Issue 05 2018

THE BISHOP’S SCHOOL | | FEBRUARY

The

TOWER ISSUE 05 MMXVIII

IN THIS ISSUE

CUMULATIVES MS. BARRY AS INTERIM WINTER SPORTS SEXUAL ASSAULT OP-ED

The Details Philosophy

Policy

PHILOSOPHY:

The Tower is a student-run publication at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, CA. Writers and editors work together to enhance the Bishop’s community and evoke meaningful conversation through the collection and distribution of news and other information. The Tower aims to educate The Bishop’s community about issues that pertain to the experience of young adults. Sections of The Tower include Academic News, School Culture, Sports News, Arts News, Beyond, Opinion, and The Bell.

Colophon

CONTRIBUTERS: Editor-in-Chief: Emma Oliver Graphics Editors: David Brewer, Sara Michael Copy Editors: Amy Carlyle, Annie Zeigler Sports Editor: Collin Douglas Managing Editor:

POLICY:

Isabelle Kenagy

All materials featured in The Tower are student-produced and/or from the Bishop’s community. All articles connect to the Bishop’s community even when covering an international or domestic story, issue, or event. The Tower works with the administration by communicating about sensitive topics to ensure the safety of Bishop’s students and to confirm all topics are approached in an appropriate manner. The Tower accepts anonymous quotes when the privacy of the individual is a concern.

COLOPHON:

The Tower was printed by Streeter Printing Company in Mira Mesa, CA. For this issue’s layout, the Staff used Adobe InDesign, Adobe CC (CS9), and Photoshop CC (CS9) to arrange photographs and graphics. We printed and distributed 700 copies of Issue 05 to the Bishop’s community. Typefaces included Bookmania on our cover, Cochin Italic, for our headlines and covers, and Times New Roman for our body text. Issue 05 and previous issues of The Tower are available on issuu.com

Online Editor: Collin Douglas Consulting Editor: Jake Stenger Staff Writers: Alyssa Huynh, Harper White, Maya Minagawa, Olivia Ralph Faculty Advisor: Ms. Laine Remignanti

CONTACT:

The Bishop’s School 7607 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 Email: thetower.tbs@bishops.com Website: thetoweronline.squarespace. com Facebook: tbsTower Instagram: thebishopstower

Cover Art by Natalie Slosar (‘19) To learn more about the front and back cover photos, visit pages 24-25 to read Isabelle Kenagy’s (‘19) article.

Editor Letter

W

e spent a lot of time considering the options for our feature article this issue, the staff and I. Traditionally, the features go to the investigative articles, the pieces which embody in-depth, objective reporting and length. But for the first time this year, our featured article is an opinion piece by our Managing Editor, Isabelle Kenagy (‘19). In her article, Isabelle brings forth the topic of sexual assault, an epidemic which spurs our society’s need for feminism, among other reforms. Deemed the word of 2017 by Merriam Webster Dictionaries, feminism should have captivated most everyone’s attention at some point during the past year.

Yet the term at times seems to become a buzzword. To some, the word holds little meaning and denotes the negative stereotypes of angry and man-hating women. To challenge these false conceptions, Dr. Ballard begins her Feminism course with Emma Watson’s UN speech about feminism. In her speech, Watson explains that feminism is not possible without equal participation from men and women. For me, the speech was a reminder that feminism places the onus of change on men and women equally— which seems so obvious, considering equal male-female participation is truly what feminism is about, a quest to equalize the genders. Feminism is not a women’s movement, but an everyone movement, I was reminded.

So, when reading Isabelle’s article, perhaps with the notion that you are not accountable for affecting change, try to maintain an open mind. Just like all the other articles in this issue, I encourage my Bishop’s community to read, engage with, question, and challenge the words before you.

Emma Oliver Editor-in-Chief

3

6.

12.

14.

20.

29.

30.

ACADEMIC NEWS

SEVEN DAYS OF STRESS - AMY CARLYLE APPLYING YOURSELF - MAYA MINAGAWA IN THE INTEREST OF AN INSIDER - ANNIE ZEIGLER YOU’RE NOT IN UNTIL DAY ONE - EMMA OLIVER

ARTS

BETTER WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR - EMMA OLIVER

SPORTS

SENIOR YEAR ATHLETICS: A REFLECTION - COLLIN DOUGLAS BISHOP’S KNIGHTS IN PONYTAILS - ALYSSA HUYNH SPORTS SPREAD

CULTURE

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS - SARA MICHAEL THE QUEEN OF HEARTS - OLIVIA RALPH HARRY’S COFFEE SHOP - DAVID BREWER

OPINION

NET NEUTRALITY - HARPER WHITE SEXUAL ASSAULT AFTER WEINSTEIN - ISABELLE KENAGY

THE BELL

FEBRUARY PLAYLIST TEACHER Q&A VALENTINE’S DAY: SENIOR CRUSHES TOP 10 TEN PARENT’S EMOJI DEFINITIONS

ACADEMIC SEVEN DAYS OF STRESS Amy Carlyle

W

inter is a reminder of cycles: of sunny, fall afternoons growing shorter again; of family coming home for the holidays; of the hot California climate growing cooler; of another calendar year approaching the finish line. For students, it signals the fast-approaching end of a grading period and perhaps the most stressful weeks of the year, full of cumulatives and hours of study.

December 2017 witnessed the latest iteration of the Cumulative Assessment Period, which has endured continuous renovation. The new testing schedule boasts previously unseen features—such as a zero-homework policy—and accommodates the calendar change, tacking on an extra seven-day cycle after Winter Break before the end of the first semester.

While previous versions allowed teachers to assign cumulatives anytime between Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break, the new adaptation condenses all testing and projects into a seven day period, the Cumulative Assessment Period, specifically designed so students are not overwhelmed by overlapping assessments. Each department is assigned a letter day during the week; hopefully, no students should endure more than two exams per day, as only two departments share a rotation. However, should that issue arise, students may reschedule cumulatives

with Academic Dean Ms. Janice Murabayashi.

To maximize studying and project time for students, Bishop’s created strict guidelines for those seven days. The mandatory lack of homework or additional assessments outside of a class’s assigned testing day aim to alleviate additional stresses, while a co-curricular cut-off time of 5:15pm intends to help students get more rest.

feedback from the Math Department; it almost felt like I had opened a hornet’s nest.”

Some members of the Math Department felt that compiling all assessments in roughly a week made for a stressful student experience, despite the absence of homework and additional quizzes or projects outside of the assigned day. Others called for the return of exams, a previous method of testing at Bishop’s in which an entire week was dedicated solely to testing. An anonymous member of the Department wrote, “When we had exams, a week was set aside during which students could focus solely on preparing for and taking exams. Teachers could focus on creating, proctoring, and marking their exams. All students taking the same course took their exams at the same time, thus reducing information leakage. There were proper arrangements to cater to students entitled to extra time.

Exams were a decent two-hour length. No lessons took place, and the exams all took place at the end of the semester. The current system has none of these desirable attributes.”

The World Languages Department, though, is more satisfied with the new Cumulative Assessment Period. According to Department Chair Mrs. Julieta Torres-Worstell, adjusting to the new schedule was difficult, but now knowing what to expect, teachers can adapt how they assess students next year for a smoother cumulative

“WE’RE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE IT WORK.” -MS. JULIETA TORRES-WORSTELL

6

As much as students are affected by testing, the allocated time for cumulatives equally affects teachers and their plans for the semester.

For the Math Department, the Cumulative Assessment Period was not as successful as hoped. Department Chair Ms. Karen Carter reached out to the department asking for feedback: “I would be lying if I didn’t say that many of our math teachers do not seem to be fans of the current system... I got a lot of

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

ACADEMIC

This year, all Semester One cumulative testing was condensed into seven days.

process. She said, “Because this was the first time we did [the Cumulative Assessment Period], I had some challenges. Because we’ve gone to these specific days and we were the first department in the rotation, it was difficult after Thanksgiving to get organized enough for the students to really go through the process without being rushed. I don’t want to cause more stress, so I ended up just giving a regular test. I think yes, it was a missed opportunity, but I will probably try to do this same cumulative assessment at another point when I can really get the students ready.”

Another problem for Language teachers was time. Many classes are assessed with oral and written tests, but with testing time reduced to seventy minutes — and possibly less, due to soft start — accommodating both proved to be a challenge for this first year. “I think it’s too tight to do both in one day,” said Mrs. Torres-Worstell. “Some of us had to make some choices, so we didn’t do an oral presentation or we didn’t do the test. We’re still trying to figure out how to make it work. I think it was more a matter of trying to figure out what to do for the first year.”

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

The Cumulative Assessment Period received mixed reviews from various departments, but its permanence is still a mystery. The Bishop’s 2018-2019 Academic Calendar, released via email in December, reverts back to first semester ending prior to Winter Break. Will testing, like the calendar, undergo another change, or is Cumulative Assessment Period here to stay?

7

ACADEMIC APPLYING YOURSELF Maya Minagawa

E

very Bishop’s student knows that admission to this institution was involved Spending hours on the application, facing the often intimidating interview, and proving your worth via standardized test — the process for some could be terrifying. The whole process may seem more in line with what one might imagine in a college application.

In order to apply to an independent school like Bishop’s, prospective students must take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the SSAT, standardized tests consisting of multiple choice sections of verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, mathematics achievement, and a writing sample.

According to Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Mrs. Kim Cooper, the essay portion is a valuable aspect of the test. As Mrs. Cooper explained, it is the only independent and spontaneous writing sample that admissions will see.

The writing section carries the natural voice of the applicant without influence from peers or parents.

Yet, contrary to independent schools, many colleges and universities do not require the candid writing samples of the SAT and ACT tests.

Nonetheless, they are considered when an applicant provides the writing samples along with test scores. As Harvard graduate Ellen McCammon writes on the PrepScholar website, “Some college admissions offices have the philosophy that all of the information they can get is useful in evaluating applicants. The Writing section [of the ACT or SAT] provides another data point on a student’s language and writing skills in addition to transcripts and admissions essays.”

A prospective Bishop’s student

8

PTED

ACCE

must also complete an application. In the application, students are asked a range of questions— about themselves, their opinions, their aspirations. When reviewing the application, Mrs. Cooper explained, the committee looks for an indication of how the person will enjoy their years at Bishop’s. Will they take advantage of what the school has to offer?

Will they contribute a fresh perspective or bring something to the community?

Do their personal values and those of their family align with our mission and purpose? Will each individual bring their whole self to the school and not leave a part of themself at home?

In comparison to a prestigious college, Yale University’s admissions page also indicates a similar angle in evaluating applicants: “As we carefully and respectfully review every application, two questions guide our admissions team: ‘Who is likely to make the most of Yale’s resources?’ and ‘Who will contribute most significantly to the Yale community?’”

UCLA’s website details similar claims: “These select applicants are the ones who would contribute the most to UCLA’s dynamic learning environment; they are also the applicants who would make the most of being immersed in it.”

Kelsey Chodorow (‘18), said having gone through both the Bishop’s and college processes, “I’m a Head Am-

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

bassador [for Admissions], so I talk to new families and help with tours; I’ve watched families go through this process, and at the same time, I’m applying to colleges. It honestly seems like the same process.”

A major contrast between the application to Bishop’s and college, however, is the value placed on the interview. At many colleges, an interview is trivial, and some eliminate that step altogether. At any educational institution, there are students who are drawn to the school for many different reasons, Mrs. Cooper said, some academic, others co-curricular such as athletics, performing arts, travel, academic competitions, and more. The Bishop’s interview is the place to get to know a candidate, understand their values, what their passions and interests are and offer admission to students who will thrive and make the most of the school.

Essentially, Bishop’s looks at a student’s file as a whole— transcripts and test scores, but also including recommendations, writings and essays, and knowledge gained from the interview and time in person spent with them; colleges generally look at the same things, and in the end, the vetting processes for both simplify to the common goal of a holistic review for every applicant.

ACADEMIC SAM KEAN COMES TO BISHOP’S

Sam Kean signs his second book, The Violinist’s Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, for students who attended his 6:30 p.m. lecuture.

On Thursday, January 25, the Shaffer Family Foundation Science Lecture Series brought renowned author Sam Kean to campus. This best-selling science writer and lecturer spoke to the whole school and smaller class groups, including AP Psychology and Chemistry classes. Sam’s clever and engaging stories have allowed many to enjoy science via literature.

Senior Kartik Bhagatwala (‘18) speaks with Sam Kean after his all school enrichment.

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

9

ACADEMIC IN THE INTEREST OF AN INSIDER Annie Zeigler

O

nce our Head of School, Ms. Aimeclaire Roche, announced she will not be returning to Bishop’s next year, the community jumped to the question, “Who’s next?”

For the 2018-2019 school year, Ms. Carol Barry, the current Head of Middle School, is taking over as interim Head of School. The process of finding a new, permanent Head of School is complicated and not one that administrators want to rush, so Ms. Barry’s fillin provides a cushion to keep the search thorough.

After researching and interviewing potential consultant group members on campus, the Bishop’s Board of Trustees selected Tom Hudnut and Debbie Reed of Resource Group 175 (RG175) to assist in electing a new Head of School. Mr. Hudnut has led students himself, with experience as Head of School at Norwood School, Branson School, and Harvard-Westlake School. Ms. Reed was also Head of School at Harvard-Westlake, as well as Polytechnic School and Seven Hills School.

RG175 began to look for a new Head of School shortly after word of Ms. Roche’s departure, yet in the time provided found that hiring someone who was already involved in the Bishop’s community was the more logical option. “It’s really hard for a person from the outside to come in and be the interim for a year. This is a complicated school, so having someone who doesn’t have to acclimate as much and knows what’s going on makes for a much easier future transition to the new Head of School,” said Ms. Barry.

It seems as though Ms. Barry and the Bishop’s administration want to hone in on current projects next year, rather than begin any new ones. But in

10

terms of advancing those projects, Ms. Barry is not intimidated by the narrow time frame of a single school year. “I know some of the big initiatives are to get our STEM program off the ground and to continue to work with our faculty on Harkness, and there’s no reason that work can’t go forward,” she said. “There’s no reason that anything we want to accomplish in the next five years has to be put on hold. I’m not interested in the [permanent job] eventually, but there’s no reason that every-

Roche. We are encouraged by the great number of applicants who have already expressed interest and look forward to presenting some wonderful candidates to the community soon.”

Ms. Barry’s visions for her successor are similar. “I think [the search committee] is looking for someone who is approachable and visible on campus, someone that people feel comfortable talking to and expressing any concerns they have,” she said. “We wish for someone who can look at the history and the traditions of the school and keep those while still growing into an organization that’s going to prepare kids for what’s happening in the future.”

Current ASBC President, Clarke Eastman-Pinto (‘18), has grown close to the Bishop’s administration and developed an idea of the type of person that would most benefit the school.

“The next Head of School should be a charismatic leader one that seldom shies away from interaction with students, faculty, alumni, or parents,” he said. “We need a people-person with a robust motivation to improve the school every day.”

Despite high expectations, considering the high amount of expertise on the search committee, the next Head of School is bound to improve the Bishop’s community.

“THIS IS A COMPLICATED SCHOOL, SO HAVING SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T HAVE TO ACCLIMATE AS MUCH MAKES FOR A MUCH EASIER FUTURE TRANSITION TO THE NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL” - MS. BARRY thing we’re working on right now can’t be taken into next year.”

The person who does take over in the long run, according to Dean of Students Ms. Janice Murabayashi and one of two faculty members on the search committee, should be “a strong leader who not only embodies each element of the Fundamental Standard but also continues the great work done by current Head of School Aimeclaire

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

ACADEMIC YOU’RE NOT IN UNTIL DAY ONE Emma Oliver

W

hen Bishop’s seniors receive notice that they have been accepted to a college, many may think that, finally, they have solidified their next four years of studies. But as ten high school seniors from across the U.S. recently learned, there is no guarantee. These students found their acceptance to Harvard rescinded.

Colleges may rescind acceptance to incoming students for a multiple of reasons: a sudden drop in grades (a known result of second semester “senioritis”), a school disciplinary or criminal infraction, or, in Harvard’s case, behavior by incoming freshman that is deemed unacceptable by the college.

Many colleges and universities have sponsored platforms on Facebook for their incoming freshman classes.

Harvard’s Class of 2021 Admitted Students Facebook group is where a number of students met, and decided to form an offshoot group that liked memes and other jokes.

This is where things got ugly.

According to The Harvard Crimson, “students sent each other memes and other images mocking sexual assault, the Holocaust, and the deaths of children.” At one point, the name of the group was “Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens.”

Upon learning of the Facebook group and its offensive memes and content, Harvard rescinded the acceptance of at least ten individuals who posted in the private group-chat.

“I feel like it most likely never crossed the Harvard kids’ minds that they might be at risk of being rescinded— although there’s definitely a point where their common sense needs to kick in,” noted recent Bishop’s graduate Nick Barber (‘17). “They should have used better judgment.”

“WE WOULD HAVE WONDERED ABOUT THE JUDGMENT OF SOMEONE WHO SPENDS THEIR TIME ON THEIR MOBILE PHONE AND MAKES SUCH AWFUL REMARKS.” - COLGATE DEAN OF ADMISSION GARY ROSS

Incoming college freshmen often use social media to connect with future classmates. Mr. Beamer, Dean of Students at Bishop’s, notes, “My guess is that the majority of what students do online is totally appropriate.” But Mr. Beamer believes that online peer pressure can build when students are on sites without a governing force to moderate.

Graduate Karinne Aguirre (‘17) posted an introduction in her college Facebook group when she was first admitted. But apart from that, she did not interact much with the group.

Karinne believes that such groups can help ease transitions to college, as long as they are used appropriately: “None of us knew what to expect, but knowing that everyone else didn’t know what to expect either it made it a bit better.”

But admissions officers check other forms of social media, apart from Facebook. In the New York Times, journalist Natasha Singer reported that a prospective student tweeted multiple derogatory remarks about others in her group at an information session at Bowdoin College. Needless to say, she was not accepted at Bowdoin.

As Scott Meiklejohn, Bowdoin’s Admissions Dean, noted, “We would have wondered about the judgment of someone who spends their time on their mobile phone and makes

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

such awful remarks.”

The New York Times also reported that Gary Ross, Dean of Admissions at Colgate College believes in direct conversations with accepted students if his school learns of a potential concern through student social media.

In one case Dean Ross did call an accepted student to ask them directly if a reported incident on social media with alcohol was in fact true. Upon receiving confirmation of the incident, Colgate rescinded the offer of admissions to the student.

Learning that you have been accepted to college is exciting. But as students accepted at Harvard, Colgate, and many other institutions have learned, that acceptance carries certain responsibilities that colleges and universities take seriously.

As a collegiate athlete Lauren Flaming (‘17) observed, “Even when an athlete receives their official acceptance, it is still necessary to stay on top of things because now the athlete represents their college and they are expected, by their university and coaches, to represent it well.”

With many ways for admissions offices to check in on prospective students, it is important to remember that colleges can and will rescind offers of acceptance if they believe there is good cause to do so.

11

ARTS

BETTER WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR Emma Oliver

“Shade Comic”

M

itchell Lyons— graphic artist, comic designer, short film producer, airport enthusiast, humorist, and creative mind— now takes his turn in the Manchester Library to display his artwork.

Unlike the science-art synthesis of Flora (Yue) Chen (‘18) or the virtual worlds of Ian Walker (‘18), Mitchell’s art brings a new and refreshing lightheartedness to the student art exhibit scene.

Mitchell said it best himself: “I feel that silliness is sort of a lost section of art that people tend to dismiss as ‘not professional.’”

Mitchell’s art and the work that each piece undergoes, as it turns out, is quite professional. His teacher and mentor,

12

Chair of the Visual Arts Department Ms. Elizabeth Wepsic admires his drive to improve his work: “Mitchell was always eager to learn whatever specific drawing skill he needed to make his animations come to life. I remember him eagerly learning about linear perspective and quickly applying it to his work.”

Never afraid to share his work and always working, Mitchell is a prolific artist who has developed a collection of uniquely-Mitchell cartoons and map drawings. As Ms. Wepsic said, “Mitchell stands out as a unique individual who has always had a clear vision for his art.”

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

When did you start doing art?

Depends on what you want to call “art.” I’ve been drawing maps since kindergarten, slowly improving and changing up the road types, styles, and designs. My more animation or comic-strip-methods of art started around fourth grade and really took off in sixth grade, when I got my first animation software.

What is your favorite medium to work with?

I almost always try to finish off my art in Photoshop. Digital Art makes everything look cleaner, for the most part— not to mention making it much easier to color things in.

Is there a uniting theme or message that you would like your art to communicate?

Most people think of art as pretentious drivel, people trying to put a meaning layers deep under the surface of what is actually being shown. I don’t like to put deeper messages into my art

ARTS

“Pizza Table”

unless I have a good reason to. When I draw a map of a city that doesn’t exist, I’m not making a social commentary on anything in particular— I just like designing cities. When I draw a crazy person speeding down a highway in a cube shaped car, it was just a thing that I wanted to draw. If anything, the message I want to communicate is: if you want to make something, nothing’s stopping you from making it. I like drawing maps and cartoons, so guess what? I use my time draw maps and cartoons.

How did you select the pieces for the exhibit?

Is there any sort of theme you created?

For the most part, the overarching theme of my exhibit is the universe of Animal World, a world I created centered around my comic of the same name. The airport I designed that I put on display is an airport that exists in Animal World. All of the logos on

the wall are logos for the universities in Animal World.

What kind of thoughts or feelings do you hope your pieces evoke in their viewers?

I hope my work invokes a sense of awe or interest— something that grabs the attention of anyone walking by. When I see a map of anything, I am immediately drawn to it and can spend hours just staring at the details and inner workings of it. I hope people can share those feelings of interest with me.

What does your art mean to you?

To me, my work means that I’ve spent my time doing something productive that other people can enjoy in their free time. That’s my favorite part of creating: the hope that someone, somewhere, will be able to waste their time becoming enveloped in my own work, whether it be a map, a cartoon, or a silly joke.

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

“Cheddar City”

What does your creative process look like?

Whenever I feel like doing something, I try to do it. I don’t have a set schedule. I probably should, though.

How has your style changed over the years?

I’ve tried to make my human drawing more realistic— or at least more believable. And through the process, I have somehow gone in a completely opposite direction, where I can’t draw humans realistically at all— which I am fine with, because I love cartoons and comics and a silly style of art Will you continue your work beyond high school? What role do you think art will play in your future?

It depends! I guess we’ll have to see. Until I find out my true path for the next four years, I am going to keep doing what I’ve been doing: expanding my universe of Animal World, whenever I feel like it.

13

Klara Chisholm (‘18)

WINTER SPORTS BASKETBALL

Conrad Tempel (‘18)

GIRL’S WATERPOLO Mozes Mooney (‘18), Chris Rose (‘19)

SPORTS

SENIOR YEAR ATHLETICS: A REFLECTION Collin Douglas

I

Senior Ariana Bockstahler (‘18) eyeing down her target.

n the midst of league play, and as CIF rankings begin to settle in, the student-athletes of The Bishop’s School are beginning to feel the pressure of playoffs, league titles, and championships. For the seniors in particular, especially those playing varsity for the fourth year, this feeling is second nature. With the pressures of college looming over, and graduation rapidly approaching, are seniors’ perspectives towards sports changing?

“Freshman year, I think most of sports was trying hard to prove yourself as an athlete,” said Ethan Le (‘18).

“It was competing [for a chance] to accomplish the things you hoped to do.

Over time, I realized that I most likely wouldn’t reach [Division 1]. When you realize that high school sports won’t last much longer, it becomes something you do for enjoyment.” Ethan elaborated that this realization did not stop him from working hard, but, as he put it, helped him focus “less on self glory but

just playing for your team and with the people you care about.”

Even for Ariana Bockstahler (‘18), who committed to University of California Irvine for water polo this fall, “it’s different.” As the future Anteater continued, “I don’t have the pressure anymore to get into college, but I am also an upperclassman so I feel the need to lead the [high school] team as well.” For Ariana, much like Ethan, her attention has turned towards her teammates as she strives to create a final experience in high school water polo filled with memories, rather than placing all of the weight of the season on a championship trophy (or lack-thereof).

As much fun as senior year is, the ups and downs of the college process, the dwindling importance of grades, and the plummeting motivation makes the ticking time bomb of graduation a reality. In a matter of months, 131 seniors will leave this campus and continue their studies or interests world-

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

wide. The wins and losses throughout high school eventually become meaningless without joy. Ethan, who played basketball since the seventh grade (and varsity his junior year), made the bold decision to end his basketball career a season early and elected instead to play his first season of Bishop’s soccer senior year. “I know I’m not the best, but I want to make those memories. I wanted to prove to myself: that even as a senior, you can still work hard, impact underclassmen, and most importantly, enjoy yourself. Like in baseball, I’m probably never going to get playing time, but just being out there with the guys, it’ll become something that I enjoy and will remember for a long time.”

Senior year is supposed to be fun. As college deadlines come and go, and the importance of grades begins to slowly plummet (along with motivation), the ticking time bomb that is graduation becomes a reality.

15

SPORTS

BISHOP’S KNIGHTS IN PONYTAILS Alyssa Huynh

A

fter getting hurt my first game of my high school soccer season, I had a lot of time to watch my team from the perspective of a spectator sitting on the bench watching games and practices. On the field, as an attacking center midfielder, you don’t really get a sense of how much defending your teammates do to fix your mistakes as after messing up a play. But from the bench, I saw it all.

To start, there is Caitlin Hendricks (‘18); the Johns Hopkins University committed athlete is a two-year captain and the guard of the goal. Any soccer player knows that being a goalie is not easy; it is a position with intense pressure. Caitlin views her role as the last line of defense: “It allows for your teammates to really count on you because at the end of the day, I am the last person before the ball goes in the net.” With only eight goals against her this season, Hendricks is practically a wall, having an average of 9.3 saves per game.

Although Hendricks plays in the Developmental Academy (DA) Program—which usually prevents an athlete from playing high school soccer, she worked to make sure she could experience her senior year with the Bishop’s team. She was permitted to do this because US Soccer (the national soccer organization) recognizes that the program is new and difficult to adjust to, so they allow female DA players to take a break from the club season and contribute to their high school team.

In front of Caitlin on the field stands Caroline Alleyne (‘19) and Julia Chen (‘20). Their defense is impressive considering that they do not normally play defense during the off season. Caroline’s main sport is volleyball and Julia plays right forward on her club team.

16

Caroline helps the team not only as a defender, but as the team’s leading scorer, with four goals on her back thus far.

Her powerful free kick also contributes much to an aggressive attack. Regarding her contribution to the team, Caroline humbly remarked, “I think I contribute laughs. Like [Coach] Yuki tells me, I’m a little too silly. I make people laugh by my laugh.” She enjoys the team’s diver-

her assisting or scoring multiple goals, she is essential to the team. Seemingly effortlessly, she is able to both slow and speed up the pace of the game based her perception of what the team needs.

Head Coach Brian Quinn comments on Julia and Caroline’s contributions: “The Bishop’s Girls Varsity team is fortunate to have two outstanding center backs who can defend, pass out of the

Julia Chen (‘20) runs down the field at a home game.

sity of age and appreciates being able to bond with both upper and underclassmen.

Julia’s speed makes even the Flash look like a tortoise. She sprints to intercept opposing breakaways, or occasionally, to run up on her own.

Although the statistics might not show

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

back, and most importantly recognize situations when they are in a position to ‘clear’ and when to ‘play’ out of the back line.”

Emily White (‘18) is the team’s right outside back, able to attack with her speed dribbling while also defending with her strength and aggressive

SPORTS “I LIKE DEFENSE BECAUSE THERE IS ONE GOAL, ONE MISSION, AND THAT IS TO STOP THE OTHER TEAM FROM SCORING.” -EMILY WHITE (‘18)

Defender Emily White (‘18) clears the ball during a home game.

mental toughness. On the offensive side, she goes above and beyond her position requirements. Given space, she dribbles forward until more open options appear for the team’s attack.

Her first priority is to always look for a forward in the 18-yard box to cross the ball to in order to finesse a goal. Emily has even scored a goal this season. On

durance to relentlessly attack down the line and find open players. When the team has an attacking corner opportunity, she stays back to hold down the fort, delay any counter attacks, and put any loose balls back in the play. With an attack on the right so strong, you might assume a weaker left, but with Christie in place, an opponent might wonder if the Bishop’s team even has a defensive weakness.

While our offensive line is also top-notch, the girls’ varsity soccer team would not be as successful as we are without Caitlin, Caroline, Julia, Emily, or Christie. Assistant Coach David Johnston sums up the contributions of the defensive line perfectly, saying, “We are again fortunate to have a keeper and a back four gifted with incredible speed, strength, awareness, and poise.

Their ability to read, anticipate, and, above all, work together as a cohesive unit allow them to defuse opposing attacks and gracefully turn them into offensive opportunities.”

the defensive side, she wins headers, 50-50 balls, and all one-on-one plays; she wins them all. “I like defense because there is one goal, one mission, and that is to stop the other team from scoring,” Emily says.

Last but not least, Christie Linnard (‘20) plays left defender. The cross country star uses her hard-earned en-

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

17

CULTURE NEW YEAR, SAME TRADITIONS Sara Michael

T

Parents serve traditional Lunar New Year dishes from last year’s celebrations during lunch at Bishop’s.

he fondest memories of my childhood in China are from Chinese New Year. I remember looking out of my window every night, watching the sky glow with reds, greens, and golds. I remember my grandmother’s pork dumplings, hot and bursting with spice and salt. After I moved to San Diego in the sixth grade, I was afraid that New Year’s would lose its meaning since I was no longer in China. When I learned how my friends celebrated New Year’s, I was amazed by all their different responses; each holiday meant something different to every person. Here are some of the traditions that I have learned about from other Bishopians.

18

LUNAR NEW YEAR:

Lunar New Year, a holiday that originated around 2300 BC, celebrates the turn of the year based on the Lunar Calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon, as well as the arrival of spring. Today, Lunar New Year is not only observed in China, but in many East Asian countries that use the traditional Chinese Lunar Calendar, such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Because Lunar New Year is based on the cycles of the moon, the week of celebrations begins and ends on a different day each year. This year, Chinese New Year will begin on Friday, Febru-

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

ary 16, and continue until February 21.

Bishop’s has celebrated Lunar New Year with festivities including Korean drum dancing and traditional Chinese and Korean Calligraphy. Last year, the cafeteria prepared fish for lunch, a significant dish for Lunar New Year because the word ‘fish’ in Chinese also sounds like the word ‘abundance’.

ROSH HASHANAH:

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, falls on the first and second days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish Calendar. The two days of Rosh Hashanah precede the Ten Days of Repentance, which ushers in the Day of

CULTURE

Part of the Bishop’s celebration of Lunar New Year included Korean drumming during lunch.

Atonement, or Yom Kippur. Melanie Schwimmer (‘19) described some of the traditional activities: “[Jewish] people eat apples in honey which symbolizes a sweet new year, and they also eat round challah to symbolize a round New Year.

Then there’s the shofar [a ram’s horn used for Jewish religious purposes], and blowing into it symbolizes the arrival of the New Year.”

Because most people in Israel celebrate Rosh Hashanah, New Year’s Eve, according to the Gregorian Calendar, is not observed. Sydney Gerlach (‘20) traveled to Israel over Winter Break and said, “In Israel, our tour guide was telling us that they call New Year’s Sylvester because, in the Christian calendar, it is believed that the

first pope named Sylvester was born on New Year’s Day. A lot of Israelis don’t like calling the day that because the Church during Sylvester’s time was very anti-semitic. That’s why New Year’s isn’t a big deal in Israel. To the rest of Israel, [January 1] is just another day.”

NOWRUZ:

Iranian New Year, or Nowruz, marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also the Baha’i New Year which breaks a 19 day fast. When the equinox comes, Iranian families gather around a ceremonial table known as the haftseen, which is then decorated with seven items. Nikki Keramati (‘19) said, “There’s a tradition of put-

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

ting down seven items with the sound “s” in Farsi on the table that represents different things. They go like this: coins to represent good business, vinegar to represent living a long and healthy life, sprouted lentils to represent having a life green like nature, apples so you may always be full with good food, garlic for good health, and senjed, a dried fruit that represents love.”

I remember anticipating my first New Year in San Diego, and worrying that I’d be celebrating the holiday alone, but soon learned that although New Year’s might be different in every culture—and even occur at different times in the year—the feelings of excitement, gratitude, and hope are universal.

19

CULTURE THE QUEEN OF HEARTS Olivia Ralph

“L

ife is like a box of chocolates. You never know occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromowhat you’re gonna get.” some 21. After various genetic tests were conducted on

This famous line from the movie Forrest the whole family, Eric was diagnosed with a 14/21 transGump illustrates the ambiguity of life and learning to wel- location— an extra chromosome 21 became attached to come fate. But, while many people cite and cherish this chromosome 14. This rare form of the syndrome typicalline, it always left me hanging. And what am I supposed to ly occurs when the mother is a carrier. But as Ms. Zeddo if I get one with gross, fruity filling? alis explained, both her and her husband had a normal

Upon entering AP Biology, science teacher Ms. karyotype, or appearance of chromosomes. This means Julianne Zedalis quickthe infrequent form of ly answered my question the genetic disease was as she conveyed a paraleven more uncommon lel message: “You cannot as it was not genetically change the cards you are passed to the child from dealt, just how you play his parents. the hand.” She shared this “Scientists and doctors guiding principle to our are always looking for a class on the first day of cause with a ‘there’s got school and it has resonated to be a reason for this’ with me ever since. mentality. However, as

Before coming to I’ve learned, stuff just Bishops in 1998, Ms. Zedahappens: it’s spontalis was dealt a difficult hand neous,” said Ms. Zedalis. of cards. After graduating Following the gefrom Occidental College netic testing, at fifin Los Angeles, she moved teen-months-old Eric to Kentucky with her husendured major heart band, a West Point gradusurgery along with six ate serving at Fort Knox. other surgical proce On March 20, dures throughout his 1980, Ms. Zedalis gave life. The family of three birth prematurely to her left Kentucky for Dallas, first child, Eric. “About Texas, where there was eight weeks before Eric was better access to sufficient due, I went into labor. It medical care. was the first time and only Four years after Eric time, knock on wood, that I was born, the couple rehave been in an ambulance… Ms. Zedalis holds her six month old granddaughter, gained the courage to have Isabella (Bel Bel).

I was scared to death. Thira second child and in 1984, ty-three hours of labor later, Zedalis gave birth to a baby Eric was born,” said Ms. Zedalis. “While my husband at girl whom they named Kelly. Six months later, Mark told the time, Mark, was changing out of his surgical suit, the his wife he “just couldn’t do this anymore,” so Ms. Zedalis doctor said to me, ‘I think your son has Down syndrome.’ became the sole guardian for both children, leaving the I was hysterical.” No genetic testing had been done before kids’ father responsible for lifelong child-support paythe doctor broke the news to Ms. Zedalis: rather, he had ments. observed an abnormal number of lines on Eric’s palm, a After the divorce, Ms. Zedalis moved to Albusign of Down syndrome. querque, New Mexico, with her children where she was

The most common variation of Down syndrome supported by her mother, father, and brother. She bal-

20

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

CULTURE anced teaching sixth grade science and AP Biology at Albuquerque Academy with being a full-time caregiver and mother. Years later, she and her children moved to San Diego, and she began teaching at Bishop’s.

Her daughter Kelly attended Bishop’s, playing for the varsity soccer team and eventually graduating from Occidental College as an economics major. Eric attended Scripps Ranch High School and during his time there, managed the school’s football team. During Eric’s senior year of highschool, the Scripps Ranch Football team nominated Eric as Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his dedication and support to the team.

To d a y, both children live very full lives. Kelly gave birth to her first daughter, Isabella, in July of 2017 and recently stepped away from the corporate world to be a full-time mom. A new grandma, Ms. Zedalis shared that she is “really proud of Kelly for finding her own path.”

Eric works full-time in the dining hall at Point Loma Nazarene University. Ms. Zedalis speaks highly of her son: “[Eric] has his own bank account. He lives with me but totally takes care of himself. He loves sports: he’s an absolute sports fanatic. We go to Padres games, he has a cadre of friends, he knows what he likes at Starbucks, he loves his polo shirts with the big horse, and he has Nike shoes, a collection of Rayban sunglasses, and watches. He does his own thing, and he enjoys everything he does.”

A single mother, Ms. Zedalis raised two very unique, admirable, and successful individuals. Her parenting motto for Eric was to “expose him to everything, just like any other child, and let him limit himself.”

Beyond demonstrating endless support for her children, Ms. Zedalis found her passion in teaching. She has taught all over the world at numerous universities and high schools including biology at the University of Maryland in Heidelberg, Germany, where most of her students were older than her; biology at the University of

Kentucky; and anatomy at a community college nursing school in Dallas, Texas. Ms. Zedalis expressed that she is “especially proud for my contributions as part of the College Board and my role as a co-chair for the committee that wrote the current AP Biology curriculum and exams.”

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Zedalis has a passion for reading: “I am obsessed with mysteries and best-sellers. To me, to open a hard copy of a book is therapeutic.” As Ms. Zedalis said, she “could live in Barnes and Noble.”

Despite being handed a challenging set of cards, Ms. Zedalis continues to demonstrate resilience by being an engaged teacher, mother, and also by pursuing her own intellectual interests. There is no single adjective I could use to describe Ms. Zedalis’ character and demeanor; her tender and tenacious heart is present in each conversation and lecture. She handled all of her hardship with sophistication and grit, proving to be an “amazing role model on campus,” as stated by one of her students, Caroline Alleyne (‘19).

As Ms. Zedalis sees it, she’s learned a great deal from all that she has been faced with in her life. “For a long time after going through difficulty in life, there’s going to be anger, there’s going to be emotion, there’s going to be negativity… somehow from within, you have to gut that out and get through it because [the negativity] always turns around. You will become a stronger, better person because of it. You just stick to who you are and go from there.”

“YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE CARDS YOU ARE DEALT, JUST HOW YOU PLAY THE HAND.”

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

21

A Poem Dedicated to Eric: “Knowing” Julianne Zedalis

Will never fit in, might not walk,

do math, play basketball, get angry.

Do you want to keep him? they asked.

Maybe he won’t live, another said.

Handicapped, they whispered, and bowed their heads.

And they didn’t even know him.

An extra bit of heredity, a few more genes, might not read, drive a car, laugh, cry.

Our condolences, some offered.

Are you afraid? others questioned.

Yes we replied, and bowed our heads.

You can always have another child.

But he’s our son.

And they didn’t even know him.

A bad heart. Murmurs.

They shook their heads.

Should we operate? the surgeons asked.

Sound we test? the teachers queried.

Are you afraid?

Why us? we asked.

Because, just because.

But he’s our son.

They didn’t even know him.

22

He grew, he cried, he laughed,

rode a trike, pushed a scooter,

stacked blocks, made a sandwich.

Not a murmur to be heard.

Nintendo, Hardy Boys, Mutant Turtles,

Dallas Cowboys.

Our fears subsiding.

Spelled A-N-T-A-R-C-T-I-C-A at eleven.

But you can always have another.

They didn’t even know him.

Four years later, a baby sister.

How many toes? Ten fingers.

You can always have another.

What is handicapped? she asked.

Why is handicapped? she questioned.

I’ll help him, she said at seven.

I’ll love him because you had another.

And because he’s my brother.

Didn’t even know him.

Tucked sister in at night and helped

her with math.

Earned merit badges, cheered the team,

got mad.

And sometimes got even.

Held my hand when I was sick

and cried when Papa passed away.

Why me? he asked.

Because, we replied. JUST BECAUSE.

And we weren’t afraid.

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

CULTURE 58 YEARS IN LA JOLLA David Brewer

H

arry J. Rudolph Jr. grew up in 1920s New York. He was an avid baseball fan and later became a batboy for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1957, Harry followed the Dodgers to Los Angeles. After a few years in LA, Harry headed south to La Jolla, where, in 1960, he founded Harry’s Coffee Shop. Fifty-eight years later and Harry’s remains a La Jolla staple.

The former bat boy and his family drew inspiration from the Brooklyn style diners they frequented back in New York. Harry Rudolph Jr, his wife Catherine, his mother Susie, and his dad Harry Sr. worked to establish the diner as a staple of La Jolla. Two generations later, Harry J. Rudolph IV and his two brothers own and run the restaurant. While this generation does not open up shop every morning, know the names of every guest, or oversee every detail of the diner as Harry Jr. did, don’t be surprised to see a member of the Rudolph family behind the counter.

The walls of the diner are checkered with photos documenting the lives of the Rudolphs. Of the countless photos, no two are the same size or have the same frame.

The section of wall nearest the entrance is filled with snapshots from

FIFTY-EIGHT YEARS LATER AND HARRY’S REMAINS A LA JOLLA STAPLE. Harry Jr.’s time with both the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers. Opposite that section of photos reside various paintings and photos from around the time the diner was established, among them are a number of Norman Rockwell prints.

On the far side of the diner, surfing photography lines the walls, acting as a testament to surfing’s prevalence in La Jolla.

There is nothing particularly surprising about Harry’s Coffee Shop.

A man sitting in the booth across from me told me that he has been coming here four days a week for the last four years. He says that it is the diner’s consistency that keeps him coming back.

This consistency is also what our waiter, Leo, described as the best part about Harry’s.

In the eyes of local La Jollans, Harry’s lack of change or innovation is its best quality. The diner’s famous hash brown recipe hasn’t been touched since the 60s, and the twelve different omelet varieties have remained the same for as long as anyone can remember. The menu offers no exciting new dish, but has everything you would expect from a classic American diner.

Whether as a group of friends before school, as an advisory, or as a

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

class, Bishop’s students can be found at Harry’s nearly every day of the week.

Layne Faltinsky (‘18) fondly remembers the Bishop’s girls’ volleyball team going to Harry’s for breakfast. “Todd [Mattox] took us all to Harry’s, and we had a super fun time. We all ate together. Then he paid for all of us, and it was the cutest thing ever. The food is good and the ambiance is really nice.” Going to Harry’s as a team isn’t an uncommon event in the Bishop’s community, with teams such as football, boys golf, girls soccer, and girls water polo coming together for a meal at Harry’s.

At 8:45 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, Harry’s Coffee Shop was full of men in suits and ties, some discussing business and some getting ready to go to work. The twenty four men at the diner are testament to the quality of the diner’s coffee and food. Harry’s Coffee Shop isn’t a place to find your new favorite kind of pancake, but rather a place to rediscover the charm of a family- run American diner.

23

OPINION

TALK IS CHANGE: SEXUAL ASSAULT AFTER WEINSTEIN Isabelle Kenagy

A

nyone who has glanced at a headline since Oc- Portman so eloquently stated while presenting, “And here are tober knows that our society is going through a the all-male nominees.” much-needed transformation.

Oprah Winfrey delivered, in my opinion, an incred In every inibly empowering and dustry, women are monumental speech. speaking out about After becoming the the systemic sexual first African Amerabuse that persists ican woman to win in our society. Over the Cecil B. DeMille 100 high-profile men Lifetime Achievehave been accused of ment Award, she gave sexual assault since an emotional speech the powerful Harsaying, “I want all the vey Weinstein story girls watching here, broke. These accused now, to know that individuals cover ala new day is on the most every industry, horizon. And when from former presithat new day finaldent George H. W. ly dawns, it will be Bush to celebrity chef because of a lot of Mario Batali to Today magnificent women, Show anchor Matt The marchers gather in the Civic Center plaza, preparing to take the streets to march in many of whom are Lauer. And the accusaright here in this room the 2018 Women’s March. tions keep coming. tonight, and some

Recently, the pretty phenomenal 2018 Golden Globes men, fighting hard to unofficially recogmake sure that they nized the Time’s Up become the leaders initiative, a program who take us to the started by several time when nobody prominent Hollyever has to say ‘me wood figures, which too’ again.” focuses on creating Since then, the a better world for all second Women’s marginalized people March took place who experience sexuwith women once al violence and abuse. again coming togethActresses and actors er to rally for equal wore black at the rights. At the march, event to show solisigns scattered the darity with the movestreets reading #Mement. Many women Marchers hold their signs as they walk down West Broadway in Downtown, San Diego. Too and #TimesUp. also recognized the At the Washington movement in their acceptance speeches. Unfortunately, no D.C. march, Halsey opened up to the crowd with a spoken men acknowledged it in their own speeches, and most of the word poem detailing her lifelong experience with abuse. It nominees were male. We still have a ways to go. As Natalie brought tears to my eyes and sent chills down the spines of

24

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

OPINION IT’S A HARD TOPIC THAT PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT. BISHOP’S, AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE COUNTRY, JUST CONTINUES TO AVOID TALKING ABOUT IT. many other women around the world.

With over 25 million views, the video is worth watching.

Sexual assault is not just a problem in the workforce. Hollywood actresses, it turns out, are not the only ones who’ve come face-to-face with sexual predators. Here at Bishop’s, we also deal with sexual assault. According to a Department of Justice statistic, 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls will be sexually assaulted before age 18. While this statistic might sound unbelievable to some and is not necessarily specific to Bishop’s, it shows that sexual assault and harassment are issues before one enters the “real world.”

The school has shown that they have some understanding of this issue by inviting sexual assault activist and educator Mr. Jeff Bucholtz to speak at an upper school assembly last year, among other efforts. This year, Mr. Bucholtz has returned to facilitate classes for the Associated Student Body Council (ASBC) and Peer Support in helping to emphasize respect within our community.

To me, it seems that since October there has been an arising safe haven

in our society for victims of sexual assault. Victims have come forward. And in turn, their assaulters have lost their livelihoods, their friends, and much more. But this leaves me wondering, where is Bishop’s in this movement?

There has been little to no discussion of this incredibly important and recent societal shift, which moves towards punishing assailants, rather than protecting them, and giving victims a voice, rather than silencing them. Of course some classes and groups have discussed the recent events concerning sexual assault, but most have not and there has been no official discussion.

As Izzy Reitz (‘18) said, “Since so many sexual assault cases have been uncovered in our country, I’m surprised that Bishop’s hasn’t organized any sort of talk or meeting surrounding the recent events. [Sexual assault is] a hard topic that people don’t want to talk about. Bishop’s, as well as the rest of the country, just continues to avoid talking about it.”

Schools have a responsibility to educate students about issues outside of their “bubble.” Classes, advisories, and additional programs need to dis-

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

cuss societal shifts in order to properly educate, especially when these shifts change the way the world addresses sexual assault and affect the entire population, both women and men. If we don’t, our community will just get left behind the movement. When our community discusses social phenomenons, we start to shift with the rest of society.

Education creates change. I believe that our school should follow with the rest of the country and start making an effort toward protecting everyone from sexual harassment and violence by creating an open environment where victims feel comfortable coming forward about sexual assault.

Yes, society still has a long way to go before sexual assault is treated properly and victims are able to safely share their stories to an audience who is willing to support and fight for them.

But, as Oprah has told us all, things are changing. The world is progressing and our community must do so as well. This is no longer just about feminists and women alone. This is about our entire world and the way we treat women and men alike.

25

OPINION NET NEUTRALITY Harper White

T

he internet is everywhere.

Information is readily available on every topic imaginable, uncensored and equally distributed. A freelance blogger’s website can be accessed just as readily as the home pages of multi-billion dollar international corporations. But this network of free information can not stand unsupported.

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cannot block or filter what their users see and must treat all websites and services the same—ISPs are not allowed to interfere with how fast websites or apps work. Without net neutrality, some larger ISPs have slowed down webpages or limited access to parts of the internet if they threatened or competed with said ISPs.

Throughout the early 2000s, pro net neutrality corporations attempted to pass bills revising the rules that had previously allowed ISPs to filter their viewers’ content for their own financial gain. However, none of the bills passed. Finally, in 2015, a bill succeeded in Congress, which began net neutrality as we know it today. But last December, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) struck down the landmark regulations.

The outgoing rules fit in three loose categories: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization. No blocking means that ISPs cannot block websites or legitimate internet traffic. No throttling means that ISPs cannot hinder speed or reduce the quality of the websites. No paid prioritization means ISPs cannot speed up certain websites in exchange for payment from the websites’ owners.

These guidelines seem fair, but some leaders of certain ISPs and internet corporations, as well as members of the public, have opposed them since they were instated. Services that we take for granted, such as Google, Skype, and

Netflix require huge amounts of data bandwidth to keep running, yet the ISPs don’t receive financial compensation directly from these services for the data usage. Opponents of net neutrality argue that without this financial compensation, net neutrality regulations unfairly hinder businesses and prevent growth and innovation.

Detractors of net neutrality also argue that the regulations unjustly protect bad content. Because ISPs are not allowed to censor content on the internet, hate speech and other obscene content that undermine many websites technically fall under the category of free speech and are treated the same as standard content.

What will the internet be like without net neutrality?

Some internet users imagine troubling consequences, with worries ranging from Google searches costing $2.99 a piece to crisis hotlines being shut down. However, many of these concerns seem unfounded. Paying nearly $3 dollars to look up something as simple as the date on Google seems unrealistic, especially considering the less severe internet protocols of countries with paid access.

For example, Portugal does not have net neutrality, and customers must pay to access different parts of the web. Websites come in packages, each containing certain websites (for example: a social media package, a communications package, etc.). Each one costs about $5 per month, not nearly as much as having a single Google search cost $3. While it is not guaranteed that something like that would happen in the United States without net neutrality, it is not impossible.

Cost has so far been a major concern of the general public, with many people afraid they won’t be able to access the websites they want. Ajit Pai, current head of the FCC and one of the leaders in the movement to revoke of current net neutrality rules, has attempted to deflect those concerns, stat-

ALTHOUGH THE CHANGE BACK TO THE PRE-OBAMA ERA RULES MAY NOT BE AS DRASTIC AS THE SOME PEOPLE FEAR, LOSING IT WOULD BE AN ISSUE TO MANY MORE PEOPLE THAN IT WOULD BE A CONVENIENCE TO.

26

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

OPINION

“URGENT: If you’re not freaking out about Net Neutrality right now, you’re not paying attention.”

ing in a rather ludicrous video that internet users will still be able to “look at their memes,” but this is not guaranteed for everyone. The costs of internet packages could be very small, but internet users who are not as financially stable could be unable to pay. The internet was introduced as a free network for anyone who could get their hands on a piece of technology and a connection, and over time people have become accustomed to and even dependent on that. Taking that away would be a huge and unnecessary disruption to many people who rely on the internet.

Despite public backlash from both consumers and high-profile tech companies, the measure quickly passed through the FCC and was enacted on December 14 of last year. From here, the outcome is unclear. While the ICC and the FCC promises that the internet would essentially be the same, there is no guarantee that larger ISPs will not squash smaller competitors by filtering internet content for their viewers, all for their own benefit. They could even end up making internet users pay for certain functions like in Portugal, as the new measure removes the restrictions preventing

that from happening.

Beyond the outcry of fearful consumers and dismissive reassurances from ISPs lies a charged political issue.

While there are both pros and cons for repealing net neutrality the cons outweigh the pros. Although the change back to the pre-Obama era rules may not be as drastic as the some people fear, losing it would be an issue to many more people than it would be a convenience to.

The overturned rules allowed smaller companies to thrive and compete with larger companies, as well as stop larger companies from filtering what content their viewers see. And the simple fact is that the majority of people do not want net neutrality to be revoked. Since the repeal of net neutrality arose, protests, both physical and online, have swept the country. Eighty-three percent of Americans are against repealing the rules, but the plans to repeal it are still going ahead. This begs the question: is the FCC doing what is best for Americans, or what’s best for themselves?

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

27

The Bell

Nestled inside the Bishop Johnson Tower is a bell. Though tucked away from view and hardly ever rung, everyone knows it is there. The bell has become a prize to find — students have attempted to reach the top of the tower for decades. Needless to say, the bell is a much sought-after icon on the Bishop’s campus.

The Tower has its very own bell; though not mysterious and more easily accessible, it aims to stir the same excitement as the physical bell. Home to lighter news and satire alike—such as Top Ten, Bachelor/Bachelorette, and Who Wore it Better—the Bell intends to serve as a break from the depth of the magazine and bring a different, lighter kind of joy to the Bishop’s community.

FEBRUARY “God’s Plan” - Drake “Winning Streak” - Shaboozey “Up There” - Post Malone “Just A Lover” - Hayden James “C’est la vie” - Maurice Moore “American Kids” - Kenny Chesney “Mr. Brightside” - The Killers “8TEEN” - Khalid “Crew” - Goldlink “wish u the best” - blackbear “Harlem” - New Politics “Rollin” - Calvin Harris “Heartless” - Kanye West “Out of Love” - Two Friends “Weekend (feat. Miguel)” - Mac Miller “Everytime We Touch” - Cascada “Games Continued” - Bakermat “Oxas” - GAMPER & DADONI DE HOFNAR “Life Changes” - Thomas Rhett “OMG” - Camila Cabello, Quavo FROM YOUR DJ-SPORTS-EDITOR, CDOUG.

Q

Q

W hich T eacher A re Y ou ?

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A. Cuba B. A really deserted island with lots of beaches and no people— where there is sun, water, and a beach C. I always wanted to go to Machu Picchu but recently watched a documentary on it and it looks way too touristy now. I’ll go to Yosemite because I’ve never been there either but I hear it’s really touristy as well.

D. Havana What is your biggest fear?

A. Dying earlier than I am supposed to B. Living longer than I should C. The usual....nuclear war and clowns D. Heights, drowning, being eaten by sharks (in no particular order)

Favorite Emoji?

A. Upside down smiley B. Muscle C. Pile of poop emoji, it’s universal D.

If you could cook one thing as good (or better) than a Food Network chef, what would it be?

A. Brussel sprouts B. Chicken thigh C. Paella If you could have an endless supply D. I would love to be able to cook of any food, what would you get?

Cochinita Pibil as well as Rick BayA. French fries less.

B. Oatmeal C. Chips, guac, and salsa D. Mar y Tierra Burritos from Taco If you could have a secret listening Stand device in any room in the world, what room would it be in?

If you could be anyone besides A. Green room of the Observatory yourself, who would you be?

B. In the Eastman-Pinto house A. Gary Hendrickson C. Ugh... too many to choose just B. David Thompson one!

C. Superman— I want to fly D. The Oval Office.

D. I like being me!

What is the most recent new thing Best way to spend a Saturday? you’ve tried?

A. Outside A. Going for a regular walk every B. See question three day C. Exercise outside, brunch, movie B. Speak in complete sentences D. On bikes with my family cruising while drinking kombucha down Mission Beach C. English horseback riding lessons D. Paddleboarding You are invited to the Oscars— what do you wear?

If you could force every single perA. Dark Grey tuxedo jacket with son in the world to do something, royal blue velvet paisley pattern and what would it be? dark grey lapels; light grey pants A. Listen with ankle exposure. White shirt B. Listen with small navy dots. Maroon skin- C. Be altruistic ny tie with matching flower lapel D. Be Kind. pin. Royal blue velvet loafers (to match jacket).

If you could be on any TV shows, B. A kilt which would you choose?

C. LBD (little black dress) A. Marvel’s The Runaways D. A black tux?

B. CNN with Anderson Cooper C. Modern Family D. Seinfeld

& 31

A: Mr. Thompson; B: Mr. Hendrickson; C: Ms. Kullback; D: Mr. Ogden

If you found $100 randomly (like on the ground or something), what would you do with it?

A. Go to a really nice dinner B. Give it to Mr. Thompson to go to a nice dinner C. This has actually happened to me twice. I waited around for a while (approx. 1 hour) to see if I could spot someone retracing their steps looking at the ground. Then I bought my friend and I dinner since he waited the hour with me.

D. I would purchase food for others (i.e. snacks for my advisees).

SECTION

Senior

TITLE GOES HERE Author

8th GRADE Ashley Sotto’s: Nick Holden Brynn Faltinsky’s: Isaiah Dawson Jack Hertz’s: Sam’s Pintar Calvin Belmonte-Ryu’s: Garth Erdossy Maddie Keck’s: Chris Lee

9th GRADE Tyler Buchner’s: George Hagestad Kelly Mcfarlane’s: Collin Douglas Ben Kryillos’s: Avery Dougherty Ryan Hemerick’s: Clay Whitmeyer Zach Fales’s: Layne Faltinsky Gaby Scott’s: Jacob Jackson Olivia Weise’s: Duncan Mulgrew 32

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

SECTION

Crushes TITLE GOES HERE Author

10th GRADE Zach White’s: Emma Oliver Matt Cohen’s: Emilia Aguere Katie Scott’s: Hady Shabaz Charlie Mossy’s: Alie Herbst Clarence Freeman’s: Paris Winkler Maddie Yu’s: Mozes Mooney

11th GRADE Isabel Chen’s: Matt Buckley Lulu Buckley’s: Isaiah Dawson Hana Belmonte-Ryu’s: Garth Erdossy Ford Eldredge’s: Ellie Lunsford Conner Noon’s: Annie Ziegler Sheila Kaiser’s: Scotty Latimer

Issue 05 • February 2018 • The Tower

33

TOP TEN EMOJI DEFINITIONS At the eye doctor’s

I’m going to the reptile exhibit tomorrow!

Love me some babaganoush!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Going Out At Ten

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

My dog just died...

Can’t stop crying...

So sad right now ):

It’s so hot out!

My arm workout was so hard yesterday!

Stop, drop, and roll.

Can’t wait for fall!

the

TOWER photo credits • Front Cover: photo Courtesy of Natalie Slosar (‘19) and Isabelle Kenagy (‘19) • Table of Contents (Page 4-5) photo courtesy of David Brewer (‘18) • Seven Days of Stress (Page 7) photo courtesy of The Bishop’s School • Applying Yourself (Page 8) photo courtesy of Emma Oliver • Sam Kean (Page 9) photo courtesy to Jen Heisel • Better with a Sense of Humor (Pages 12 - 13) photos courtesy of Mitchell Lyons (‘18) • Senior Year Athletics: A Reflection (page 15) photo courtesy of Ariana Bockstahler (‘19) • Bishop’s Knights in Ponytails (Pages 16- 17) photos courtesy of Alyssa Huynh (‘20) • Sports Spread (Page 19) photos courtesy of Mozes Mooney (‘18), Chris Rose (‘19), Conrad Tempel (‘18), and Klara Chisholm (‘18) • New Year Celebrations (Pages 20-21) photos courtesy of The Bishop’s School • The Queen of Hearts (Page 22) photo courtesy of Julianne Zedalis • Talk is Change: Sexual Assault After Weinstein (Page 26) photo courtesy of Emma Oliver (‘18) • Net Neutrality (Page 28) photo courtesy of Harper White (‘21) • The Bell (Pages 30 -31) photo courtesy of David Brewer (‘18) • Back Cover: photo courtesy of David Brewer (‘18) 35