aquila
University Preparatory Academy’s
Volume VI, Issue III
www.upaaquila.org
April 5, 2017
‘Who Run the World? Girls!’
By Jacalyn Trujillo
Women from around the world took the day off on March 8 for “A Day Without a Women” by wearing red, participating in marches and cutting out shopping for the day to demonstrate solidarity and the women’s movement. In the Bay Area, marches took place in San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco, where several hundred people attended carrying posters promoting the idea that the world would not succeed without women and their contributions. Junior Prajesh Sharma is a strong believer of gender equality and an active member of Girl Up. “This day is important because women make up a high percentage of the workforce, and if they leave, they’re basically taking away the economy,” Sharma said. Supporters took the day off and cut spending which received attention. An Oakland cafe, Donut
Savent, closed for the day in support of the strike. A seventh grade student, Sofia Aladjoff, is aware of what is happening in her community and keeps tabs on current events due to her involvement in Girl Up. “If we have this day to really think about women and what rights they don’t have, we have to step back as a community to see what we can do” she said.
Aladjoff plans on raising more awareness locally by taking a stand similar to the 43 staff members that took the day off at Palo Alto High School. “People can put up signs that say something they’re passionate about or put up a law that only men can do and say women can do it, too,” Aladjoff said. Increasing awareness about gender inequalities can be done by wearing red for solidarity, refraining from making purchases from brands that don’t support the movement, or simply speaking up. UPA alumnus Saron Tedla believes that events like the strikes can bring awareness to the community concerning equality. “Talking about it can sometimes not be enough, we have to educate ourselves of what is happening,” Tedla said. Companies also encourage awareness on social media, for example, the CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, made his profile red for the movement and spoke out about the importance of this day. Eighth grade student, Emily Bautista, realizes the significance of the role women play in society today. “Without them,” Bautista said, “there would be a huge shortage of employees in specific jobs. We might lose an important factor in our community if we don’t take initiative.”
AP Capstone Set for ’17-’18
By Angelo Bautista
University Preparatory Academy recently opened its gates to AP Capstone, a two-year College Board program designed to equip students with skills that today are increasingly valued by colleges. The program includes AP Seminar and AP Research, two one-year long courses that allow students to build upon their critical thinking skills through research, presentations, and papers. The latter course, which requires passage of the AP Seminar test with a score of 3 or higher, involves a yearlong investigation on a chosen subject, culminating with a 5,000-word academic thesis paper and a public presentation. UPA English teacher Sandra Trotch said the school first considered and applied for the program two years ago for the 2014-2015 school year, right after the program’s official launch in fall 2014, but resulted in needing to reapply later due to not meeting the deadline. “We were accepted within about a month this year when I applied for the course,” Trotch said. With the course now approved, UPA administration is currently looking into using AP Capstone as a hasslefree way to incorporate its famous rite of passage: the senior project. “[We want to use it so that the senior project] is not an added stress for students but is more guided as many of the requirements of [AP Capstone] are the same as our senior project,” Trotch said. Individuals interested in AP Capstone may consult the UPA course catalogue for more information.
Photos by Juli Rendler Flooding in downtown San Jose on Feb. 21 blocked off both William Street Park and homes on nearby streets.
Floods Displace Community By Angelo Bautista
As heavy rains completely filled Anderson Reservoir, causing downstream Coyote Creek to rise 4 feet above flood level on Feb. 21, an estimated 14,000 residents would soon be forced to evacuate from their inundated homes. These homes would soon become part of an estimated $73 million in damage to public and private property. Junior Laura Hinman said that although the waters did not reach her street, which is directly across from Coyote Creek, she was still personally impacted by the flooding.
She and her family witnessed others who were on the short end of the stick, however. “Many of my neighbors actually did have to evacuate and [my family and I] watched them move their belongings into cars,” Hinman said. Junior Emily Butler, who lives on Hinman’s street, said the close-knit neighborhood had the advantage of active contact. “[My family’s] neighbors called and texted us to keep us up to date with the flooding and to let us know if we would be affected by it,” Butler said. “There’s an email list that nearly all the parents are on.”
Such contact directly contrasts the miscommunication between city officials that led to late evacuation warnings and resultantly infuriated victims, many of whom still reside in flood shelters, unable to return home. Property owners interested in providing housing options for flood victims should visit www.SCCHousingSearch.org or call 1-877-428-8844 for more information. The San Jose Flood Victims Relief Fund is also currently accepting donations to support non-profit organizations helping those in need.
NEWS
April 5, 2017
First in our Heart, Third in America
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By Farrah Moreno
In February, U.S News and World Report rated San Jose the third best place to live in the United States. Low unemployment rates, significant education, high diversity levels, and warm weather are a few traits that sets San Jose apart from other cities in America. Freshman Madeline Coquilla said one of the defining characteristics of San Jose is the level of diversity. “San Jose thrives on culture, foods, and different ethnic groups; and it’s what makes our city unique and provides new experiences everyday,” she said. Diversity in the city also allows for new ethnic restaurants to be successful in the community. “[Local Korean barbecue restaurant] Qpot allows its customers to cook their own food, which I found to be immersive in culture and an amazing experience,” Coquilla said. Social studies teacher John Phung said the city exemplifies inclusivity to all people. “In San Jose, we live in a bubble of political ideology and thoughts in terms of tolerance and tolerating others,” he said. “San Jose offers help to the homeless community and families, and is not trying to push them out. We are giving them a chance to live.” The abundance of outdoor activities and places to explore that are either in or close to San Jose, such as the Municipal Rose Garden, Santana Row, and the Japanese Friendship Garden are a few places that citizens enjoy to adventure. For teens like sophomore Olivia Butler, outdoor activities might include Santana Row, an outside shopping mall, or Downtown Willow Glen. “There’s shopping and food, so it is a great place to hang out with your friends,” she
Photo by Farrah Moreno The newly-renovated Santana Row Plaza excites visitors as they walk through. said. “And the weather during spring and summer is so nice that it’s the ideal place to be.” Both of these venues offer culturally diverse restaurants, as well as popular stores and boutiques. While several features of San Jose seem diverse and inclusive, one drawback of San Jose is the high cost of living. “From job availability, to the weather, to the diversity, it definitely comes at a cost, but we have to remember the education that we receive from San Jose in both college and high school greatly exceeds other cities,” Phung said. “We push our students for success.” San Jose’s location in the Silicon Valley allows for a greater increase in education as well as the level of technology that surrounds it, permits citizens to further their knowledge. “San Jose thrives on diversity,” Coquilla said. “It’s made up of different classes, races, ethnicities, and beliefs that can’t compare to other cities.”
Making Bank Through Shark Tank
By Bianca Lang A group of young entrepreneurs pitch an invention to shrewd speculators as they hope for investments in their companies. This is not an episode of Shark Tank, the hit ABC reality television show, but it is a major class project for the senior economics class. Economics teacher Katherine Poltorak has integrated an adaptation of the show in the curriculum of her economics class. Photo courtesy of Biren Rama, Sascha Scheidegger and She said that her Tamera Panjalingam inspiration for the Seniors Biren Rama, Sascha Scheidegger and Tamera Panjalproject came from her ingam created the product “USBe Safe” as part of their Shark “first year of teaching Tank project in their third period economics class. Cost estiecon. I was sitting at mates were included in their presentation on March 13. home watching Shark Tank and I thought ‘My stu- to stores instead of brands), demand and reinforced older dents should do this, it would and Grab and Pull (a safer concepts. be really fun.’” way to remove things from Seniors Destiny Guerrero The Shark Tank project re- hot ovens). and Sophie Luu loved prequires a group of two to four Getting students to pay at- senting the project to their students to come up with a tention in class is an age-old class. Braden Dalit said the slideshow presentation of an dilemma every teacher faces. best part of the project was original product. They must work very hard “getting my amazing product Then, they present the to create new, interesting into the world.” project to the class and the ways of teaching tired, famil“sharks,” who are other stu- iar concepts. dents, teachers, or admins The Shark Tank project brought in to help judge. was Poltorak’s way of bringThe sharks in the sixth pe- ing a little fun into the classriod economics class, teach- room. ers Kimberly Gavin and “The project reinAnne Wustrow, were given forces all the major con$300,000 in fictitious money cepts from our unit,” she to invest in the class products. said. “At the same time, At the end of each presen- though, there is a fun tation, the sharks asked sev- element of inventing eral questions to get a better a product, pitching it, feel for the product. having teachers inIllustration by Some products include volved.” Angelo Bautista Hermeez (a type of shoe Senior Osvaldo with interchangeable soles), Barragan said the OnBoards (motorized skate- project really helped boards), CustomPress (think him understand the Amazon Dash, but connected basics of supply and
Recent Bomb Threats Scare Jewish Families By Amaya Clement
The arrival of the new year is supposed to bring positive changes and happiness into a person’s life. However, members of the Jewish community are already facing hardships. In February and March of 2017, unidentified groups threatened to bomb Jewish community centers across the nation. In some instances, the community centers evacuated as a precaution. Community centers in several states have been affected by bomb threats, including New York, Florida, Texas, and California. In a statement, the FBI said that they will “collect all available facts and evidence, and will ensure this matter is investigated in a fair, thorough and impartial manner.” Sophomore Adam Kotlier, who attends Temple Emanuel in San Jose, believes that antisemitism has always existed in the world and that Jews are more likely to get targeted than other races or ethnic groups. “Anti-semitism has always been around before Trump or even Hitler,” Kotlier said. “Jews have always been a target for societies, mostly as scapegoats, and it goes through periods of lulls and then it becomes active again, so this is just one of those ac-
tive periods.” In the Bay Area, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley, located in Los Gatos, and the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto received bomb threats over the phone. Both campuses were forced to evacuate the area and closed for the remainder of the day on March 9 and Feb. 27, respectively. Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia of the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley knew that the bomb threats would reach the area eventually, but was still heartbroken when they arrived. “There was a sense of inevitability among our staff,” he said. “The sense that we knew it would happen to us sooner or later—and that is what bothers me the most: a sense that this is our new normal.” Seid-Valencia suggests that Jews should not face these threats alone and they should form friendships and bonds with other cultures so they will have support as they face difficult times. “I think that part of the Jewish response should be to link ourselves with other communities to make the case that we are all in this together,” he said. “We are all insiders and outsiders in one way or another.”
EDITORIAL The Aquila 2315 Canoas Garden Ave. San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 723-1839 aquila@upatoday.com www.upaaquila.org @upa_aquila Editor-In-Chief Juli Rendler Managing Editor Tyler Jacobsen Production Manager Diana Rendler News Editor Anton Loeb Editorial Editor Zoe Sprintz A&E Editor Emily Hung In-Depth Editor Amrita Sivia Features Editor Nicole Rendler Sports Editor Diana Rendler Trending Editor Sitara Marathay Copy Editors Angelo Bautista, Paj Thao Broadcast Editor Joshua Cheah Social Media Editor Jacob Cayabyab Photo Editor Jarnail Sanghera Staff Writers Abel Allen Bunyi, Emily Calderon, Isabella Cayabyab, Adanna Abraham- Igwe, Amy Chattaway, Amaya Clement, Katherine Foreman, Caleb Frahm, Maria Hernandez, Bianca Lang, Bailey Lewis, Farrah Moreno, Cheyenne Mungaray, Henry Nguyen, Taelynn Roberson, Jacalyn Trujillo, Bhargav Venkatraghavan, Megan Wescoat Page Designers Amy Chattaway Emily Hung Tyler Jacobsen Sitara Marathay Jessica Ponce Amrita Sivia Graphic Artists Angelo Bautista Amy Chattaway Paj Thao Adviser Laura Gordon Reska The Aquila is a studentproduced, student-edited high school newspaper. It serves as a designated public forum for student expression.
April 5, 2017
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Second Language Internships Provides New Influence Career Paths World Perspective By Cheyenne Mungaray Participating in ASB builds your leadership skills, sports build your teamwork skills, Speech and Debate improves your public speaking, but without knowing what you want to do in life, none of these skills can effectively be put to use. Teens like myself are often indecisive on what career path they plan to take, as well as the major they want to pursue. However, if they are given the opportunity to take part in internships while in high school, studies have shown that students build professional networks and strong career development skills. According to a 2012 article by The New York Times, 80 percent of Penn State students were unsure of their major and more than “half of those students will change their major at least once.” This statistic can be lowered by providing students with an easily accessible way to find internships in their local communities. According to a 2014 article from Society for Human Resource Management, 89
percent of full-time employers surveyed agreed that high school internship programs can help students enhance their resumé and get accepted into prestigious colleges. Since colleges stress participating in career building activities, students would benefit from exploring different fields of work before committing to a major and career path. With these benefits, why is it that UPA does little to promote internships to their students? Our school should offer an easily accessible and updated website with a list of local companies that offer internships geared towards different student interest in order to allow students to explore opportunities. UPA has the advantage of being located in Silicon Valley, which offers opportunities in a variety of advanced industries. High school internships are a win-win for both the employers and also the students. For the students participating, “work experience is the key to ensure they make a good career decision and build their professional networks.”
By Emily Calderon
cusing and translating from one language to another which can make you Getting an A in your Spanish class a stronger writer and communicator. is not just helping your GPA; learning But improving your academic a second language in high school is skills is not all that learning a second doing more for you than you realize. language can offer, your health and Your high school world language global perspective also are enhanced. requirements should be taken seriousThe brain is similar to a muscle: ly because of the numerous benefits the more it is exercised, the stronger for you both in high school and life in it gets. general. Continuously challenging your According to linguists Jean-Marc brain to learn new information can imDeweale and Li Wei, “Those with ex- prove your overall memory. perience [in] learning more than one As a result, it is easier for you to world language in an instructed setting remember names and directions, and have more tolerance of ambiguity.” you can delay the first signs of demenA tolerance of tia and Alzheim“Además de salud, tu er’s. ambiguity means you are comfortBesides health, perspectiva global able with not your global permejora porque con catching every spective also imword in a converaprender otro lenguaje proves because sation, because learning a second eres más consciente de language can open you use context clues to piece to- las culturas diferentes en your eyes to the gether sentences. different cultures With this, so- el mundo, y aceptas más of the world while cial interactions ideas desconocidas.” increasing your acand trying new ceptance of unfaactivities does miliar ideas. not make you At UPA you Emily Calderon as anxious as it are required to at Junior would others. least take 3 years In addition, of Spanish, so take your ability to switch between two advantage of the benefits you can reap different systems of speech makes you from the class rather than the focusing more adept at multitasking, as well on your grade. as improving your English because “Deben de tomar la clase en serio you become familiar with the differ- porque cuando aprendes otra idioma ent grammatical rules of the two lan- puedes ayudar a más gente y enriquecguages. er la comunidad,” Spanish teacher Your brain becomes capable of fo- Maria Murillo said.
Separation of Sacred and Secular By Caleb Frahm
America: it is the land of the free and the home of the brave, the nation of the people who profess “in God we trust.” Religious liberty is a principle tenet of the American way, won through conflict against a government that told its citizens what to believe and how to worship. Because of that conflict, we established the separation of church and state, secured by a constitution that prevents the government from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The United States government must separate itself from “the church” to uphold the religious liberties of all Americans. Public schools must adhere to the separation of church and state, just as the government does, respecting and supporting the religious liberties of their pupils without giving “special treatment to believers nor special prominence to activities that highlight religion,” according to the Center for Public Education.
Student organizations often form as the way to maintain a balance, better enabling students to express their beliefs freely while at school. Sophomore Delilah Garza founded the Christian Club “Frontline” as a way for her and her fellow believers to express their faith, but still finds expressing her beliefs to be difficult. “It takes a lot of courage to be able stand and say you believe in something that you can’t physically see or touch,” said Garza. A social stigma is developing against expressing a belief in an idea that exists beyond the physical. The bravery required to express one’s beliefs should provoke applause, not ridicule, because this courage defends all of American liberty, not just religious liberty. Freedom that is not exercised is freedom that is easily remanded, resting on shaky ground. The stigma against expressing religious belief demands action, as every American must enjoy the equality guaranteed them by the Constitution. Without action freedom remains on uncertain ground, easily giving way to all kinds of restrictions that are counter to the American lifestyle. America does not need to be the nation that commands all its citizens to say “in God we trust,” but it must be the nation where all its citizens may do so without judgement or fear. Illustration by Angelo Bautista
A&E
April 5, 2017
4
A Chance (the Rapper) for Change
By Jacob Cayabyab
“I’m always armed, real gun, I’m not an actor,” the rapper yells aggressively. “I’m angry and I do drugs, like every other rapper.” This is an excerpt from the song “Every Rap Song” by Every Rap Artist. It seems that every rapper is in an unspoken battle to see who is the most “gangster.” Present day rappers like Xxxtentacion embody this aggressive and vulgar nature that was started by 90s rappers such as Eminem and NWA. However, not all rappers fall under that umbrella: enter Chance the Rapper. Formally known as Chancelor Bennett, Chance started his rap career in 2012 with his mixtape “10 Day,” written after a 10-day suspension for possession of marijuana. His second mixtape, “Acid Rap,” was written under the influence of acid. But his third mixtape, “Coloring Book,” which dropped on May 2016, mixed gospel with the songs on the mixtape. While some rappers such as Kanye West and Rick Ross have released songs with gospel undertones (“Jesus Walks” and “Sanctified,” respectively), Chance is the first nonChristian rapper to use gospel in
Chance the Rapper released his newest album, “Coloring Book,” on May 13, 2016. It debuted at the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, and went on to win the Best Rap Album award at the 2017 Grammys. Illustration by Amy Chattaway
Tale as Old as Time Rings a New Belle
By Megan Wescoat
Illustration by Amy Chattaway
“Beauty and the Beast” director Bill Condon is set on making groundbreaking history: Disney’s first movie with a “nice, exclusively gay moment.” In an interview with Attitude magazine, Condon told how LeFou—known in the musical classic as being Gaston’s sidekick—will be portrayed. Played by Josh Gad, LeFou is a devoted friend to Gaston, but has also shown stronger feelings towards him. Condon described LeFou as someone who is “confused about what he wants. It’s somebody who’s just realizing that he has
these feelings and [Gad] makes something really subtle and delicious out of it.” “I love the way it plays pure when people don’t know and it comes as a nice surprise,” Condon said in a Screencrush interview. “That’s what has its payoff at the end.” Sophomore Josh Lawson said that outing LeFou as gay shines a light on his character, making people pay more attention to a character that alone is not noticeably gay. “As the movie progresses LeFou flirts with Gaston, but this is very debatable because it could easily be portrayed as banterous friendship,” he said. Lawson believed LeFou’s sexuality should not be blown out of proportion for it is never directly addressed and lines only allude to a possibility that
their friendship might be more than it seems. However, it is no surprise that there are still people around the world and in the U.S. who oppose this film. In Alabama, the Henagar drive-in theater posted a Facebook message that stated it will not show “Beauty and the Beast” upon its releasing because of evident gay relations creating a conflict with religious views. “We will continue to show family oriented films … without worrying about sex, nudity, homosexuality and foul language,” the post said. In Russia, lawmaker Vitaly Milonov has urged the country to ban “Beauty and Beast” after labeling it “a blatant, shameless propaganda of sin and perverted sexual relationships.” As a result, an age limit of 16+ was issued by the Russian Ministry of Culture after they took the letter into such serious consideration. Despite these occurring conflicts, Lawson enjoyed the “beautiful” movie and said, “the story seemed close to the original.”
their whole album. Chance’s music ties in the gospel without overly rapping about God, making it easier for non-religious people to appreciate his work. “Every song is uplifting and has elements in the general attitude of the songs that are not seen in other rappers,” sophomore Andy Barde said. His shift in his music was mirrored by his actions. In 2014, Chance and his father started the #SaveChicago campaign, which fought against gun violence in Chicago. Then on March 6, 2017, Chance held a conference at Westcott Elementary School in Chicago. He announced his plan to donate $1 million to Chicago Public Schools in order to help lessen Chicago’s $215 million budget shortage. Additionally, for every $100,000 raised, he would donate another $10,000 through his non-profit organization Social Works. “It’s good that an artist that’s popular and independent is involved in the community they came from,” senior Flavio Quintero said. “He’s become more positive and more looking to give.” Despite beginning his career based on stereotypes of rappers, Chance turned into a musician that everyone can appreciate. Chance is pushing the envelope for the artists everywhere through his music and his actions, which is changing the rap that rappers get.
Hollywood? More Like Hollywhite By Paj Thao
Misrepresentation and whitewashing have been around as long as the American movie industry—since about a century ago—and in the 1930s, fans praised Hollywood for having any colored characters at all, however comical or stereotyped their roles. During the 1960s, civil rights movements in the country led audiences to begin criticizing offensive casting decisions. Since then, strides have been made for diversity in entertainment of all forms. Award-winning films “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight” have broken box office records and proved that African American characters are important to audiences worldwide, prevailing over the 2016 #OscarsSoWhite criticism on social media. However, whitewashing persists in American movies. Hollywood retains the tendency to cast white actors in roles that are unspecified, while the films in which actors of color have the greatest opportunity are those whose plots intrinsically rely on race or historical background. David White, national executive director of the Screen Actors Guild, told B Couleur Magazine that “the [film] industry is driven by a group of
risk-averse decision-makers who continually make inaccurate assumptions about the abilities of people of color and storylines about their communities.” Senior Jade Sears, a student in UPA’s film analysis class, said accurate and varied casting can help audiences focus on a movie’s plot “instead of being distracted by its flaws in diversity.” Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment, said films and television shows alike should strive to accurately cast not only characters’ races, but also disabilities and sexual identities, as these diverse qualities tend to be the norm, not the exception, in real life. “To create a successful show on network television, the largest possible audience needs to be able to relate to the characters and stories,” she told Variety magazine. “And that audience is made up of people from all different backgrounds and experiences.” For Sears, it is important that the film industry does not spread incorrect stereotypes. “I like to see characters being represented the correct way because many races have fought for freedom and their rights,” she said. “If we aren't represented in films by our own races then we haven't really succeeded.”
IN-DEPTH
April 5, 2017
Watch Your Step
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Story by Maria Hernandez Illustrations by Angelo Bautista
Social media is a critical aspect of day-to-day life for teenangers across the nation who post images, videos or text regularly. But Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook can all be used as double-edged swords that can haunt someone in their future. What people do not know, however, is that everything they post leaves behind a digital footprint: one’s unique set of digital activities, actions and communications that leave a data trace on the Internet. Posting photos or videos will follow students for the rest of their lives, since accounts can be easily traced. Therefore, videos or photos of illicit activities, such as those of students drinking or taking drugs, can have shortterm effects on one’s success in college and long-term effects on one’s career. SHORT-TERM EFFECTS Junior Joshua Villarin likes to spend time on social media, especially on Snapchat, but he realizes the dangers of social media. “I think the majority of people know about digital footprints, but do not take it into consideration,” Villarin said. Computer science teacher Nicole Sebek said using social media has become a regular habit in the lives of students, and oftentimes people do not think twice about what they are posting. “In this day and age people view it as normal to put everything on the Internet and they are choosing not to filter their image,” Sebek said. Seniors Barkoat Moges and Rachel Zody focused their senior project on social media and its effects on the social lives and academic success of students. “I was curious to know what impact [social media usage] has on my grades since social media is a huge part of my phone,” Moges said. “So [Rachel and I] both were like, ‘let’s see what happens to our grades if we take out social media for a whole marking period.’ We had better grades.” According to Pew Research Center, about 56 percent of the national student population uses Instagram daily and 42 percent go on Twitter daily, both of which are two of
the most popular sites students use regularly. However, students are starting to neglect their studies by spending time on social media. “Only if you are able to manage the amount of time you spend on your social media and your academi c s , t h e n it’s a good balance,” Moges said. The world of social media has changed the lives of students, especially when and what they post. There have been incidents where posting a photo and not filtering it has resulted in dire consequences. “I know many people who posted a picture, regretted it, and tried to retract it, but enough people saw it at the time,” Sebek said. Counselor Sandra Trotch, who has extensive knowledge of college acceptance and education after high school, said that colleges do look at students’ social media accounts. “Smaller universities have Facebook Fridays where they look at students’ Facebook pages, so we tell students not to put anything on Facebook that can be detrimental to them as a student,” Trotch said. “Students have gotten accepted, then rejected by colleges, or suspended from their current high school because of social media,” Sebek said. LONG-TERM EFFECTS As reported by We Are Social Media (WeRSM), more than 75 percent of companies check their applicants’ social media accounts in order to see if that person is a good
candidate for their line of work. In fact, 70 percent of U.S. recruiters have
rejected candidates based on information found about the person on social media. “I know people who have lost their jobs because of their social media,” Sebek said. “[Social media] definitely has ramifications that can affect you economically and socially, and lead to cyberbullying.” A survey done by the organization NOBullying asked more than 200 respondents for their thoughts on bullying on social media. About 61 percent were between the ages of 12 to 18 and out of those respondents, only 40 percent said that they felt absolutely fine posting photos for everyone to see. “I think [social media] allows you to be someone who wouldn’t necessarily be if you were face to face, so you take on this persona where you wouldn’t say something mean face to face, but you don’t have that when you are on social media,” Trotch said. There are websites that companies use to track a person’s digital footprint and see whether they are the right candidate for a company’s field of work. “Linkedin is a like a Facebook where you have your résumé, and they can see your skills or leave recommendations,” Trotch said. “Job hunters look at these sites, so it makes employment harder, yet a little bit easier.” Students should be more aware of the fact that colleges and employers look at one’s digital footprint and should be more cautious about what they post. “The best way to inform students is [through] those who have posted, [who] share made mistakes and the consequences they suffered and pose it as a discussion for students to explore,” Sebek said. Do you know what your digital footprint is?
FEATURES
April 5, 2017
ACT vs. SAT We Are More
Than Ordinary
By Abel Allen Bunyi
Most colleges require a standardized test score when applying to them and currently there are only two tests that colleges will accept: the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Testing). Now the question is, which to take? What are these standardized tests? The SAT is considered the more traditional standardized test out of the two. It is administered, by College Board, seven times a year and the highest score one can earn is 1600. It is comprised of three sections — reading, writing, and math — plus an optional essay. “The math section was hard for me to do since it went over concepts that I haven’t reviewed in so long.” Junior Garrett Thies said, The ACT, the less popular of the two tests, is administered six times a year and the highest score possible is 36. Unlike the SAT, the ACT has four sections — math, reading, writing, and science — in addition to an optional essay. “Everyone said [the SAT] is more acceptable compared to ACT in the western parts of the country,” Junior Connie Liu said. While it is true that the SAT is more popular in the western and eastern parts of the country and the ACT is more popular in the midwestern parts, but the myth that one is favored more than the other is most definitely not true. Unless a college requires a specific standardized test, college admissions counselors will treat both tests equally. How are they different? The SAT is known for focusing on an individual’s reasoning ability while the ACT focused more on strict knowledge. In terms of time allotted to take the test, the
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By Amy Chattaway
“I’m a star student, but I’m neurodivergent.” Xia Thao was diagnosed with neurodivergence, which basically means not having the same kind of brain patterns as what would be considered usual, yet they still excel in school. It had not greatly affected them until recently, when it spiked and became more apparent. However, Thao has
Illustration by Angelo Bautista
not let it hold them back. They excel academically, finding motivation in the competition and fun that school brings. They believe it is important for people to be more aware of how neurodivergence affects people, and how to be more courteous of those who have the condition. “Nondivergent peo-
ple don’t understand the reasons why neurodivergent people do things or don’t do things. Sometimes I don’t like talking to people and sometimes I’ll just completely shut people out,” Thao said. “People don’t really understand, sometimes; but I’m just not comfortable doing those things.” Photo by Paj Thao
“I’m in ASB, but I don’t always attend dances.”
ACT provides for less time, to compensate for this, the questions tend to be less cryptic and more straightforward. The essays differ as well; the SAT essay has the test-taker read a passage and respond to how the author builds an argument to persuade his audience while the ACT essay has the test-taker analyze three perspectives and build and argument of their own. The best way to figure out which test is the best fit is by trying both tests. After figuring out which test to take, all that is left to do now is sign up to take one, study for it, and take it. Senior Sam Yang said, “Get in there, finish, and accept that you did what you could.” After the test, students tend to become anxious over wondering how well they did on it. “Don’t stress out about how you feel did after it because there is nothing you could do to change it,” Yang said. It is okay to not get a desirable score on either test on the first try, as a person can retake the test if they wish. The point is to do what is most beneficial in the long run and get a score that will support a student’s ability to be accepted into the college they desire.
Photo by Amy Chattaway
Sriya Kantipudi is only a seventh grader, but she already participates in several intense extracurriculars. She has been a Girl Scout for several years, and recently earned her Silver Award, which is the second highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Now, she is known
by her peers as the seventh grade ASB representative, but often this task can be a lot harder than it seems. While ASB is a lot of work and she might not always like going to the dances, she always enjoys the challenge it brings. “ASB is a great opportunity,” Kantipudi
said. “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of it for the past year; it’s given me a lot of opportunities for great success. There are a couple of difficulties with being in ASB since people look up to you and sometimes you make mistakes. No one’s perfect, right?”
“I’m a girl, but I am still strong.”
When people tell her that girls are weak, incapable, or less-than anyone else, Sofia Perez stands up to fight. She defeats the stereotypical expectations for women with dreams of pursuing
business or law. She is independent and strong, standing up for girl power. However, even though she is determined to fight, and relies on her female friends to moti-
vate and support her. “[My friends] are really smart and really strong and really tough,” Perez said. “We empower each other.”
Photo by Amy Chattaway
“I thrive on social acceptance, but sometimes I still can’t fit in.” Matias Edwards can be seen handing out macarons to his friends or performing on stage in a theatrical performance, but his appearance does not come so effortlessly. Edwards has struggled in the past with Photo by Amy Chattaway figuring out how to fit in, as most students do
when they enter high school. He has faced cruel words as well as internal conflicts, and wishes people would be more accepting and forgiving of each other. He believes everyone is different, so no one should be shamed for any ways that they stand
out. “Weird is just like being different, and because everyone’s different, everyone’s weird,” Edwards said. “No two people are alike, and even twins don’t share everything, so I feel that it’s okay to call yourself weird.”
Behind the Scenes of the YouTube Screen Illustration by Amy Chattaway
By Bailey Lewis
Creating content on YouTube takes a great deal of time and energy, which is why it might be difficult for students to maintain a channel while balancing schoolwork. Being a successful YouTuber means that a person has to work hard to film, edit, and upload videos regularly. Freshman Hannah Rayan created
a YouTube channel (called Hannah Rayan) as a way to express herself through music. Since starting her channel, Rayan’s friends, Freshmen Emily Magallon and Betty Nguyen have also become involved. “Recently I’ve kind of grown to really love music, and [the channel] is for doing covers for songs that I really like and that are really inspiring to me,” Rayan said. “I’ve just had such a great passion for music so I figured; why not?” Although Rayan is excited about continuing her YouTube channel, she has found that she does not have time to post videos regularly with her busy schedule. One of her goals is to update her channel more consistently, posting at least two videos a week. “The editing takes a lot longer than I thought it would,” Rayan said. “My longest video has taken an hour and a half.” Frequent YouTube viewer, Freshman Max Becerra, offered his perspective on the contrast between watching and creating. “[I enjoy] the fact that I don’t have to talk, I just listen and enjoy it, and I don’t have to think about any-
thing except what they’re telling me,” Becerra said. “[But] I think a lot of work goes into it, a lot more than we actually see on our side.” Junior Martin Hoffnagle also has a YouTube channel, in which he posts tutorials and reviews for computers and other technology. “I don’t find editing that hard, but it takes time,” Hoffnagle said. “For writing script, filming, and the editing, [it takes] a total of about five hours.” Although Hoffnagle enjoys creating YouTube videos, he has never considered the possibility of trying to create a job out of YouTube. “It’s mainly just for fun, but also [I get] experience filmmaking and scriptwriting,” Hoffnagle said. However, successful YouTubers with millions of subscribers, work just as hard with YouTube as one would with a conventional job. “I’ve actually grown to respect YouTubers a lot more, because I’ve seen that the more accomplished YouTubers do so many effects, and it amazes me how long it really takes to make a video,” Rayan said.
SPORTS
April 5, 2017
7
Basketball Shot Clock Winds Down Running By Taelynn Roberson
The moments of intense blocks, nail-biting tied games and the disappointing missed free throws have now come to a close. The 2016-17 season has been full of ups and downs for both the boys and girls varsity basketball teams. The girls varsity basketball team achieved their goals with an overall 8-4 score and advanced to the playoffs of Central Coast Section (CCS). Team player and freshman Giana Usac said, “I’m proud that we had more wins than losses this year, which is a pretty great success.” The girls closed the season with CCS playoffs, but unfortunately, the team did not win. They played one game in the playoffs of CCS as their final game of the season. “We did way better than expected and I was proved wrong,¨ junior Kaylyn Robertson said, ¨especially when we made it to playoffs of CCS,” Although the boys varsity basketball team did not make it to the CCS playoffs, it still had a successful season with an overall 9-9 score. Despite this, the players still feel as if they played well for a team composed primarily of underclassmen. “Considering the team was so young, we did pretty good going against all juniors and seniors,” sophomore Yash Joura said. The players of the boys varsity basketball team learned vital aspects of the sport from their coach, Tom Guevara. “He doesn’t rely on people’s individual skills,¨ sophoPhoto courtesy of Loretta Castillo more Nebiu Bizuneh said, ¨he mostly relies on the unificaRon Aleman (7) takes a free throw on Jan. 20 in a home game against tion of one team rather than individuals playing as individuals, West Valley. which was a different experience for me.” At a home game with UPA vs. Sunnyvale Stratford on Jan. 27, the middle school boys basketball team gathers for a group cheer. The team did well, winning seven of 10 games. Their student coach, Cori Wong, said the team used the diverse skills on the court to their advantage and learned to play off each other’s strengths. Over course of the season, the players matured and learned to work together as a team rather than as individuals. From left to right: Jonathan Atiklit (8), Coach Ron, Chudi Abraham-Igwe (7), Joven Bains (8), Christopher Huitron (8), Prashant Potluri (8), Gursimar Rana (8), Student Coach Cori Wong (12), Rafael Castillo (8) and Aaron Carpenter (8). Photo courtesy of Loretta Castillo
Zoe Jumps, Zoe Flips, Zoe Sprintz By Adanna Abraham- Igwe
better critique the teammates she leads. The variety in the sport also allows her to express her creativity. It was the summer of 2016, and after nailing a clean routine, Zoe “There’s so many different ways to manipulate a jump rope and Sprintz and her Double Dutch Singles Freestyles group took home the that’s really shown me that there’s so many different ways to live my second place award at the Jump Rope Grand National Championships life,” Sprintz said. “There’s so many different paths you can take.” held in Orlando, Florida at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. Her pairs partner Ashley Wang, who was also a part of the second Her 11 years of training, competing, and performing had paid off. place group, loves Sprintz’s lively personality, bright smile, encourSprintz loved jump roping at the young age of 4, but she didn’t aging attitude, and impressive work ethic. start training until she was 6. BeAll that she has learned has ing on the Sol Jumpers team has contributed to her team and imnot only helped Sprintz become pacted other areas of her life. the talented jumper she is today, “Zoe is a nationally ranked but has given her wonderful excompetitor who brings talperiences and influenced her perent, experience, and leadership sonality outside of the sport. to the team,” her coach Gary “It’s definitely shown me to Schwartz said. “I have watched be more aware of what’s around her grow up from a small, shy, me, and that it’s not always about and nervous individual into the me,” Sprintz said, who is curextraordinary person she is torently a team captain. “That’s day.” really shown me a perspective Throughout the past 11 of leadership and how to lead a years, Sprintz has stayed detergroup of people who look up to Photo courtesy of Zoe Sprintz mined and worked hard at jump me.” roping. As a role model for the younger members on her team, Zoe Sprintz (11), center, competes in “She has experienced inSprintz sets an example by working hard to improve and a double-dutch set for the Jump Rope juries, seasons that didn’t go perfect her skills. Grand National Championships. Her per- as planned, upsets, and tears,” Sprintz has learned a lot from practicing various types formance in the summer of 2016 earned Schwartz said. “Through it all, of jump rope events such as double dutch, pairs, freestyles, her and her team a second place medal. she had kept one goal in mind; singles, and speed events, and her knowledge helps her to be the best.”
Out of Sports
By Henry Nguyen The thrill of the moment and the cheer of teammates, any athlete can talk about those experiences. However, with track removed from the spring season, how is administration going to explain that some students don’t get that opportunity this year? According to Billy Fowler, the athletics director, “Overall decreased attendance over the past few years and commitment to attend scheduled meets were main factors in cancelling UPA track for this school year.” Several athletes, were surprised by the notice. Jason Plasschaert, a sophomore on the varsity basketball team, planned to participate in track following basketball season. “I wanted to do track because it’ll get me in shape,” Plasschaert said. While students such as Plasschaert were disappointed, others felt indignation and believed that the track situation was a repeat of soccer a year ago. Junior Matthew Aragaw, had planned to do track as a way to fulfill his PE credits to graduate. Compared to the average public school, UPA is lacking in variety for sports, not having several typical ones such as football or even swimming.. With track removed from the already small pool offered, his options are even more limited than before. “I feel like it’s unfair to some people,” Aragaw said. “Not everyone likes the same sports” Unfortunately, even with these srong student responses, the school is unable to change the situation. “As a small school, without such facilities as regulation soccer or football fields, we will always be limited to offering sports in which we can guarantee practice and game facilities,” said Fowler. In light that, people are demanding that track should be placed on the prospective list of sports for the upcoming year. Junior Daniel Shin, a member of track since freshman year, thought that the non-cut aspect of the sport was what made it important. It is universally acknowledged that sports are not simply about competition, but also about having the chance to bond with teammates through practice and improvement. “Aside from meets, people should be able to practice if they want to,” Shin said. “I definitely think track should make a comeback”
TRENDING
April 5, 2017
Mumbles Mix Up Message
By Adanna Abraham-Igwe
“Black X6, Phantom. White X6 look like a panda.” Without searching for lyrics online, the majority of listeners were unable to understand this phrase from the song “Panda” by Desiigner. The song was No. 6 on the
Billboard Hot 100 Songs of 2016, and was arguably the most popular mumble rap song of 2016. Desiigner, along with Future, Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, and other popular hip-hop artists, have expanded this trend of mumble rap, hip-hop songs with less focus on meaning, repetitiveness, incoherent lyrics, and stronger melodies. This style of hip-hop has been criticized by several hiphop veterans from older generations such as rapper and music producer Pete Rock. Se-
nior Andrew Tran understands why artists from the hip-hop golden age (1980s to 90s) do not support the style. “How technically skilled a rapper is, the cleverness of a rapper’s bars and wordplay, and a rapper’s storytelling skills and lyrical imagery are all criteria that older hip-hop fans and rappers all judge a hip-hop artist by, and I think a lot of people can agree that a lot of mumble rappers lack these qualities,” Tran said. Tran, who has listened to hip-hop music since 2014, does not prefer mumble rap to other hip-hop styles. “That doesn’t mean that mumble rappers are objectively worse though,” he said. “It just means that they simply don’t fit into the image of a proper hip-hop artist that older generations prefer.” Although mumble rap is controversial in the hiphop community, the style is becoming the most popular type of hip-hop among younger fans. “What I like most about mumble rap is that they’re easy and fun to listen to,”
Tran said. “The beats are memorable, and the flows are really catchy.” It is not absurd that younger fans of today enjoy the melodies of mumble rap because music genres and preferred styles are always changing, especially when a new generation of people is born. On June 23, 2016, media executive and radio presenter Ebro Darden interviewed rapper Wiz Khalifa on the radio station Hot 97. “[Mumble rap] is cool for now, it’s going to evolve. Those artists, if they want to stay around, they’ll figure out the next thing to do. But right now, that’s what’s poppin,” Khalifa said. Senior Flavio Quintero does not enjoy mumble rap, but understands how the listeners of hip-hop are changing. “I can see why you don’t have to like [Lil Yachty’s] music because I personally don’t, but I don’t think hating on guys like him because they make a different style altogether is valid,” Quintero said. “That doesn’t mean their music isn’t hip-hop.
8
Spring Break Wishes
By Katherine Foreman
Navjot Singh Junior “I would do more community service hours.”
Isaiah Webb Freshman “I would want to go to Disneyland with my friends because I’ve never been there before.”
Illustration By Amy Chattaway
Standing Out With Style By Isabella Cayabyab
The UPA uniform policy has led many students to try and bend the rules, but certain students have found ways to let their true fashion sense show by adding certain jackets or other accessories. Sophomore Aulani Barnes adds leather jackets and black Dr. Martens to her uniform, allowing her to feel more comfortable and confident. Barnes also expresses her bold and spunky personality through the way she accessorizes her uniform. “[My style is] grunge, punk, and tomboyish,” Barnes said. “It’s a mix of feminine and masculine clothing.” Barnes thinks the uniform policy restricts students from showing their personality through certain colors or patterns. “Some kids express themselves in ways the school dress code doesn’t allow, such as the rule against multiple color coats,” Barnes said. On the contrary, eighth grade student Faith Montes likes uniform because she does not need to stress over what she will wear each morning. However, Montes still likes to look put together and express her girly personality through skirts and bomber jackets. “I like to ‘dress up’ my uniform so I can look presentable,” Montes said.
Freshman Paolo Dimacali can be seen around school wearing a nice jean jacket to finish off his outfit. “I just really like how [jackets] look,” Dimacali said. “Someone can look so much better just by putting on a cool jacket.” Dimacali describes his style as a combination of vintage and current trends. “I’d say that [my style] is somewhat old, but not too old,” Dimacali said. “I like mixing old styles with new styles.” Dimacali likes to look presentable because it improves the way he conducts activities. “I think it’s important to be confident because for me, it helps me perform better at whatever it is I’m doing,” Dimacali said. Rather than not putting in effort, Dimacali dresses nice because it makes him feel more sure about himself. “Wearing nice clothes makes me feel more confident than wearing ugly clothes that make me look like a bum,” Dimacali said. Feeling confident wherever it is that he goes is one more reason that Dimacali likes to dress nice. “I put in effort to dress up because I want to feel confident wherever I am,” Dimacali said, “even at school. Uniform policies may have some restrictions on expression, however there are many ways that students can express themselves, look good, and still be in dress code.
Hannah Villarin Sophomore “I want to go to Tokyo with Krizel, Anna, Crystal, and Linda because that sounds really fun.”
Connie Liu Junior “I want to go to Hawaii and swim in the ocean with the fishes.”