Voices Magazine #4

BEYOND THE COURT:

Athrillingrecapofavolleyballgameandalookintotheteam

By:MihikaKshetramade

Volleyball,oftenregardedasoneofthemostexcitingand dynamicsports,embodiesamixofathleticism,strategy, and teamwork. At RB, volleyball stands out as a noncontactsportwhichdrawsincrowdsofallagesasthey anticipatethethrillingmatchesthatlayahead.OnMarch 13th, our varsity team played an exhilarating game at MountCarmelhighschool–here’saninsidelookathow thegamewentdown.

Tostartwith,Varsitygamesusuallystartat6:00pmand fromthemomentyoustepfootintothegym,youcanfeel the energy radiating off both the audience and team. Althoughthiswasnotahomegame,burstsofblueand enthusiastic students and parents were present to supportourteam.Theteamitselfbeganbywarmingup onthecourt,doingvariousdrillsandkeepingtheirenergy up.Theroomisfullofsqueaksfromtheplayers'shoeson thefloorastheydashbackandforthandlivelychatter fromthebleachersastheanticipationforthegameto beginrises.Volleyballgamesarenotonlyanentertaining pastime for students but provide an escape for the playersaswell.

Reima Fukanari, a setter, talks about what makes volleyballspecialtohim:“Unlikeothersports,likesoccer wherethere’salongtimeframeofplaying,involleyball afteracoupleofseconds,yougettocelebrate.”

Throughout the game, it’s apparent that they share a close team dynamic by how they keep each other motivatedbygivingeachotherhigh-fivesorhonoragood playbycheeringtheirteammateon.Thefirstsetstarted off strong with an exciting back and forth battle and impressive plays from both sides. Notably, Wyatt Thompson,#16,deliveredimpressivespikesthroughout thegame.Iftheteamwasnervous,theydidn’tmakeit apparentastheyexudedconfidenceandmadetheirown uniquecontributiontotheteam.

Ricco Shojgreen, a right-side hitter, speaks on how supportfromhisteamencourageshimtobeastronger player: “Our teammates, they are all going through different things at the same time, but they focus out when it comes to consoling you. Like, sometimes in a game you may mess up, obviously, but you’re not supposedtogetdownonthatbecauseitbringsthewhole teamdown.So,theteammateshelpyoubycheeringyou onandkeepingthegamegoing.”

Fukanari provides more insight on the importance of keepingapositivemindsetonthecourt:“Volleyballisa

onandkeepingthegamegoing.”

Fukanari provides more insight on the importance of keepingapositivemindsetonthecourt:“Volleyballisa bigmentalgame,ifyourmentalityisoffthenyouwon’t playaswellwithyourteammates.Yougottobestrong mentally,yougottafeelitout.”

ThefirstsetendedclosewithMCleadingwithascoreof 24:23.Set2beganandeachplayerdemonstratedtheir dedication and unique skills. From quick setters to powerfulhitters,therolesinateamarediversebutwork together to perform well. Andrew Lee, #10, provided effectiveblocksashejumpedhighandpreventedtheball fromgettingoverthenet.Therewasexcitementinthe crowdastheplayerssmoothlyhittheballandprovided excellent defense. Shojgreen, #17, carried out quick attacksandhelpedonblockswithLee.Theplayersseem focusedastheyworkhardandfinishthesecondsetwith ascoreof20:14.Withagameasfast-pacedandevolving asvolleyball,itcanbeimportantfortheplayerstostay groundedandgrowwiththesport.

Shojgreensharessomeofhisaspirationsasavolleyball player moving forward, “We’re all focused on our individualstrengthsandgettingbetterindividuallyand alsoasateam.So,eachdayisjustanewday,step-bystep,focusonthedayaheadofyou.”

Thethirdsetstartedoffrivetingwiththeballgoinginto thestandsandcleanhitsfromplayerslikeEvanZimsky, #13,andstrongdefensefromRyanFadaiian,#11.Thisset showcasedtheteamsdeterminationtowinasplayerslike AaronPark,#9,slidonthefloorinwinningeffortstoget theballbackintotheair.TheteamcheeredasThompson securedapointevenaftertheballhitthenet.Theteam puttheirbesteffortsintothegameandstayedstrong untiltheveryend.ThegameendedwithMCwinningwith ascoreof25:16.RB’svarsityvolleyballteammadethe game difficult to look away from as their agility and sportsmanshipkepteveryoneimmersedandmadeita gameworthattending.

FukanariandShojgreensharemoreabouttheteamand aboutthegametheylove:

MK:Howdoyoubalancebeingastudent-athlete,doyou haveanytips?

Shojgreen:Stayingaheadofyourwork,youhavealotof practiceseveryday,practicesthatcangointothelater hourssoifyouhavetostayaheadofyourworksoyou don’tstaybehind.

Fukanari:Iagree.It’satimewhereyou’reinschooland you don’t want to be in class but if you get to look forwardtosomethinglater,you’reabletogetthroughthe dayaloteasier.It’slike‘ifIdothisthenI’llbeabletoget throughthat.’

MK:Howdidyoufirstgetinvolvedinplayingvolleyball andwhatmotivatedyoutoplayinhighschool?

Shojgreen:Forme,Iplayedasakidinrecleaguesand whenIgotintohighschoolIhadaninterestinandthe coaches were very welcoming. I started on novice [freshmanteam]butIgottoworkmywayupandget bettereachyear.

Fukanari:Istartedbecausemyfriend,Ricco,andacouple of my other friends motivated me sophomore year to join. Istarted onJVandthenIwentonvarsity. What motivatesmetoplayisthegoodenergyofthestudents andtheteambonding.

MK:Whatdoyouenjoymostaboutvolleyball?

Shojgreen:Theteamdynamic,playingtogetherwithyour friends, playing with people you just met and that becomeyourfriends.Andthegame,it’sjustafungame! Fukanari:You’dbesurprisedathowmanynewfriends youcanmake,it’sendearing.

MK: What’s your relationship with your coaches and teammateslike?Howdotheymotivateandsupportyou on/offthecourt?

Fukanari:Myrelationshipwiththeplayersisverygoodwehaveagoodteammorale,whichisoneofthemost importantpartsoftheteam.We’reallabletobefriends insidethecourtbutIthinkit’simportanttospendtime outsidethecourt,withnonvolleyballthingstokeepthe pressuremorelow-keyandit’sarealfriendshipnota forcedone.Withourcoaches,wejustgotnewcoacheson ourteamsowe’refeelingitoutbutwegottaremember thatit’sourcoachesfirsttimecoachingforvolleyball too.So,wehavetomakeitagoodteameffortwithour coaches.

ANOTHER SEASON IN THE BOOKS

Shojgreen:Wehavenewcoachessoit’sgoingtotakeusa whiletowarmuptothemandrememberthey’reworking withus.It’sadifferentrelationship,adifferentdynamic. It’saboutcreatingabondnotjustplayingthegamebut alsoasafamilyoutsideofthegame.

FAIRYTALESCANCOMETRUE.BUTYOUGOTTAMAKETHEMHAPPEN, ITALLDEPENDSONYOU.” PrincessTiana

SPLASH INTO THE BAYOU

Splash Mountain originally opened in 1989 Itwasbasedonthefilm“Songof the South” The attraction was filled withcharactersandsongsfromthefilm includingthetuneful“Zip-a-Dee-DooDah” Itisfamousforit’sthrillingdrop leavingyoudrenched!

In 2023, the iconic ride began to be remodeled to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure However,thestructureof

the ride will remain the same. Charactersthatwillbebroughttolife through the ride include our precious Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy”, the King and Queen of Macedonia, and PrinceRalphie Itisscheduledtoopen inlate2024

DISNEYLAND UPCOMING RIDES FAVORITERIDE

Disneylandhasmanyattractionsbelovedbypeopleofallages.AtRanchoBernardo HighSchool,30%ofBroncosfavoriteattractionisBigThunderMountainRailroad while20%enjoyHyperspaceMountain,IndianaJonesAdventure,andPiratesofthe Caribbean Finally,10%wouldratherridetheMadTeaParty WithDisneyland’s varietyofrides,what’snottolove?

According to our survey, students prefer thrill rides that are filled with drops of all sizes which are dark and exciting!

ByCarinaGuerrero,SophiaPrescott,andJuliaReed

VVideo Video ideo GGames Games ames

ByCarinaGuerrero,SophiaPrescott,andJuliaReed

Lovedbypeopleofallages,videogamesareafunescapefromreality. Lovedbypeopleofallages,videogamesareafunescapefromreality. Lovedbypeopleofallages,videogamesareafunescapefromreality. Below,we havelistedsomeofthemostfavoritegamesofplayers. havelistedsomeofthemostfavoritegamesofplayers. havelistedsomeofthemostfavoritegamesofplayers.

TTop5 Top5 op5

#1-LegendofZelda #1-LegendofZelda #1-LegendofZelda

#2-RedDeadRedemption #2-RedDeadRedemption #2-RedDeadRedemption

ANEW GENERATIONOF SOCIALCHANGE

Thefilmindustryhaslacked queerrepresentationinthepast. Hearaboutanewgenerationof changemakersusingsatirical humortobringLGBTQ+ characterstothescreen

RedefiningQueer Culture

Thefirstcinematicgenrewhichcomesto mindwhenwatchingBottomsdoesnotquite depictaspecificrealmoffilmThewaythatI personallyliketodefineitscampinessand satiricalnaturecanonlybesimilarly characterizedbyeverysingleLindsayLohan movieevermadeWithBottoms,though,this spoofinessiscompletelyintentionalInfact,this levelofhumormaybethetrickwhen attemptingtogivethegeneralpublic(finally) somesenseofproperqueerfemale representationThisfilmstrivestorewrite society’scommonstereotypesofgenderand sexualitybyusingsatiricaldialogue,ironic cinematographyaglitteryandnostalgicscore aswellasvariousothercinematicelementsto createaconsistentspoofyhumorwhich representsqueerteenagersincontemporary ways Overall,Bottomsusesaveryspecifictypeof spoofcomedytoconveyitsmessage encouragingtheimportanceofmodernqueer representationLookingatitbroadly,thefilmis a2005teenrom-com,onlyfeaturingNicholas GalitzineinsteadofChadMichaelMurrayThe onedifferencemoreprominentthanitsactors, however,remainsthefactthatthefilm’stwo maincharactersarequeerSeeminglythisone singularaspectisabletodefinethefilm’s importanceinbringingnon-confirmative lesbianstomainstreamcultureandmedia ManycinematicelementsofBottomsassistit

indoingso-mostimportantly,itsgeniusscore ProducedbyCharliXCXthefilm’sscorepays homagetoteencomediesofTeenHollywood’s past Heavilydrum-basedandangsty,eachsong illuminatesthemovie’sspoofinessmoreand moreEachactionsceneseemstotakeplace insideofanAvrilLavingealbumThetracksare modern,yetquitemockingofpastgenresgivingtheentirefilmthecharacteristicsof imitationThesemusicalparodiesserveas(yet again)asourceofsatire,asthefilmputsa moderntwistontheiconicnatureof2000s teencomediesWiththeuseofthissatire,the film’sscorecomesalongsideitswritingto mockinglyquestionpaststereotypes surroundinggenderandsexualityCharliXCX’s scoremakesonefeelasthoughtheyare watchingatypicalteenrom-com,inorderto playintothespoofinessofitallNottomention thefilm’sangstymontageofshotsbeingputto ‘Complicated’byAvrilLavinge Lookingbackatthosewonderfully-nostalgic teenfilmsoftheearly2000s,cinematography inBottomscanalsobeunderstoodasto sarcasticallymockthatofthosepastmovies Shotswhichstandoutthemostincludethose whichdepictthefilm’sfightscenes Understandthatinthesefightscenes,the campinessisturnedallthewayup.Shotsof pureinsanitycometogetherwitheffectshots putinslow-motionandfast-motionGirlsthrow slowedpunchesatfootballplayerswhile

screamingthroughthesilentstadium,and impalethemwithswords.Actionscenesare quick,carriedbyfewershots,highlighting chaosratherthanindividualpursuitDollyzoomsareusedtohighlightgirlspriortotheir ‘attacks-’simplyfortheironicintentionto mimicthatofasuperhero-actionshotThe femaleprotagonisthasamission,she’s processing,abouttocarryitoutTheworld movesbehindher,althoughshestayssteadyin placeThisnarrative,wherequeercharacters arethe‘superheroes’,istypicallyunbeknown tomodernfilmmakersTheshotitself resemblesthoseofpasticonicfilms,although onceagainthistimefeaturingaprominent queercharacterThesesatiricalobjectiveshelp toanalyzethefilm’sspoofcomedyThebig fightsceneattheendofthefilmfinisheswith anextremelywideshotofthegirlsstandingina rowonthefootballfield,deadbodiesall aroundthemThisdepictionofsuccesscanbe understoodasanimitationofthefinalesseen inMarvelfilms

ThelastaspectsofBottomswhichshow prominentinthesatiricalintentionsofthefilm aretheintricatelyputtogethersetpiecesand costumesTheseareasofproductioncome togetheralongsideotherfactorstofully capturethefilm’sironichumorObjectsand postersinPJ’sroomshowcasemodernqueer culture,asshedecorateswithrainbowpillows, saltlampsanimephotosandpostersof popularqueerartistsThismodernaspect

connectswiththefilm’scinematicparodyof pastfilms,depictingthemergingofthetwoIn school,postersarehungupsurroundingthe previously-mentionedobjectifyingoffootball playersThesatiricalobjectificationofboys throughoutcampusisconsistentin questioninggenderstereotypesFootball playerswearjerseyswiththeirlastnameson theback,withonlythequarterback’sreading hisfirstname‘Jeff’.Thecomedyandsillinessof itallholdsimportanceinthefilm’sambitionsto redefinegenderstereotypesandthose surroundingqueerwomen

Bottomsusessatiricalwritingandvarious cinematicelementstoredefineconformity surroundinggenderandsexualityBycreating afilmwhichresemblespopularcommonalities inteen-cinema,creatorswereabletoplace queercharactersintoaparodicuniversethat appealstothemainstreampublicThisspecific inclusionofqueerrepresentationisrefreshing toseeincinematicmediaAllofthefilm's differentaspectscometogethertohighlightits mainintentionsevenfurther,specificallythe writingThroughthesatiricalconnectionof pastteenfilms,Bottomsisabletopokefunat anunfulfillingsocietylitteredwithgender stereotypesandprejudicessurrounding sexualityItstechniquesindepicting campinessallowthefilmtopromotequeer cultureinawaythatinsultstheconfinements ofrecurringthemesingeneralcinema

TIKTOK“ARTISTS” Newgenerations OF MUSIC

Lately,allinfluencersseemtobereleasingsongs,eventhe tone-deafonesthathaveneverbeeninastudiobefore.Have followersbecomemoreimportantthantalenttobe successful?

Wecanallagreethatsomeofthemcanactuallymake tolerablesongs,butothersjustseemtohoponthetrendto tryandbeknownassomethingelsethanan“influencer.”

NEPOBABIESINTHEINDUSTRY

Doesthetermnepotismsoundfamiliar?Itmeanstohave anadvantageorfavoritism,inmusicforexample.You probablyknowahandfulofsingersthatsomehowget invitedtobigfestivalsdespitehavingnolisteners.Thetype thatsingsinabiggerstagethanyourfavoriteartisteven thoughnooneissingingalongtoanyoftheirsongs. Isthisfairtootherartistswhodon’thaveconnectionsin theindustry?Shouldnepobabiesrejectbigopportunities toavoidcontroversy?

What RBHS is Reading

HowdoestheliteraturestudentsreadinEnglish classescomparetowhatstudentsreadintheir ownlife?

Itappearsasthoughthefictional storiesaremostpopularthroughout Broncos.Whilethethemesofthe booksmaynotbethemostlayered andanalytical,thestoriesthatarenot quitetruearethemostappealing. However,thesamecanbesaidfor schoolbooks.Lotsofthebooksthat arereadinEnglishclassesarefictional aswell.Thesebooksarechosendue totheirhistoricalcontext,aswellas thethemesthatcanbeappliedtothe worldandeverydaylifeinvarious ways.

WhatdoBroncosreadathome?

Finding Your Voice in Art

Photography Article

Aninterviewwithanoutstanding artstudentofRBHS Photography

5thJune2024

WeinterviewedsophomoreMeganMurrayabout theirpassionforart

Herearetheirinsights.

Describeyourselfasanartist

Asanartist,Ileantowardsasimplisticand minimalisticstyleofphotography Ishootalotof macroandnaturephotographybecauseIliketo capturetheordinarythingswithbeautythatwe oftenoverlook

Howdidyoubecomeaphotographer?

IfirstbecameaphotographerwhenIwasin7th gradeandgotmyhandsonadigitalcamera I’ve alwayshadaninterestinphotography,asmydad andgrandmabothlikeit,soIwassurroundedbyit growingup.Ithenenteredaphotographyclassin8th gradeandthatreallyhelpedmetodevelopmyskills andlearnhowtoproperlyuseacamera

HowhasphotographyatRBhelpedyoutofindyour passion?

PhotographyatRBhashelpedmedevelopmyskills andfindmypassion,notjustthrougheducation,but alsothroughthecommunity ThelessonsfromMrs Royal-Picohavebeenimmenselyhelpfulinlearning themethodsandtechniquesbehindanimage With herasarolemodelandothercreativemindsinthe photographyclass,I’vebeenexposedtomany differentstyleswhichhasledmetoexactlythekind ofworkthatIwanttobecreating

Doyoufindthatphotographyismorerewarding whenworkingwithacreativegrouporworkingby yourself?

Iabsolutelyloveworkingingroupswhenitcomesto ashoot.WhetherI’mtheonebehindthecameraor I’malightingassistantorstylist,itissorewardingto

MeganMurray

EllaPalmerandAuroraMarieMunoz

beabletobounceideasoffofotherpeople.BecauseI aminPhotography6,I’vegottentoknowalotofmy classmatesverywell,creativelyandpersonally This connectionbetweenusentailsthatweflowverywell throughashootandworkasaunitratherthanas individuals.

Doyouplantocontinuephotographyoranytypeof artinyourfuture?

Iplanoncontinuingphotographyinthefuture. Photographybringsmealotofjoyandisagreatway toexpressmyself I’mstilltryingtodecidewhatI wanttodowithmylifeandwhetherthatmeans becomingacareerphotographerordoingsomething completelydifferent.

Whatisyourfavoritesubject/scenescape/thingto photograph?

Iliketocaptureveryvibrantnaturalscenes Ilove beinginnature Livinginsuburbia,Ifeellikeso muchofthenaturearoundmeisverydull.Being abletocapturethebrightandcolorfulpartsofitis somethingIlovetodo Throughdoingmacrowork I’vebeenabletofocusinonthelittledelicatethings inlifethatwemightseeeverydaybutnevertruly appreciate.

MeganMurrayhastaughtusthroughthisinterview thatartcanbefoundanywhere,ifyou’rewillingto look

Essay Highlight:

‘The Ship of Patriotism’

WrittenbyEllaPalmer

Timehasproventosocietythatthoseinpowerwillpromotepatriotismand citizenshipinordertohidetheinjusticeandhateundertheirruleThis ignoranceoftenlacksprotest,asthoseconformingtothefacadeofsocietal unionizationwillgrowblindtotheseproblemsleftunfixedThroughoutthe distinctpoetryofCitizenShip(Wave,1978),PattiSmithusesironicmetaphors, aswellasarepetitivebassprogressionweavedtogetherbyshoutedphrases,to expressherfrustrationwiththehypocriticalpatriotismof1960sAmerica

Knownforherblatantdescriptionsofsocialissuesandinjustices,Smith isnotshytoprovidelistenerswithalistofconcernsregardingAmerica’s intolerancetoimmigrantsandnon-conformistsAnoverallmetaphorictheme helpshertodosoShestrategicallyweavesintheoverallthemeofhypocritical socialunionizationthroughtheuseofametaphorical‘ship’This‘ship’ representsthefacadeofpatriotismin1960sAmericaImmediatelyinthefirst verse,Smithtouchesonherfeelingofisolationthroughthelyrics,“Ain’tgota passport,ain’tgotmyrealname/Ain’tgotachance,sport,atfortuneand fame/AndIwalktheseendlessstreets,won’tyougivemealift?/Alift,alifton yourcitizenship”(Smith,5-8)Breakingtheword‘citizenship’intotwopartsto emphasizeironichypocrisy,Smithwriteswithasatiricaltonguelikethatof JimMorrisonThemetaphoricuseofa‘citizenship’toanalyzetheoverall aspiredunionizationofAmericainthe1960sisajuxtapositioninitself-the word‘citizen’implyingthatoneisdevotedtotheircountry,and‘ship’giving thelisteneramoreconformingandexclusiveviewofthosespearheadingthis devotionSmithwritesasthoughsheisrejectedfromthis‘ship,’implicitly alludingtotheideathatpatriotisminAmericaisonlyencouragedtothose withoutaminoritystatusThisthemecontinuesinalaterstanza,asSmith pleads,“LadyLiberty,lendahandtome,I’vebeencastadrift”(Smith27)Smith alsoanalyzestheconceptofimmigrationand‘outsiders’inalaterverse,by paintingapictureofarelativeimmigrantexperience“Thewall,thewall,show yourpapers,boy/Citizenship,wegotmemories/Stateless,theygotshame” (Smith,12-14)Onceagain,Smithusesthemetaphorofaunionized‘ship’to protesttheexclusionofimmigrantsbyAmericaSheusesthepluralized pronouns‘we’and‘they’tofurtherthatseperationbetweenmembersofthe ‘ship’andthosesegregatedbyprejudiceorhate“Wegotmemories,”she states,referringtotheAmericanexperiencesurroundingpatriotism “Stateless,theygotshame,”sheusestodescribethoseboundlessbetween lives,names,andstates-runningfromthoseinpowerabovethem“Castadrift fromthecitizenship”(Smith,15)

AsidefrommetaphoriclanguagewithinCitizenShip,Smithusesanarrayof instrumentalandoperativewordelementstosupplementheroverallanalysis ofAmerica’smistreatmentofthoseunwillingtoconformtoconventional patriotismDirectlyfollowingtheclimaxofSmith’srhapsodicbridgeand closingverse,anintenserhythmicoutroissungout,providingtheperfect pain-filledclosuretoherdefiantballad“Citizenship,yougotpain/Citizenship, yougotidentity”(Smith,34-35)Shebeginsherstanzabyanalyzingtheeffect ofthefacadeofsocialunionizationandtogethernessinAmerica,initially pointingoutthefactthatthispatrioticmythhasinflictedpainuponothers Sheclaimsthatthe‘ship’orunionhasidentity,whilecomparingittothose excludedfromtheship,whoareunabletodeclareanidentityoftheirown:

“Yourname,whatanameyougot?/Igotnothing,no,Igotnothinginthisworld” (Smith,41-42),“Likeblinddenied,exiledthiscastaway”(Smith,24)Throughout thesewords,anewtempoandbaselinebegin,withaBchordbeingplucked repetitively-asynchronizedmotiontoalignwiththefeelingofbreath,orsobbing Thischordprogressionanduseofrecurringwordsthroughoutstanzasisoften usedinbeatpoetryandrockmusictobringforwardtheartist’semotionsand connectiontothepieceDeepintothebridge,Smithsings“Adrift,adrift,adrift, adriftadriftadrift”(Smith28),whendescribingherexclusionfromthe‘citizen ship,’thengoesontorepeatthisrhythmicconceptwith“Aname,aname,aname, aname”(Smith,36)Onemaylookattherepetitivenatureofherwordsandbelieve thatsheistryingtomakehervoiceheardWhenanalyzingthesongintermsof conflicttheory,Smithmaybeattemptingtopiercethroughthewallsofthe‘ship’ withherrepetitivenessinordertogetherpointacrossShescreamscertainwords out,claimingthemasoperativesinthebearingofherfrustrations“Document that,Jersey”(Smith,43),sheshouts,emphasizingtheword‘Jersey’“Liftupyour dawn,yourdawntoletme”(Smith,48)Herwordsarescreechedinthenatureofa truerockandrollsinger,althoughtheybringlighttohertruebeliefinthewords thatsheissayingHerscreamsmayrepresentthatofaprotesteronthepicket linesbeggingfortheirvoicetobeheardSmithrecognizestheeagernessand determinationofthosebeforeherearlierinCitizenShip,acknowledgingthat“They wereriotinginChicago,movementinLA”(Smith,9)Smithisfrustratedwiththe portrayedcitizenshipofAmericaasawhole,andisnotafraidtoshoutinorderto letthoseinpowerhearitWithonefinalyell,Smithaddressesthefacadeina strongendingstatement:“Ah,it’sallmythology”(Smith,49)

PattiSmithusesheradvancedknowledgeofpoeticelements,aswellasher educationinprotestmovementsthroughrockandroll,tocreateasongof resistancerelevantenoughtosustainanimpactonsocietyShefixatesonthe overallumbrellaofpatriotismamdcitizenshipinAmerica,andclaimsittobea mythSmithconstantlycriticizesthewaythatthoseinpowerwithinthecountry usepatriotismasatooltohidetheinjusticeandhatebrewingbeforetheireyes ThisfrustrationwiththeirignoranceiscommunicatedthroughSmith’suseof metaphors,sonicelements,andtranslationofangerthroughpronunciationBy touchingontheconceptofimmigration,Smithisfullyabletodepictaworldof oppressionbeinghiddenbyAmericanidealismthroughoutthe1960sShebringsto lightthegrowthofnon-conformitythroughoutthetime,whilementioningthe worldofundergroundNewYorkTheinclusionofthisundergroundcounterculture movementinCitizenShiprepresentstheperpetualdesiresofnon-conformistsin America,ensuringthatthesongisnotonlyrelatabletoimmigrants,buttothose outsideofthenormaswellSmithencouragestheimportanceofanempathetic song,asifothersareabletofeelherpainalongsideher,herintenttoprotestwill haveserveditsoverallpurpose

VOICES THE‘PEOPLEOFRB’ISSUE

4 PERSPECTIVES

It’satypicaldayinhighschool,andyou’rerushingfromclass toclassonaFridayafternoon You’rerunningthroughAPPsych definitions in your head, making sure that you’re ready for the day’s unit quiz. Busy faces rush around you, each with determinationandadestinationsimilartoyours Youpaythemno attentionasmusicscoresyourwalkto3rdperiod.Thisgoeson day after day, an endless bubble of personal attention to your owngoalsandintentionsfortheday

ForourJuneissue,IsatdowntotalkwithagroupoffourRB students-eachwithastorytotell.Ithoughttomyselfaboutthe depth of what my peers have to say when I am motivated to listen.Thecrazinessofoureverydaylivesoftenpreventsusfrom puttingintheefforttogettoknowouracquaintances.Takinga step back into that hallway on a Friday afternoon, I imagined thoseencountersandhowtheywouldchangemyperspectives whenviewingthoseworkingalongsideme.

SayinghellotoSalemFord(9th),LaureleiVasquez(11th),Sanvi Rath (11th), and Mohamed Khairi (10th), four students with perspectivesnewtome,Ibroughtoutmyinterviewquestions To startofftheconversation,

“I’M ALWAYS TRYING TO IMPROVE ON MY SKILLS AND GET BETTER AT WHAT I DO. THAT SENSE OF SELFMOTIVATION IS IMPORTANT TO ME.”

- LAURELEI VASQUEZ (11TH)

I decided to ask them to describe themselves in one word. “Determined,” Vasqueztellsme.“I’malwaystryingtoimproveonmyskillsandgetbetteratwhat Ido.Thatsenseofself-motivationisimportanttome.”Fordagreesandaddson that“assomeonewhoenjoyspublicspeaking,beingaleaderresonateswith[her] and keeps [her] motivated to reach her goals.”. I wondered about how these studentsmanagethestressofsuchhighpersonalexpectations.Rathbelievesthat “the ability to stay positive in certain situations is important, so that you can always look for optimistic outlooks on life. That’s what will keep you going in toughtimes.”

Duringourtalk,Ithoughtthatitwouldbeagoodideatogetpersonalandhear someindividualstories.Thatway,Icouldbetterunderstandmypeersforwho theyareandnotwhatIassumethemtobe.Khairispeakstomeabouthispast. nIwassevenyearsold,”hesays.“I’vebeenable e world, and it gives you a better view on life. e SoIamabletokeepthatwithmehere inmy

“I’minchoir, udent “Ilove forpeople.I mefrom,you yfuturegoals epeoplecan ethroughout nduptalland yorschool?I wanttobea rteachersat port, you can change”

Everybodyisaproductofthewaythatthey were raised. Sanvi discusses how she has found her current career path of interest. “I grew up in an Indian immigrant household, andthatcontributedalottowhoIamtoday. Alongside that, my family is very creatively and musically oriented, which has brought meexactlytowhereIamtoday.”

Fromsittingwiththesestudentsforonlya coupleofminutes,Iwasabletograspalarger perspective of their aspirations and goals. This experience taught me that if you’re willingtolisten,otherswillprovideyouwith inspirationandinsightcapableofdiminishing theworld’sprejudicesandprejudgments.

SALEMFORD

MOHAMEDKHAIRI

VOICES MAGAZINE THANKS YOU A LOVE LETTER:

FROMTHEEDITOR

AndthatconcludesmytimeasVoicesMagazine’spresident.

IwantedtoquicklysharealittlebitaboutwhatVoicesMagazinehasmeanttomeoverthepasttwoyears,andhowall ofouramazingreporters,photographers,andinterviewershavehelpedtobringmycreativevisiontolife.Istarted Voices Magazine for a multitude of reasons Being that there was previously no student publication running on campus,andIthoughtthatothers,alongsidemyself,mightenjoybringingonetoRB.TheotherreasonIstartedthis club has to do very much with student representation on our campus. I felt that it was important for students to broaden their perspectives of others by reading stories about peers that they may not know everything about Readingaboutsomeoneisagreatwaytodiminishanypreconceivedjudgmentsorstereotypesheldagainstthem, whichultimatelyencouragesaworldofacceptance Myoverallhopewasthatwewouldalllearntotreateachother withalittlemorerespect

VoicesMagazineallowedmetodreamcreativelyandworkinanincrediblyinnovativeenvironmentalongsidemy peers Everycontributingmemberhasimmenselyimpressedmewiththeirmotivationandcreativity,andIamsoglad tohavebeenabletoworkwiththemall.

Aspecialthankyoutoallofourpreviousdonorsandlocalcompaniesinvolvedinfundraising.Andmostimportantly, thankyoutoourreaders! Yourconsistentsupportandcravingforcopieseachtermhasmotivatedusendlessly.

EllaPalmer Founder,Editor-in-Chief

HeadofPhotography:MadelineOakley

HeadofReporting:KalilahRothstein

HeadofInterviewing:SamanAli

HeadsofAdvertising:EmilySilvernailandPaigeMiodek

Mihika K.

Mars P.

Elle S.

Geena N.

Rylee H.

Saman A.

Aurora Marie M.

Helena D.

Madeline O.

GenerousSponsors:

SooKim

JulianneHowes

AlyssaPeccatiello

CathyandYukonPalmer

ConnieandFrankFicano

Julia R.

Minjin K.

Carina G.

Sophia P.

Ella P.

Mayela

Elsa H.

Mariana R

FieldLogix AboutVoicesMagazine-

SpecialthankstoDingTeaRanchoBernardofor theirgenerousfundraisingandamazingdrinks!

Checkthemoutat12125AltaCarmelCt

VoicesMagazinewascreatedtoincludemore representationofdifferentiatingstudentopinions inwrittenmedia.

Wemeetinroom908everyThursdayatlunch,and wewouldlovetohaveyou.

instagram:@rbhsmag email: rbhsvoices@gmail.com web:rbhsvoices.carrd.co

Thankyoutoeveryonewhohascontinuously supportedus.-VoicesMagazinePresidentand Founder,EllaPalmer

J U N E E D I T I

N 2 0 2 4 s h o t b y M a d e l i n e O a k l e y / V o i c e s M a g a z i n e V O L 4