first album, “We Are Hypergiants,” was released in 2012.

When asked about the meaning behind the title, Gowe states that “The hypergiant is the brightest, most luminous star in existence, but it also carries the shortest life span and for us as young people… we feel like we’re going to be on this earth forever…a hypergiant is somebody that, while they’re shining their absolute brightest on this earth, while they’re in the climb, they aren’t afraid to stand for what they believe in.”

Gowe’s career took off when he participated in Kollaboration Seattle, an annual talent competition produced by students and young professionals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. There, he performed his single “Star in my Eyes,” which received attention not only for its catchy beat but also for its significant lyrics, such as, “What they say doesn’t phase me though, to be a slave everyday to the radio/ I’d rather be myself, speak my mind, help build a generation hope they press rewind and push…”

In November Gowe released a single called “Lavender,” the first song in his upcoming album “Music Beautiful,” which is set to be released in 2015.

Gowe is an incredible rapper and lyricist, but he is ultimately a storyteller. The messages conveyed within his music are explained through stories which he tells in a conversational and intimate matter, allowing the listener to feel truly connected to the music.

With his rich imagery, unique beats, and poignant lyrics, Gowe is definitely an artist who is worth a listen. ▪

By Madeline Zheng Staff Writer “Our lives are not truly lived if we are not willing to die for those we love and for what we believe.”

King’s voice echoes with passion, driving his cause for equality into listeners’ minds both on and off the screen.

Directed by Ava DuVernay, Selma chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, where peaceful protesters fought for the legitimization of equal voting rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. (David Oyelowo) and other leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) spearhead the movement for legislation. King faces forceful opposition from Alabama’s Governor George Wallace (Tim Roth) as well as President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson), who insists that “this voting thing is just going to have to wait.” But the voting rights effort must continue.

Working past family issues with King’s wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo), government surveillance, and conflict not only with white politicians but also with fellow advocates, the SCLC leaders manage to organize the first march from Selma—but it ends quickly in tragedy.

Peaceful protestors are halted and beaten brutally by Selma police. The upheaval, later to be nicknamed

“Bloody Sunday,” is broadcasted on national television. With this new audience of thousands, King powerfully calls all Americans to join the movement in a second march—he will fight to the death if he must.

Unlike many other films of its genre, Selma does not overdramatize. Style is quite subtle, with minimal music and basic cinematography in most scenes. It’s a rather unique method of presentation and takes some adjustment on the audience’s part: for the first few minutes, the film might seem a bit unpromising. But very quickly and unexpectedly, it becomes apparent that the simplicity of Selma’s presentation makes for stunning realism, generating a deeply enthralling sense of presence that transcends the theater screen to reach its awed audience.

Adding to this element of realism, DuVernay noticeably incorporates each character’s idiosyncrasies into the film: the “Johnson treatment,” King’s way of emphasizing first syllables in speeches, and more.

Yet despite general accuracy, Selma only lightly alludes to King’s personal flaws, somewhat glorifying the leader. There has also been controversy over the portrayal of President Johnson as obstructionist in his actions regarding the marchers and the need for protected voting rights. Johnson was more support-

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ive of King than the movie implied, but he also did have an agenda, prioritizing his War on Poverty over voting legislation. Although it does not paint a fully accurate picture, Selma is meant to hold entertainment appeal after all; its slim degree of exaggeration is forgivable as this undeniably fuels the film’s emotional effectiveness.

Selma captures the movement’s intensity incredibly well, compressing the highlights of about three months’ worth of events into a single two-hour-long masterpiece.

It is a spine-chilling movie, but that is precisely the point. The constant nearness of death, the complexity of conflicting factions, the poignancy of endless need for change. With the closing song “Glory” (John Legend ft. Common), Selma explicitly kindles that last unsettling point: this is still happening.

A punch of reality jars the scene, as even now, 50 years after the Selma to Montgomery marches, we have racism; we have appalling police brutality; we have Ferguson.

The struggle for equality is not a mere matter of the past—it serves as a model for the future, and Selma makes that stunningly clear. ▪ Rating: A

Taken (Again)

A&E

Updates

By Purvi Goel Staff Writer

IMAGINE DRAGONS

SMOKE + MIRRORS|2/7/15 For the second album of the popular rock band Imagine Dragons that was long in the making, lead singer Dan Reynolds says, “[This] record will be more rock-driven…There is some weird stuff going on in these songs.”

87th ACADEMY AWARDS 2/22/15 Hilarious and ridiculously talented actor Neil Patrick Harris takes up the mantle of hosting the Oscars, after hosting the Tony Awards four times. The awards will likely see cinematic masterpieces such as The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, and Birdman go head to head on all fronts.

THE DUFF 2/20/15

In this adaptation of a popular young adult novel, high school senior Bianca, played by Mae Whitman, struggles to deal with stereotypes and labels imposed upon her. Evoking movies like Mean Girls and She’s All That, this one might become this decade’s classic chic flic.

comingsoon.net

By Grace Dong Staff Writer

The Taken movie franchise attempts to make a comeback from the disappointing Taken 2 and mediocre Taken with the finale of the trilogy, Taken 3.

Like the titles, the movies once again prove that they are merely action-filled thrillers following an uncreative, predictable formula that only serves to raise your blood pressure.

After rescuing his kidnapped daughter in the first one, his kidnapped exwife in the second one, now retired CIA operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) returns to his apartment one day to find said ex-wife, Lenore St. John (Famke Janssen), lying on his bed with her throat slit. Mills is immediately aware that he has been framed and thus leads the LA Police Department on the first of many highspeed chases. Once he is temporarily safe, Mills begins his own investigation on the murder of Lenore parallel to that of the LAPD, in which he realizes that he is dealing with more than just an old enemy. When he realizes his own daughter, Kim Mills (Maggie Grace), is in danger’s way, Mills begins unraveling the business deal gone wrong between an ex-Soviet operative and Lenore’s second husband, Stuart St.

John (Dougray Scott).

At first glance, the storyline sounds like it has infinite potential to introduce unexpected loopholes and mind boggling plots twists, yet sadly, the movie does neither. Instead, viewers are hit relentlessly with the same line of actions scenes: Mill investigates, the LAPD or Soviet operatives catch up to Mills, they begin an intense car chase or foot chase, and in the end, Mills outsmarts them all. There is little in Taken 3 that was not seen in the first two films since the movie is largely composed of violence and clichés.

However, the violence is broken up periodically by the admittedly sweet cliché of Mills’ relationship with his daughter. Grace and Neeson’s on screen chemistry reflects that of a father and daughter coming together over the loss of her mother. Grace especially does an excellent job in simultaneously playing the role of a hurting daughter and of a skilled operative on a mission to avenge her mother.

The cinematography of Taken 3 also surprisingly exceeds expectations with stunning views of downtown LA skyscrapers and Malibu beach houses.

From swooping aerial views to subtle close-up of Mills picking a lock in the backseat of a cop car, the videography definitely delivers a thrilling edge to ac-

tion scenes despite their trite storylines.

The characterization of Bryan Mills reflects this lack of creativity as he too descends into a predictable cycle of surviving impossible situations. Mills is seen surviving multiple fiery car explosions as well as a massive highway pile up. His efficiency and story are almost completely unbelievable, yet the fast pace of the movie prevents viewers from pondering the unrealistic circumstances for long.

Neeson also does an excellent job in portraying Mills as a man of many faces. Bryan Mills is equal parts determined survivor, crazy good operative, and loving father. Beneath the scenes of bloodlust and trigger- happy men is Mills’ love and devotion to his daughter, Kim. It is this relationship that salvages the countless boring and lackluster thriller scenes and creates an endearing ending guaranteed to generate a few sighs from the more sensitive viewers. For the most part, Taken 3 is merely another meaningless action thriller with cars and guns. But if one looks really, really hard, the film may just as well be portraying a beautiful father-daughter relationship. ▪

By Annie Tang Staff Writer Strong instrumentals and stirring lyrics are a few things that Fall Out Boy is known and loved for. Fortunately for their fans, neither of these iconic components was lost in the group’s goal to develop a new sound for their newest album American Beauty/American Psycho (AB/AP).

Patrick Stump, the lead vocalist, also expressed the group’s wish for AB/ AP to have a new sound and “be more “stylistically cohesive.”

The album had a relatively rocky start with its title track, “American Beauty/American Psycho.” It seems to include barely any variation in pitch, as the lead singer continuously shouts out the lyrics throughout the song. Fortunately, a couple of the later songs are able to balance the fast-paced portions by weaving in the occasional, slower chords. A few tracks start not with the typical heavy beat, but instead with a calmer vocal introduction. These unexpected beginnings, along with the segments in various tracks that tend to stray towards a ballad-reminiscent melody, add a fresh element to the otherwise predictable pattern.

Despite the similarities between the songs in AB/AP, each track has a defined element that helps it stand out from the mix. The unique blend of instrumentals and vocal techniques that are used plays a large role in distinguishing each song from one another. For example, “The Kids Aren’t Alright.” begins with a lilting whistle, the main opening instrumental, which immediately catches the listener’s attention. The track following it, “Uma Thurman,” also has a strong impact right from the start. Distinctive guitar riffs and horn sounds, which later also intersperse the powerful lyrics, dominate the instrumental-only portions of the song.

The movement of this album is highlighted not just by Stump’s incredible vocal range, as the transitions between pitches are executed with ease, but also by the order of the songs themselves. The first three tracks maintain a strong beat all throughout, while the fourth track starts with a slower tempo. But even with the initial calm introduction, it slowly begins to build in intensity as well. The slow build up serves as a transition for the rest of the more fast-paced songs in the album. This pattern of changing levels of power in each song repeats all throughout the album until the last title, “Twin Skeletons (Hotel in NYC),” is introduced. The fading, varying range of notes that’s repeated towards the end, with the minimal instrumental background, proves to be the perfect way to conclude this album.

Although a few tracks in the album did not live up to expectations, the overall relatable lyrics and lively beat in most songs create an enjoyable experience for listeners. Whether you’re rocking out to this album by yourself on a Friday night, or using the fast tempo as motivation to run faster, American Beauty/American Psycho is truly an album worth listening to. ▪ Rating: A-

Rating: Bplay.spotify.com

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Arts & Entertainment 15

By Andrew Choi & Amrith Krishnan Staff Writers

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Alumna Interview and Artist Spotlight:

Lesli Margherita

By Gelsey Plaza Staff Writer

MSJ Alumna Lesli Margherita portrays the vain and selfish Mrs. Wormwood in the Tony Award winning musical Matilda on Broadway. Margherita has also acted on screen for the movie One Shot and has toured with the musical A Chorus Line.

When inquired about her graduating class she said, “Well, for any aspiring actors out there, NEVER tell your age to anyone. So... lets just say somewhere in the 90’s.” The Smoke Signal interviewed Margherita about her experience in the cast of Matilda, what it is like to be on Broadway, and her life as an actress.

Margherita portrays Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda

By Grace Dong, Iyesha Puri & Monica Tang Staff Writers

By Sayan Ghosh, Santhosh Parmivisan & Monica Tang 2014 yielded countless chart Staff Writers topping movies and music as veterans and

into the spotlight. With the year Curious about MSJ rookies students’ alike music stepped preferences, Snapchat scores, and other arts and drawing to aquirks close,regarding the Smoke Signal selected some of the top hits entertainment?ofThe2014 Smokeand Signalhad has MSJ conducted a Face-vote on their favorites through a students book survey ofsurvey approximately 200 students investigatewith a pool of 260 respondents. conducted on to Facebook MSJ’s unique habits and favorites. Not all respondents answered every question; the number of responses is given for each question. Percentages are rounded.

leslimargherita.com

Smoke Signal: When did you first realize that performing and theatre were your passion?

Lesli Margherita: I was about 10. I had danced since I was five, and did my first musical at 10. I knew it’s what I wanted to do. Plus...I really had no other skills.

SS: Did you participate in shows at MSJ? Any good memories you recall?

LM: Yeah! I did The Pajama Game and South Pacific. I was also in Chamber Chorale and Thor Throats, the show choir group. I loved it all. Getting to do shows with my friends was the best.

SS: What did you do after leaving MSJ? If you went to college, which school and what was your major?

LM: I ended up going to UCLA as a dance major. I didn’t stay a dance major. I took a break in the middle to go on tour with A Chorus Line.

SS: Could you describe the audition process and rehearsal days of Matilda as Mrs. Wormwood?

LM: My audition process took about six months. The creative team had seen me in Zorro in the West End in London, and wanted me to audition. I flew to New York from LA a couple of times, and then didn’t hear for a while. I went back in a couple more times over six months until I finally heard I had gotten it. Then I moved to NYC and rehearsed for two months. It’s a really long rehearsal period, but we have so many kids in the show, and the technical aspects are massive, they wanted to give it enough time.

SS: What is the message you would want the audience to get out of Matilda? What has been your biggest struggle and motivation in portraying your character?

LM: The message is “even if you’re little, you can do a lot.” It’s about empowerment and bravery.

Not just for kids, for everyone. I’m the baddie, one of the obstacles Matilda has to overcome. It was hard at first to be so so mean to these little girls, but they love it.

SS: How is it being on Broadway? Best part? Worst part?

LM: It’s amazing. Dream come true. The best part is being able to connect with people after the show or on social media, and of course doing what I love every night. There really is no downside, except that eight shows a week leave no time off ever, and my body would love a day off sometimes.

SS: Have you done other work besides theatre?

LM: Right out of college I was cast on a TV show called Fame LA. I kept doing TV and film from there, as well as theater. I’ve been lucky to be able to do it all. I don’t have a favorite. Whatever keeps me working. ▪ Matilda is coming to Orpheum Theater in San Francisco from July 15 to August 15.

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Tutoring Gurus

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Donald Hui Coach Donald Hui began his volleyball career after getting cut from the freshman basketball team in high school. Hoping to find another sport, Hui decided to try out for volleyball, a sport he had dabbled in while in middle school. During high school, Hui played three years for varsity boys’ volleyball. He also went on to play volleyball at San Jose State University. Hui is now the main coach for the Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team at MSJ.

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Sports 17

Scott Sugden Math Teacher Scott Sugden played football from age eight to the end of high school, baseball from age six to the end of college, and golf with his father on weekends. One of Sugden’s favorite sports memories is when he got a hole in one at age 12 and his father bought drinks for everyone in the bar. He has coached all three sports, and he especially enjoys coaching his sons’ Little League team. Sugden now motivates his students like he coaches his athletes.

Yunor Peralta Math Teacher Yunor Peralta started running when he went to college, where he ran with a friend of his who was training for a marathon. Eighteen years later, he is still an active runner. He advises all students who want to run to run at least three times a week as not only is it good for your health, but it also increases your concentration, an extremely critical factor in math. Now, as a teacher, he still continues to run despite his busy schedule.

Jason Cain World History and Psychology Teacher Jason Cain competed in track and field in high school and played football in college.

He loves that football not only teaches you how to work in a team efficiently but it also helps you recognize your limits while learning discipline. He encourages students to play sports because the skill sets that athletes gather help them attain success later in life. Playing such a variety of sports for so long has instilled in him a sense of hard work and organization.

John Boegman English Teacher John Boegman got into swimming at the age of five when he tagged along to his elder sister’s swim practice. He later went on to swim for UC Santa Barbara. He is most proud of his Most Spirited Award in the summer of his freshman year of college and his Most Improved Award in his sophomore year of college. Now, as a teacher, he gives voice to the advice that his coaches have given him.

Ever wonder how your teachers stay fit and what sports they used to participate in? The Smoke Signal recently asked a couple of our male MSJ teachers what sports they used to play and physical activities they do now. Join us in discovering what they do outside of the school day and keep your eyes out for the female edition!

Teacher Athletes: THE MEN edition

By Pratham Gupta, Deeksha Raina, Ruiwen Shen & Brian Tseng Staff Writers Jaime Richards Government and Economics Teacher Jaime Richards is an ardent athlete, having played basketball for nine years. He still plays basketball once in a while and remembers how proud he was when he made his college basketball team. He believes that students should compete in sports as sports have taught him how to work hard and gain confidence. He thinks that having good coaching and trying your best are vital for being a good athlete.

Jack Marden Physical Education Teacher Jack Marden is an avid athlete, participating in sports such as hiking, swimming, sailing, snowboarding, running, and weightlifting. His favorite sport is sailing, but he has been participating in cross country since high school. Marden attributes his passion for sailing to interest in World History. His admiration for the boldness with which the explorers crossed the oceans inspired him to take up sailing as a sport. To this day, Marden sails and runs regularly.

Charlie Brucker Math Teacher Charlie Brucker was on his high school and college gymnastics teams and even started competitively biking in his college when he got a summer job and bought a bike instead of a car.

In his seven years of doing competitive biking, his most vivid memory is when he won first place in an 89-mile biking competition around Cayuga Lake. He still fondly reminisces on how he learned about working hard and giving any and all endeavors your best.

photos by staff writers pratham gupta, deeksha raina & ruiwen shen, graphics from clker.com

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bringing you our ‘a’ game wong

By Abigail Wong Sports Editor

versus

No longer the land of the free...

The Founding Fathers would have despised sports of our age, not because of the “scandalous” outfits or the yells and grunts of territorial primates that accompany successful shots, swings, and fist pumps. They would have instead found that athletics lacks the concept of democracy: a ref rules like the king of mother England. But if I were to be a peasant deciding to fight in the American Revolution, I would have chosen the Redcoats.

To my friends taking APUSH, let me explain myself before Paul Revere breaks loose. The nature of athletics cannot assume its participants are rational. Because there are always two opposing sides, it is inevitable that each team favors calls that merit themselves even when they know the decision was a mistake. As a basketball player, when I poke the ball out of bounds and the ref says it still our possession, the last thing I do is confess that the ball left my hands. “Thou shalt not bear false witness,” but I turn a blind eye.

This begs the importance of a third party, a neutral set of officials that can make decisions without personal bias. It is true that we can never completely rid ourselves of favorites, especially with the influence of subconscious inclinations like the attractiveness of one team’s players versus another’s. It is also true that there are referees that purposely bring their personal agenda onto the court. But there are two things we must remember as athletes, fans, and enemies: first, that refs too are humans, and second, that they hold superlative power over a game’s fate.

Referees, as noble and affluent as they might appear, possess feelings. The mistake several coaches make is to lose their temper in front of their players when protesting bad calls. Not only does that immediately make the ref feel significantly more defensive, but also, a coach’s demeanor, a team’s model of character and guidance, will directly influence that of his or her players.

The observational learning theory and cults prove that if the coach lets loose, the likelihood of the team doing the same jumps incrementally. Referees are also usually personally offended when a coach throws a tantrum for anger’s natural tendency is a personal attack; therefore, once irked, refs can continue to deliver bad calls to their pleasure.

If a ref decides to eject you, you walk out. There’s no supreme court to save you, nor is there such thing as a veto. Your coach and teammates may act as Congress, but note that nothing ever gets done. Therefore, be smart and keep your on your shoulders. Appease the king and he will deliver peace to your village. Play and be merry, mighty peasant.

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Referee Teddy Valentine stares down Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin after he argues against a call.

patankar

Let the athletes own the game...

We’ve all been there. We’ve all had our moments. Yelling at the screen when a referee makes a bad call. Rolling our eyes in frustration because we know that the other team knocked it out of bounds, that our player maintained possession of the ball, whatever. It’s a sports fan thing – a natural part of the process. And although “outsiders” may not understand our pain and might ridicule us for being so emotionally and mentally invested, why can’t we demand justice and fairness in sports? When referees stand in the way of the athletics and botched calls unjustly snatch success away from the unfortunate, the game is not about the game anymore. Sports are a tribute to physical and mental skill and determination. When bureaucracy and politics undermine this testament to talent, what do we have to cheer for?

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant knows exactly how critical a lost opportunity can be. In what many sports fans consider to be a glaring officiating error during the last quarter of the National Football Conference (NFC) Divisional Playoffs, Referee Gene Steratore ruled Bryant’s incredible 31-yard catch at the one-yard-line to be incomplete. Had he not awarded possession to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys might have taken their rightful place at the NFC finals. Bryant’s incredible catch could have gone down in history as a feat of extraordinary athleticism, but instead, it will be forgotten, filed under the category “close but no cigar.”

People may scoff, “Mistakes are just part of the game.” And while occasional mistakes are unavoidable, referees have acquired too much power. Hearing the whistle being blown or seeing a flag thrown have become triggers

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Referees often make calls that are frustrating to athletes.

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for sports fans who hope to watch more than 30 seconds of an uninterrupted game. Sports aren’t sports when two minutes go by with a few brief moments of play. Sports aren’t sports when loyal spectators and fans watch their team’s hopes dwindle at the hands of the referees. Sports aren’t sports when we spend most of the time gazing intently at the backs of black-and-white striped shirts. The referees are the sports police – they should only act when absolutely necessary.

Sports are a celebration of athletes, of endurance, of passion. Whether a wide receiver catches a football with his fingertips or a striker shoots a bullet ball to the corner of the goal or a basketball player lifts off to complete a spectacular dunk, we admire the true spectacle – the will of the human mind and the strength of the human body. We, the masses, do not huddle in the cold and sweat in the heat for the whistles and officiating mistakes. We do not wear the sacred colors to groan over missed chances. Referees should not be interfering with the flow of the game; they should be facilitating the flow of the game. We deserve better – for our team, our players, our city. For our pride.

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By Arti Patankar Sports Editor

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Photo 19

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Friday, January 30, 2015

By Anand Balaji & Gelsey Plaza Staff Writers

photos courtesy costanoan v1 (1965), teacher librarian maile ferreira, & msj green club, coverage led by grace dong and hairol ma. layout by arts and entertainment editor andrea tam.