Summer Issue 2015 by Allison Kaufman

THE bridge Summer reservations Social Media Game outdoor eats Summer 2015

Vol. 5, Issue 2

College bound

Letter from the Editors After we took a short six months on our last issue, the staff of The Bridge was given a wake up call: we wanted to

Staff

produce another issue for the 2014-2015 school year, but

Abby Kuhns | Editor in Chief

of our Spring and Summer magazines, we turned out the

we only had two weeks to do it. And do it we did. Within a week, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d churned out 40 pages of content for the Summer issue. Despite the limited time between the releases second issue without compromising the quality of the first. While our last magazine was by far our most substantial and emotionally charged issue, this magazine focuses on action-packed summer plans and recaps memorable events from this past school year. It is our pleasure to present our final magazine as Editors-in-Chief. We dedicate this issue to the Windward community for its continued readership and support. Cheers,

Abby Kuhns and Charlie Lyttle

Table of Contents 4 Summer Reservations

10 Windward at Work

16 Bigger than Basketball

22 A team Effort

28 Service switch

35 Under the Wing

outdoor eats

6 Summer Art Spots

12 Social media game

20 We need to talk

25 Editorial: Baltimore Riots

30 College Bound

37 SUmmer Sounds

outdoor Eats

BY JACK GINSBERG AND ZOEY LYTTLE sports editor and staff writer

Summer is right around the corner, and with the arrival of the beautiful weather comes the opportunity to dine at open air eating spots in Los Angeles that provide not only good food, but also a hospitable environment that is fun and enjoyable. Here are a few spots you should definitely check out this summer.

Back on the Beach At Back on the Beach, you have the best of both worlds. You can dine on a nice juicy cheeseburger while burying your toes in sand warmed by the summer sun. The uber-casual atmosphere (itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literally on the beach) creates a warm ambience that is complemented by summer classics such as crispy sweet potato fries or light but tasty salads. Add a nice cold glass of lemonade and a beautiful view of the rolling waves, and you have a nice meal.

Sonoma Wine Garden Located on the third floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall, which is adjacent to the popular Third Street Promenade, Sonoma Wine Garden combines popular Italian fare with a nice open air eating terrace to make for a great experience. Whether you have the margherita pizza or the pesto farfalle, you will be sure to enjoy this upscale yet casual experience while lounging comfortably on soft couches.

urth Caffe Urth Caffe is the quintessential restaurant for a day out with its all-encompassing menu and friendly staff. While the lines are lengthy to say the least, you can reward yourself for the wait with creamy macaroni and cheese or a fresh salad. They are known for their unique whole bean coffee, so after a beachy afternoon in Venice or shopping day around Beverly Hills, a fulfilling caffeine boost is not out of reach at any of their locations. Enjoy this outdoor cafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delicious food and cozy aesthetics during your summer vacation.

Summer Reservations BY ZOEY LYTTLE

T staff writer

o many Windward students, community service is a burden, a 20-hour requirement to be fulfilled by the end of 10th grade. To Sophomore Lily Kopp, however, it is a privilege. She views service as an opportunity to simultaneously help others and learn. This point of view is the reason that, in the summer of 2014, Lily jumped at the chance to journey to Northern Cheyenne, Montana with the VISIONS service program. The prospect of spending 17 days away from home and

out of one’s comfort zone can be intimidating, but Lily’s feelings were evenly mixed. She was nervous about the introduction to a new culture, but her positive anticipation overcame her initial nerves. “I was really excited to meet people who shared my same interests,” Lily said, “and I was going with my best friend who lives in Connecticut.” The Northern Cheyenne VISIONS trip is located on an Indian Reservation on the Tongue River at the reversation headquarters Lame Deer and in the village of Birney, where about 100 families reside. VISIONS collaborates with Head Start, Cheyenne Children Services, Dull Knife College, and the Department of Housing and hosts the program with members of the tribe. The service includes carpentry construction and social services. The service aspect of the trip revolves around helping the locals overcome socioeconomic shortcomings. According to the VISIONS website, Indian reservations struggle with inadequate housing, extreme poverty rates, and a deficiency in social resources, all of which are essential in a safe, sufficient community. For the past 20 years, VISIONS has financed the reservation and helped residents thrive. Those who journey to Cheyenne with VISIONS participate in activities like renovating homes and volunteering with local children. Each day, volunteers had the option to choose between three jobs: spending time with children through a camp-like program called Kids Kollege, con-

structing benches, picnic tables, and sheds, or working at the senior center,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...It just showed that they really cared about us as much as we cared about them and they wanted to reach out to us as well..â&#x20AC;?

listening to seniors’ stories and making connections with

emonies to learning in classrooms on the reservation helped

the Native American elders.

the visitors comprehend the American Indian society. For

Lily found herself specifically drawn to the youth of the community. She befriended three girls while working at the Kids Kollege. “It was just a really great experience because

Fourth of July “powwow,” where the teens can observe traditional tribal celebrations.

they loved coming every single day, they loved to partic-

Lily had always had an open mind about other ways of

ipate in every activity.” By the last night, the four of them

living, but it was not until she joined this program that she

were “sisters” bonded forever.

found herself being so accepting and fascinated with an un-

But it was not just working with members of the tribe that triggered lasting friendships. Lily noted that her entire VISIONS service group was tightly knit. Teens from all over

familiar way of life. “It made me more open to [foreign] cultures. I used [think], for some cultures, ‘Oh that’s so weird that they do that!’ And now I respect it and understand it.”

the world related and connected with each other during the

Not only was this eye-opening for Lily, but it was also

course of the trip. “We all had similar interests,” she recalls,

hugely gratifying. “[On the last night], the girls who we were

“[That made it] really fun.”

bonded with invited us over to their house,” Lily recalled.

One of the core factors in making the trip a success for Lily was the cultural immersion. Having limited previous knowledge of American Indian reservations made it possible for her to expose herself to an entirely different world. During the VISIONS Cheyenne experience, the locals fully engaged their volunteers in American Indian culture. Stories, traditions, and language were shared between the teens and tribal locals. Activities ranging from attending cer8

example, VISIONS participants get to attend the annual

“We went over and their whole family came outside of the tiny house. Ten people were like, ‘The girls have talked so much about you’ and ‘we really appreciate all that you’ve done.’ It just showed that they really cared about us as much as we cared about them, and they wanted to reach out to us as well.” In addition to the connection with the younger locals, Lily found herself enticed by the tales of the senior citizens and learned about culture through stories of their lives.

“They really influenced my way of thinking because they talked about all the sacrifices they had made in their lives,” Lily said. “One of them was in a gang but decided to go back to Native American culture and sacrificed a lot and went on a spiritual journey where he starved himself and had no water and lived in the woods for like seven days. That [experience] supposedly cleanses yourself and that was really inspiring to make that sacrifice.”

around nature and being outdoors and I really like [that].” The VISIONS service trip changed Lily for the better. Not only is she more accepting and open to cultural differences, but she also learned that meeting new people and learning from them is the best and most valuable lesson one can learn. Lily insists that others join VISIONS and embark on the life-changing adventure that she regards as the “best experience of her life.”

With intense service and new experiences came the opportunity to grow and develop as a person, something of which Lily took total advantage. “I got to learn about a different culture, and I really connected with [it],” Lily said, “because it revolves

“I got to learn about a different culture and I really connected with [it]”

Summer art spots BY LUKE GOLDSTEIN staff writer

Eat|See|Hear Eat|See|Hear is an LA based pop-up company gaining traction

This summer, enthusiasts can enjoy fan favorite movies includ-

in the area with an outdoor alternative to movie nights. The

ing Pitch Perfect, Almost Famous, Zoolander, and Breakfast at

concept presents LA residents with summer-long festivities that

Tiffanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. These movies are complemented by an assortment of

combine food, movies, music, and the outdoors. The events

food trucks that vary by event. Some featured trucks include:

highlight a collaboration of great family entertainment and

Umami Burger, The Grilled Cheese Truck, Cousins Maine Lob-

accessible venues. Eat|See|Hear travels to Beverly Hills, Griffith

ster, Coolhaus, Brasil Kiss, and many many more. Concerts will

Park, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills with a 52-foot inflatable

be held at each event throughout the summer before sunset

projection screen and drives music, food trucks, and classic

and will be bringing some of the hottest bands to Los Angeles.

movies to the public in a reinvigorated version of the old school

Tickets to the events can be purchased easily in advance on

drive-in movie concept. Showtime has invested in this entre-

the Eventbrite app, and remember that this is a dog friendly

preneurial endeavor which could lead to a larger expansion of

series of events!

this type of mass entertainment.

More information can be found at: http://eatseehear.com

bergamot:station Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica has trans-

an assemblage of the great Latin American photography.

formed from a neighborhood art center into an iconic Los

While the Fetterman gallery might the most prestigious, there

Angeles art attraction, rivaling the popularity of bigger art

are many other popular spaces exhibiting contemporary art

museums such as the Getty and LACMA. Bergamont Station

from local and foreign artists. What makes Bergamot Sta-

is a 20-year-old gallery that has blossomed from its original

tion one of most promising new art centers in the city is the

identity as a train station in the early twentieth century. The

accessibility and familiarity that it promotes. In any gallery on

private architecture firm that owns Bergamot has retained

campus, the exhibitors are enthusiastic to answer questions

the industrial look from the train station days that makes the

about the art and discuss the artists, which incorporates a

Bergamot campus stick out in the Santa Monica area. Berga-

sense of intimacy with the works and also a community cul-

mot has exhibited a diverse range of artwork, showing some

ture that has been lost at many bigger art centers.

of the most famous European collections and also providing space for student work.

For more information on current exhibitions see: http://www.bergamotstation.com

One of the most highly acclaimed attractions is the Peter Fetterman gallery for photography, which recently displayed

Windward at Work // Windward students enter the employment world during their high school careers.

Sara Platt ’17 will be a Clerical Intern at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

BY ZOEY LYTTLE staff writer

As the end of the year rolls around, Windwardians

Sara is working as a clerical volunteer at Cedars. This

have been abuzz with their summer plans. A hot

job includes various office-related duties that a re-

topic is employment. While some are continuing

ceptionist might have, while gaining a feel for the sys-

their previous jobs or internships, others are taking

tematic ways of the hospital. The other opportunity at

advantage of new opportunities during the break. Up-

Cedars Sinai for interns is to be a clinical volunteer.

perclassmen and lowerclassmen alike are embarking

This role revolves around patient care with tasks such

on journeys to make money, learn from professionals,

as flower delivery, assistance at the nursing station,

and prepare for what comes after school.

and patient interactions. Applying interns have the

Jobs and internships offered to those who are underaged and often inexperienced can sometimes

choice between picking one of these positions or taking on both.

be tricky to come across. Often employers will have

Research is always important, but if you have con-

strict requirements that are difficult to meet for busy

nections to a job you may want, it is handy to utilize

students. However, with enough research, one can

them. While training is still relevant, this method is

open an entire world of possibilities.

a convenient way of finding jobs and can ease the

“I found out about [my summer internship] online,”

stress of applications and interviews.

Sara Platt ’17 said about her internship at Cedars

Natasha Katz ’16 is a paramount example of taking

Sinai. “I was researching [work] opportunities in Los

full advantage of a job connection. This summer, she

Angeles and came across it.”

will be working closely with a design team to produce

Another factor in pursuing jobs is considering your interests. For example, Sara may have searched all

a new line of shoes for her father’s company, Matisse Footwear.

internships in LA, but she luckily found one that was

Matisse Footwear is a unique shoe company with

relevant to her. “I don’t know what I want to do when

versatile styles for women. The shoes are designed to

I am older,” she noted, “but I have an interest in med-

perfection with hand finishing and an intended “road-

icine, so I feel like working in a hospital will help me

worn” aesthetic. Natasha will be working in design

understand what I may want to do in life.”

and development.

Natasha Katz ’16 is working with a design team for Matisse Footwear.

Although this isn’t Natasha’s first time

Another benefit to working during your

in the job world (this is her second year

youth is the ability to create lasting

working for Matisse Footwear), she is

connections. These relationships include

excited to learn and grow from another

mentors and peers. Raquel Wolens ’17,

round of employment.

who has worked diligently throughout the

“I am really interested in fashion and business overall,” Natasha said, “so this is a great opportunity working for my dad because he can show me the ropes.” And those “ropes” are not easy to master. Natasha will be working hard to create her own shoe this summer with a professional design team. “[I will be] looking for different ideas and [working in] marketing,” she said. Working, like school, takes considerable time and effort. So why pursue a job or internship at such a young age? The answer is simple: experience. In any occupation, experience is an essential asset to have, especially in high school. Typically,

school year and will continue to assist doctors at Lifespan Psychological Center with group therapy, has not only found role models but has also befriended therapists for whom she works. “It’s really nice getting advice from them,” Raquel said, “even if I have a big test [and I have to miss work], they are really understanding and give me words of encouragement.” As with many opportunities, having a job can bring about qualms, one of which is being unsure about how to organize your time. Raquel experienced the trials of balancing school and work, but succeeded for the most part in allotting time for both.

employers prefer hiring those with prior

During the summer, however, when

knowledge of a work environment, and

schoolwork is not a pressing issue, it can

having even a summer’s worth of time

be a challenge to set your priorities and to

spent in that world can be helpful later

put your commitment to work before any

when vying for a higher position.

secondary social plans. “It takes up some

For example, since Natasha used her connections to get involved in design as a teenager, she may have more of a leg up on gaining a professional position later.

time,” Katz noted, “and if there’s something going on that I have to miss, it’s not fun.” But some jobs do not actually invade free time as much as one may think. For

Raquel Wolens ’17 is assisting therapists at the Lifespan Psychological Center.

example, Natasha will be working only three days per week, and Sara only one day for four hours. The work may be intense during these periods, but it does not cramp any schedules and leaves room for summer fun. Having a job opens many doors. Since high school is such a crucial point in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discovery about what he or she is passionate, working can help guide one to recognizing his or her talents. Consequently, the most important factor when deciding whether or not to accept an job offer or to apply for a position is to analyze how it will benefit you and if you will enjoy it. The ultimate goal of working is to enjoy yourself while still making an impact and being industrious. Opportunities like internships and jobs do not get tossed around. Employers want workers with zeal towards their occupation. So, if having a summer job interests you, do not instantly jump at the first offer you receive. Instead, consider what you want working to do for you and whether or not you will enjoy the job. It is natural that appreciating your position will decrease the strain of heavy service. Work is hard, but hard work can guide one to success and achievement.

Ste

pU pY ou rS

o al ci

dia Game Me

How should you manage your social media accounts? TBH you can take these comments with a grain of salt.

BY SERENA ETTINGER, RACHAEL GRISWOLD, TRISTAN DAMON, AND ZOEY LYTTLE staff writers

SNAPCHAT Lately, Windwardians have been finding new ways to use Snapchat and are still testing the waters. While Snapchat leaves room for creativity, there are definitely guidelines everyone should follow. If you want people to enjoy your Story, keep it well under 100 seconds. You can save as many videos to your camera roll as you want, but do your friends a favor and keep strings of videos only you find funny off your Story. If something is only intended to amuse your friends, don’t post it to your Story. Your Story should consist of photos and videos that the majority of your Snapchat friends would find amusing in some way. It isn’t a place for ranting and singling people out. Don’t snap or post to your Story a picture of nothing just so you can use a geofilter, especially if it’s a geofilter all your friends see on a regular basis. Most importantly, don’t screenshot people’s Snaps. Screenshotting is against every rule, and it’s a good way to lose people’s trust.

FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM It’s easy to go wrong with Instagram and Facebook nowadays. First of all, when you don’t take a picture of yourself, it’s not called a selfie. It’s not cute when a friend takes a picture of you, and you hashtag “#selfiesunday.” If you don’t have a filter, you don’t need to mention it. Unless you’re being sarcastic, you don’t need to let everyone know that your picture has #nofilter. Lastly, don’t tag yourself in photos on Instagram. We know who you are. Bullying is the worst thing you can do on social media. Cyberbullying is, in many ways, worse than verbal bullying because you don’t know exactly who sees what you’ve put out there, and you’re not always there to see the effects of your actions. Whatever you do, don’t list friends’ names or initials in your Instagram bio! You’ll come off as exclusive and a little rude. Also, do everyone a favor and keep netflix and food out of your bio. Everybody eats and Netflix is probably appealing to most of your followers. Instead, your bio could contain something interesting about you, a quote you think is funny, or anything else that reflects you in some way. Do you want the fact that you eat food regularly and,

like almost everyone else, enjoy Netflix to be your defining

an article that interests you, you can pin that article to your

characteristics?

exercise Board.

Unless you’re in second grade, don’t post “like for a TBH”

When used as it is intended, Pinterest is an excellent

photos. It comes off as a juvenile way to get attention, and

way to discover, cultivate, and organize your ideas. That

if you’re being completely honest, you’re probably being

being said, the loose rules of the site can be abused. As

mean. Also, don’t text your friends asking them to like and

the saying goes, “With freedom comes responsibility.”

comment on your photos. If they like your photo, they’ll

That adage could not hold more relevance to the world of

like your photo. It is more genuine to earn your likes, not

Pinterest do’s and dont’s.

campaign for them.

Remember, Pinterest is a place for organization. It cannot

Don’t post a picture of yourself and say your friend made

be reiterated enough that Board organization is key to

you. If you want to post a picture of yourself and you think

maintaining satisfied followers. If you have a Board where

you look good, own it. If your friend really forced you to

you save recipes, limit it to recipes. No follower hoped to

post a picture of yourself that you don’t like, delete it!

see the bike you want when they decided to view your

Additionally, don’t brag. Everyone will be more annoyed

saved recipes. Use as many Boards as you need to, but

than impressed. Also, please don’t caption a selfie with an

keep them separate to avoid confusion. To avoid accidental

inspirational quote.

messy Boards, always double check to which Board you are pinning.

PINTEREST In some way, shape or form, you have inevitably heard about the five-year-old social media platform Pinterest. The site itself revolves around “Boards” and what you save to them. For those unfamiliar with this lingo, a Board is a typically themed collection of visual bookmarks known as “Pins.” You can either create your own Board, or follow another person’s. Some Boards are private, only viewed by the creator. Some are collaborative, which means noncreators can save their Pins to them. Pins are links to other web pages that come with a photo preview of the link. You can pin items from Pinterest itself or from any other page on the internet. For example, you could have a Board about exercise, and if, while browsing on a fitness blog, you read

Some people use Pinterest as an outlet, a place for their hopes and dreams to flourish. This is not necessarily a misuse of the website, but it can inhibit the amount of followers you collect. Not everyone needs to know the intimate details of your dream wedding down to the cake toppers for which you are already saving up. More often than not, you’ll annoy your followers by pinning onlyrelevant-to-you Pins. Plus, an easy fix to not bothering your followers is to make these types of Boards private. That way, you have the best of both worlds: over-planning but not over-sharing. As experienced Pinners know and trainee Pinners come

Use as many Boards as you need to, but keep them separate to avoid confusion.” 18

to understand, each Pin comes with a mandatory description.

family or friends. Invite your desired members and Pin sights

A lot of the time, for personal organization, users will write long

to see or things to do. In addition, use the Browser Button! It

descriptions where they recount their experiences with the Pin or

only takes about two minutes to install, and, with the tool, the

tell a personal story that (sometimes) has to do with the pin. Try

process of pinning things not found on Pinterest becomes easier

to refrain from doing this. This can easily prevent someone from

than ever before. See something interesting? Click your browser

Re-pinning if they cannot relate to the description. Always limit

button and select the image that caught your eye, pin it to a

descriptions to quick thoughts, one to two sentences, or just the

Board, and continue surfing the web.

name of the Pin. Want to discuss a website link in length? Invest in a blog or take personal notes.

As an avid user of Pinterest, I can attest to the fact that, if used

Pinterest values integrity. If you re-Pin, always give credit where

continue to experience the site, I find that personalizing Boards

credit is due. Link your sources when uploading your own Pin.

and your overall profile is easy.

Unless it is your recipe, tell your followers who makes those cupcakes! In addition to being honest, people might see your Pin and want to follow up and find out what else the link has in store. In short, live by this rule: when in doubt, link it out.

wisely, the website is a fun way to organize your thoughts. As I

Pinterest makes it simple to enjoy the site, so make it accessible for yourself. Embrace the freedom of the website, accept the responsibility of having followers, and customize the perfect Pinterest account.

Finally, utilize all aspects of Pinterest! The website is a wonderful community full of cool, underrated tools. Try making a group board! An example of this would be to plan out a vacation with 19

Q&A

Ben Krieger ’16: When did your interests expand beyond the basketball court? Shaquille O’Neal: In 1992, I came to Los Angeles; we had a game. Magic Johnson gave me a hug, and he whispered in my ear, ‘It’s okay to be a superstar, but you need to start owning things.’ I was like, ‘Okay,’ but when he walked away I was like, ‘what the hell’s he talking about.’ But then, through trial and tribulation, through good experiences, through bad experiences… [I started to understand how important business was.] BK: What do you think it takes to be a leader? SHAQ: Well, one, you have to have willing followers. You want people to follow you because they want to, not because they have to… Also, my good friend Alex, say he messes up. Instead of crushing him for twenty or thirty minutes, I’m on him for one minute, and then I’m back out. When you have employees or people that are with you, you don’t want to break them down. You want to let them know their mistake… and then build them back up. BK: What advice would you have for someone who’s looking to have such entrepreneurial success like you have? SHAQ: One, learn as much as you can. Learn from the experts... and from the guys who have failed. In 1996, I was playing with the Orlando Magic, and we lost to the Bulls. Michael Jordan came up and said to me, “Before you succeed, you must first learn to fail.”... When you’re creating whatever you’re creating, look at the guys who’ve done it well, look at the guys who didn’t do it very well, create your own style, do it your way, and have fun with it. BK: What did you learn during your playing career that has applied to your life after? SHAQ: I learned that I still can’t shoot free throws. (laughs)

Bigger than Basketball

BY MATTHEW CHILL staff writer

The Big Aristotle, Shaqtus, Diesel;

game. In short, he was an extremely

whatever you call him, he is still a

talented basketball player.

legend. Four-time NBA champion, NBA MVP, future hall of famer and Windward parent, Shaquille O’Neal was interviewed by Windward’s own Ben Krieger ’16 on Friday, March 13,

Interestingly enough, even though Shaq may be better known for his basketball prowess, his parents placed an emphasis on education. At

2015.

the Shaq Talk on March 13, O’Neal

Throughout his NBA career, Shaq

his doctorate. Shaq wrote his

played for the Orlando Magic, Los

thesis on “the duality of humor and

Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix

seriousness in leadership styles.” He

Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and

received his masters at the University

Boston Celtics. Shaq averaged 23.7

of Phoenix, traditionally an online

points and 10.9 rebounds per game.

program. However, Shaq wanted

These numbers are very impressive

to get his degree the “right way.”

and consequently, many consider

Because the University of Phoenix

Shaq to be one of, if not the most

wouldn’t hold an offline class for a

dominant center in the history of the

single person, he gathered a group of

discussed the challenge of earning

around seven people that wanted to get

doing it because that’s what I was taught,

their masters in a similar field to him, and

not because I have to or not because I

paid for them all to attend the class.

want to but because I was taught [to be

Another important aspect in Shaq’s life is helping out those less fortunate than

generous.] I’ve been doing it since day one.”

he. When he reached the NBA in 1992,

After Ben Krieger finished up with his

O’Neal started a foundation he called

questions, the microphone was opened

“Shaqs-Giving,” where over the years,

up to the audience members, who were

Shaq provided Thanksgiving food for

very eager to pick the mind of the great

homeless people in Orlando, New Jersey,

Dr. O’Neal.

and Los Angeles. O’Neal also told the engaged audience about his “Shaq-A-

One audience member, looking to stir up

Claus” story.

trouble, inquired about Shaq’s free throw

Shaq’s mother has connections with

career. He asked, “Back in your Laker

the Boys and Girls Club located in New

days, I remember they used to always talk

Jersey, and requested that Shaq buy 20

about whether you would ever try doing

of the 5,000 children of the club presents

them under-handed; you never did and I

for Christmas. Shaq, in response to this

was wondering your thoughts on that.”

request, asks every kid at the club to write down 10 toys that they would want, and almost bought out an entire Toys “R” Us in order to provide the presents for the children. As a result of wiping out the Toys “R” Us, he was temporarily banned from shopping at the store. Even though most suspensions are not positive, this particular instance may break the norm. On the topic of charity and helping out

troubles that haunted him throughout his

In response, Shaq said, “Because I’m a cool kid. I told Phil Jackson that I would

rather shoot zero percent than shoot under-handed.” The Shaq Talk was a very memorable event for all those who attended, as those in the audience gained a great deal of knowledge from a man who has truly left his mark on the world.

the underprivileged, Shaq said, “I’m

Shaq Shots

Students took the opportunity to snag a photo with Shaquille O’Neal during a meet and greet following the interview.

3 1. Shaq and interviewer Ben Kriegar ’16 2. Gillian Ondaatje ’15, Brooke Edwards ’15, and Matthew Greenebaum ’15 3. Atticus Lin ’16 4. Aaron Forman ’17 *student submitted

4 21

We need to talk

The student communications connundrum

BY ALLI BLYTHE copy editor

veryone sees the Windward Newsletters in our emails Monday mornings, but whether or not we open them is another story entirely. According to Windward Communications, the open rate on these newsletters is 30-35% “What you really want in an email is more like 60-65%,” said Whitney Burke, Windward Digital

Communications Specialist. As a Communications Specialist, she pulls together material for the student newsletters and sends them out to the entire student body. The click rates for these emails is even lower. In the entire school, the links in the newsletter will typically be clicked under 100 times. However, not all the open and click rates are this low. “More targeted emails get opened more,” said Burke. “The decision [the Windward Communications dept.] is trying to make is whether to send a million really specific emails to each grade or one general email at the beginning of the week.”

Windward students have strong opinions on this question. “They need to make it more efficient,” said Paul Rust ’17. “It’s hard to sort through everything and find what really applies to me,” said Serena Ettinger ’18. When asked if they would prefer a specific, grade-by-grade newsletter, Paul Rust and Michelle Hong ’17 immediately responded yes. Though this model appears far more organized and simple, there are clear downsides. “I feel like I know about events I might want to go to that don’t necessarily pertain to my grade,” said Josse Gee ’17. Under a grade-by-grade system, it is true that Windward would risk a loss of community due to students ignoring events not related to each grade. Another reason Windward students may not read through the weekly newsletter is because it is sent through email, and many Windwardians reserve their emails for personal communications with teachers and classmates. One remedy for this might be a medium of communication directed by students on social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram. Though this seems like an improvement from email-blast 23

70% of students asked would prefer a more specific and individualized communications system

newsletters, 50% of students asked said they would

not follow these accounts. “I have a school account and my personal accounts, and I wouldn’t want them to mix,” said Alyssa Price ’16. Despite the lack of

Only 33% of students asked would follow the new COmmunications system. 45% answered no, and 22% answered maybe.

enthusiasm, 50% not following these accounts would be better than 65-70% ignoring the emailed newsletters. For this reason, the Communications department is considering switching to this model. A representative from the Journalism and New Media, Broadcast Journalism, and Publications classes would work together to present important information, pull content from each of these classes, and generate content for the announcement sites. These sites would not only provide important announcements, but also connect students with interesting Windwardrelated links. The success of these sites would be entirely dependent on the participation and readership of Windward students. For this reason, Communications is hesitant, but they have decided to move forward with the program.

As a student body, our track record on readership is not strong. However, when all necessary information is coming through a website branching out into different media platforms, students will be far more inclined to follow. Though these sites will contain necessary information, due to the fact that they will be studentled, there will be a strong element of fun in these sites characterized by interactive competitions and surveys. The idea is to create a site that students will enjoy finding information on and participate in actively. “Yeah, why not?” Jewelia Ferguson ’16 responded to whether or not she would participate in activities on the new announcement website. This program for years to come is already underway on campus, preparing for a new source of announcements and engaging Windward produced material. 24

BY SERENA ETTINGER staff writer

Peer counseling, a program designed to help middle schoolers grow and develop, is one of the most important aspects of the Windward community. Every year, many students apply to be peer counselors with goals of becoming influential mentors and leaders that will eventually shape the Windward community. Although they are new to this job, with intense training and preparation, counselors are ecstatic about the opportunity to become helpful, and important contributors to our community. Students want to become peer counselors primarily so they can use their past experiences to help other kids. “I saw peer counselors when I first came to Windward, and I thought that that would be a really great thing to be a part of,” said Miriam Harshberger ’18. “I would love to influence younger girls and even boys into becoming more mature young adults,” she added. Previously, students have used their past experiences to guide others who might be going through a problem. “I’ve always struggled with body image and being self conscious, so I kind of want to give kids that aid that I never really got,” said an anonymous source. Having someone other than a teacher or a parent to talk to about your problems is important. Students can easily relate to what their peers are struggling with. Although many students are interested in giving this kind of aid to middle schoolers, there is a particular type of student for whom Tammy Clem, Middle School Director of Counseling Services, looks. “I’m looking for people who are mature and responsible but are also not afraid to share their own personal experiences [with younger students],” she

A Team Effort explained.

Miriam agreed with her and said, “If students don’t have the maturity level to deal with the issues that kids have and what is going on in the middle school, then they can’t be a peer counselor.” According to Clem, great peer counselors are students who are able to use their own struggles to help connect with others. “You have to be able to own your own issues in order for you to be there for someone else,” Clem continued. Miriam said that being understanding is a crucial trait for peer counselors to have. “It is important to take the time and take the person’s problem and make it feel like that is the only thing that you are dealing with at the moment.” Once you have become a peer counselor, you have to go through training so that you are able to improve your techniques before counseling begins. The peer counselor group has meetings once a week where they discuss how to deal with certain problems that the middle school students may have. To help with their improvement, the peer counselors come up with practice scenarios, so that they are freely able to discuss different tactics that could be used to solve specific problems in designated groups. They are also openly able to discuss different ways of approaching situations at home in a designated group of three. In these groups, the peer counselors discuss their real-life problems with each other, each playing the student or the counselor, so that they are able to practice and use

the tactics that they have learned in class. Throughout this

Miriam agreed, saying, “For middle schoolers that need it,

process, peer counselors begin to grow into more mature

peer counseling is extremely important, especially with all

advisors, who, by the end, are ready to start helping others.

the issues of bullying, not just from others, but to yourself,

To the middle schoolers, the peer counseling program is extremely important because it provides an outlet that is

that often occur in schools where students can get easily stressed because of their social or academic lives.”

not an authoritative figure to whom they can talk. “Peer

Overall, since the program has been running, the peer

counselors are important in terms of social and emotion-

counselors have made a profound impact on the Windward

al healing,” said Clem. “Peer counseling is important for

community, and according to Clem, “they are unsung he-

everyone’s development.”

roes with what they do.”

[Peer counselors] are unsung heroes with what they do.â&#x20AC;? Tammy Clem, Director of Counseling for the Middle School reminds students that the dedication of their peers to supporting others is often overlooked.

editorial

BY CHARLIE LYTTLE co-editor-in-chief

April 12, 2015 was just another insignificant day of my life.

After the reporter again references the liquor store,

It was a Sunday, so I probably watched a little basketball

Mosby, disgruntled, realizes that the man is completely

with Dad or binge ate every pretzel crisp in my room while

ignoring the validity of his point and walks away from the

scrambling to finish some calculus homework. Freddie

interview.

Gray’s mysterious death due to spinal cord injury while in the custody of police in no way disturbed my typical weekend routine.

reporter.

A few days later, I heard about protests in Baltimore. I

As a journalist, writing or reporting with explicit objectivity

saw the words “looting” and “police brutality” in passing. I didn’t think much more about it. A man’s potentially wrongful death a whole continent away from me failed to

is both unreasonable and impossible. Our opinions, our beliefs, and our worldviews give our stories identity and distinction. The ability to maintain a point of view empow-

generate any reaction.

ers journalists as everyday storytellers.

About a week later, I was scrolling through my Facebook

When a reporter’s idea about a certain issue is so myopic

newsfeed, most likely scrambling to finish some more calculus, when I found a video that an obscure mutual friend had shared. It was a clip from of a Fox News reporter interviewing a Baltimore City Councilman named Nick Mosby. The interview was shot in a Baltimore neighborhood directly affected by the rioting. In the video, the reporter asks Mosby if he is upset to see the neighborhood in such disrepair, repeatedly alluding to a vandalized liquor store nearby. Mosby, frustrated, repeatedly tries to explain to the reporter that while violence “is never acceptable...what I’m trying to articulate to you is, we look at communities like this in urban America [and see a] lack of education, lack of commercial development, lack of opportunities. It’s the social economics of [the situation]. It has nothing to do with West Baltimore or this particular corner in Baltimore. This could erupt anywhere in socially, economically deprived America.” 28

“At this point, this is not productive,” Mosby told the

it detracts from the greater scope of the situation, that’s shameful journalism. Until recently, I didn’t make an effort to keep up with current events (I know, quite ironic coming from a journalist, even if my interest is sportswriting). I didn’t care to keep up with the tragedies and the sadness plaguing our country. I was caught inside my own happy bubble. Too comfortable and too apathetic to pop that bubble and to have an opinion about events of any magnitude. But the ignorance of those who downplay the element of police brutality and racially tinged violence in this country outrages me. I especially cannot bear to listen to anyone who attempts to blame this plight on the Black community. Yes, rioting is wrong. Yes, two wrongs don’t make a right. But every problem has its root cause. As a Baltimore Reverend named Jamal Bryant explained

Image by Luke Goldstein for his Photography 2 class. The picture was part of a project exploring differences and similarities between content and form to comment on the social disorder and injustice taking place in Baltimore.

at a town meeting at a Baltimore church during the height of the

Immaturity and irrationality have played a large role in the events

rioting, “How would you feel at 15, and the last three years of

in Baltimore since Gray’s death. But to downplay the source of

your life, you witnessed Trayvon Martin get killed, and George

the problem is despicable.

Zimmerman get off scot-free. And then within 18 months, you hear Michael Brown get killed, and Darren Wilson walk. Then you turn around and you hear Eric Garner cry out 11 times, ‘I can’t breathe,’ and watch this -- you watch him die, and nobody has any consequence. At 40, you adjust to dysfunction. At 14, you

The reporter in this video is a devastating example of a person utterly deluded by shortsightedness. He is not a journalist. He’s a coward, afraid to allow the truth to bleed through because of his ignorant motives and ideas. Someone save him.

reject it.”

Service Switch BY ALLI BLYTHE copy editor

Community Care Committee (CCC), an established

the current model in lieu of something new, that would

service-oriented group on campus, celebrated its final

address the needs and goals of the students who love

school year in 2014-15. Though the program has been

service and the growing service program,” said Willens,

an integral part of service at Windward, this year CCC

explaining the decision to discontinue CCC’s presence

leadership decided to terminate the program for good.

on campus. The general feeling within CCC was that it

Jennie Willens, former supervisor of CCC and Dean

had lost its purpose.

of Experiential Learning at Windward, said, “As our

“I think it was a group that a lot of people joined just to

service learning programming has been evolving, CCC

put on their college application,” said Katie Brussel ’17,

has been coming together and working hard to make

former member of CCC. “There were definitely many

adjustments and stay ‘current.’

people that were in it because they were passionate

“It seemed that so many of the goals as communicated by CCC and the CCC leadership team were actually goals that stepped outside of what the 50-plus member-filled CCC was focused on, with the current

about community service and wanted to promote that around campus. However, there were also many people who were not very involved and did not put in a big effort to help out.”

mission and the history of the group. This lead the CCC

Regardless, members were still upset to see the pro-

leadership team to the possibility of saying goodbye to

gram go. “I am disappointed because I liked being able 31

As our service learning programming has been evolving, CCC has been coming together and working hard to make adjustments and stay ‘current.’ ” to help out the community at school and feel like I could

service projects, programs, and partnerships,” accord-

come in every week to do my part. It was an easy way

ing to Willens. If the program sounds a lot like CCC,

to help out,” said Sara Platt ’17.

that’s because it is. With a few important shifts.

Despite these changes, Willens does not believe CCC’s

“They will meet weekly (CCC met monthly) and each

departure will change service on campus. “With so

individual involved will be actively engaged in responsi-

many student projects and service programs and part-

bilities that will make or break the development of their

nerships going strong, service will only continue to have

programs,” said Willens of the new program.

a stronger presence on campus.” From the ashes of CCC, a new service group, Student

member will be actively involved in creation, develop-

Service Coordinators, will make its debut next school

ment, and the active process of service,” Willens said

year. Student Service Coordinators will be a “hands-on

of the new opportunities available to Student Service

leadership body of passionate and engaged service

Coordinators.

students who will maintain, market and develop future

“It will be an authentic leadership experience and each

editorial

College Bound: Charlie lyttle

I applied to the NYU on a whim. On December 30, 2014,

lege application process, I only wanted to apply to journalism

roughly 36 hours before the January 1 deadline, my best

schools.

friend and I were in the backseat of my sister’s Subaru stationwagon on the way back from a weekend in San Francisco, using my iPhone hotspot to finish his NYU application. It

was during this process of team brainstorming that I realized I made a mistake overlooking the NYU Liberal Studies program, a two-year liberal arts intensive program, when I finalized my college list in early September. All of the ideas I was suggesting he use to answer the “Why NYU” prompt were reasons why I wanted to enroll in that specific program. Access to small class sizes would give me the opportunity to further pursue the study of literature in an intimate setting. Individual attention from faculty would enhance my academic experience and ease my transition into a college classroom setting. Essentially, the program offers a similar learning environment that contributed to my success at Windward, but at a much larger institution in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. An emergency twelfth hour phone call to Kevin Newman and a day in front of the computer later, I submitted my application at

greatly. I owe this evolution in large part to Brendan Constantine. Three weeks into the first semester, I switched into Brendan’s fifth period Poetry class because every desk in David Unger’s psychology classroom was taken. Not only did Brendan introduce me to an eclectic variety of poetry and creative writing, he took an interest in the pieces I composed. He encouraged me to pursue projects even if they strayed from the course syllabus and gave the me the freedom to express my ideas in any form no matter how bizarre, intense, or confusing they were. For the first time since I began writing for The Bridge, someone made me question how I wanted to pursue writing professionally. The Liberal Studies program appealed so greatly to me because it allows me flexibility. The program’s emphasis on studying great literary works will help mold me into a better writer and a more effective storyteller. Instead of enrolling in

about 9:30pm Eastern Standard Time on December 31.

a journalism school, I’ll be able to take journalism electives

Since I joined The Bridge in 10th grade, I’ve known that

myself from realizing the extent of my repertoire.

journalism, particularly sportswriting, would be a part of my professional future. Consequently, at the beginning of the col34

But this past school year, my interests as a writer expanded

without limiting myself to one genre of writing and preventing

And to think I wasn’t going to apply.

editorial

College Bound: Abby Kuhns knew from the time that I started school that I did not enjoy

school math made me feel ill, I knew my situation could only get

mathematics. I distinctly remember seeing the red ExPo

exacerbated by a collegiate math class, albeit an “easy” one like

marker on the dry erase board in first grade that read “10:00-

Calculus 1 or even precalculus. I had no plans on sucking more

11:00: Math” and consequently wincing in fear and annoy-

money out of my family for extra help in a subject I knew I would

ance. I wish I could say that my feelings about math changed

never be able to pursue even if I wanted to.

as I took every required math class in middle and high school, but in all honesty, I only felt worse as time went on. I don’t resent my teachers at all (it’s not you, it’s me, anyone?) because they all tried to help as much as they could. Regardless of their endeavors, every year I always made sure to purchase a black three ring binder for math to symbolize darkness and, more accurately, if you ask the teachers who graded my midterms, the constant unknown. Melodramatic? Maybe. A visceral reaction to

As a result of these conditions, I was excited when I got my acceptance letter from Smith, an all women’s college in Massachusetts (Sylvia Plath’s alma mater, if that adds any more legitimacy to the description) and the largest Seven Sister school (think Barnard, Wellesley, and now co-ed Vassar). Smith has an open curriculum, which means that any student can take any sequence of classes they want as long as they fulfill a major, with

something I never, ever stopped abhorring? Absolutely.

the exception of a required writing intensive course freshman

Fast forward to my college applications. I had spent the entire-

planned to take all writing intensive classes. I would never have

ty of my junior year researching schools to learn about all of

to touch a math book again and instead can focus my energy

their characteristics, from dorm rooms to classrooms. I realized

on other subjects, most of which I did not learn about in high

that my ideal type of school was one that would let me pursue

school, such as Middle Eastern studies or theology.

different types of classes without any core requirements like high school. Believe it or not, it’s not easy to find colleges to that have no distribution or core requirements. For example, if you do not take AP Calculus AB and receive a 4 or 5 in high school, you may have to fulfill a math requirement in college based on said distribution, and especially, core requirements. Needless

year. This task seemed easy enough, especially given that I’d

Though I cannot say for certain that I will love the college I am going to attend and stay there for all four years, as nobody can at this point, I recognize that I am lucky to be attending an institution that gives me the opportunity to choose what courses I take, so I can tailor my education to my interests and goals.

to say, this idea did not appeal to me in the slightest. If high 35

editorial

College Bound: Daniel Hyun thought the undergraduate business program at NYU Stern,

humanities and quantitative classes and gives students enough

would be ideal for me since the college offers a business

freedom to take as many or as few humanities-based courses as

education mixed in with numerous liberal arts elements.

they wish. I liked how there was a variegated balance between

Double majoring in Stern is fairly easy, as most Stern students

a liberal arts and a business focus instead of an overwhelming

pursue this course of study and there are only 12 to 16 credit

concentration in either field. A purely liberal arts education, in my

requirements for each major. Considering each student needs

opinion, is too theoretical and its information is harder to apply

128 credits to graduate, people who try to major in one subject

in the workforce. On the other hand, a purely business-intensive

usually end up minoring or majoring in another field since they

concentration would not emphasize enough courses for creativi-

have many credits left over.

ty and critical thinking.

Alongside fulfilling one’s major, each student must take an over-

The economics major at Stern is a great example of a successful

all “Business Core” worth 84 credits that includes not just busi-

marriage between liberal arts and business. In general, an eco-

ness curricula, but also a liberal arts core and a social impact

nomics major is known to be very theoretical and focuses mostly

core. There is also room for 44 elective credits that can come

on “what-if” situations, rather than what is happening in the real

from any college within NYU, including the Tisch school of the

world. Stern’s economic major focuses much more on analyzing

Arts and the College of Arts and Sciences. Unlike in liberal arts

trends and events that are occurring at the present, but still pays

intensive schools like Columbia or University of Chicago, where

attention to “what-if,” theoretical situations.

every student is required to take class in a liberal arts curriculum set by the administration, Stern balances a healthy mix of

The varsity soccer players enjoy bonding with teammates on their team retreat.

Under The WinG BY CONNOR MOLDO, ABBY KUHNS, AND SERENA ETTINGER managing editor, co-editor-in-chief, and staff writer

John Thomas Dye. Curtis. Paul Revere Mid-

Alexis Turner, a Freshman, a year often no-

dle School. Wildwood. These are names of

torious for its rigid friend groups, has found

a few feeder schools where students often

friends in Broadcast Journalism that she

attend together in elementary and middle

never expected to make.

school before they continue friendships with the same classmates at Windward. However, though many could describe the lower grades at Windward as “clique-y,” many students form unexpected bonds and friendships through their outside of school activities. Through sports and through eighth periods, unlikely friends are every-

“I have become good friends with Emma Lipstone ’15, Benjamin Kreiger ’16, Chase Kirshbaum ’17, Lauren Stone ’17, and Kyle Siegel ’16,” she said, listing primarily older students as her new friends. She also said that she probably wouldn’t have come in contact with them if it weren’t for the class,

where.

Alexis felt especially lucky to interact with

“Being a Senior on the soccer team, I took

editing projects.

on the role of a leader and mentor for the younger athletes on the team,” said Teke Dado ’15. Since this was Teke’s final year, he felt it was his responsibility to teach current players the Windward philosophy. Particularly, Teke placed Campbell Geddes ’18 under his wing and created an unlikely friendship between a senior and a freshman. Outside of school, the duo have hung out with one another, often going to the beach to surf.

alumni like Alec Kupelian ’13 on many video

Although their friendships began in their eighth period class, both Alexis and Emma hang out at other points in the day too. “I have gotten really close with Emma Lipstone through Broadcast Journalism, and we even hang out outside of class during school or on our free time.” Becoming friends with older students whom one would not normally speak to because of extra curriculars is not uncommon at Windward in performing arts as well.

“I made really good friends with a lot of older girls on

There are other students who entered activities without

dance company who I would have normally not spoken

much knowledge of the club itself or the people. Alys-

to,” said Jennifer Davis, a Senior who joined Dance Com-

sa Price, a Junior, quickly immersed herself in the tech

pany as a freshman without knowing many other people,

theatre program and made a new set of friends from a

save for a few girls in her year. The group allowed them to

variety of the social groups when she was a freshman.

talk in a way that never would have occurred otherwise.

people I would most likely not have been friends with,”

robotics. Many of the students involved in this class are

she said. “Given that a month leading into the play and

also enrolled in more intense math and science classes,

musical we are at school every day (9am-5pm on our

but there are still seemingly random friendships made

weekends even) and our brains stop functioning we have

regardless. Mark Freeman, a Senior, had this experience,

such stupid and great times. We call it ‘tech weekend(s)

particularly with the older students when he was a under-

#nofilter.’ I’ve also become super good friends with the

classman.

actors because about three weeks before the show we

“I definitely met people than I never thought I would be-

start working with them.”

cause [Robotics] was a lot less of a class than I thought

“I’ve made more unexpected friends through theater,”

it’d be. I got to mainly meet a lot of people in the grades

said Blaine Williams, a STEAM scholar and a Robotics

above me who have been huge inspirations for me and

student. “Just because I bonded with people with whom

told me what classes to choose in Robotics and other

I wouldn’t have crossed paths.” Blaine has taken majority

STEAM courses. And I don’t think I ever would have had

honors and AP classes, which is not as common in the

that exposure to people in the grades above me without

theater department as other student groups.

Robotics,” he said.

“They [the theater students] helped me come out of my

Like Teke, Mark became somewhat of a mentor for the

shell,” he said. “Theatre is a more inherently outgoing

younger students in robotics. “In my senior year I was

activity.”

able to take on the role that [former upperclassmen] were to me, and I basically got to work with a lot of the younger students and a lot of us are friends now. I’m looking forward to coming back next year and seeing them,” he said. In this way, extra curricular activities can act as a way to find not just friendships but also mentors.

“One-thousand percent, tech has made me friends with

On the other end of the extra curricular spectrum is

Though many students come to Windward in seventh, ninth, or even 11th grade with a group of friends from other schools or no friends to speak of, activities like theater, robotics, dance, and even 8th periods like broadcast journalism can bring the most disparate individuals together.

Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to relax. What better thing to do than listen to great music?! Below, The Bridge has put together a summer music playlist for you to enjoy during your summer break and while reading this issue!

Summer Sounds Lily & Madeline- In the Middle Florence and the Machine- Ship to Wreck Hippo Campus- Suicide Saturday Lana Del Rey- Radio Vampire Weekend- Hannah Hunt Home (RAC Mix) Childish Gambino- The Palisaides Lorde- The Love Club Beach Boys- Sloop John B. The Weekend- Next Frank Ocean- Bad Religion The Black Keys- Little Black Submarines MisterWives- Imagination Infatuation Kanye West- Hey Mama The Beatles- Strawberry Fields Forever Taylor Swift- The Best Day New Order- Age of Consent