Verde Volume 19 Issue 5

V. THE EMPTY NEST How families adjust to seniors taking flight pg. 20

2

MAY 2018

FROM THE EDITORS

TAKING FLIGHT

T

HE FRANTIC SCRATCHING OF GRAPHITE. The dull whirring of a power drill. The weekly blaring of yet another fire alarm. Caught up in the everyday monotony of school life, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s ahead — and after 10 months of rinse-and-repeat routines, before we know it, the ever-elusive June 1 has arrived.

Every year, we are reminded of the greater “beyond” of post-high school life as our graduating seniors take flight, leaving behind family, friends and the last vestiges of their childhood. In our cover story, “The Reality of the Empty Nest,” staff writers Julie Cornfield, Kaitlyn Ho and Zakir Ahmad explore how families adjust to a departing child. From a mother coping with the absence of her only son to a youngest child finding unexpected ways to keep in touch with her siblings, each family has its own way of adjusting, and ultimately, moving on.

But even as seniors embark on post-Paly adventures, the apple doesn’t far fall from the (tall) tree. In “Looking Forward, Looking Back,” staff writers Rebecca Yao and Jasmine Venet chat with alum about how their four years at Paly have traveled with them throughout their endeavors, whether those be the pursuit of a diploma or a journey across the Pacific.

Likewise, one particular señor will pocket his memories, leaving only his legacy as he departs from Paly after decades of teaching. Spanish teacher Josep Vericat sits down with staff writers Jenny Tseng and Abigail Cummings in “Adios, Señor Vericat” to discuss his journey to and from Palo Alto before he retires this year.

And while some students stand on the precipice of adulthood, others learn important lessons growing up right here in Palo Alto — but not without scraped knees and rocky roads.

In “Lessons Learned Serving Froyo,” staff writer Estelle Martin recalls one particularly challenging experience at her part-time job which forever altered her views on respect.

As new editors-in-chief, we are infinitely grateful to be part of a publication that doesn’t merely report, but does so with a distinct awareness of the power of community impact. In the next volume, we hope to advance Verde’s legacy of fearless, unfettered and mindful journalism — a spirit that we will carry with us no matter where we end up.

Lost in seas of scantrons and the cut-and-dry routine of the present, the great unknown of the future can seem daunting. But although tomorrow may present new sources of adversity, it also offers endless possibilities. After all, as motivational speaker Michael Altshuler once said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

—Ashley, Bridget & Angela

May 2018 Volume 19 Issue 5 Editors-in-Chief Ashley Hitchings Bridget Li Angela Liu Asia Gardias (Digital) Managing Editors Allison Cheng Kaitlyn Ho Design Editor Ella Thomsen Features Editor Riya Matta Riya Sinha Profiles Editor Zoe Stanton-Savitz Jenny Tseng Culture Editor Warren Wagner Ashley Wang Perspectives Editor Gila Winefeld News Editors Emma Donelly-Higgins Alex Feng Launch Editors Abby Cummings Zoe Wong-VanHaren Adviser Paul Kandell

Photo Director Lucia Amieva-Wang Editorials Editor Maraleis Sinton Multimedia Editor Zakir Ahmad Social Media Editor Jasmine Venet Copy Editor Sasha Poor Business Manager Olivia Brown Staff Writers Megan Chai Thomas Chapman Maggie Cheung Emma Cockerell Julie Cornfield Saurin Holdheim Amira Garewal Maia Lagna Stephanie Lee Michelle Li Daniel Logan Estelle Martin Allison Mou Tamar Sarig Mara Smith Kamala Varadarajan Cecilia Ward Calvin Yan Rebecca Yao Frances Zhuang

Publication Policy Verde, a feature magazine published by the students in Palo Alto High School’s Magazine Journalism class, is a designated open forum for student expression and discussion of issues of concern to its readership. Verde is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost.

Letters to the Editors The staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Send all letters to veics-1718@gmail.com or 50 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA 94301.

All Verde stories are online and available for commenting at verdemagazine.com Advertising The staff publishes advertisements with signed contracts providing they are not deemed by the staff inappropriate for the magazine’s audience. For more information about advertising with Verde, please contact business manager Olivia Brown through our adviser at 650-329-3837.

Printing & Distribution Verde is printed five times a year in October, November, February, April and May,

by Folger Graphics in Hayward, California. The Paly PTSA mails Verde to every student’s home. All Verde work is available at verdemagazine.com

verdemagazine.com

3

In this issue

Foreword 5 Editorials 8 Launch 13 News

Features

16 18 20 24 26 29 31 32

Affordable Housing Value of a Paly Education The Empty Nest Digital Privacy Yamamoto Renaming Free Speech and Inclusivity FBI Files Demands to Administration

Profiles

34 Overwatch 35 Fishers 36 Gabby Bernas 39 Paly Security 40 Mihir Singhal 42 Tarot Card Readers 44 League of Women Voters 46 Señor Vericat

Culture ADIOS SEÑOR VERICAT pg. 46

Spanish teacher of 23 years prepares for retirement

ON THE COVER

pg. 20

As students graduate on May 31, they prepare to embark on their post-Paly journeys, whether it be a gap year, study abroad program, or the traditional four-year college route. This issue, Verde photographer James Poe captures three paper cranes, each representing a departing senior bidding farewell to their family home and leaving behind an empty nest.

4

MAY 2018

48 Avengers: “Infinity War” 50 Miyazaki 54 Friends of Palo Alto Library 57 Strava 58 Mini Theaters 60 Graduation Caps 61 Senior Section

Perspectives

64 65 66 67 68 70

Commercialization of Pride Lessons from Serving Froyo Lack of Hangout Spots Optimist or Pessimist Raising Kids in Palo Alto Tamar’s Tangent

DISSECTING DIVINATION THE MAN, THE MATH, THE LEGEND pg. 42

While many students look to meditation or yoga for self-reflection, tarot cards offer an alternative medium for mindfulness

pg. 40

Nationally-ranked mathematician and senior Mihir Singhal divulges his unconventional passion for numbers

BUILDING BOLDNESS pg. 36

SENIOR SECTION pg. 61

Celebrating and reflecting with the senior class of 2018

ALL WORK, ALL PLAY

pg. 34

BRINGING BACK THE CHARM pg. 58

verdemagazine.com

5

VERDICT: STAFF EDITORIALS

Art by STEPHANIE LEE

WHAT HAPPENED TO SUMMER BEING JUST SUMMER?

I

F YOU’VE BEEN on social media during the summer, you’ve probably seen proof of a growing summer program trend at Palo Alto High School, from photos of friends in South America surrounded by smiling children to applications for programming camps on social media. Maybe you’re about to join one of these programs yourself.

In an environment like Palo Alto, where academic rigor and the pressure to succeed are hallmarks of high school, it’s easy to see why summer has become yet another opportunity for students to expand their skill sets, learn a new subject and, of course, build their résumés. But when summer becomes a time of high pressure in its own way, it’s time to reconsider the usefulness of these programs.

While there are concrete benefits to doing something productive over the summer, the highly structured and oftentimes expensive summer programs popular among Paly students are not the only — or even the best — way to get them. In fact,

6

MAY 2018

the rush to secure a spot at a reputable program may come at the cost of student independence and initiative. Whereas summer used to offer a block of unstructured time that allowed teenagers to seek out their own adventures and opportunities, the onslaught of specialized camps and voluntourism programs turns it into an extension of the regular school year, where schedules and directed activities predominate.

The cost of these programs raises another problem: the achievement gap. Low-income students who fall behind during the school year — those who would benefit most from summer enrichment programs — may find them prohibitively expensive.

A foundation focused on increasing access to summer learning, California parents report paying an average of $307 per week for these programs, according to Summer Matters. Summer programs held by elite universities and institutions often cost up to several thousand dollars. As a result, the race for college acceptance is further divided along class lines, as more affluent stu-

dents attend impressive programs and their lower-income peers fall further behind.

To help more students benefit from the positive aspects of summer enrichment and to decrease the pressure that comes with applying for selective programs, Paly’s advisory classes should introduce students to their summer options early on. By informing students not only about traditional summer programs but also about low-cost programs, scholarships and financial aid opportunities, the school can ensure that students who want to pursue summer learning can do so. But advisors should also mention alternative paths for those who aren’t sure they want to join a program.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with attending any of these programs, if that’s what you want to do. But it’s worth questioning whether we’ve turned summer into yet another rat race, when we should be using those ten weeks to relax, have fun or pursue something we’re genuinely passionate about — without worrying about boosting our college apps. v

Art by DAVID FOSTER

Verdoodles

“For Finding Your ‘Right Fit’ College” Contact Information: Phone #: 650-564-4948 OnTargetCollegeConsulting.com

verdemagazine.com

7

LAUNCH New Slang Art by Megan Andrews

Netflix is a beloved way to waste time. Here are some recommendations we’ve collected from fellow Paly students on how to maximize a free month-long Netflix trial.

Must-Watch: Stranger Things Mr. Robot Gilmore Girls Shameless Criminal Minds Friends Grey’s Anatomy

Meet the Parents The Office Jane The Virgin The First Time Leap Year Gossip Girl The Mist

Compiled by Jasmine Venet

As new slang emerges in popular culture, it can become confusing to identify what all these new abbreviations and words mean. Here is a list of the some of the newest and freshest words, their origins, and why they have entered our vocabulary.

1

Finesse: To perfect or smooth out.

It is derived from the Middle English word “fin.”

2

Sus: Short for “suspicious”, a word used to describe someone or something shady.

3

Cancelled: To take a person or item out of your life, mostly used in past tense.

Compiled by Riya Sinha

Art by Hannah Li

VERBATIM What is the most random thing you’ve seen or overheard on the quad?

Reporting and photos by Cecilia Ward and Asia Gardias Art by Lucia Amieva-Wang

8

MAY 2018

“There was a freshman girl chasing another girl, and the girl getting chased stopped and screamed, ‘you’re just jealous of me because I’m a whale!’”

— MAYA HOMAN, senior

Teacher Tweets

Summer Setlist

Art by Hannah Li Compiled by Allison Cheng

Summer of ‘69 Don’t Dream It’s Over CROWDED HOUSE

Somebody’s Baby JACKSON BROWNE

Dancing In the Dark BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Rio

BRYAN ADAMS

Bennie and the Jets ELTON JOHN

Junk of the Heart THE KOOKS

Just Like Heaven

THE CURE

DURAN DURAN

Compiled by Lucia Amieva-Wang

“There was some guy behind the shipping container who looked like really stoned, and appeared to be muttering devil verses in Spanish. …

They had to call Reese to get him out.”

— KIRAN MAJETI, junior

“I’ve gotten so used to hearing odd things, I don’t remember them for long afterwards. Once, though, I heard someone yell, ‘Trash pizza will make you sick!’”

“I saw two people in dinosaur costumes — inflatable dinosaur costumes — fighting. I don’t know. It was really funny. I was just like, ‘you don’t see that everyday!’”

— MAX ROSENBLUM, sophomore

— JENNA TEZLAFF, freshman

verdemagazine.com

9

LAUNCH Summer Styles Sporty

Summer break: vacationing, relaxing and a new wardrobe.

Here are three outfits perfect for the warm weather; whether it’s a night out or a casual day at the beach.

winchester soccer hat

Night Out

Casual

thrifted

thrifted

thrifted

thrifted

rolex thrifted

thrifted

mom’s closet adidas thrifted

thrifted

converse

thrifted

Compiled by Maia Lagna Photos by Amelia Lagna Art by Lucia Amieva-Wang thrifted

ASB Answers Verde asked some of ASB’s newest members to draw on a sticky note what they plan on providing for Paly next year.

Compiled by Maggie Cheung and Sasha Poor

10

MAY 2018

“I’m looking forward to creating events that include a greater number of people.”

“We will invite random students to talk to ASB about what they want to see changed.”

“I really want to make sure we get direct representation of what the students want.”

—RIYA KUMAR, junior

—VIVIAN FENG, junior

— BEN RAPPAPORT, junior

verdemagazine.com

11

July 30 - August 3 palyjournalismcamp.wixsite.com/camp-mac

verdemagazine.com

11

DAPHNE CHOU

REAL ESTATE -Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese -Bay Area resident for over 25 years -Ph.D in Applied Statistics

(650) 888-8268 dchou@apr.com

High Tech, Biotech and Life-Sciences Legal Counsel Intellectual Property Licensing . Commercial Transactions . Strategic and Collaborative Alliances . Regulatory and Compliance Since 1995, Robyn Stanton has been practicing in the Silicon Valley. Her mix of in-house and in law firm experience informs a broad range of advice and guidance.

Robyn@Juno-Law.com 650-933-3251

12

MAY 2018

news

CS, robotics preparing for major changes

FRIEBEL, KUSZMAUL OUT, BOARD CONSIDERS CS REQUIREMENT

by ALEX FENG

T

HE DEPARTURE OF both computer science teachers and the potential implementation of a computer science graduation requirement will have a large impact on both the computer science and robotics programs at Palo Alto High School.

According to Assistant Principal Janice Chen, the search for new CS faculty is being conducted to find replacements for both outgoing teachers: math and computer science teacher Will Friebel and robotics Head Coach and computer science teacher Christopher Kuszmaul.

“We intend for the new teachers to come in and occupy the exact same roles that our current teachers who are leaving are occupying,” Chen said. “That would mean they would need to be both a computer science teacher and the adviser for the robotics team.”

Despite this, Friebel acknowledges that the incoming teachers will still have a certain amount of freedom in deciding which classes they will teach.

“This year I introduced an advanced web design class,” Friebel said. “But maybe web development is not in their wheelhouse, so they wouldn’t teach that. Maybe down the line, they would want to invent another course that’s more in line with what they know.”

In spite of this freedom, there are still certain classes that will need to be taught next year.

“I know that we need to have an AP Computer Science course, a Functional Programming course and an Object-Oriented Programming course for sure,” Friebel said.

For the robotics program, Kuszmaul’s goals include moderating the amount of

CODING THE FUTURE Computer science students work on individual projects in Will Friebel's sixth period Object-Oriented Programming class. To Friebel, learning computer science is much more than taking a high school course. "Every industry in the world now uses computer science," he said. "Understanding computer science gives people access to understand how the world works at this time." Photo by Alex Feng

time that his successor will need to spend in the robotics lab.

“Even though that person might have the same titles, I wouldn’t want the person coming in feeling compelled to spend as much time in the lab as I have,” Kuszmaul said. “It’s a continuing process to transform the head coach and computer science role into one that is more sane.”

While losing their adviser will result in an acclimation period for the robotics team, Robotics Captain Devin Ardeshna remains positive.

“What will be felt the most is no longer having Mr. Kuszmaul’s guidance on leadership, communication and teamwork,” Ardeshna said. “While we don’t know who this person [the robotics coach] is yet, we hope to be able to utilize the summer to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Alongside these changes is also the push to implement a CS graduation requirement.

A committee consisting of administrators,

parents, teachers and students hopes to find a solution for how education will address the increasing use of computer science in today’s world.

“One of the things we are going to recommend is to have a one semester requirement to take computer science classes,” Friebel said. “What that would mean is creating an additional course at a lower level for students who wouldn’t necessarily take computer science otherwise.”

The committee was to present its proposal the week of May 22 to the Board of Education, with discussion to follow over the next two board meetings.

“We want to give students the opportunity to see if it [computer science] is something they might really love and that they might not have otherwise thought they would love,” Friebel said. “And it’s not just a hobby or a side thing. It’s a core human technology at this point and it’s a new form of literacy that people need to have.”

verdemagazine.com

13

Extra minimum day after finals returns

A

N EXTRA MINIMUM day will be reintroduced at Palo Alto High School, giving students the chance to return library books, clean out lockers and spend time with friends and teachers.

“When you have that little short day, you get to see all your classmates one more time,” said Carolyn Benfield, administrative assistant. “It’s an opportunity to sign yearbooks and have that traditional old-fashioned last day of school.”

While this day is provided in part for students to say farewell to their teachers and peers, they are also encouraged to use this opportunity to make any last-minute book returns.

“Right now we have about 600 [overdue] books,” library assistant Debbie Henry said.

While senior Noah Yuen does not believe the extra day to sign yearbooks is necessary, he says appreciates the opportunity to catch up with friends.

“I think it would be good to not have academics, but also to see everyone before summer,” Yuen said.

By ZAKIR AHMAD and THOMAS CHAPMAN

CARPORTS AT PALY A digital rendering of what the carports will look like in Palo Alto High School's parking lot. Photo by Palo Alto Unified School District via Rachel Kellerman

Solar panel plan faces opposition as summer construction looms

D

ESPITE OBJECTIONS FROM local preservationists and community members, the district is moving ahead with summer plans to install solar panels in Palo Alto High School’s parking lot.

The solar panels will be installed on the roofs of carports, overhead canopies that cover parking areas, in the school’s El Camino Real and Churchill parking lots.

“The central argument that we've heard in opposition to this plan most vocally has been about the historic value of the Paly campus,” project leader Rebecca Navarro said.

Other concerns include tree relocation and that the solar panels may be an eyesore.

Canopy, Palo Alto Stanford Heritage, the Palo Alto Historical Association and the Alumni Association Board all oppose the plan.

“Modern carports impede the views of our historic campus and necessitate chopping down ... maturing trees that were part of the landscape master plan,” said Paly librarian Rachel Kellerman, who has been active in opposing the plan. “PAUSD has long wanted to implement solar on its campuses, but REC’s plan for Paly is absolutely wrong for Paly’s 100 year old tightly built campus.”

by MARA SMITH and OLIVIA BROWN

Principal search nears completion, two candidates remain

T

HE SEARCH FOR Palo Alto High School’s new principal is nearing completion as the final two applicants for the position are being considered in the last stages of the screening and selection process.

Since Principal Kim Diorio announced her resignation pending the end of the 2017-18 school year, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Anne Brown has been working to ensure that there is detailed community input in the process of choosing a new principal.

“I scheduled all the meetings with the family, with the parents, with the students, with the staff, and I went out and listened to their input on three questions: What are the great things about Paly? What are the challenges you think moving forward? And what qualities are you looking for in your next principal?” Brown said.

In a series of open forum discussions held in the Haymarket The-

14

MAY 2018

ater, students expressed support for a leader who would not only involve them in administrative decisions and who also “would be visible and out around getting to know people and be their someone to go to,” Brown said.

Together with Chief Academic Officer of Secondary Education Sharon Ofek, Brown screened the candidates through a diverse interview panel.

“The panel has four teachers, two classified employees, two students, three parents and two cabinet-level district office employees,” Brown said.

“We want to make the decision by the end of the year,” Assistant Principal Janice Chen said. “But ultimately the superintendent will be the one making the decision as to who is being hired.”

by CALVIN YAN and ESTELLE MARTIN

Annual Buoyancy festival accepting submissions

T PLANNING FOR 100 Event and Activities Specialist Mary Ellen Bena has been working tirelessly to arrange activities for next year's centennial celebration. The first activity of the year will be a backto-school barbeque kickoff. "The goal is to be financially feasible for families," Bena said. "We really really want that intimacy of people celebrating together." Photo by Alex Feng

Students, staff prepare for centennial celebration activities

P

ALO ALTO HIGH school students, alumni and administrators are busy planning numerous events to celebrate the school’s upcoming 100th anniversary.

The first of these events — a community picnic — is set for Aug. 23. Mary Ellen Bena, Paly’s Event and Activities Specialist and a member of the Centennial Celebration Planning Committee, said the goal is to bring back various forgotten Paly traditions. The event will be for the families of incoming and returning students to get to know both the faculty and community.

Bena said she will ditch the food trucks present at back-to-school picnics in recent years. Instead, faculty will serve affordable barbecue meals to guests as they did when Paly first started this tradition. This will also create more staff involvement and interaction with families.

Elements from Paly’s past international festivals will also be incorporated into the program.

“We're taking the entertainment component of it and bringing it to the festival,” Bena said. “I'm having the Stanford Taiko drummers come and perform.”

She is also working to include a Chinese dragon performance, African Drummers and a bagpipe player and recruit Paly’s own Uku-

lele Club, cheerleaders and performing arts groups.

On Oct. 7, community members will take to the streets in a reenactment of the 1918 opening of Paly’s campus. The parade, made up of everyone from local dignitaries to students and the school band, will march from Channing House to the school’s present-day campus.

Other events, such as various career speakers and dedicating parts of the campus to influential Paly alumni, will take place throughout the school year.

Bena said that teams of teachers and students are creating signs and logos for t-shirts and designing murals. The creation of a compass or sundial is also in the works to be placed in the ground in a plaza on campus.

The Campanile newspaper will also be celebrating the 100-year anniversary since its founding, with a party set for March 23.

"Our goal is to connect the past to the present," Bena said. "By being able to make these connections, we not only have a greater appreciation for our history, but we can also better understand the society we live in."

by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN and EMMA DONELLY-HIGGINS

HE BUOYANCY TEEN Art and Music Festival will take place June 3, featuring live teen bands, art and wellness tents, carnival rides and much more. Organizers of the event are still looking for student art submissions and performances.

Located at the Mitchell Park Amphitheater and hosted by both the Teen Arts Council and the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, this event is a fun opportunity for students to socialize and watch their peers perform.

“Students may see some of their teachers get dunked at the dunk tank, there’s free food and activities, and if they’d like a chance to perform with their band or with a smaller group, it’s a wonderful opportunity to,” said Emily Zhang, head of the committee for her second year in a row.

Additionally, student artists will be able to display their works of art in the festival’s gallery. These pieces will be evaluated by a panel of judges and each artist will have the chance to win a $250 gift card to an art store of their choice. Three runner-up winners will receive a $50 gift card, also to an art store of their choice.

To assure a performance spot, Paly bands or musical groups can fill out a Google form prior to the date of the event to receive up to a 30 minute time slot.

The event is free, but requires high school identification upon entry.

by ABBY CUMMINGS and WARREN WAGNER

verdemagazine.com

15

Text by JENNY TSENG, MAGGIE CHEUNG and EMMA DONELLY-HIGGINS

Art by HANNAH LI

New affordable housing zone

ZONING OVERLAY APPROVED BY COUNCIL

T

WO HOURS AFTER math teacher Misha Stempel leaves her home in Morgan Hill, most Palo Alto High School students will have just begun the short bike ride to school. Even with a carpool lane sticker, Stempel’s daily 45-mile commute to Paly can take upwards of an hour.

“Before I wanted to buy a house, I used to coach, I used to go to sporting events, I would go to plays, I was way more involved,” Stempel says. Now, she can rarely attend her childrens’ sporting events and is already on her way to Paly when they get up for school.

16

MAY 2018

Stempel’s situation is just one example of what many workers in the community face as a result of the sky-high cost of living in Palo Alto.

With the pressing issue of affordable housing in mind, Palo Alto’s city council members are working to create more subsidized housing.

Opening the doors On April 10, the city council approved the first reading of the “Affordable Housing Combining District,” which aims to increase affordable housing in Palo Alto by creating a zoning overlay along parts of El Camino Real and several other streets. On May 7, the second reading of the zoning designation passed with a vote of 6-2.

features The overlay designates these areas for affordable housing, making it easier for developers to apply to build affordable housing there. The overlay also allows for more flexibility in development requirements, including density, building height and parking.

According to councilmember Lydia Kou, the basic premise behind increasing the availability of affordable housing is to ensure that people who work locally, such as teachers and city employees, have the means to live in the same vicinity as their job.

The missing middle Palo Alto Mayor Liz Kniss says the new ordinance aims to provide housing for the “missing middle” — people whose wages place them in the 80 percent to 120 percent Area Median Income range, which measures the median of a region’s income distribution and determines if people qualify to live in certain types of housing.

“You can make a little more money, but you still, at 120 [percent AMI], are not able to af-

v

ford the usual house in Palo Alto,” Kniss Kou also says the ordinance is excessays. “Do you know what the average house sive — it allows developers to build new [sells] for in Palo Alto, roughly? It’s three housing instead of focusing on implementmillion.” ing affordable housing measures on existing This new ordinance will streamline the living spaces. process of planning and approving new af“We have to do it in increments so fordable housing projects. we’re not sabotaging other aspects of our “You still have to go through the community,” Kou says. “So we’re not sabplanning commission, you still got to go otaging the schools, so we’re not sabotaging through the architectural review, or you trying to develop open space, or parks or got to come back to the council, but it community centers.” takes it that one step furBuilding new ther and takes some of the housing can also cause guesswork out of it,” Kniss Do you know problems for city insays. “Now, it’s [designated frastructure, says Kou. what the average areas] zoned for affordable The increase in sewage, house [sells] for in trash and power usage housing.”

Like most crowded additional burdens Palo Alto, roughly? are cities, Palo Alto’s affordable the city will need to housing would be large- It’s three million.” address.

— LIZ KNISS, Palo Alto mayor ly comprised of high-rise Because the overapartment buildings. lay allows developers Despite the concern to build housing for about these structures being built next to up to 120 percent AMI, Holman worries people’s houses and possibly being an eye- that it will put truly affordable housing into sore, Kniss says many people already live competition for land purchase with develnext to affordable housing sites and are un- opers who plan to construct units that are aware of it. much more expensive.

“I think what the community needs is Potential problems truly the 60 and below percent AMI housCouncilmembers Karen Holman and ing stock, which in my opinion will not be Kou were the only councilmembers to vote delivered by this overlay,” Holman says. against the affordable housing ordinance.

Kou has concerns about parking Looking toward the future overflow, as the housing only ensures that Judy Argumedo, director of academic building owners must provide .75 parking supports for the Palo Alto Unified School spaces per unit.

District, believes that an increase in afford“A unit can have three bedrooms, and able housing will have positive impacts, inif you have young adults that are start- cluding diversifying the community. ing to drive, then each bedroom might “When you go out into the world … have a car or even more,” she says. you’re going to need different perspectives “So to have .75 per unit just seems [and know] how to interact with a lot of to encourage overflow into the street different people,” Argumedo says. parking down the line, which we alAccording to Kniss, it has been a long ready have now.” time since an ordinance related to affordKniss disagrees, saying that able housing has been passed. many people living in below market “We’ve now gone 10 years without rate housing don’t own enough cars voting for an affordable housing project,” for parking to be an issue.

Kniss says.

According to Kniss, Lytton Even with the passing of the ordiGardens IV, an existing affordable nance, however, more affordable housing housing site in Palo Alto, currently won’t be available for at least a few years. rents out empty parking spaces to Meanwhile, as Palo Alto housing prices businesses because most of their res- continue to reach new heights, the waiting idents are elderly and don’t drive or list for affordable housing is not getting any own cars anymore. shorter. v

“

verdemagazine.com

17

SENIOR GOODBYES Senior Angelina Wang, part of the graduating class of 2018, poses on the quad. Photo

by Lucia Amieva-Wang

Text by REBECCA YAO and JASMINE VENET

Looking Forward, Looking Back IMPACTS OF PALY ON LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

O

N MAY 31, mere hours after Charlotte Brownell and the Class of 2018 toss their caps, walk the stage, and graduate, the Brownell family’s tenure in Palo Alto will end after five years — just long enough to witness both their daughters receive their Palo Alto High School diplomas after moving here in 2013, specifically for the schools.

State-of-the-art facilities, awardwinning programs and a driven student population to match — how much do students really get out of a Paly education? Just as the interpretation of terms such as “value,” “success” and what a “good education” encompasses vary from person to person, impressions of Paly’s legacy vary from student to student, parent to parent and family to family.

Paly offers. In particular, she accredits Maya’s participation in Paly’s award-winning journalism program for fostering creativity in her daughter and teaching invaluable critical thinking skills.

“I think teaching kids how to be critical thinkers, not just like rote memorization,” Homan says. “I think [it’s] being able to inspire not only creativity but passion, which I definitely see in Maya. I think her being part of Campy [The Campanile] has been a huge gift for her.”

Beyond journalism, Homan recognizes that the school offers a variety of classes to help students foster their — PALLAVI HOMAN, parent interest and pursue their passions, such as psychology classes and Advanced Authentic Research.

“Paly is the kind of place where there is a place for everybody,” Homan says.

Unique programs: not just journalism Paly’s value lies in the diversity of resources provided for student exploration in the eyes of many. Pallavi Homan, the mother of Paly senior Maya Homan and freshman Vijay Homan, says her children have undoubtedly benefited from the unique classes

Location: the super Silicon Valley Beyond the unique resources Paly provides, alums feel that the abundance of high-profile intersnship and job oppurtinities in the Bay Area have shaped their education.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is home to

“

I think [it’s] being able to inspire not only creativity but passion.”

18

MAY 2018

features

v

countless tech startups, huge companies and Stanford University, one of the top universities in the world. Collectively, these resources create an environment full of opportunities for Paly students.

Susie Glathe Christensen, Class of 1974 and now special education advocate, understands the significance opportunities played in making up what she believed to be the good education she received at Paly.

“Access to opportunity is huge because unless you know something’s there, how are you going to know that it’s there to even access?” Christensen says regarding her take on a good education.

“That’s why resources are huge. They really are. It’s not everything, but it’s a big part.”

The community: competitve, but capable Looking beyond concrete curriculum and academic resources provided by the school district, Paly student’s experience is defined by their peers and the culture they perpetuate.

For some, the competitive atmosphere of Paly is advantageous — compared to the high school Brownell would have attended in Delaware, she commends the driven Paly students.

“A lot of kids are pushed hard here because there’s a highly competitive culture, which is a double-edged sword,” Brownell says. “You could argue that it hurts the education, but I think it helps, because the competitive aspect challenges students to actually learn the content instead of just showing up at school and then leaving and not doing anything because you don’t care.”

Similarly, Camila Vasquez, former Paly student says that the stressful environment at Paly forced her to develop skills that have helped her in college.

“A Paly education is different in that the skills that you learn, like the study skills, prepare you better than anything you could possibly imagine,” Vásquez says. “And I think that that’s really dif- ALUM REFLECTS Claire Hawkins, Class of 1985, speaks of her time at ferent, because I know there are people in my life who did not go Paly. “The environment at Paly at the time was college college college, to Paly who struggle with academics in a way that I don’t think any everything was college, everything was university,” Hawkins says.

Photo by Jasmine Venet Palo Alto students really do.”

While pressure can push students to achieve their potential Poverty & Race Research Action Council, “Racially diverse schools and teach valuable skills, some feel it also perpetuates a culture of are associated with higher student achievement than high-minority schools… [and] promote cross-cultural relationships that have stress and unhealthy competition at Paly.

“You get the benefits of being incredibly driven with the side long-term benefits such as greater social capital, employment opeffects of not being okay with mistakes,” Vasquéz says, in regards to portunities, and comfort in multi-racial settings.

Brownell agrees that diversity is how Paly’s culture can be detrimental particularly important in her definito students’ confidence. tion of a ‘good education.’

As leaders in the classroom, “I think academic diversity is teachers possess the power to mold definitely really important, diversity students’ educational experiences. of opinions is also important, to have Brownell, who has been involved in multiple with different viewpoints, art all four years at Paly appreciates because that’s how you learn, especialthe abundance of qualified teachers ly in humanities courses,” Brownell provided to her in all her classes, par— CAMILA VASQUEZ, Class of 2014 says. ticularly in the art department.

While impressive rankings, ex“The art program is unique because of the glassblowing studio … [and] many of the teachers are pensive buildings and impressions of an international community actually artists, so that’s much different from other art programs,” all bring people to Palo Alto schools, evey student and parent leaves impacted in different ways. Even as the Class of 2018 graduates Brownell says.

Further, many who moved to Palo Alto for schools cited Palo and prepares for life after Paly, the lessons and experiences granted to them by their Palo Alto education will follow every student far Alto’s diverse community.

According to a report from The Century Foundation and the after they leave the quad and tower building behind them. v

“

You get the benefits of being incredibly driven with the side effects of not being okay with mistakes”

verdemagazine.com

19

THE S EMPTY NEST FAMILIES ADAPT AS GRADUATES DEPART

Text by JULIE CORNFIELD, KAITLYN HO and ZAKIR AHMAD Art by BRITNEY FAN

IX MONTHS FROM NOW, Palo Alto High School senior Maddie Hare’s lacrosse stick won’t be sitting by the glass-paned front door of her home. Her two-pound AP Psychology textbook won’t be splayed out on the dining room table. Hare won’t even be sleeping in her own bed. She’ll be across the country in New Jersey, attending college as a giddy freshman on the precipice of an adventure she’s been anticipating since she first started attending school.

Hare, like the numerous other students who are graduating this May, will depart from home at the end of the summer in pursuit of a higher education and thrilling new experiences. But as she and her classmates move onto the next phase of their lives, they leave behind parents and siblings who must figure out how to adjust to the sudden absence of a family member.

Not all families react to the departure of a family member the same way, and not all students experience the same emotions as they prepare to pack up their belongings and vacate their homes. All, however, must navigate a shifting family dynamic and evolving personal identity as the prospect of the empty nest becomes reality.

In this story, Verde features three families at different stages of this process, each of whom are figuring out how to find comfort within change and happiness amidst heartache.

Anticipating adjustment Perched in her plush purple chair, Maddie Hare’s mother, Anne, rests her cheek on the back of her hand, muffling her otherwise steady voice.

“I think there’s going to be quite an abrupt — I don’t want use the word loss, it’s too strong — but greater than change, less than loss,” she drifts off. From the opposite side of the room, Maddie chimes in.

“Shift,” she says.

“Shift,” Anne echoes.

20

MAY 2018

Anne says this as though she can already see exactly how her mornings will change, what kinds of meals she’ll make, how she’ll adjust her work schedule after her daughter leaves. All these adjustments, tricky for any parent, are made even more complicated by the Hares’ atypical family circumstances — Anne’s husband lives and works across the country, and their oldest son, John, is an individual with autism who lives at home part-time.

“For me, it’s just a particularly difficult transition because Maddie has done so much to support her brother,” Anne says. “Even being here [after school] so I don’t have to leave work early and stuff like that.”

Maddie says that this is her main worry about leaving home. When it comes to leaving her mom, however, Maddie is less concerned.

“My mom is an amazing woman and she does 10,000 activities, so I don’t fear her ever being bored or having nothing to do,” Maddie says.

Anne agrees. But she says that while she knows she’ll find ways to make herself busy, she can’t shake the apprehension that comes with imminent change.

“I think I fear maybe that feeling of loneliness,” Anne says. “When you’re so used to having so many people around, when chaos is your comfort zone, the idea of not having that in your life anymore is disconcerting.”

Their varying perspectives are almost like a mother-daughter tug-of-war. Maddie is sure Anne will adapt, but Anne’s mind is preoccupied with Maddie’s future. Where will Maddie move post-college? Will she settle down in the same state as her siblings? Will she even be able to afford living in California?

“All of these unknowns, I think, play into ‘How much time am I really going to be able to spend with my kid after when they leave for college?’” Anne says. “I don’t even know if you’ll be home in the summer .… So, lots of unknowns. Lots of concerns.”

Sano’s intense emotional response is commonplace among those who are preparing to launch their children into the real world, according to Los Altos-based marriage and family therapist Nanette Freedland.

“As parents we’re told we should be exalting in this moment, taking everything from it,” Freedland says. “And then for some people it’s very, very hard and it scares them and it raises a lot of personal, complicated issues.”

In popular culture, such responses are often characterized as a symptom of the “Empty Nest Syndrome,’ which Freedland describes as a colloquial term used to describe how parents feel when their youngest child leaves the home.

“It is mostly a feeling of emptiness,” she says. “A feeling of, ‘Okay, I’m done with that part of my life, now what? … I have poured all of my energy and my enthusiasm ... to this child … and now it feels empty.’”

This description practically mirrored Sano’s emotions in the wake of Marcel’s initial departure.

“I was kinda scared to go towards his room for a while, to see it empty, just sitting there,” Sano says. “I don’t touch his room.”

Marcel has been gone for nearly a year, and Sano is steadily adjusting. Nevertheless, she often finds herself reminiscing about her son’s childhood.

“Marcel used to love going on the overpass,” Sano says. “We could be there for half an hour. I saw a kid doing that the other day, and it made me really nostalgic and wistful for that time.”

After a full year of adjustment, Sano is proud of the progress her son has made, even if it takes him away from home. She’s spent this year getting used to Marcel’s absence, learning to find joy in his journey and successes.

“He’s just kind of launched,” Sano says.

Bonding through blogging “Throughout the day, I don’t really stop to marvel at the fact that I’ve grown accustomed to the sarcastic, angsty world of high A missing piece school, with witty jokes being tossed into the History teacher Mary Sano doesn’t need When chaos is your air, or people buzzing around on their motorto teach geometry to recognize the shape of ized desks or skateboards,” writes freshman comfort zone, the her family. Forming a triangle with her hands, Emma Wu. Sano describes how she, her husband and her idea of not having that Sitting behind her desk with a bucket only child Marcel depend on one another for of Sharpies to the left and fairy lights strung in your life anymore is above, Wu begins composing her blog post. structure and companionship.

“He was just part of the triangle,” Sano disconcerting.”

Although her writing is published online for says. “All three corners need to be there to be — ANNE HARE, mother of Maddie Hare the world to see, she writes with only two readstable.” ers in mind — her older siblings.

But when Marcel left for college, that structure fell apart. This As the youngest child in her family, Emma will be the last became apparent to Sano after dropping him off at college for the of her siblings to attend college. With the rooms adjacent to hers first time. empty, Emma misses having people in the house to talk to. Never“The moment I left him in the parking lot, it was one of the theless, she was excited for them to embark on their new adventure. most surreal moments in my life in the last couple of decades,” When her brother, Curtis, left for college on the other side of Sano says. “I did everything in my power not to run after him. the country, he created a website with the intention to improve his To actually turn my body away and walk towards the car took writing, but it soon blossomed into a family tradition. Every week, everything.” the Wu children alternate between sharing their thoughts to

“

verdemagazine. verdemagazine.ccom om

22 21

LOUNGING AROUND Anne and Maddie Hare relax in their living room, where they often spend time chatting and sharing jokes.“I can’t anticipate how it will be [when Maddie leaves] because I suspect that I will work very hard to fill up my time,” the older Hare says. “But I think I will feel some significant emptiness and loneliness.” Photo by Julie Cornfield

strengthen their familial bonds.

Whether it is by talking on the phone or writ“It’s a way of imitating the experience of living together,” ing letters, Curtis has managed to ease his family Curtis says. “I’ve learned a lot more about my siblings’ hobbies, into his absence. As this spring marks the end of the things they pay attention to, and the way they experience the his college career, the time has come for his final world. I’ve also moved closer to being a peer WutoWu post. of my younger siblings; I think our relation- The moment I left him “And those moments which truly mark ships have gotten a bit more egalitarian.” the end, both in our experience and our mem... it was one of the ories, those Now, through the blog, the Wus have which slip by our notice, slide into been able to get to know one another’s inter- most surreal moments the wake of our consciousness to recede into a ests and plans from different perspectives. past,” Curtis writes before signing off in my life ... I did ev- wordless “My parents enjoy reading this because for the last time. they don’t always necessarily understand what erything in my power As these moments of finality that Curtis we are thinking about or get to talk to us real- not to run after him.” speaks of become more frequent, families are ly in depth,” Emma says. reminded of the fleeting nature of childhood — MARY SANO, history teacher and So although the Wu family no longer former Paly parent and the ever-changing character of family retakes trips down to the library, as they did lationships. when Curtis lived at home, and they no longer sit down to have Growing up can be daunting — the prospect of an empty nest dinner together every night, as they did when Jessica lived at home, even more so — but the Hares, Wus and Sanos are prime examples the family preserves its tight-knit community through weekly blog of how family units will and do adjust as time moves on. Families posts and Facetimes. like these remind us that we can take more from birds than just the “A weekly phone call makes it possible to share about some emotional idioms that they inspire. of the mundane parts of life,” Curtis says. “It is nice to hear about We, like birds, crack open our shells and fly the nest for a reahow work went this past week, a funny conversation that my mom son — to experience freedom, to seek adventure and to build a life had, or how the rose garden is doing.” wherever the wind carries us. v

“

Real Estates. Real Services. Real Results.

“The whole process was handled very efficiently. The marketing of the house to get the best possible bid was done intelligently and extremely well. An outstanding experience end to end.” – J.A.

“Whatever Sophie said worked” – J.W.

“The minute I hired you, I knew we would hit the ground running.

You are a miracle worker!”

– M.H.

蘇菲•曾 , MBA

Broker Associate President’s Club Relocation Specialist

650.687.7388 License # 01399145 sophie@apr.com sophietsang.com

verdemagazine.com

24

Text by SAURIN HOLDHEIM and STEPHANIE LEE

DATA PROFILING Paly Technical Support employee Neeraj Chand warns of the lack of privacy on social media. Art by Stephanie Lee.

YOUR ONLINE INFORMATION IS NOT YOURS

THE CONFLICT OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND PRIVACY

F

ROM GEORGE ORWELL'S "1984" to Ray Bradbury’s "Fahrenheit 451," dystopian novels of the 20th century paint portraits of present-day societies under constant surveillance, where governments know everything about an individual — from their favorite movies and political ideologies to their aspirations and anxieties.

This scenario is no longer limited to science fiction. Though today’s society isn’t quite Orwellian, social media sites and internet forums have access to millions of people’s data. With this information comes the power to shape the world.

In Silicon Valley, where devices such as Amazon's Alexa, drones and self-driving cars are commonplace, technology is wholly integrated into people’s lives. Social media in particular is ever-present in Silicon Valley popular culture. However, technological progress comes increasing

24

MAY 2018

-ly at a cost to personal privacy. as an inherent, although undesirable, asIn the wake of the Cambridge An- pect of social media. But while they all alytica scandal, where data firm Cam- acknowledge the lack of privacy, students bridge Analytica exploited the private react to it in various ways. information of up to Freshman Ethan 87 million Facebook Hwang is one of the users to sway the I think social media Paly students who is presidential election skeptical about Facecompanies need to by building psychobook’s protection of logical profiles of be more transparent users’ privacy. users and employ“I'm guessing that about how they use ing targeted political my data is used by advertisements, we their users' data.”

Facebook to show me — ETHAN HWANG, freshman relevant ads, and I'd must ask ourselves if the ease and joy of hope that my data is at technology is worth the sacrifice of our least anonymous when they collect [or] privacy. sell it,” Hwang says. “I think that social media companies need to be more transFacing Facebook parent about how they use their users' Students at Palo Alto High School data, and users should be allowed to dehave no illusions about the lack of pri- cide how their data can be used.” vacy on Facebook. Most recognize this However, others don’t demand trans

“

features -parency from Facebook. Sophomore ting a better estimation of what you Dara Heydarpour doesn’t rely on strong might tend to do next, what you privacy-protection settings to keep his might tend to buy,” Chand says. information secure. Instead, he opts to Luis Martinez, Chand's colleague, post little to nothing on his profile. says that it is unrealistic to expect com“I know social media is almost not panies like Facebook to make the protecprivate at all,” Heydarpour says. “And tion of user privacy a primary concern. because I don’t post anything that is pri“They [Facebook] are there to make vate, I do not care for the degree of pri- money, not to protect you,” Martinez vateness.” says. “It’s your responsibility to make Senior Chloe Hong, like Heydar- sure that what you put out there is not pour, is not overly concerned about going to get taken advantage of.” whether companies like Cambridge Martinez says Facebook ties as much Analytica access her data as possible data. Instead of rarely to every individposting, Hong active- It's your responsibility ual’s profile, from ly acknowledges the tagged posts to publicity of her posts. to make sure that what personality quiz “Honestly, when- you put out there is not results. Facebook ever I post anything will even link on social media, re- going to get taken adpictures sent in a gardless of my priva- vantage of.” group chat to all cy settings, I always — LUIS MARTINEZ, Paly Technical Support members of the just by default assume chat — even if ... that anybody in the whole world can you weren’t the one who sent it, and even see it,” Hong says. “That is my baseline if you never actually viewed it. assumption."

“Pictures, things, friends of yours In Hong’s opinion, the power of sub- did something ... your profile becomes liminal messaging to sway public opin- this humongous mess of things, and you ion on social media is a far more serious haven’t done any of it," Martinez says. matter than the oversharing of data.

Chand and Martinez highlight a “I had no idea Facebook ads could core issue with the protection of people’s have so much power, because I always data — its nebulous ownership. thought my opinions were my own re“Once you put anything up there gardless of what I see on social media,” online … it is very difficult to say who acHong says. “I guess it's different for ev- tually has ownership of it,” Chand says. eryone and you can see either false headOn top of this, he says the sheer vollines or other convincing things that re- ume of data presents a problem in ally could sway you in one direction ... and of itself. that Cambridge Analytica could have so “They [Facebook] are playmuch power is scary and that shouldn't ing a catch-up game going happen.” through all the data sets trying to make sense of it Personal culpability ... they are still learning as According to Neeraj Chand, mem- they are growing." ber of the Paly Technical Support department, everything students do online Privacy and technology leaves a trail which companies like FaceBetween overprobook track. Chand explains that since tective parents installing Facebook has such a large database of tracking software on their information, including data pulled from children’s phones to people over 50 acquired companies such as In- resurfacing their friend’s emstagram and Whatsapp, they have the barrassing Facebook posts from ability not only to compile data, but also six years ago, Paly students have to predict trends in consumer behavior. grown up with significantly lower “[Facebook can] start refining expectations of privacy than past genpsychological profiles of people, get- erations. Many students even voluntari-

“

v

ly allow friends to track their location through Snapchat’s Map Explore feature.

Social media has evolved in pace with today’s youth, and as a result, privacy is viewed more as a luxury than a fundamental right.

According to senior Michael Chau, privacy and technology are “not at all” compatible. “Especially not for free platforms … your data is what keeps the company running,” Chau says.

Though Chau claims privacy and technology may not be compatible, senior Tristan Wang enjoys the upsides of tech despite privacy concerns.

“I’m willing to run a certain risk of privacy breach for the ease and joy of networking,” Wang says.

Senior Edan Sneh echoes this sentiment.

“To me, privacy is only important when it affects opportunities," Sneh says.

"For example, keeping private medical records from employers and separating my private life from my professional life."

Every student interviewed claims that the lack of online privacy is problematic — yet all also agree, as Wang says, that the Cambridge Analytica breach has had “almost no effect at all [on social media usage]; and it probably will not.” In the battle between the desire for privacy and technology, the winner is clearly the latter. v

Art by Hannah Li

verdemagazine.com

25

The same name game

A

Text by EMMA COCKERELL Art by VIVIAN NGUYEN Photo by EMMA COCKERELL

YAMAMOTO RENAMING DEBATE CATALYZES CONFLICT, COMPROMISE

26

MAY 2018

LUMNUS OF PALO ALTO schools. Recipient of the nation’s third-highest military award.

Soldier who died in battle upholding American ideals of democracy and equality — despite being placed in an internment camp by the U.S. government.

Does this sound like someone you would name a school after? Many people say yes. But this is the story of Fred Yamamoto, and why students won’t be attending a school in his name.

What’s in a name To some, the effusive young man is an obvious namesake. But to others, the surname is tainted by bitter connotations that link Fred to Isoroku Yamamoto, a Japanese navy admiral who planned and led the devastating Pearl Harbor bombings in 1941.

Following a flurry of community discussion regarding Jordan and Terman middle school's eugenicist namesakes, and the school board’s vote to change both school names, the Recommending School Names Advisory Committee solicited and received upwards of 1600 community nominations.

Fred’s name was on the committee’s whittled-down list. But RSNAC’s strong recommendation of Fred was thwarted by opposition when Chinese-American community members, in school board meetings and online, expressed concern regarding the other Yamamoto’s involvement in a war that took more than 17 million Chinese civilian lives. When this opposition was branded as racism, tensions ran high.

Now, community members reflect back on a debate that both revealed fissures

and cemented a desire for change.

Fred vs. Isoroku Just as drawing parallels between Robert E. Lee, a famed Confederate officer, and Bruce Lee, a Hong Kongese actor and martial artist, might seem odd, insistence on relating two different Yamamoto’s during the Jordan Middle School renaming debate perplexed many Palo Altans.

“The average Palo Altan, when you say ‘Yamamoto,’ doesn’t think of the Japanese general,” says Palo Alto City Council member Greg Tanaka.

Just as Lee is a relatively common surname, Yamamoto is Japan’s seventh most common last name, akin to the “‘Smith’ of Japan,” as Tanaka puts it.

“The opposition that arose seems strange,” says Chinese-American Palo Alto Human Relations Commissioner Steven Lee. “And this particular individual [Fred]

features

YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO YAMAMOTO

“

v

It felt very painful to hear him [Fred Yamamoto] compared to a war criminal.”

... wasn’t at all related to or affiliated with the Admiral Yamamoto which people protested.”

Chinese-American parent Cathy Williams disagrees.

“Yes, it’s a very common Japanese last name,” Williams says. “But … even my mother-in-law, who is a Caucasian lady [whose] father served in the Pacific War ... felt very strongly against it too. So it’s not just a Chinese-American issue.”

Williams’ words reflect concerns voiced by other Chinese-Americans who felt frustration and indignation at accusations of racism. She says that their objections aren’t a matter of race, but rather of suffering felt at the hands of Japan’s total war efforts.

“When people are against [the name] Yamamoto, it’s not a racist issue,” Williams says. “We [Palo Alto] have a lot of immigrants from China, and they or their families have suffered deeply … the name itself is sensitive to cer-

— SARA ARMSTRONG, RSAC committee member

tain people, just like the name Terman is sensitive to certain people.”

Though he was initially hesitant to weigh in, Lee broke his silence on the issue to support other Chinese Americans whose ideas weren’t reflected by a “loud minority.”

“I have no doubt that it [the name Yamamoto] may have a certain triggering effect, and it’s important to listen and hear how particular members of the community feel,” Lee says. “But when you find out that they’re motivated by racism or other prejudices, you have to take a step back and decide: Are we going to let those prejudices influence our decision making? I think the answer should be no.”

Having researched Fred Yamamoto’s life story and fallen for the young man’s resilient spirit, parent and RSNAC member and Sara Armstrong found it both trying and surprising to hear opposition.

“It felt very painful to hear him compared to a war criminal ... because Fred was the victim of discrimination and he rose above that,” Armstrong says.

However, Armstrong also understands the pivotal role that one’s upbringing and background play in perception of history.

“People’s familial memories, the stories they’re told as children and the way they’re taught history is different depending on where [they] grew up,” Armstrong says.

A group galvanized Disheartened by opposition to Yamamoto, parents and community mem

NIGHT & DAY Fred Yamamoto, rendered in red, fought for the U.S. despite being interned. Some objected to naming middle schools after him because of a Japanese WWII admiral with the same surname.

verdemagazine.com

27

“

The Chinese community is very happy to have an Asian person who is recognized.”

— CATHY WILLIAMS, Jordan parent

bers presented a resolution at the April 24 school board meeting. The resolution urges the board to address damage done to the Japanese-American community through anti-racism education and outreach.

PAUSD parent Michelle Higgins, a member of the resolution-writing team, believes that the importance of reflecting on recent debates extends beyond addressing immediate community issues.

“The current [U.S. presidential] administration is directly referencing internment as justification for the Muslim ban,” Higgins says. “In this era, where we have a national conversation that questions the right of people to be here and demonizes people based on their country of origin, we cannot afford to be neutral.”

Group member Eimi Okano, who was a founding member of Asian Americans for Community Involvement during the Civil Rights Movement, also expressed the importance of not being complacent in the face of perceived injustice. “My concern is that our children may feel less than full-American when they hear this kind of controversy,” Okano says. “We need to clarify and emphasize that these names, that are unusual, are also American names.”

Other parents also experienced pertinent takeaways. For Korean-American Rika Yamamoto, who adopted her Japanese husband’s surname, friendships with parents in a Fairmeadow Elementary School chat group became strained when parents displayed “anti-Japanese sentiments.” But the mother of three PAUSD students has experienced positives: she has spoken for the first time at a school board meeting and learned more about US-Japan relations.

Parent Satomi Okazaki, who although was “disheartened by the whole process,” has also “learned about all these great local and national organizations that are supportive of Asian American civil rights.”

And parent Kim Shimazaki now plans on attending board meetings regularly. “One

28

MAY 2018

UNITED PARENTHOOD In response to the Yamamoto controversy, Palo Alto parents, including Michelle Higgins, Kim Shimazaki, Eimi Okano, Rika Yamamoto and Satomi Okazaki, drafted a resolution that set specific goals for the school board and garnered over 100 signatures.

of the great takeaways for me was the importance of making your voice heard.”

Making peace While Yamamoto was Armstrong’s first choice, she is content with the school board’s chosen names. Yamamoto stands among two other important figures recognized: Frank Greene, one of the first African-American founders of a publicly traded tech firm, and Ellen Fletcher, a Holocaust survivor who served as Mayor and devoted 40 years to fighting for environmental causes. All three figures, though previously not well-known among many residents, will now be household names city-wide.

“It’s very fitting that a brilliant African American technologist who ... lended a hand to people and recognized structural inequality in our society, is replacing someone who didn’t believe in an entire race’s intellectual capacity,” Armstrong says.

Harry Luo, whose son attends Jordan, is also pleased. “The name of a school is the identity of its students,” Luo says. “I think he [Greene] is very representative of the local community and where we’re from.”

Despite the strain of community tensions, a prevalent willingness to listen to opposing beliefs was instrumental to the formation of another form of tribute: a scholarship fund in Yamamoto’s name.

“When the scholarship fund was set

up, individuals in the Chinese community donated right away, because we would like him to get recognized,” Williams says.

Armstrong likes to think that Fred Yamamoto, who abridged his studies and was unable to attend college because of family obligations and financial need, would have been pleased with the scholarship.

Though the past months have been trying, silver linings have emerged: knowledge that the community rallied to find common ground, and that these efforts raised awareness about an inspirational historical figure.

“For people for whom the first association of Yamamoto is that negative association with the Japanese Imperial Navy, maybe the work we’re doing with the scholarship will supplant those negative feelings,” Armstrong says. “We’ll try to move on. I know there’s still healing to be done in our community, there’s still reflection and empathy to be fostered.”

Higgins echoed Armstrong’s optimistic sentiments, but believes that there is still room for growth as a community.

“I think the scholarship fund is a positive … [but] it doesn’t absolve us of grappling with what happened,” Higgins says.

“If we choose to take a very sad moment and grapple with it properly, it’s an enormous teachable moment. We don’t want to split further; we want to come together.” v

Text by TAMAR SARIG, RIYA SINHA and ZOE STANTON-SAVITZ

FREE SPEECH AT A COST

Art by LUCIA AMIEVA-WANG Photos by TAMAR SARIG

THE STATE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AT PALY

A

GROUP OF STUDENTS sits “I have kids that I know personally huddled in a darkened room, who won’t say they’re conservative,” Gaeyes focused on a young speak- vande says, “because they feel like the left is er who holds up a model fetus. censoring their speech.”

Gesturing, she exclaims that its fingers and Over the past several years, the debate toes are forming even at eight over free speech on school campuses has beweeks’ gestation. come increasingly contenBehind her, a tious, and a Gallup study If you aren’t a demscreen displays published in March suga cartoon mockgests that these conflicts ocrat at this school, ing the idea that reflect a changing attiyou’re always going a fetus is “a clump tude toward of cells.” free speech to get written off a This is a spewithin our little bit.” cial event hostgeneration.

—OWEN LONGSTRETH, freshman ed by Palo Alto According to the surHigh School’s vey of over 3,000 college Young Americans students, 70 percent of stufor Freedom club, where conservative dents surveyed said they favored students go to express their ideas in the an open learning environment that alliberal Palo Alto environment which is not lows free speech — a significant numalways accepting of their beliefs. ber, but down from 78 just a year To the members of YAF, their small ago. And 53 percent believed that club is a refuge from what many of them “diversity and inclusion” are more see as a growing problem on Paly campus: important than free speech. opposition to free speech.

AN UNCOMMON VIEW FreshAccording to Yasmeen Gavande, pres- man Owen Longstreth explains his ident of YAF, she and many of her conser- views on free speech. “My views vative peers feel restricted in what they can may be super radical, but I feel like I should be able to express those say at school. views,” he says.

“

These numbers are far from an indication of sweeping change, but they raise important questions about the state of free expression among today’s youth. And on the Paly campus, students are grappling with these questions themselves.

Students speak out With over 2,000 students at Paly, it is not difficult to find people with contrasting political ideologies and interpretations of constitutional freedoms. Freshman Owen Longstreth, who describes himself as a

verdemagazine.com

29

vandalized,” she says. “People assume differences between that period and today’s that we are racist or misogynistic, debates surrounding open expression.

“I don’t think we had the kinds of free which is completely untrue.”

Junior Alicia Kao is hesitant speech issues that you’re [students] having about allowing free speech to go now,” Kenrick says. She says the pattern of completely unrestricted, but she provocative college speakers, for example, is agrees that Paly’s climate surround- a new phenomenon, as is the idea that stuing political discussion needs to dents can be shielded from offensive ideas.

“I don’t think students need to be prochange.

“I think that that we shut down tected from certain types of speech,” she way too many people,” she says. “Cer- says. “They’re intelligent people that should be learning from differtain liberals will not listen ent types of speech.” to Republicans and the But Kenrick places same thing the other way most of the blame around.” She doesn’t beI think that we for the recent controlieve that peoshut down too versies at the feet of ple need to “provocateurs” who, agree with many people.”

RAISING HER VOICE YAF president Yasmeen she says, deliberately — ALICIA KAO, junior Gavande recalls incidents in which her speech a viewpoint in was restricted. “The left’s trying to censor what order to listen to it. stir up conflict. people think... and I think this is very danger“It seems like “It’s more like, ‘There ous,” she says. maybe we have to relearn is a problem that involves both Marxist, is just one example of a student you and me, so I can’t shove you out and how to do it [discuss ideas] in an inclusive and respectful way, rather than a way that’s who freely expresses his unconventional be- deal with it myself, even if I want to.’” just going to further polarize people and liefs at school. hurt people and inflame people,” she says.

“Generally I feel like I have a right to A look to the past Gavande agrees, adding, “I think that express myself … I Paly isn’t new to issues feel comfortable with free speech. During it would be very productive and a lot bettalking openthe tumultuous 1960s, ter if people who had very different ideas We have to relearn ly,” Longstreth students protested [would] just be able to ... have a friendly how to do it [dissays. However, his against the conversation.” v openness comes at Vietnam cuss ideas] in an a cost — LongWar, and LOOKING BACK Former Paly student Chris inclusive and restreth says not all p u b l i c a - Kenrick discusses her memories of high school. people take him tions like the Radical She believes free speech issues have changed spectful way.” seriously.

Rag became new, illicit dramatically since then.

— CHRIS KENRICK, Paly class of “Generally, venues for student ex1970 if you aren’t a pression. Chris KenDemocrat at this rick, who attended school, you’re always Paly from 1967 to 1970, wrote going to get written off a little bit,” for The Campanile, and now he says. “And there’s always going to be a works as a journalist for The little bit of backlash because of your beliefs, Palo Alto Weekly, rememeven if you’re on the far left or the far right.” bers the turmoil of her However, Longstreth says Paly offers high school years. many platforms for political expression.

“I think there was “I think we do have good free speech, a lot of pressure on the especially on this campus, with all of our school administration publications. People can express themselves to allow these underany way that they want,” Longstreth says. ground publications Gavande sees the campus environ- that sprang up,” she ment differently. As president of YAF, she says. “It was a feeling says that she and other club members have of urgency ... that stuhad disturbing experiences with free speech dents felt that the adults around campus. in charge didn’t have “People have been calling us names, about this terrible war.” [and on] Club Day, our poster was actually Kenrick sees significant

“

“

30

MAY 2018

FBI Investigates: Palo Alto

features

v

Text by OLIVIA BROWN and ALLISON CHENG

EXPLORING 60s INVESTIGATIONS IN THE BAY AREA

A

MONG FILE NUMBERS, Hoover administration, diligent about gun control and highlighted the power of government officials’ signatures monitoring high school students’ activities. students. Students across the country also and barcodes in a hundred-page It maintained alphabetized lists of radi- gathered in locations such as San Frandocument is the word “confiden- cal students, monitored phone calls and cisco and Los Angeles, armed with posttial,” redacted in what seems like the rushed kept tabs on the progression of radical ers and their voices. strokes of a black pen. Printed in the docu- youth organizations.

“Students are ment are several mentions of Palo Alto High “The basis [for addressing the isSchool, Cubberley High School and the ad- the investigations] sue of such stu“I’m just trying to dresses of local churches and organizations. was the idea that dents rising to show that the high In the 1960s and 1970s, when stu- high school stupower, the right dent protests and underground newspa- dents were being led school student move- to free speech, the pers were commonplace in Palo Alto, the by adults who had right to due proment was ... a social FBI sent spies to the city to monitor and some ulterior mocess and the right report on student activity and generate re- tive,” Fountain says. for students not to movement.” ports about student organizations pushing “So pretty much be kicked out of — AARON FOUNTAIN, JR, archivist for social, economic and political reform. the idea that they school, which was The files describe the progression of were being pawns.” something that the student-led organizations Bay Area Nowadays, however, it is evi- was quite common in the ‘60s and earHigh School Student Union, Radical Stu- dent that students are the ones initi- ly ‘70s,” Fountain says. v dent Union and United Student Union in ating social movements and protests. thorough notes released by the FBI. InvesThe recent March 28 student-led tigations started in 2014 after Aaron Foun- “March for Our Lives” demonstratain, Jr., a former history Ph.D. candidate tion in Washington, at Indiana University, Bloomington filed D.C., along 450 Freedom of Information Act requests. with smallHe filed the requests while researching er protests for his graduate thesis on student protests in in the Bay the 1960s and 1970s in the Bay Area, then Area, pushed sent them to librarian Rachel Kellerman, for tighter who forwarded the files to Verde Magazine.

“I’m just trying to show that the high school student movement was indeed a social movement that had its own goals, strategies and ideology,” Fountain says.

From underground newspapers produced by students to “The basis was that anti-war student discussion groups, high school students the “sheer radicalwere being led by ism” and “political sophistication” adults who had some of the moveulterior motive.” ments, as Foun— AARON FOUNTAIN, JR, archivist tain puts it, were what drew the FBI to this small, upper middle-class community in California.

At the time, the FBI was under the Documents courtesy of Aaron Fountain, Jr. conservative-leaning leadership of the

31

Text by KAMALA VARADARAJAN and FRANCES ZHUANG Photo by KAMALA VARADARAJAN

A LIFESTYLE, NOT A JOB

INSIDE ADMIN JOURNEYS FROM HIRE TO RETIRE

P

“

33 32

MAY MAY 2018 2018

ALO ALTO IS ... NOTORIOUS for being a tough district for administrators,” outgoing Palo Alto High School principal Kim Diorio says. “It has that reputation throughout the state.”

The stream of resignations that occurred this year would seem to concur. In September, Supt. Max McGee resigned following a multi-million dollar district budget shortfall. In March, Diorio announced her pending resignation after receiving a reprimand from the district for “fail[ing] to provide a Complainant in a Title IX incident with the full range of procedural options available.” In May, interim principal Frank Rodriguez, who served for seven weeks and stepped down to spend more time with his family, was replaced by current acting principal Adam Paulson.

In the past two years, administrators faced polarizing controversies, from weighting GPAs to the Office of Civil Rights Title IX Investigations. Amid the contrasting opinions of the outspoken community, administrators say accommodating requests and feedback from everyone can take a toll.

“Physically, it was wearing me down and I didn’t realize it in the moment because I was so wrapped up in the demands of the job,” Diorio says. “You’re not going to please everyone. You have to be able to say no graciously ... but you will make some people unhappy … and you just have to take it.”

Cycles of change Periods of administrative resignations and rehiring tend to correlate with times of increased community involvement, according to school board member Todd Collins.

“Anytime there’s public scrutiny and community discord on educational issues, administrators are going to ... feel the burden,” Collins says. “I don’t think anything in particular stood out as having a pivotal impact, but I think the cumulative weight of those things does add to people’s burdens.”

This pattern has persisted throughout the recent history of Palo Alto schools, according to Collins.

“If you go back to three or four superintendents ago, there has been

features drama fairly consistently for more than 10 years,” Collins says. “There was a huge uproar among administrative staff who did not see eye-to-eye with Supt.

[Mary Frances] Callan. And there were suicide clusters in 2008 and 2009, then another one in 2014.”

Jennifer DiBrienza, another board member, suggests the national climate may be influencing the way community members interact with each other, compounding the pressures on administrators.

“Nationwide, I don’t think any of us are setting a good example for you [students],” DiBrienza says.

“Ever since the last election, people talk past each other. And that bleeds down, when the leader of your nation is doing it ... I think we’re probably mean, I’ve been on the board for a year and a half and ... people are allowed to say whatever they want ... but I can’t say it’s always been respectful.”

Pulling their weight One example of such a controversy includes the weighted GPA issue. In May 2017, the school board voted to add weighted GPAs to reports for colleges. In hindsight, McGee laments the time and effort spent on making such a simple decision.

“I wish I could have done a better job of keeping our work focused on our district goals,” McGee says.

“Too many ancillary issues interfered and resulted in oversights. ... The whole weighted grading debate took precious time and resources away from far more important priorities.”

Diorio agrees, and highlights her stance on weighting grades as an example of “doing what’s right and not necessarily what’s popular.”

“I still feel that putting the weighted grades on the transcript was a mistake,” Diorio says. “That’s going to have a negative impact on student learning, mental health and wellbeing for years and years to come ... I feel proud that myself, [former Gunn High School Principal] Dr. [Denise] Hermann and Dr. McGee took a stand on that — and it wasn’t a popular stand ... but it was the educationally sound thing to do, especially given what we had just gone through a year earlier.”

But this decision didn’t come without a cost, eventually triggering backlash that also influenced her resignation.

“When the weighted grade decision came down and the board supported what the parent concerns were, it was pretty clear that my time in Palo Alto was probably going to come to an end,” Diorio says.

“The weighted GPA really demonstrated to me that my values are just different than the values of some of the decision makers in our community.”

(I)X marks the spot Another high-profile decision was Diorio’s handling of a sexual assault that occurred at Paly in May

v

2017. About a month after the releasing of the district’s letter of reprimand, Diorio announced her resignation­— she now confirms that the OCR decision was indeed an added burden.

“That [district reprimand] was one of those moments where it was hard to see it misconstrued in the press … and with some community members who don’t have all the facts,” Diorio says.

“It’s hard to withstand that, especially when it’s constantly being played over and over again, and you’re not ... getting a lot of support from other people.”

Student privacy laws also prevented her from sharing information freely with the public.

“We really struggled with trying to come up with a way to give enough information where we weren’t violating student rights and reassure the community,” Diorio says. “But for a few people in the community, it wasn’t enough. Could we have done things better? Absolutely. But it comes back to integrity. Knowing that we might not have done everything perfectly ... but you acted with integrity, really helps you sleep at night.”

Moving forward Diorio suggests Palo Alto’s drive to achieve, a result of the region’s high-pressure environment that plays a role in student i mental health and weighting grades, affects administrators too.

“We’re a community The one thing I’ll say ... of perfectionists,” Diorio says. “To be an administra- and I think it’s sometor in this culture is hard thing Palo Alto should because as soon as you do really think about and make a mistake, it’s on the front page of the national focus on in the future, news, whereas in other districts that might not have is the concept of foreven made a headline.” giveness.”

Reflecting on what — KIM DIORIO, outgoing principal she learned from working in other high-performing, high-income school districts like PAUSD, Diorio points out one main difference.

“The one thing I’ll say about Connecticut [where Diorio started her career] ... and I think it’s something Palo Alto should really think about and focus on in the future, is the concept of forgiveness,” Diorio says. “In Connecticut, there was a lot of hurt and blame in the community and a lot of people finger pointing … We had a lot of talks about how do we forgive each other … and move forward.” v

“

Visit verdemagazine.com for our full exclusive with Kim Diorio.

verdemagazine. verdemagazine.ccom om

34 33

Text by WARREN WAGNER

Art by LUCIA AMIEVA-WANG

All Work, All Play OVERWATCH TEAM THRIVES IN FACE OF STIGMA

A

S LASERS AND EXPLOSIONS FILL THE FRAME ented players at their school,” Sher says. “Just having a school and colorful characters brawl, sophomore Aaron Ca- that has so many video gamers ... that’s definitely encouraging.” cho remains focused. The only sounds audible beyond his headphones are the clicking of a mouse, the Playing under pressure clacking of a keyboard and the occasional callout to coordinate “When we first started posting our scores [on InFocus] I with a teammate. noticed that there were a couple people that were reacting like The battle waging on Cacho’s screen is part of Overwatch, a ‘Really, esports?’” says team member and sophomore Skyler team-based online video game where two teams of six are pitted Dittmar. Sher has similar concerns about esports’ image. against each other. The goal is to best the enemy team by either “The stigma was kind of like, ‘If you’re a gamer, that means capturing a point or escorting a vehicle across the map. Each you must be that that guy eating the chips in front of the complayer can choose to play one of 27 characters: cowboys, hack- puter,’ and ‘He’s just lazy, he’s not doing anything,’” Sher says. ers, archers, knights and more.

However, Jacob Wolf, an ESPN esports journalist, says perCacho is a member of Paly’s Overwatch team, which com- ceptions of esports among the media are improving. petes with some of the best high school teams in the country.

“I’ve seen some [media outlets] have some terrible takes on The team won the 2017 winter semester of the High School esports, while others like ESPN, SportsBusiness Journal, The League, a prominent national Overwatch New Yorker, etc. accept it and cover it bracket featuring 34 of America’s best as normal,” Wolf stated.

You can’t slack off and teams.

Some players have been looking “You can’t slack off, and we’re not we’re not just having fun ahead to collegiate-level Overwatch. just having fun online,” says the team’s According to ESPN, over 60 colleges co-owner, who goes by “Sher” online. online.” now have varsity esports programs.

— SHER, Paly Overwatch player and co-owner His real name has been omitted due to And after its victory in the winter seahis concern about judgment from the son of the High School League, the community. “There’s money that goes into this [tournament] team gained attention from college-level scouts looking to reand there’s money that needs to come out.” cruit for their teams. Wolf believes that lower-level leagues will The team began two years ago as a group of friends just help develop esports at the professional level. playing competitive games together, but has grown rapid“The biggest thing that high school and collegiate esports ly, expanding to five teams over four different video games of will do is allow young, aspiring esports professionals to learn in which the Overwatch branch is most developed. The team is a controlled environment and nurture those team skills at an coached by an Overwatch player from Carnegie Mellon Univer- earlier age,” Wolf stated. sity, who watches recordings of Paly’s matches to give feedback Despite the discouraging reactions, Sher is confident that and researches opposing teams to devise the best strategy to use their team is gradually gaining more respect. against them.

“Some people laughed at it … [but] they see that we’re acSher credits a portion of the team’s success to its location tually putting time into it, some of them watch the matches, in Silicon Valley. even. A lot of people have become more interested in how they “A lot of teams are not as fortunate to have as many tal- can join,” he says. v

“

34

MAY 2018

profiles

v

Text by ZOË WONG-VANHAREN and MARA SMITH Art by REBECCA CHENG and ZOË WONG-VANHAREN

Hook, Line and Sinker STUDENTS FISH FOR OPPOR-TUNA-TIES

T

HE SUN GLINTS OFF the Hmelar, for example, only fished occasionwater, shimmering across the ally before he met Williams. Now the two rippling surface. With a whirr, fish together regularly, and through going the fisher sends a blue bait fly- with Williams, Hmelar met many of Wiling through the air, which lands with a soft liams’ friends. plop in the water. Methodically twitching the pole to the side and reeling in the bait, The tip top the fisher waits in near silence. The only auWhen junior Nathan Kim first went dible sounds are those of the fishing, he was cluepole and the birds up above. less as to what to do, “It’s a thrill every Life is like fishing — and had no one to you wait for the right op- time to feel a bite at guide him. portunity to come, and then the end of the line.” “[I] spent half you take it if you can. Howthe day sitting on a — NATHAN KIM, junior ever, Paly’s student fishers do rock, praying for a much more than just idly loiter. For them, fish to bite,” he says. “It can be quite disfishing is a means for escape, a lesson of pa- couraging to go a few hours without so tience and a chance to socialize. Going to much as a nibble,” he says. locations ranging from our local Baylands Kim says fishing has helped him build to Truckee, Paly’s fishers tell us about their character. For Doerr, fishing has caused experiences fishing. him to care much more about protecting the environment.

Reeled into the hobby “Fishing has taught me to be more For junior Charlie Williams, fishing conscious about all the negative effects that alongside his older brother Dylan allows humans make on the environment,” Doerr them to strengthen their relationship. Ju- says. He also says fishing has taught him nior Vaughn Doerr attributes his interest in valuable life lessons. the pastime to his father, who introduced “It has taught me to be more patient, him to it when he was about seven years adventurous, creative, and that the early old. Since then, he has moved on to going bird gets the worm,” Doerr says. with friends from both Paly and Gunn.

Meanwhile, Hmelar credits his new“[Fishing] increases the bonds with my found patience and perseverance to anbest friends,” he says. gling. “There is no failure, just patience,” Others were introduced to fish- he says about the long periods of time that ing through their friends. Junior Seattle sometimes pass where he catches nothing.

Students have also learned technical skills, such as how to catch hiding fish, target good locations and maneuver bait, as well as cast heavy nets.

“It’s definitely difficult — the ... net weighs around 20 pounds, and you have to throw it over and over as hard and far as possible,” says sophomore Ilan Toussieh, who does cast net fishing. “Sometimes you will hook something big like a swordfish and the fight can last hours.”

An al-lure-ing pastime According to Kim, the patience the sport requires is well worth the satisfaction.

“It’s a thrill every time to feel a bite at the end of the line and know that all the time and thought you put into traveling out to the spot, picking a good place and the right lures paid off,” Kim says.

Doerr says the hobby has given him a chance to recover from the stress of homework and tests.

“I get to be in nature and the outdoors,” Doerr says, “It reduces stress ... and it offers an escape from the nonsense of modern living.

“Fishing has helped me to view academics and my life at a different angle.” v

verdemagazine.com

35

Building Boldness

GABBY BERNAS LIFTS HER WAY TO CONFIDENCE Text by ASHLEY WANG Design by THOMAS CHAPMAN Photos by JAMES POE

profiles

W

v

HEN GABBY BERNAS at the time had only lifted for two. And of “It was so frustrating because no one transitions from one squat the 109 female competitors, almost all were would give me any answers,” she says. rack to another, or switches adults. Bernas, then at 16 years old, was the from the free weights to the second youngest.

Full-body dedication bench press in the Palo Alto High School Even so, her performance certainWhile Bernas was still playing volleyweight room, she does so with a tense, al- ly didn’t suffer. There she squatted 238, ball, her dad had bought her a squat rack. most antsy sort of nervousness. But it’s not pressed 95 and deadlifted 302 pounds. Able He read that strength training was critical as if she doesn’t know how to properly load to lift more than double her weight, “small in advancing muscle growth, and thought a barbell the same way seasoned athletes but strong” is how Bernas likes to describe it would help improve her serves. So she do, because she does. And it’s not as if her herself. She admits, however, that it’s taken gave weightlifting a try, and as days went fingers aren’t adept at tuning and adjusting her a while to think of herself this way. by, it became ingrained as part of her everytricky fitness machinery to her 5-foot-4 day routine. frame, because they are. It’s just that there Best foot forward In the beginning, lifting to Bernas was seems to be an awkward hyperawareness to Bernas’ lifting career began with a foot more of a casual hobby with convenient, her body, causing her to fidget and dart her problem. She used to play volleyball, ded- athleticism-improving benefits than a real eyes around her surroundings almost con- icating hours to the sport every day since commitment. But when she moved past stantly as if she wants sixth grade, but an in- both volleyball and crew, all the while to yell out and confess, jury to her arches shat- continuing with her methodical lifting After every single “I don’t belong here.” tered every possibili- regimen, she says she realized for the first For a competitive of continuing her time that being in the gym didn’t aggravate practice it was sharp typassion weightlifter, Bernas through high her foot pains. In fact, lifting was the only doesn’t spend much pain and needles school. It started with physical activity that never had. time at public gyms. a slight soreness in the “Lifting didn’t hurt my feet,” she says, everywhere.”

She gets uncomforttops of her feet after eyes wide and beaming with excitement. “I — GABBY BERNAS, senior able when people stare a long day of practice didn’t even realize.” at her and says she wishes they would look her freshman year. From there, things got Then she discovered she could enter away, but it’s admittedly difficult not to progressively worse. weightlifting competitions, and she threw ogle in anticipation when she’s increasing “It was horrible,” she says. “After every herself full-force into the sport. She wasn’t, the load on her bar 50 pounds at a time, single practice it was sharp pain and needles however, prepared for how much of her liftthighs trembling to support and lift the everywhere.” ing demanded. hulking weights.

Wanting to give her feet a rest from the Because although Bernas knew what it “I don’t like that people circle around brutal impact of running and jumping, was like to commit herself to after-school me,” she says, letting out a bashful laugh. “I Bernas looked to rowing, a more stationary sessions of volleyball or crew, lifting forced guess there aren’t that many people, but it recreation, to replace volleyball. But again, her to think past the training. For the first makes me so uncomfortable.” something wasn’t quite right, and there was time, sport was no longer separate from the Even with three years of lifting under something about crew that exacerbated her rest of her life. Instead, everything from her belt, two of which have been dedicat- already unbearable injury. diet and sleep to homework ed entirely to competitive training, she’s “The pain got to the and extracurriculars started still not quite used to working out in front worst it ever was,” she My legs were to orient themselves around of others. Bernas likes the quiet, choosing says. In addition to intenlifting. She saw every single to train in her own home’s garage-turned- sifying, the sharp spikes of shaking and day as a cog in a well-oiled gym with only her father for company. It agony she had been stuck system aimed at increasing my back was is, after all, a method that’s propelled her enduring on her feet began the weight on her bar. hurting and he to success, helping her place second in the shooting up along her shins “My whole life revolves nation pound-for-pound in the 2017 U.S. and calves. “I couldn’t even was just there, around it,” she says. But with Strengthlifting Federation Fall Classic. walk to my car after pracso much of her focus on liftThat’s clearly no small feat. But its sig- tice. There was so, so much so I starting ing, other aspects of her life nificance is made even more obvious by her pain.” screaming and slip. Going out to eat with more-than-substantial lack of experience.

After less than a year her friends, for example, is Of the 319 lifters entered in the event, 95 of crew, Bernas quit and yelling at him.” exasperating when they order — GABBY BERNAS, senior had trained for more than 40 years. Bernas started seeing a doctor for sugary, calorie-heavy drinks the first time. They put her while she’s stuck sipping waPOWER STANCE Gabby Bernas warms up with through an X-ray and MRI, revealing the ter for an upcoming competition. “It sucks, a 225 pound squat in the Paly weight room. At presence of an extra bone in her foot that but if I mess up one area, it messes up my a mere 5-foot-4, she says she’s always strughad been rubbing her tendons raw. The entire training.” gled with others taking her seriously. “I like doctors couldn’t, however, offer her any Being this devoted also makes failure proving people wrong,” she says. “It gives me confidence about who I am.” concrete solutions. an infinitely more unbearable affair. At a

“

“

verdemagazine.com

37

competition in Spring 2017, Bernas overes“I had a goal to do just one pull-up. Just timated the weight she could lift and failed one,” she says, referring to the beginning of every category. She couldn’t bend her knees her lifting career when completing even a all the way down for the squat, she couldn’t single pull-up was an impossible task. One fully extend her arms for the overhead press year into her training, she tried again with and she was so discouraged by these two some unexpected results. “I tried doing a failures that she couldn’t even complete the pull-up, and I actually did it. Then I tried deadlift that was set at a weight she’s com- another, and I did that too. I don’t know fortable warming up with. She left in tears what happened but it was amazing.” before the competition even ended.

Confidence is a big deal to Bernas. As “I cried all the whole ride home,” she a girl of a less-than-imposing size, she says says. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I she’s always struggled with people taking was frustrated and so embarrassed.” her seriously. But while she may not look The next day, Bernas went straight back particularly self-assured when she’s sitto training with a renewed vigor, her deter- ting discreetly in class or walking timidly mination fueled by the bitter tang of dis- around the gym, there’s no mistaking the appointment. Referencing online research absolute certainty that rolls off of her when on lifting techniques, she completely re- she picks up a barbell loaded with stacks of designed her training regimen, rearranging weight plates and manipulates it with starher days to alternate between pure lifting tling ease. She looks utterly comfortable in and other types of conditioning, such as those moments, a striking contrast against yoga and sprints. her usual demeanor.

Introducing a more rigorous structure to “I like proving people wrong,” she says. her training, as well as a bit more variety, “It gives me confidence about who I am.” proved effective for Bernas. In addition to And this confidence is something Berseeing her progress climb at a much steadi- nas wants to share with others. She’s been er pace than before, she’s consistently lifted trying to get her friends into the sport, a personal best at every competition she’s bringing them with her to the Paly weight been to since then. room whenever there’s time after school.

Technical improvement doesn’t, howevMany of her friends have never lifted er, mean she gets any less emotional during before. And when they do finally lift a bar setbacks. And setbacks for the first time — are more than common weights set at a fraction I tried doing a pull- of the ones on Berwhen she’s practicing for hours on end with no up, and I actually nas’ — their eyes widcoach or team to rely on en with incredulity as did it. Then I tried for support. they realize the magni“When I can’t lift the tude of a single pound another, and I did bar I get mad and blame and the sheer strength that too. I don’t other people,” Bernas Bernas possesses that says. After staying up allows her to lift hunknow what haplate one night to finish dreds of them. pened but it was homework, she didn’t “It’s hard to explain have enough energy the amazing.” how I do it,” Bernas next day to finish her says. She shrugs, and — GABBY BERNAS, senior workout. Her dad, being the smile that hasn’t with her in the room that day, took the full ever fully left her lips, even as she remibrunt of her anger. “My legs were shaking nisced about all the frustration and disapand my back was hurting and he was just pointment she’s faced to get to this point, there, so I started screaming and yelling at disappears for a moment. “I just have to tell him.” myself that I can.” v

“

Gaining confidence But it’s not all just frustration and anger — there’s also the good side of emotional.

Noticing little signs of improvement, she says, is one of the best things about lifting.

38

MAY 2018

STANDING STRONG Smiling widely, Gabby Bernas practices the clean and jerk in the Paly weight room. Though she currently only competes in the squat, overhead press and deadlift, Bernas hopes to add more exercises in the Olympic weightlifting style to her training.

Text by MICHELLE LI and RIYA MATTA Photo by STEPHANIE LEE

Respecting while protecting A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE THAT IS CAMPUS SECURITY HEARING HUBENTHAL Palo Alto High School Campus Supervisor Carl Hubenthal discusses his role in campus security and his response to the recent lockdown. “It [campus security] can definitely be nerve-wracking sometimes,” Hubenthal says. Photo by Stephanie Lee.

T

HE WHIRL OF THE GOLF campus, posing a security risk. cart and the blare of a walkie “I’ve found people who sleep here talkie signal the impending ar- that I have to ask to leave,” Hubenthal rival of campus supervisor Carl says. “Once there was a man in between Hubenthal. Carefully removing the sleek the PAC [Performing Arts Center] and the sunglasses from his eyes and placing them MAC in that little area who was enjoying on the top of his head, Hubenthal jumps himself with an [alcoholic] beverage. Getoff his golf cart and ting him to leave was makes his way into hard, I had to If you come at anyone pretty the student-filled Meget backup and evenwith respect and be dia Arts Center to do tually call the police.” what he does best: enHubenthal says nice to them you get a suring student safety. he began his career as Although class- much better response a bouncer at a “seedy” es start at 8:15 a.m., bar in Oregon. There, than if you come at Hubenthal’s day starts he first gained expethem very authoritamuch earlier. As early rience in handling as 6 a.m., Hubenthal unruly people and tively” comes in to check the adopted the philoso— CARL HUBENTHAL, campus supervisor campus for anyone phy he uses every day who should not be as campus supervisor. there. According to Hubenthal, homeless “Everyone basically wants to be treatpeople who take the bus to the Opportu- ed with respect,” Hubenthal says. “If you nity Center on the other side of Town and come at anyone with respect and be nice to Country often get lost and wander onto the them, you get a much better response than

“

if you come at them very authoritatively.”

Throughout the day, he patrols the campus in his golf cart, delivering messages to classrooms or looking for students cutting class. For Hubenthal, maintaining student safety is about much more than just physical protection; it is about safeguarding students’ mental well-being as well.

“I usually patrol the entrances, and look for ... students who should be in class,” Hubenthal says. “But I also look for students who may be crying or look sad, and I pick up those kids and take them to the Wellness Center.”

In the wake of school shootings and Paly’s recent lockdown, Hubenthal says he continues to evaluate his actions as well as his own safety as campus supervisor.

“It’s scary because you know that in Columbine, the first person who was killed was a campus supervisor,” Hubenthal says.

“That’s why I try to be very nice and respectful and, you know, don’t be angry or forceful with anyone if you don’t have to be.” v

verdemagazine.com

39

Text by ASHLEY WANG and ELLA THOMSEN Photo by JAMES POE

the man, the math, the legend

ONE STUDENT’S OUTSTANDING MATH CAREER

M

IHIR SINGHAL DOES not know what genius means. He doesn’t know its definition, and he doesn’t know if it means anything to be one. Yet Singhal is, by each and every objective measure, the very definition of genius.

It’s an easy enough label for an individual who has disregarded the standardized path of school math courses — taking AP BC calculus as a high school freshman and

40

MAY 2018

multivariable calculus as a sophomore — and marked himself as the third best high school mathematician in the country.

But being one of the best in the nation doesn’t mean much to Singhal, who sees ranking as an artificial measure.

“You can’t rank people,” he says, conclusively and absolutely. “There’s so much variance that in the end, it all comes down to the luck of a single problem.”

Either way, his accomplishments speak

for themselves. At the 2016 and 2017 United States of America Mathematical Olympiad, a competition between hundreds of thousands where even qualifying is considered a tremendously prestigious award, Singhal was one of 12 winners. And at the 2018 Romanian Master of Mathematics, an event known as one of the most challenging international high school mathematics competitions in the world, he tied for first.

PENCIL IN HAND Mihir Singhal works through a math problem. “It’s a process of trying whatever seems like it might work, whatever comes to mind,” Singhal says.

Singhal also recently qualified for the into conversation and causes him to start International Math Olympiad USA team describing the intricacies related to it in a in May 2018 after a nearly year-long se- continuous stream of enthralling, thoughtlection process, where he took a series of fully derived information. six tests throughout “It is hard to the school year, each put into words,” The really rewarding part is one eliminating hords says. “It’s the little burst of excitement Singhal of students until only built up from the himself and five other you get when something simplest of conof the most talented cepts; you build works or something gives mathematicians in the it up from simple — MIHIR SINGHAL, senior country remained. facts. But from Not many would find beauty in math, simple things you can get complex strucbut not everyone sees math the same way tures and amazing, elegant results.”

Singhal does. He admits to being fascinatSinghal does not have much else to say ed by numbers, a fact that becomes rather in regards to the reasons behind his passion obvious when a mathematical theory comes for math. And he has even less to say about

“

”

his proficiency in the field. Something along the lines of “pretty good,” is usually all he will say when asked how it feels to be one of the top mathematicians in the country, though sometimes he’ll add in a shrug or a brief laugh.

He’s not one to self reflect — to Singhal, it doesn’t really matter why he loves math, just that he can do it, and he does a lot of it.

“It is probably the biggest part of my life,” Singhal says.

In addition to working on practice tests and complex problems online, simply noticing the involvement of math in dayto-day life can ignite a thought regarding math.

“Math is the thing I want to think about if I have nothing else to do,”he says.

Spending so much time and energy on math does, however, make failure draining.

Frustration is especially high when he is stuck on problems for hours at a time without any significant progress. And pressure from family, peers and mentors to do well does not exactly contribute anything positive.

“People expect me to be able to solve problems,” he says. “At the end of the day, you never know how well you’ll do.”

Despite these pressures, Singhal still has a strong and seemingly never ending passion for math. There are many rewarding parts, but according Singhal, the most rewarding part is “the little burst of excitement when something works or something gives,” he recounts, with a smile on his face, that whenever he makes a small breakthrough “there’s a surge of excitement.”

There are numerous factors that have led to Singhal’s success as a mathematician, but he believes the main reason is interest.

“If you really like something you can do anything you want,” Singhal says.

In a school known for its pressure and academic rigor, it is refreshing to hear a voice like Singhal’s.

“I think it’s really important to do what you really like to do,” Singhal says.

“Often I see a lot of people doing things that they don’t necessarily want to be doing for the sake of other people rather than themselves.” v

verdemagazine.com

41

Text by GILA WINEFELD and JULIE CORNFIELD Photos by EMMA COCKERELL

THE LOVERS. ACE OF WANDS. TWO OF CUPS.

TAROT FAN-ATIC Junior Helen Noroian has been reading tarot cards for two years and has encouraged a number of her friends to pick up the practice. "I got my first deck ... because I read this series called 'The Raven Boys,'" Noroian says. "A lot of people in theatr have [tarot] cards now. I feel responsible for it."

DISSECTING USING TAROT CARDS FOR SELF-REFLECTION

P

ALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL junior Helen Noroian places three tarot cards on the grass in front of her, carefully inspecting each one.

“This feels like an initial ‘pow,’” Noroian says finally, explaining how the first card represents her subject’s potential love life. She pauses before moving on to the next card, which depicts a woman sitting in a throne surrounded by flames.

“There's a lot going on there: There's a lot of fire, there's a lot of passion,” she says. The third card she analyzes quickly: “Then water, so things come and go, so it's being washed away.” Noroian looks up from the cards and smiles, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

Noroian’s tarot cards are a form of divination traditionally used to forecast events or situations. According to the New York Times, tarot has recently garnered significant attention in popular culture, with tarot deck sales rising 30 percent in 2017. Some experts attribute this uptick to a declining interest in religion among millennials, as well as a national shift towards mindfulness.

For Noroian, however, the practice of tarot card reading serves more as a vehicle for self-reflection than a form of incontestable fortune-telling.

“I use them for guidance,” Noroian says. “Everyone thinks that they'll tell you what's going to happen and they're going to tell you what your fortune is and the exact future, but I use them for advice.”

Senior Sam Kim, who is in Paly Theatre’s stage tech alongside Noroian and was inspired by her to pick up tarot, agrees.

“It’s very self-reflective because it’s about what you feel in the cards,” he says. “For me a lot of tarot has been like, ‘now I'm just going to introspect in a way that is … different.’”

Reading into it “The Two of Cups is love, duality,” Noroian says as she pulls the card from her deck. “Wands are intellect, logic — they just feel cold.”

Noroian shuffles her tarot cards with care, mixing them up but never letting them bend or warp.

“I don't like to let a lot of people touch my cards all at once, because then all the energies get muddled,” she says. “Every person [has] their own perspective and their own way of reading.”

Noroian’s deck is simple in color, but detailed in design — some cards depict specific individuals or situations, others just

DIVINATION icons. Each card is labeled, but Noroian says she only uses these names as suggestions for her interpretation.

Kim, whose deck consists of vibrant, smooth images, echoes a similar sentiment.

“There isn’t a wrong way to do it [tarot card readings],” Kim says. “You just have fun and see what comes up when you’re looking at the meanings.”

To read his cards, Kim constructs a pattern where specific cards represent either past influences, current situations, future scenarios or advice.

“I feel my question go into the deck,” Kim says.

“I ask the question and maybe it's just me forcing it but it feels like there's some sort of movement into the deck.”

Both Noroian and Kim concede that tarot is so compelling to them precisely because it allows them to craft their own meaning from the cards.

“You can learn each meaning of every card,” Noroian says. “But I think it's more important to find your own understanding from each card and to look at the images and see what feelings are evoked from that image.”

It’s not all in the cards Despite the common misconception of tarot being used by witches or psychics to see into the future, both Kim and Noroian primarily rely on tarot as a way to clear their minds and reflect, and are skeptical of their decks’ supernatural or fortune-telling abilities.

“It's very hard for me to believe anything at all other than what's happening,” Noroian says. “I don't think there's a higher power or anything like that. I think it's psychological. Your brain is looking at the card and seeing what it wants to see.”

However, Noroian hasn’t always had this objective view of the world and of her tarot practice.

“I did call myself a witch last year but I don't know if I would now,” she says. “I'm kind of hesitant to say the word [witch] because people are like, ‘oh that's not real.’ And I don't think that magic is real. I believe in the psychology behind it. …

I don't have to be some spiritual, mystical person.”

Kim, in contrast, is somewhat

conflicted about his belief in the spiritual aspect of tarot. On one hand, he doesn’t think that an association between divination and guidance from a higher power exists.

“I don't think destiny or fate is a real thing because I think there's so much agency in what we do,” Kim says. “I like tarot because ... it's random and so many things in life are random ... It's just a bunch of random things coming together and creating meaning out of, in essence, nothingness, but then it makes sense to you.”

At the same time, Kim is not opposed to belief in the supernatural.

“I like magic — I like the idea of it,” he says. “I am a very big believer in spirits and a lot of the supernatural beings … but I don’t know how much I believe in fortune-tellers or psychics.”

Ultimately, Noroian and Kim hope their peers will see tarot not as a strange psychic fad, but rather a way to become more in tune with one’s own thoughts and emotions, akin to other mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling.

“Tarot is a tool,” Kim says.

“It has some mysticism in it but it's not some end-allbe-all, ‘this is the right way.’ Nothing can know what's going to happen. It's just something to help you through what is happening.” v

THE LEAGUE

Text by LUCIA AMIEVA-WANG and ALEX FENG Art by LUCIA AMIEVA-WANG

WANTS YOU.

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE 100 PERCENT MISSION

J

EANNIE LYTHCOTT LOWERS HER VOICE, makes a stern face and draws her shoulders back in imitation of the judge who sat across from her 50 years ago on the day she became a citizen of the United States. Her eyes glimmer as she recalls the exact words the judge spoke to her. Clearly, this is a story that she has told many times before.

“And so then he says, ‘Tell me what you know about the executive branch,’” Lythcott says, chuckling at the memory. “In all sincerity, at 28 years old, I looked across at this gray-head judge and I said to him, ‘You mean everything I know?’”

She leans in closer as she narrates, as if daring an incorporeal judge to accept her challenge.

“He said, ‘Why don’t you just start and I’ll tell you when to stop,’” Lythcott says. “So I started, and I went on. He never asked me another question.”

Listening to her accounts of her English upbringing, her career as a science teacher in Ghana and her ultimate journey to the Unit-

44

MAY 2018

ed States, it is clear that the fiery tenacity of Lythcott’s youth is still burning as strong as ever.

If anything, stronger than ever.

Now the Director of Voter Services at the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto, Lythcott has set her sights on a new challenge: registering 100 percent of eligible Palo Alto high school students to vote before the June 5 election.

An English upbringing Born in a tiny coal village in Yorkshire, England, Lythcott grew up hearing stories of the hard work in the coal mines. Though her family was poor and could only afford to pay for what was necessary, when Lythcott was accepted to Manchester University, the English government covered all her expenses, including boarding, transportation and books.

“I was the second person in my village ever to go to university,” Lythcott says. “So the fact that my government, my country,

profiles had educated me for free, for nothing, still means an awful lot to me.”

Having discovered her love for the sciences at an early age, Lythcott chose to pursue a degree in botany and chemistry. Soon after graduating from Manchester University, she took a job as a science teacher at a nursing school in Ghana, West Africa.

There, she met and fell in love with George Lythcott, an American physician working with the World Health Organization to eradicate smallpox. Deciding to come back to the U.S. with him, she was required to take both a test and an oath of citizenship.

“I’d married an American, but I needed a reason more than that to turn my back on family, queen and country,” Lythcott says. “I saw in this country this unique form of government … with the unstated promise that anybody, regardless of how humble their origins, could rise to another place.”

Finding power within the system Though passionately drawn to the idea of a true democracy, Lythcott was not blind to the injustices that still existed within the American system. As an immigrant, a female educator and the wife of an African American man during the ‘60s, Lythcott faced many prejudices.

“As a part of a mixed race married couple in 1968, when we got married, we were breaking the law in six states where miscegenation [interracial marriage] was not allowed,” Lythcott says.

Yet instead of feeling discouraged, Lythcott saw these challenges as opportunities to utilize the tools and powers given to the people to “improve, preserve and protect democracy.”

From her unique standpoint as an American citizen, Lythcott’s passion for change and reform grew.

But to Lythcott, the most essential part of civic responsibility is expressed within the voting booth.

“That [voting] is how people get power in this government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Lythcott says. “You have to know what is going on, there has to be people who are running for the same kind of values that you hold and then you have to actually vote.”

Welcome to the League After over 40 years of teaching, Lythcott retired from her job as a science professor at the Stanford Teacher Education Program and turned her attention towards the League, which had been in the back of Lythcott’s mind since the ’70s.

“I wanted to tackle provoking issues … fighting voter suppression by increasing the number of people who actually go to vote,” Lythcott says.

In 2014, Lythcott joined the Voter Services team in the League, where she worked alongside other women from Palo Alto to register high school stu-

v

dents, the homeless population, veterans and newly naturalized citizens. Along with increasing registration, she helps the League organize special candidate forums where the candidates appearing on local ballots convene in a public setting to answer questions and objectivity is ensured.

After only three years of working in the League, and right after the 2016 election, Lythcott became the chairman director of Voter Services. In the first couple months as director, she succeeded in knocking the League off its feet with her 100 percent plan.

“We had only before ever cared about the big high schools, Paly and Gunn,” Lythcott says. “What I wanted to do was to uncover where all the Palo Alto teens are.”

In past years, the pattern for the League was to register around 40 students from Palo Alto or Gunn High School. But out of a senior class of 450 students, this number was insufficient for Lythcott.

“Some people laughed and said, ‘Jeannie, you’ll never make it,’” Lythcott says. “And to them I said, ‘That’s not the point. The point is, if you don’t name it, you don’t work towards it.’”

This year, the League was determined to delve deeper. This meant contacting continuation schools and private schools, as well as looking into the homeschooled and homeless student populations. At every school that would allow it, they organized assemblies to speak about the League’s work and set up voting registration booths on campus to reach as many eligble high school voters as possible.

As of now, the League has registered and preregistered around 1,000 high school students in Palo Alto. While Lyth“People were sort of hanging on cott acknowledges the edge saying, who the heck is that her plan was not executed perJeannie Lythcott?” fectly, as a pilot — JEANNIE LYTHCOTT, Director of Voter Services run she believes they did a “pretty damn good job.”

Given the constant headlines, scandals and changes surrounding the current administration, and after seeing the incredible anti-gun violence movements organized by youth, Lythcott stands by the notion that our generation has a new and exciting responsibility.

“This generation has the opportunity to shape this nation in ways that are important to this generation,” Lythcott says. “But it won’t happen unless they vote, get educated and stay informed.” v

verdemagazine.com

45

Adios,Señor Vericat!

!

Text by JENNY TSENG and ABBY CUMMINGS

46

MAY 2018

profiles

v

VERICAT'S 23 YEARS AT PALY COME TO A CLOSE

S

ITTING IN CROOKED ROWS celona to Bakersfield, San Francisco to with backpacks strewn haphazardly Palo Alto, Vericat’s warmth and knowlaround them, the students in Room edge has touched over 3,000 students.

304 wait apprehensively for the teacher to summon them to present. One La juventud: youth Vericat was raised in Ulldecona, by one, they shuffle toward the front of the room, hoping they don’t botch their lines. a small town in South Catalonia, and Presentations pass without a hitch graduated from the University of Baruntil one unlucky student checks the celona in 1979 with a Masters of Phiclass’s understanding and mispronounces losophy and Education. Soon after “meses” — the Spanish word for “months.” he graduated, Vericat began teaching.

“I know for a lot of people it is hard to The class replies as if no mistake was made, but the teacher cries from be- decide what to do, what to be in life,” Verihind his small wooden podium: “Me- cat says. “But when I was in high school, I sas means tables. You mean meses? Why always had a big admiration for my teachdid you guys even answer?!” He sighs ers, and I just wanted to become one.” deeply and calls up his next victim.

From any other teacher, an outburst Una manzana para el maestro: an like this would signify a surly, disagreeable apple for the teacher Vericat attributes his growth as a personality. But from Spanish teacher Josep Vericat, the mock anger and roasts are teacher to the two courses he started how he expresses his love to his students. here at Paly: Spanish 4 Civilization and “Humor is a very important part of Culture and Spanish 6, an independent teaching because it creates a more pos- study class that Vericat teaches without itive atmosphere — a relaxing one,” pay during lunch for motivated students.

Although students only have a few peVericat says. “I can joke around a lot with the students ... they know it’s my riods with Vericat each week, his class amsense of humor, not a vicious intent.” biance and humor have impacted students greatly over the Vericat’s teachlast two decades. ing career started When I was in high “It [Spanish long before he arrived 6] has made me at Paly and became school, I always had view school as the jovial teacher he more of a pleasis known as today. a big admiration for ant thing … and In 1979, Veri- my teachers, and I just made me apprecat started teaching ciate Spanish philosophy, Span- wanted to become one.”

— JOSEP VERICAT, Spanish teacher literature,” juish, Catalan and nior Pablo Ruiz French at a small private school in Barcelona. A few years says. Now, Ruiz chooses to read Spanlater, Vericat moved to California. ish literature books in his free time.

For Spanish 6 student and senior Ol“My wife brought me here, captured me and dragged me over here,” Vericat quips. ivia O’Farrell, Vericat’s class has caused “That’s why I decided to start teaching here.” her to look at life in a more positive light.

“It makes me take life a little less seriAfter spending 23 years at Paly and devoting more than half of his life to ously, but in a good way, where I’m … always teaching, Vericat will retire at the end trying to see the positive,” O’Farrell says.

Along with his lively classroom enof the 2017-18 school year. From Barvironment, Vericat says he will miss the bright students and faculty he has VERICAT'S ARTWORK This piece is titled "The School of Athens" and is classified as mixed worked with over the years, as well media on wood. Vericat started painting at 14 as the camaraderie they have shared. years old when his grandmother gifted him a “I have been inspired by my stubox of colors, brushes and an easel. Art by Jodents with so much potential,” Vericat sep Vericat and photo by James Poe.

“

VERICAT IN 1997 Vericat stands with the 1997 Spanish Club. The purpose of the club was to "give students who are motivated a chance to practice Spanish while having fun." Source: 1997 Madrono yearbook.

says. “I have also enjoyed very much getting close to my colleagues through collaborating with them over the years as I have become a better educator.”

Spanish teacher Pilar Badillo Novas has worked with Vericat for five years and describes him as a funny and sincere character.

“Many times, Paly is so crazy and he just goes, ‘Don't worry, just take it easy,’” Badillo says. “He just puts a little bit of sense in my life, a little bit of calmness.”

La jubilación: retirement Vericat plans to divide his retirement time between his homes in San Francisco and Ulldecona.

“I miss almost everything [in Ulldecona] because it’s where I have most of my friends and all my family lives there,” Vericat says. “I’m the only one that came here to the United States.”

In Ulldecona, Vericat hopes to revive some of his passions that he used to have more time for and devote his days to enjoying art and nature.

“I’m going to try to paint again because personally I have not done a lot of that,” Vericat says. “Also, I love gardening and I have a big property in my town, so ...

I’m going to grow grapes and make wine.”

In just a few short weeks, Vericat will begin a life with no agenda after 39 years of following a high school calendar.

“Now my whole life will be a long, glorious, summer vacation,” Vericat says with satisfaction as he leans back in his chair. v

verdemagazine.com

47

Infinite War: Infinite Praise

MARVEL ASSERTS DOMINANCE IN “AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR”

O

VER THE PAST DECADE, Marvel Studios has time and time again crushed competition in the arena of superhero films, adapting both the most popular characters, such as Captain America, and much more obscure heroes, such as the Guardians of the Galaxy, from comics into million-dollar blockbusters.

Marvel’s newest debut, “Avengers: Infinity War,” delivers on every aspect that made their former movies successful — action-packed sequences, characters with a sense of humor and heartfelt moments of bravery and self-sacrifice — and builds on them to create something entirely new.

Kicked off by the 2008 blockbuster “Iron Man,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe has since enjoyed unprecedented popularity with 19 straight number one box office openings. “Avengers: Infinity War” continues the studio’s dominance by adeptly integrating numerous characters into one engaging, witty storyline. The warm reception of Marvel’s latest cinematic feat is reflected by the movie’s record $258.2 million domestic box office opening, which surpassed “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” for the largest opening weekend in history.

“Infinity War” was also the fastest movie to reach $1 billion worldwide.

Propelled into the mainstream by many huge hit movies one after another, each character is loved by fans and exhibits flawless chemistry with other characters in the Marvel Universe. Pulling together

48

APRIL 2018

dozens of heroes from different franchises sounds like it could be choppy at times.

But, at least for those who have seen the movies leading up to “Infinity War,” keeping track of characters was not difficult.

A major worry for Marvel fans was the possibility of having too many chefs in the kitchen, with one main character dominating too much screen time, causing the movie to not do justice to other beloved characters. “Infinity War” wisely divides the movie into a series of subplots, keeping characters separate and thus avoiding this pitfall. Thanks to this, most characters have almost entirely separate arcs, allowing them to develop without stealing the spotlight.

Thanos, the main antagonist, is a villain that the audience can feel some empathy for. While his goals are evil and absurd, it does feel like he is at least being authentic about them. Thanos’ dedication to his cause and connections to the characters serve to give the movie more complexity.

As far as the fight scenes go, Marvel has never been better. Skirmishes and brawls occur all throughout the film from start to finish with excellent special effects. These action sequences make it nearly impossible to take one’s eyes off the screen and add considerably to the already rich storyline.

There were, however, some weaknesses to the storytelling. While the main villain was compelling, time spent attempting to develop his underlings as minor villains was time wasted, as none of these minor villains felt integral to developing the plot.

profiles

Text by ZAKIR AHMAD and DANIEL LOGAN Art by KEVIN KERR They were also not nearly as engaging or dynamic as Thanos. In Marvel’s defense, these were characters from the comics that devoted fans may have recognized. Nevertheless, they unnecessarily complicated the storyline when much briefer introductions would have sufficed.

Nevertheless, “Infinity War” still gives fans their fill of action sequences all across the sprawling galaxy, and the storyline is anything but predictable. The movie contains humor, mainly fueled by past character encounters and inside jokes, as well as Marvel’s trademark after credit scenes, where Thanos was first revealed back in 2012. Additionally, “Infinity War,” like all other movies in the MCU, contains a cameo from Stan Lee, the former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, which is a well-deserved tribute every time he shows up on screen.

The sheer volume of material, characterization and revelations will have fans talking for the next year, when the not yet named “Avengers 4” is released.

However, Marvel will not be slowing down anytime soon, with “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “Captain Marvel” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming 2” all set to release in the coming years. Regardless of how these future movies hold up, Infinity War will not be remembered as a weak link for Marvel. It will be remembered as a celebration of the storytelling which they have built up so far and an ambitious new type of superhero movie where damage is permanent and outcomes are uncertain. v

v

MARVELOUS FACTS Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo Studio: Marvel Studios Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin Run Time: 2h 40m Global Box Office Opening: $640M US Box Office Opening: $258M Budget: $300-400M

Things to Know Before You Go: 1. AFTER-CREDITS SCENE: There is one of Marvel’s signature after-credits scene teasing the next movie. Be prepared to stay through the credits.

2. ANOTHER MARVEL TRADITION: Stan Lee, (editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics) makes a cameo towards the beginning of the movie, near Spiderman’s first appearance.

3. AVOID SPOILERS AT ALL COST! There are many spoilers lying in unexpected places — proceed with caution.

4. CATCH UP: Not required, but recommended: watch every Marvel movie (if you have not see them already) from 2008 - Present, except possibly “The Incredible Hulk.”

verdemagazine.com

49

Text by SASHA POOR and REBECCA YAO

Real Estates. Real Services. Real Results.

Art by MEGAN ANDREWS

MIYAZAKI MASTERPIECES R HONORING AND CELEBRATING STUDIO GHIBLI

ECONIZABLE ANYWHERE, THE DELICATE ARTISTRY AND FANTASTICAL WHIMSY OF STUDIO GHIBLI movies make them an unforgettable part of many a childhood. Painstakingly hand-drawn and packed with heartwarming storylines, the films relate to people of all ages and evoke nostalgia for the joys of youth. Since its establishment in Tokyo by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata in 1985, Studio Ghibli has earned two Academy Awards and four Japan Academy Prizes for Animation of the Year.

While most animation companies have embraced the novelty and efficiency of computer-generated imagery, Studio Ghibli continues to hand draw all of its films. Hayao Miyazaki allows only a small amount of computer work in an effort to preserve the traditional aspect of his animations, which Takahata also tries to achieve in films he directs.

Takahata passed away April 5. Although he was most often involved as a producer while Miyazaki directed animations, Takahata occasionally stepped into the role of director — “Grave of the Fireflies,” one of Studio Ghibli’s earliest films, was directed by Takahata. “My Neighbor Totoro,” arguably the firm’s most popular film, celebrated its 30th anniversary on May 7. To honor “My Neighbor Totoro’s” 30th anniversary and Takahata’s legacy, Verde reviewed three Studio Ghibli films. v

My Neighbor Totoro Released in Japan on April 16, 1988, the iconic film “My Neighbor Totoro” has won affection across the world. Drawing on Shinto legends and beliefs, it brings to life a magical world filled with soot gremlins and cat-like spirits.

The film begins when two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move to a new house to be closer to the hospital where their mother is being treated. In their backyard, hidden within the roots of a large camphor tree, they find a large forest spirit named Totoro, who helps the sisters navigate adolescence.

He cares for the sisters when the rest of their family is unable to, and indulges them in their curiosity by helping them complete their small missions, like growing trees from acorns they planted or finding their way to their mother.

But what really stands out about Totoro and captures the hearts of its audience is the bond the family shares. Satsuki and Mei have a sisterly dynamic that anybody with a sibling will recognize: Mei tries to become independent, but she consistently falls back on her older sister for help and support.

While the plot may not be as intriguing or complex as those of other films, the quality of animation more than makes up for it. The scenes are drawn cleanly in a simplistic style, emphasizing the childlike qualities of the protagonists, and the bright colors also help convey the motif of childhood that is present throughout the film.

Though the premise is youthful, “My Neighbor Totoro” offers an enjoyable escape for viewers of all ages and constitutes a good choice for a movie night with family, friends or anyone else.

50

MAY 2018

Grave of the Fireflies The first film Takahata directed for Studio Ghibli, “Grave of the Fireflies,” is based partly on his own experiences during the Okayama bombing.

The movie deviates from Studio Ghibli’s reputation of producing cheerful, family-friendly stories, instead depicting a melancholy scene of two siblings struggling to survive in a horrific time of war. Although the film’s protagonists are children, Takahata still manages to tackle mature themes surrounding the horror and tragedy of war.

Set in Japan during World War II, the movie follows the ghosts of a ninth grade boy, Seita, and his four-year-old sister, Setsuko, as they attempt to overcome the bad decisions that lead to their deaths. Conflict with their irritable aunt over scarcity of supplies during frequent fire bombings pushes the siblings to leave and attempt to live on their own with the little money their mother left them.

Takahata tints scenes involving the characters’ spirits red to differentiate them from the actual events of their stories while they were alive. Although red is usually associated with anger, assisted by the glowing dots representative of fireflies, it calms the audience, as the characters appear to be bathed in their glow.

Beyond portraying the devastation of war, “Grave of the Fireflies” also comments on the necessity of involvement in society for survival. While staying with their aunt, they are able to survive, but when they venture out on their own, they face greater challenges and eventually die.

This film is a remarkable piece of artistry, but is not the typical Studio Ghibli movie, and should only be watched by a mature audience. When looking for a fun film, give this one a pass and watch a different Studio Ghibli work instead.

Castle in the Sky Produced by Takahata, “Castle in the Sky” is not as popular as some other Studio Ghibli films, but it is certainly still a beautiful movie which draws from stories from many cultures as well as Miyazaki’s personal experiences, blending them into one story.

“Castle in the Sky” focuses on a girl named Sheeta who is abducted by government agents. Their airship is then attacked by air pirates, and Sheeta falls to the ground. However, her magical necklace slows her fall, and she meets a boy named Pazu in the mining town where she lands. They then go on an adventure as Sheeta runs from the government agents and pirates, on which they discover a magical floating castle.

The plot lends itself to a surprising array of animation, from the mechanical inner workings of the airships to the beautiful gardens of the castle itself. The castle is drawn with a softer touch, imitating the natural world and evoking a sense of peace.

The mechanics have a certain steampunk aspect to them

— with cogs and blimp-like airships — and are drawn with clean, straight lines, true to life.

The mining town is based on Miyazaki’s observations of a similar town in Wales where he witnessed a workers’ strike, and some elements of the story are adapted from his previous anime series “Future Boy Conan.” The name of the castle itself, Laputa, is taken from the book “Gulliver’s Travels,” where there is a floating island of the same name. There are also elements of Hindu and Biblical legends in the story.

Though the animation of scenery is complex and varied, the people are not. The faces are reminiscent of many other Studio Ghibli characters, and are seemingly the same base with a couple of surface changes made.

This film caters to the preferences of many, providing action and an interesting plot while also showcasing thoughtful drawing that is pleasing to the eye.

verdemagazine.com

51

Professional alterations, inhouse cleaning, and laundry services!

SPECIALTIES

Wedding gowns Prom dresses & Draperies

Same ownership for over 20 years!

Midtown Shopping Center Next to CVS 2685 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94306

(650) 323-5530

Worried about market volatility?

Let’s talk.

STYLE MATTERS Personalized.

Elevated.

Timeless.

LEAF & PETAL 439 South California Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 650.329.8070

CASSIS mandy.andrei@edwardjones.com Member SIPC

206 Homer Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 650.327.2997 www.lpetal.com After hours appointments available Locally owned for over 35 years Best Boutique & Women’s Apparel 2017

52 MAY 2018

profiles

verdemagazine.com

v

53

Text by LUCIA AMIEVA-WANG and JASMINE VENET

Photos by LUCIA AMIEVA-WANG Art by ELLA THOMSEN

Out with the New, in with the Used

MONTHLY BOOK SALE SUPPORTS LIBRARIES

54

MAY 2018

A

MAN DONNING A LEATHER cowboy hat, enjoying the first couple pages of a newly purchased used book, leans against the side of a small portable building tucked behind the back of a parking lot. Just above him, tacked to the peeling walls of the building on wheels, a bright yellow sign boldly reads “Book Sale.” Inside, arms and bags fill up with books as young and old hands flip pages and browse through titles for hours.

On the second weekend of every month, the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, a nonprofit organization, hosts a used book sale at Cubberley Community Center. Starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., the sale, which attracts around 2,200 people, takes place in three small portable buildings interspersed across two parking lots. The first building holds adult reads, the second is dedicated to children’s books and the third is the bargain room.

In each room, customers are welcomed by volunteers and hundreds of books stacked neatly on shelves. In the bargain room, the simple directions of “take a bag and fill it for five bucks” opens up a realm of possibilities for the countless customers that file into the portables every month.

San Francisco resident and customer Mikiko Kitago has only attended the book sale twice, but has already fallen in love with the event.

“I like that it’s in a cool space,” Kitago says. “You can come to the bargain section and have the option of going all over, seeing the same people every month.”

Like Kitago, many customers enjoy the tight-knit community forged between customers and volunteers, along with the thrill of

culture v discovering new books within the walls of the three small portables.

Past a room of shoppers and tucked behind a small labyrinth of human-sized stacks of boxes is the five-by-five-foot office of the sales manager and sole employee of FOPAL, Jannette Herceg.

Herceg, who was born and raised in Palo Alto, supervises the monthly events and gathers and trains the 60 volunteers required for every sale. Apart from her duties organizing and preparing the sales, Herceg also manages the many giveaways to nonprofit organizations that occur after every sale.

“We, at the end of each sale, will donate as many books as the nonprofits can take from our bargain room,” she says. “Those books will end up in local churches, maybe juvenile hall; they'll end up at the local jails; they'll also end up going to other countries.”

To Herceg, the most important aspect of the book sales is the fact that none of the books will go to waste or get dumped in landfills. Rather, they will find their way to the hands of nonprofit organizations or those without easy access to books.

In the last 80 years, FOPAL’s Public Private Partnership with Palo Alto’s local libraries has not only helped nonprofit organizations but also managed to donate around $3 million to the public libraries. This money funds projects, classes, special events and ongoing activities at the libraries, such as Paws to Read, a program that brings service dogs into the libraries so that young kids with speech impediments can read to them.

“It’s all good,” Herceg says about her job at FOPAL. “It’s not about the money. It’s [about] meeting people and being able to facilitate the process of a young person developing through the program.” v

O

ut of the 400 FOPAL volunteers, around 60 attend each sale. Volunteers range from 12 to 91 years old and help sort, clean and price the incoming books as well as run the event itself.

Virginia Ross, 86, a volunteer at the Friends of Palo Alto Libraries, was talked into this volunteering opportunity by some high school friends ten years ago and has come back ever since.

“It’s one of the nicest things I’ve ever done for myself because I enjoy it here so much,” Ross says. “I meet the most wonderful people, not only [customers] but my fellow volunteers.”

Volunteering has kept Ross busy. She and a couple other volunteers come together every Tuesday to complete certain tasks before the monthly book sale, such as pricing books for specific sections. Ross, who volunteers in the children’s room, has forged friendships with countless other people who share the same interests in children literature.

“You end up being with people who care about the same sorts of things, and enjoy the same sorts of things, and get a big kick out of the same things, so we have an awfully good time,” Ross says.

READER TURNED VOLUNTEER Virginia Ross directs a customer to the adult books building. Ross has been volunteering with FOPAL for over ten years and spends most of her time in the children’s section.

verdemagazine.com

55

SAT . ACT . Math II .

AP Chemistry . AP Calculus

(925) 388-6645 www.solutionsbayarea.com info@solutionsbayarea.com 1870 Olympic Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

56

MAY 2018

culture

v

Text by ALLISON MOU and MAGGIE CHEUNG Art by HANNAH LI

Striving with Strava

ATHLETES’ SOCIAL APP GAINS TRACK-TION

H

AS ANYONE EVER RUN 2.7 miles to ask you to prom?

That is exactly what Palo Alto High School senior Reed Foster did to ask out his prom date. Foster planned and recorded a run on Strava spelling out the word “Prom?”

“I was trying to think of cool ways to do the asking, and since we both like running, it made sense to use something running-related,” Foster says.

Designed to track athletic activity, Strava allows users to view their run or bike route on a virtual map and provides data including time, distance and speed. But what makes Strava stand out from the multitude of other fitness apps is that it allows users to share their workouts with others.

“You can see your achievements and Doubson, who regularly checks her Strava how you’re doing compared to yourself feed after practice. and compared to other people,” says junior Foster also likes how the app creates a Kevin Cox. way to connect with other athletes, allowStrava, Swedish for “strive,” was devel- ing him to keep up with former teammates’ oped by Michael Horvath and Mark Gain- runs on their college campuses. ey in 2009. It aims to foster a community “It’s fun to see what everyone else where athletes can conis doing, especially nect with one another when they go off to You can look at other college,” Foster says. through their activities and accomplishments, people’s routes ... and according to Strava’s Getting social communications lead that’s been a way that However, similar Andrew Vontz. to all social media, I try out new things.”

“We believe that Cox says what people — KEVIN COX, junior if you’re striving to impost on Strava doesn’t prove, no matter your goals or your ability, always reflect reality. that you’re one of us and here in the Strava “You want to make your life look betcommunity,” Vontz says. ter than it might actually be,” Cox says. “So with Strava ... you might want to appear Popularity at Paly faster than you actually are.”

In the past two years, Strava has As a result, sometimes Cox is hesitant become popular among Paly’s cross to post “easy” runs. country and track teams. Cox and “Sometimes I make stuff private, partFoster are just two of many students who ly because I don’t think other people care to use Strava for running and cycling. They re- see it,” Cox says. cord their runs using a GPS watch, which is Nevertheless, seeing other people’s then synced to the Strava app. runs or rides can also provide inspiration On Strava, athletes can comment on for new routes to try. posts and give each other “kudos,” which “You can look at other people’s routes are similar to “likes” on Facebook, and can ... and that’s been a way that I try out new also give their workouts interesting titles. things. I just go where other people go “It can be pretty fun because peo- sometimes,” Cox says. ple have creative titles,” Cox says.

Despite the downsides associated with An example of a creative title was the social media aspect of Strava, it serves senior Maya Rebitzer’s “Oh, shoe-t ... as a source of inspiration and motivation not this again.” Rebitzer named this for users, encouraging people to challenge run after doing a shoe-related activity at themselves and visit new places. track practice. “[When] we see our friends and family “Maya’s title made me laugh out there having fun, being active, it generagain at what happened during ally does inspire you to do more yourself,” practice that day,” says senior Julia Vontz says. v

“

verdemagazine. verdemagazine.ccom om

57 57

Text by RIYA

SINHA and E

LLA THOMSE

BRINGING BAC K THE CHARM

I

T’S HOT AND STICKY outside in the summer air, but inside the theater, the breeze of the air conditioning and fragrance of freshly popped popcorn engulf the senses. Summer is about to begin, and whether you are staying at home or traveling across the globe, there are always days with nothing to do. Verde explored three lesser-known movie theaters in Palo Alto, each one tucked away in little corners of the city, each with their own special quirks and each eagerly awaiting a visit.

Day and nightime excursions to the theaters used to be a common activity for Palo Altans, but the movie theaters appear to have lost their allure — during the summer of 2017, theater attendance hit a 25-year low, according to the LA Times.

With the rise of affordable streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, more and more viewers are choosing the comfort of their couch over an oftentimes more costly trip to the movies.

Yet these three theaters — CinéArts, Stanford Theater and Aquarius — have managed to keep a small but captivated audience with their unique atmosphere.

Together, they offer another perspective of a movie watching experience and continue the tradition of this lost pasttime. v

58 MAY 2018

N

IO T I D A TR

N

CO S R E T EA

TH L L A SM

E H T G TINUIN

N

CINEARTS THEATER Hidden between office buildings right off of El Camino lies CinéArts. Light shines through the glass facade, and candy, cookies, popcorn and drink options line the counter. To the right of the entrance, in the far corner, two doors lead viewers to one of two movies being shown.

CinéArts, a chain owned by Cinemark Theaters, only shows independent films. In an effort to stand out, the theater also coordinates with Aquarius and the Stanford Theater to make sure there is no screening overlap.

Like many other theaters, CinéArts is also trying to counter the decline in viewership. The result: Cinemark’s new strategy to attract more viewers, called The Movie Club.

The Movie Club offers members one movie ticket a month, 20 percent off concessions and points to purchase movie merchandise at any CinéArts. This way, viewers enjoy the atmosphere of a small theater as well as enjoy the benefits of a large chain.

“It’s nice to go to a theater and have the whole experience with popcorn and candy and the big screen,” says junior Anna Oft, who has worked at the CinéArts theater since August.

How well a film is doing in the theater determines how long it stays there: according to junior Angie Cummings, who has worked at the CinéArts since January, movies have been dropped after just a week due to poor performance.

Combining the atmosphere and big theater benefits, CinéArts provides the perfect way to get a bang for your buck.

LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION Onlookers pass by the brightly lit and flashing marquee of the Stanford Theater. Some peek inside, but most continue walking without even a glance. “Stanford Theater was rennovated in the 80s ... [and] it is to promote American classical movies, particularly of the 30s or 40s,” says Doherty. Photo by Lucia Amieva-Wang

STANFORD THEATER

AQUARIUS THEATER

Stanford Theater is hard to miss: located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, its lighted marquee shines down on an intricately designed box office. The interior is reminiscent of another era, as moviegoers are transported to the golden age of cinema with movies of the 1930s and ’40s upon entrance through the intricately designed doors.

Established in 1925, Stanford Theater was Palo Alto’s premier moviehouse for decades. In the 1980s, the Stanford Theater got a renovation grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

That grant established the Stanford Theater Foundation, which promotes American classical movies, particularly those from the 1930s and ’40s. Now, the president of the Stanford Theater Foundation, David Woodley Packard, picks the movies.

Like CinéArts, Stanford Theater has dealt with declining attendance as more streaming services become available to consumers. While the theater only plays classics, they have modernized their advertising strategies through the use of Facebook.

“We have ... [a] program that we hand out, and that’s where most of our people [come from]: online and through the Stanford theater mailing list,” says Patty Doherty, assistant manager of Stanford Theater.

The theater shows different classics each week. Over the summer, they will be open all week for people to enjoy a night out. Old movies might not appeal to everyone, but for fans of vintage films, Stanford Theater is the ultimate destination.

The Aquarius Theater is clearly visible with its flashing lights and brightly lit entrance.

The twin theater — a theater with two screens — opened in 1969 and exclusively features independent and foreign films.

“These are first run movies, but they are not the big superhero films that larger theaters get,” says Craig Barclift, the theater manager for the Aquarius and Guild theater. “We are really proud of the films we get; they are all quality movies.”

Aquarius has struggled with drawing in viewers, especially younger ones. To combat the decline in attendance, the Aquarius has begun to provide special amenities found at home.

“We have digital projection that looks really good on a big screen, something that people can’t replicate at home,” Barclift says.

“On top of that, we have reserved seating, we have big leather powered recliners, we started offering beer and wine, and we have some special foods.”

According to Barclift, other theaters are also offering similar services to get people back out and viewing movies.

“They’re going more and more towards the luxury market to make it special for people to go out,” Barclift says. Aquarius’s luxury amenities differenciates it from other movie theaters, making it a truly one of a kind experience.

The Aquarius may not have the latest blockbuster movies, but the thought-provoking and beautifully filmed movies that they do have offer a truly unique moviegoing experience.

verdemagazine.com

59

P The cap controversy A SYMBOL OF CELEBRATION OR COMPETITION Text by MICHELLE LI and MAIA LAGNA Art by DAVID FOSTER

60

MAY 2018

IERCING WHISTLES AND Alvin Hom, ASB President of Gunn, warm cheers resonate from the believes the ban was put in place to avoid crowd of proud parents and rela- creating divisions among students and tives as the graduates fling their competition. For these same reasons, Gunn caps in the air and flashes of bold college and Paly do not have a valedictorian. logos glint in the sun.

“I understand the reasoning, but perIt looks picturesque, but the reality sonally, I think people should be able to is that graduation, a day that is supposed put their colleges on their caps, since we’ve to celebrate and recognize students’ high all worked hard and we should be proud of school achievements, has become en- our accomplishments,” Hom says. shrouded in controversy over cap decoraSenior Lauren Wagner was initially tions with college logos. skeptical about the tradition of decorating In college-centric Palo Alto, some ar- hats because she was self-conscious about gue the practice perpetuates the expectation her future school compared to others. that students will attend a prestigious col“I was really nervous for when were lege in their post-high school career. going to decorate our caps because I knew Although Palo Alto High School re- everyone was going to be like, ... ‘Oh I’m quires all students wear green graduation going to this great college,” Wagner says. gowns instead of having boys wear green “I was very not pro doing that.” and girls wear white, the school does not However, Paly alumna Ibby Day, class regulate how students decorate their caps. of 2016, believes the degree to which stuOver the years, it has become com- dents are proud of their accomplishments monplace for students to embellish their greatly varies. hats with inspirational quotes or show“During my graduation, I had plencase college logos ty of classmates … through creative pursuing non 4-year It should be welcomed designs. college or university Senior Tan- and encouraged to plans,” Day says. li Su believes that “What I think I decorate however you this tradition of failed to recognize decorating caps is a want, whether it be any was that some of positive custom and my classmates were post-graduate plan or should be upheld, a ashamed.” reasoning that fac- just freeform decorating ASB Presitored into her decident-elect Vivian for fun.” sion to decorate her Feng shares similar —IBBY DAY, class of 2016 sentiments graduation cap with with her prospective college.

Day. She believes that to address communi“Decorating graduation caps with col- ty pressure on students, earlier steps in the lege logos is a fun tradition and it’s a nice college process must be addressed. way to represent your transition from high “Something as simple as having more school to college by wearing both your Paly smaller name schools come visit campus, or cap and gown and your future college dec- having information about the ... differences orated on your cap,” Su says. between a selective school and one that is Unlike Paly, Gunn High School, re- not so selective.” Feng says. stricts what students are allowed to put on Instead of banning logos, Feng believes their caps by prohibiting the placement of the solution is to welcome all decorating college logos. with open arms.

“Graduation is a time when a high TO DECORATE OR NOT TO DECORATE The school class comes together to celebrate one high school tradition of adorning graduation another’s successes and future endeavors,” caps with students’ college logos and designs Feng says. “There is no need for uniformity can be an empowering event. To senior Lauren Wagner, the practice is an enjoyable experiamong the students: whether they all decence. “As ... I felt more comfortable in where orate it with prospective colleges or not, I I was going, I felt a lot better about putting think that it should be the student’s indiwhere I was going to school on my cap,” Wagvidual choice.” v ner says.

“

culture

The

v

Text by THOMAS CHAPMAN, AMIRA GAREWAL and STEPHANIE LEE Photos by STEPHANIE LEE

Senior

Section

CLASS OF 2018

ABOVE Seniors running to greet the rest of their class after their performance in the annual spirit dance.

MIDDLE LEFT Reed Foster preparing to warm down after competing for a spot in the final in his track and field leagues race.

A

S SENIORS PREPARE TO HURL their decorated caps into the air, we say goodbye to our colorful beach balls, mandatory Flex time and childhood friends. Together we’ve been through ups and downs: winning our epic float junior year, putting up with constant construction, cheering on each other in sports, and evacuating after way too many fire alarms. Beginning a new chapter of our lives can be scary. We will meet new friends, explore new places and find new passions; but will always be Vikings at heart. Goodbye seniors, and good luck! Read on for some of the seniors’ reflections upon their past four years. v

What will you miss most about Paly?

“I’ve had some really great teachers that are here to make sure that we learn as much as we can and we enjoy doing so, and it’s really great to have their support.”

— Reed Foster

“Paly is the first place that I’ve felt at home. I moved here from Georgia, but here I feel like everyone is friendly. I can talk to anybody.

—”Maggie Ainsworth Darnell “The people, the resources and opportunities that I’ve had here that really opened my eyes.

— Hannah Pan

“Paly has offered me so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.”

—Jon Semba

“We live in a place where we have unprecedented access to the tech industry, to athletics, to university facilities, to anything you can dream of.”

—Nikilas Risano

62

MAY 2018

BOTTOM LEFT Maggie Ainsworth Darnell talking to friends after class.

TOP RIGHT Calvin Grewal sits down to study for a test.

MIDDLE RIGHT Michaela Fogarty prepares for lacrosse practice.

MIDDLE RIGHT Hollie Chao sits on the quad after class.

BOTTOM RIGHT Noah Yuen watches the races at Track and Field Leagues.

What has Paly taught you?

“I mean, it’s a school, so hopefully a lot.”

— Olivia D’Arezzo

“Paly has taught me to explore things that I wouldn’t usually do and meet new people.”

“If you push yourself to be involved in activities you wouldn’t normally be involved in, it’s just a really rewarding cycle to be in. Paly taught me that I should keep trying to be in everything that’s going on.”

— Michaela Fogarty

— Calvin Grewal

How will our class be remembered?

“Cooking with Cooper and the creation of the Paly Meme Page.”

— Ruth Itzkowitz

“We will be remembered for the wonderful spirit we had in Spirit Week.”

— Aashai Avadhani

“Our boxing float junior year.”

— Hollie Chiao

“We are going to have a great senior prank.”

— Reed Foster

“It will definitely be remembered for the class of 2017 versus class of 2018 Spirit Week feud.”

— Miguel Moreno

verdemagazine.com

63

Text by EMMA DONELLY-HIGGINS

Art by KAITLYN HO

that’s how we fly

ALASKA AIR SETS EXAMPLE AS LGBT ALLIES

W

ITH THE LGBT MOVEMENT gaining speed as we edge further into the 2000s, Pride parades seem to break record numbers of attendance every year.

It’s not that there are suddenly more LGBT persons ­— although certainly more have come out. Instead, I would attribute this rise in attendance to the growing awareness and support this community has received. Palo Alto High School students are part of the phenomenon; every summer more and more posts appear on Instagram with students, many of them non-LGBT, posing, rainbow flags of San Francisco’s Pride Parade visible in the background.

First and foremost it is with gratitude that I thank you for taking the time out of your vacation to travel up to the city and show your support for this movement. The LGBT community has long fought for the recognition and validation that you show by attending.

We are validated, too, by the appearance of a more traditionally self-centered group: corporations, who have overarchingly commercialized these events. Now, center-stage banners spelling out “SF Pride Parade 2017” are also embellished with brand logos and advertisements — at the 2017 Pride Parade in Columbus, Ohio, the lead banner featured prominent advertisements for the Bud Light corporation, which is listed as the first sponsor on Columbus Pride’s official website.

When I first set out to write this article, I was skeptical of the intentions these companies had in displaying their logos at Pride.

However, while the word itself holds stigma, the commercialization of these events has proven a positive sign for the LGBT community.

Franco Finn, West Coast Marketing Manager for Alaska Airlines, a sponsor of Pride parades throughout the west coast, said Alaska’s support of the LGBT movement is ongoing and genuine.

“We’re trying to be as diverse and inclusive as an organization, not only in our workforce, but, you know, for LGBT initiatives out there,” he said.

Not only has Alaska Air Group CEO Brad Tilden spoken in support of LGBT inclusivity in Boy Scouts of America, the airline has committed to the LGBT community in many other ways. They sponsor Frameline, the longest running LGBT film festival in the Bay Area, as well as the Seattle Gay Men’s Chorus and the Three Dollar Bill Cinema, a film company in Seattle, Washington.

The company also set up a resource group for LGBT employees and supporters.

“They’re called the GLOBE [Gay Lesbian Or Bisexual Employees] team… a taskforce that is designed to specifically handle, you know, Pride initiatives, any LGBT initiatives, and that sort of thing,” Finn said.

64

MAY 2018

He describes the relationship between Pride parades and corporations as symbiotic.

“At the same time they need us as much as we need them,” he said. “If Pride all across the… globe and everywhere else is going to survive they need to have partners and supporters and I think this is a great platform for companies to lend themselves.”

I am thrilled that this Fortune 500 corporation is proud to have the opportunity to support a movement focused on equity, something Finn said is a value the airline tries to uphold.

“We’re long time supporters of the LGBT community and we, we pretty much remain committed to a more equitable society,” he said. “That’s really what we hope to accomplish by putting… our tag out there and our logo when we associate with Pride.”

I commend both corporations and individuals who participate in Pride. Founded in 1970 after New York police officers raided an openly pro-LGBT bar, these parades were established to empower and celebrate the LGBT community, as well as to provide a forum to voice political opinions and protest the oppression LGBT individuals still face today.

If you are unsure how to be a meaningful ally, the path for a Paly student is not the same as that of a global airline, but it is most definitely worth pursuing. Start with your local LGBT organizations. Attend Paly’s Queer Straight Alliance Club and ask for advice on how to support the movement.

To corporations: before choosing to advertise at a Pride Parade this year, make sure you support this community on a daily basis. Donate to LGBT charities, make efforts to diversify your workforce and participate in community service that benefits this population.

Now get out your glitter, confetti and rainbow flags and I’ll see you on Market Street on June 23rd. v

perspectives

v

Lessons Learned serving froyo

REFLECTING ON THE IMPACT OF OUR WORDS Text and Art by ESTELLE MARTIN

F

OR THE VAST MAJORITY of last semester, while my friends got dressed for a local concert, or donned warm pajamas for a cozy game night, I spent my Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings putting on a visor, a much-toobright green neon polo and no-slip shoes for my six hour shifts that lay ahead at a local frozen yogurt shop.

You might ask why a high schooler would be willing to sacrifice her weekend nights to sell frozen yogurt. Well, the truth is, an addiction to shopping and discovering new restaurants, coupled with my inability to fund my ventures led me to acquiring a job.

The lessons I learned in the following four months will stick with me for the rest of my life. The job wasn’t just a matter of employee discounts or mixing frozen yogurt; it was a peek into the real world.

At the yogurt shop, I learned the things school doesn’t teach you.

I learned that one can become accustomed to standing for five hours. After a painful adjustment period, your feet will no longer throb.

I learned that customers will be more likely to tip you if your textbooks, binders and pencils are sprawled out behind you.

And I learned that usually, at 10:30 p.m. on a Sunday night, all you want to do is go home and sleep.

But most importantly, I learned the tremoundous value of respect.

One Sunday, a middle aged man walked in with his wife and served himself some yogurt. He came up to me more than once complaining about the lack of his favorite yogurt flavors and toppings, something obviously out of my control.

After a few months on the job, I’d had quite a bit of experience dealing with difficult customers, and this man seemed to be one of them.

By the time he arrived at the cash register I was just excited to have him leave. I charged him and he handed me the money. After the exchange, I was supposed to give

him and his wife their spoons.

But as I reached to grab them, he interjected and said, “Excuse me, I can’t have you touching our spoons. I assume you are dirty.”

It took me a second to understand what he had just said before a hot flash came over me. I don’t know if I was more embarrassed or angry. The line of customers that formed behind the man seemed to all be staring at my hands.

I wanted to tell the man that I was required to constantly be washing my hands. I wanted to yell at him so he would understand how small he just made me feel.

But before I could open my mouth, he reached over the counter, grabbed two spoons, and walked out the door.

With 14 short words, the man had made me feel utterly and hopelessly inferior. It may seem like a trivial phrase: “I assume you are dirty.” Yet, somehow, perhaps due my role as a server and his as the customer, the man came to the conclusion that he would not touch the same objects that I touched.

I fully acknowledge that it is perfectly reasonable for the man to have been wary of germs and cleanliness; the fact is, he truly did not know where my hands had been.

However, a simple rephrasing of his words would have made a remarkable difference. A simple, “Actually, I would prefer to grab the spoons myself, thank you,” would have turned a subtle slight into a reasonable request.

In that moment, I made a conscientious decision to, from then on, try and treat every single person I meet with the respect they deserve.

That man most likely forgot about our interaction seconds after walking out the door, but I still recall his words seven months later, demonstrating their lingering impact.

I am so thankful for these experiences. While I won’t miss the throbbing feet and the late nights, I will forever be grateful for the classroom the yogurt shop provided me. It taught me the power of words and the utmost importance of respect. v

verdemagazine.com

65

Text by DANIEL LOGAN Art by STEPHANIE LEE

Homework isn’t Just for Home PALY CLOSES ITS DOORS FAR TOO EARLY

D

URING PRODUCTION for Verde, the Media Arts Center is a very productive workspace that is pleasant enough to make the stress manageable and the work enjoyable. But, when our production ends, I become like the vast majority of the student body: stuck outside.

From early in the morning until the last bell, as well as during flex time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Paly has many locations for students to study and seek help from their teachers and peers. But stay around after school and you might be surprised by how few resources are available to the general student population. For much of second semester, not a single indoor space on campus was open even an hour after class.

“On Thursdays I have to stay at school until 6:30 p.m., and there are always a couple brave souls attempting to do homework with the wind brushing in their face and blowing their homework away,” says senior Edan Sneh. “Many people, including me,

66

MAY 2018

could benefit from something as simple as stantly open until 5 p.m., and was someleaving the library open a few more hours.” times open later close to finals.

Additionally, for students who live farThere has been a recent hire that will ther away and/or rely on their parents to allow the library to remain open until 5 give them a ride home at the end of the day. p.m. for three days of the week until the “My mom works at Juana Briones, and end of the year, and all five days of the week she’s always my ride home at the end of the starting next year. Additionally, late night day, so I need to get finals studying will my work done at Paly be reintroduced this one way or anoth- I need to get my work semester on the Tueser,” says sophomore done at Paly one way day and Wednesday Benjamin Estrada. of finals week. While “Sometimes the drive or another.” these are steps in the — BENJAMIN ESTRADA, sophomore can be up to an hour right direction, but [and] when I get there is still much home, I have chores to do.” room for improvement.

During my freshman and sophomore The new library is set to be complete years (I’m now a senior), I frequently did by the second semester of this next year. a huge portion of my after-school work in The design for the new library looks phethe now demolished library because it was nomenal. One issue with the MAC at presnot only convenient, but also because the ent is the lack of one place that has a good library was a great place to converse and vantage point to see the rest of the buildseek help from other students studying af- ing for supervisors. The district is improvter school. Back then, the library was con- ing greatly upon this with the new library, which has one central desk allowing a superviser to view the whole building through glass windows. With this new space, the district will have an opportunity to have just a single staff member present and allow up to approximately 200 students to study effectively indoors. The district should capitalize on this opportunity and keep the new library open for longer hours, ideally as late as 6 or 6:30 p.m., so that students will have more time to make good use of this state of the art study space.

Of course, keeping this indoor space open wouldn’t be free for the district, and may require putting a greater workload on members of the staff. Librarians and other staff members would have to be paid to supervise for longer hours, and more custodians may have to be hired or reassigned to keep these spaces clean. These costs, however, is well worth the additional productivity that students would be able to attain. v

“

perspectives

v

Text and art by CECILIA WARD

The Glass Half Empty

A REFLECTION ON OPTIMISM AND PESSIMISM

I

T’S SOMETIME AFTER 11 P.M. I haven’t managed to complete a single homework assignment, and I’ve spent much more time than I’d like to admit scrolling through a slew of Buzzfeed quizzes. (In case you wanted to know, I’m destined to become a tattoo artist in Amsterdam.) I’m about to close the Facebook tab when a message from my friend pops up on my screen: “Tell me if you agree with this: I’m optimistic about people’s personal lives/futures, but pessimistic/realistic about the world’s future.”

I reach for my keyboard to answer her, but as I do, a sense of uncertainty stills my hand.

What makes someone an optimist? A pessimist? How does being an optimist or a pessimist impact someone’s perspective on life? Not only that, but is one outlook better than another?

I asked a few friends what they thought I was most like, and their answers were similar: I seem more like a optimist. This surprised me, because while I feel like I have some generally optimistic beliefs — such as individuals being naturally good with the occasional fault, usually with reason — I don’t think of myself as optimistic.

Conversely, most of my friends identified as pessimistic, even though I saw them as more optimistic. Why do we think of ourselves as more pessimistic than we see others who might even be less optimistic than we are?

“An optimist is a person who believes that good things will happen in the future, and focuses on the good things that will happen, rather than focusing on the negative things,” says Positive Psychology teacher Chris Farina. “A pessimist would just be the opposite.”

While people usually label themselves as one or the other, I believe they are really two ends of a spectrum. We perceive our experiences to be more optimistic or pessimistic, with qualities of both. We then take the “average” of both pessimistic and optimistic experiences that we’ve had, leading us to believe we are entirely optimistic or pessimistic when in reality we have qualities of both.

Naturally, one’s outlook on life is heavily influenced by their experiences with the world around them. Genetics do play a role, but it is really our experiences and how we deal with those experiences that shape our perspectives.

No matter how we choose to use our experiences, there is still debate over whether it is better to have a pessimistic or optimistic outlook on life.

According to Farina, both pessimism and optimism have benefits. Pessimists, for example, are more accurate in what will happen in the future. But while pessimists might generally be more realistic about what will happen, there are downsides. “[In the] long term it [pessimism] does take a psychological toll,” Farina says. “People that are optimists ... [are] better able to bounce back from setbacks because they believe that things will get better, so they’re more inclined to actually try and keep pushing forward ... It tends to make them overall happier than pessimists.”

It is generally thought to be socially better if you are cheerful, witty and excited to be around people — or “overall happier,” as Farina says, something associated with optimism.

In a 2010 study conducted by The Washington Post, adults were asked if they prefered optimistic or pessimistic politicians.

Optimism was ranked as a more preferable trait, along with reliability and intelligence.

“Americans see optimism as a positive part of their politicians’ personalities, just as suggested by the evidence above,” writes Neil Malhotra and Yotam Margalit.

While there are definite pluses to being an optimist, there is also an issue of assimilating to become the “ideal” person to reap the perceived benefits. We use our disappointments to push us to perform better in the future — without our pessimists, who would have created great art and pushed the boundaries of what we think?

“Pessimism can give us the push that we need to try our best,” writes Annie Murphy Paul in a Psychology Today article. “This phenomenon, known as ‘defensive pessimism,’ involves imagining all the things that might go wrong in the future. It spurs us to take action to head off the potential catastrophes we conjure and prevent them from happening.”

But this does not mean we should all become more pessimistic. Without optimists, there would be no new inventions and no hope for a better future; we might wallow in self-doubt and failure.

I thought that trying to decipher what I “was” would help me to succeed — that recognizing my mindset and knowing my strengths and weaknesses would help me discern what I should work on. But the more I think about it, the more I realize I shouldn’t think about it: After all, whether we’re optimists, pessimists or something in between, part of the human journey is the constant changing of who we are. v

verdemagazine.com

67

Text by ALEX FENG

Raising a family

PRO: Developing skills for future success

I

“

GOT 45 MINUTES OF SLEEP doubt I would have pursued my interests last night.” outside of school or even even engaged in the Does this sound familiar? Is 45 occasional dabbling. Joining extracurriculars minutes of shut-eye even considered that reflected my interests put me in a system sleep or is it just a nap? Does hitting the sheets where I was exposed to other like-minded, at 7 a.m. count as last night or this morning? similarly motivated individuals while also At this point, I’m too tired to know or care. improving my initial “I want to see where Living in Palo Alto has provided me with I can go with this” to “Dang, that’s where I plenty of these teachable moments. By staying can go with this.” The structure provided by open-minded in stressful situations, I have these activities channeled an originally direclearned how to more quickly and effectively tionless drive towards a concrete goal. adapt. In today’s world, where being able to I will confess that as my commitments healthily manage commitments and activi- outside of school increased, so did my stress. ties has become crucial to mental wellbeing, But the support system and relationships that I hope that my own children will be able to I had built for myself through these activities leverage the balance of stress and opportunity kept me afloat even in the most maddeningly Palo Alto provides to become the best version busy circumstances; I had more experienced of themselves they can be. friends who had also juggled similar work According to researchers from Radboud loads and who I would often ask for advice, University in the Netherlands, under the right as well as friends who were going through the conditions, children same thing who I raised in stressful just decomBy staying open-minded could environments could press and talk to. perform significant- in stressful situations, I stayed up late ly better at efficient more times than I I have learned how to information gatherwould like to admit, ing, solving uncon- more quickly and effecmissed assignments ventional problems, and got sick multitively adapt. and other reasoning ple times as a result abilities than those of how I initially brought up with less stress. Palo Alto is by no handled my circumstances. Instead of resignmeans a perfect town, but a certain combi- ing myself to the fact that I might never be nation of drive, stress and available resources able to handle the workload as well as others can yield something far more valuable than a I pushed myself to become better. Leveragletter of acceptance to a college: skills that will ing the experiences as well as work habits of last a lifetime. others set allowed me to ultimately refine my Everyone knows that student juggling discipline, time management skills and abilifive APs while being the president of two ty to compartmentalize. clubs and still finding time to play sports.

Palo Alto did toss me a lot of balls to Sometimes, it even feels like you’re surround- juggle, but it also included an instruction ed by them. Like many other students, I felt manual on how to juggle them. Were it the all-too-familiar pressure to be “smart” and not for this balance of stress and solution, I “successful” even before entering high school. would not have developed these life skills as My response was to emulate what others who early as I have. exhibited those qualities seemed to be doing: Instead of shying away from the chalpursuing what they enjoyed outside of school. lenge, I hope anyone who grows up with I’ve always been a motivated student, but similar stress levels will embrace it as an admittedly, without this external pressure, I opportunity to learn and improve. There is

68

MAY 2018

no instruction manual for getting someone ready to tackle the world by 18, but the lessons I have learned from Palo Alto are certainly good places to start. I hope my children will enjoy a childhood filled with more than academics and a resume, however, gaining crucial life skills at the price of a more stressful adolesence will only serve to help them lead a more balanced life in the future. v

y in Palo Alto

perspectives

v

Text by MARALEIS SINTON

CON: College, the end all be all in Palo Alto

I

Art by ASHLEY ZHAO

T WAS A MONTH before finals during the first semester of my junior year. I sat on my kitchen floor asking myself why I had decided to take such a rigorous course load and signed up for the extracurriculars that occupied my week.

As a naturally curious person, I decided to take AP classes to

challenge myself; yet, as I pondered the kids’ love of learning and curiosity for the course selection for this past year, I realized world, while growing up is a time for develI had dutifully followed the “rules” of tak- oping a sense of self, building friendships ing on a demanding course load by taking and determining one’s own values. Though AP US History and AP Biology.

Palo Alto has phenomenal academics, the I’ve lived in Palo Alto for the past 15 culture of stress limits students’ passion years of my life, and after college, I don’t and hobbies. plan on returning. Despite being a city We may learn and challenge ourselves, filled with opportunity, superb academ- but at what cost? A childhood? Constant ics and the typical sunny California stress? weather, being raised in Palo Alto and According to David Elkind, a proexperiencing the culture from the in- fessor of child studies at Tufts University, side is another story. a childhood allows individuals to have For example, I don’t believe the time to mature and learn life lessons. that academic rigor is the end-all- Without a long enough childhood, chilbe all. You may wonder why dren may not learn the importance of de— wouldn’t taking a heavy veloping relationships and other life skills. course load teach me to be In addition, substantial academic more organizational skills pressure causes youth to develop stress-reand endure high amounts lated health issues such as nervousness, of pressure? Yes. But success hyperactivity, eating and sleeping disorisn’t defined by good grades and ders, behavioral problems and academic how little sleep I can run on. Instead, difficulties, according William Doherty, it is meausred by my hard work, compas- a professor of family social science at the sion and curiosity University of that allow me to Minnesota.

Though Palo Alto has achieve my goals.

Even if a stuPalo Alto’s phenomenal academics, dent receives outcompetitive culstanding grades, ture isn’t what I the culture of stress lim- you might not be want to be sur- its student’s passion for a admitted to their rounded by later in top college. So in subject. life. For my future the end, is a potenchildren, rather tial admission to a than piling on the activities that make for prestigious college really worth all those a strong resume and immersing them in hours or stress? a culture of constant competition, I want To be fair, PaloAlto has allowed me them to be kids — to play and do what to come into my own; I discovered my they love, whatever that may be. passion for photography and developed a Those who can see themselves return- growing enthusiasm for social justice. And ing to Palo Alto may argue that a rigor- for that I am forever grateful. However, I ous and high stress education allows us hope to teach my kids about the world and to mature and prepares us for college and that academics and success goes beyond a beyond. But as students pile on countless resume. Allowing them to grow up outside AP and honor classes for college, they lose of Palo Alto will do just that. For some, a crucial aspect of an education: find- the workaholic lifestyle may suit their ing their passions. goals, but for my future family, that isn’t School is meant to nurture the case. v

verdemagazine.com

69

TAMAR’S TANGENT

Text by TAMAR SARIG Art by ASHLEY ZHAO

in defense of ordinary

REFLECTIONS ON BEING A BORING TEENAGER

A

T SOME POINT in my sophomore year, I began to feel bad about not having a classic American high school experience.

What exactly constitutes a classic American high school experience? I wasn’t entirely sure of that myself. But it looked something like what I’d seen in movies as a kid — football games, parties, adventures, a chaotic but ultimately fulfilling growing-up montage.

It certainly didn’t look like staying in every night studying, or looking forward to Hebrew school as one of my few regular social outings, or bonding with my friends over how stressed we were and how little time we had to hang out.

I know what you’re thinking, and no, I’m not about to spend this column waxing poetic about the joys of being a nerd. In fact, it wasn’t the idea of being a nerd that ever scared or bothered me. When I started panicking in 10th grade about missing out on something essential, what really worried me was the feeling that my life was unremarkable. In other words, I wasn’t rebelling against anybody, trying exciting new things, or swinging through the tumultuous ups and downs I had come to expect from being a teenager.

Fast forward to senior year, and my time as a teenager is almost over. The end of high school is even nearer. And I’ve still failed to achieve the type of electric existence I once longed for. I continue to spend Friday nights at home. I have yet to go to a real party. I have gone to a few concerts — all of them with my parents.

And though there is value in the type of experience some of my more outgoing or adventure-seeking classmates have had, the past several years have taught me that my version of adolescence is an equally valid way to grow up.

70

MAY 2018

There was significance in the little moments: in slogging through the mile run in freshman year P.E. with people I didn’t yet know would become my friends; in learning to drive and relishing the tiny bit of independence that comes with running errands alone; in late nights at production that made me realize I’d unexpectedly found something new to love.

There’s a mountain of expectations that comes with being a high school student. For many of us at Palo Alto High School, those expectations — whether external or self-imposed — involve shining academically without giving up everything else we should be doing with our supposed glory days.

It took me years to accept that I couldn’t do both, and that I didn’t even really want to. There is no script for how to properly grow up, and the version of adolescence we see in the media, however “honest” and “raw” it claims to be, is far from capturing the realities of navigating high school today.

So as I look back on my time at Paly, I don’t feel that I’ve missed out on a whole lot. I’ve surrounded myself with an amazing group of friends, most of whom went through high school the same way I did. With them, I’ve never felt inferior, boring or ordinary. I’ve always felt like I was having fun, albeit in my own, non-cinematic way.

I’ve challenged myself and grown as a person in ways that I’ve never seen reflected in popular portrayals of teenage life. Taking classes that scared me (Hi, Calculus!) made me braver, more hardworking, more confident in my abilities. I’ve been exposed to new

people and ideas and begun to figure out my own perspective on the world, my passions, what matters to me.

My sense of inadequacy didn’t stick around long past those sophomore-year hesitations; the more I embraced my identity and accepted the fact that I simply wasn’t destined to have a rollercoaster of a high school career, the less those things seemed like personal failures. None of us has had (or will have) a perfectly easy time at Paly, nor a smooth ride into adulthood, but we needlessly complicate both of those journeys with expectations that were never based in reality.

There are infinitely many ways to come into your own; I found a path that worked for me, and though it may seem mundane, I realize in retrospect that there isn’t anything wrong with that. v

G N I H NOT H T I W G N WRO AL NORM

verdemagazine.com

71

Call us at 650-665-6675 or email us at info@designeverest.com to start your new build or home renovation today.

Design Everest is California’s leading structural engineering resource. With a 100% permit success rate, our licensed, insured and experienced team knows how to deliver on time and on budget. Our trusted engineering plans have been used in over 1,500 architectural projects throughout the Bay Area and Southern California.

Competitive Pricing & Fast Turnaround California architects choose Design Everest for the quickest delivery and permit approval time. Our dedicated team of engineering professionals complete projects within 2-3 weeks.

Quality Designs With over a dozen licensed engineers and drafters, Design Everest can provide you with all your home engineering needs whether you’re creating a custom home or remodeling an existing one.

“ Aakash and team deserve five stars. Their quote was very

competitive and they completed their work very fast while meeting all the city requirements.” —Ravi G., Los Altos, CA

Design Everest offers the following home architectural services: CAD drafting, roof load calculations, shoring or grading plans, seismic retrofits, drainage plans, structural inspections, cut and fill plans, and more.

• CUSTOM HOMES • REMODELS & ADDITIONS • SEISMIC RETROFIT • DECK & PATIO • LOAD-BEARING WALL REMOVAL • SWIMMING POOLS

Read our reviews on

Read our reviews on