Reporter tries Non-Profit LIFESTYLES 12 ENTERTAINMENT 15 Miley Cyrus SPORTS 20 Tennis makes Organization out the viral CCS and U.S. Postage returns to her PAID “Naruto Run” roots in new aims high for Saratoga, CA Permit No. 41 trend. album. NorCal. THEsaratogafalcon Saratoga High School Saratoga, CA Friday November 3, 2017 An Independent School Publication saratogafalcon.org Vol. 57, No. 4 RIVALRY Five reasons to attend tonight’s football game vs. LG

an energetic team and new head coach Tim should come support your Falcons against game, down just one touchdown to tie and Lugo at the helm, they believed that they Los Gatos tonight at home. win most of the games. could win. Although the Falcons have had trouble BIG And they did. Led by star quarterback 1. e Falcons have a chance at pulling o an starting their games strong, as well as clos- Kevin Smith and a stellar defensive ef- unbelievable upset. ing out games when holding leads, you bet- GAMERS fort, the Falcons pulled o a 21-17 victory  e Falcons come into this game at 0-8, ter believe they will bring their A-game, against the Wildcats, a er which students recently su ering loses to the Wilcox Char- knowing that rivalry bragging rights are on Alex Wang and Siva Sambasivam and parents erupted in joy and stormed gers 61-10 and the Palo Alto Vikings 42-21. the line. Benny Pierce Field to congratulate their Fal- With the Wildcats having a 3-5 record, the  e Falcons also are healthier than at In 2010, the Falcons welcomed Los Ga- con players. Falcons’ chances seem rather bleak; how- some points earlier in the season. Two-way tos into their territory for their annual rival In the six games since then against Los ever, the numbers are a little deceiving. lineman Allie Liddle will be playing his third showdown with the Wildcats. It had been Gatos, the Falcons have not fared well, but  e Falcons have lost three games in game of the season, and looks to be the same upwards of 20 years since the Falcons had like the student body seven years ago, we blowouts, but they have remained competi- beaten their district counterparts, but with can’t lose hope. Here are ve reasons you tive until the last few minutes in every other GAME on pg. 21

NEW ALL-MALE Breaking TEAM EXTENDS BOYS’ DANCE BARRIERS CULTURE

BY FrancescaChu to showcase their dancing prowess & EmilieZhou other than the Bombay in the Bay event in February.  e crowd cheered during the So when assistant principal seniors’ Homecoming all-boys Brian  ompson and dance team dance, impressed by their quick coach Kaitlyn Landeza approached and synchronized moves.  e senior Nicholas Di and his friends dance featured not only some of during a Homecoming practice, today’s most popular dance trends, they immediately jumped at the but also advanced and original idea of an all-male dance team. choreography. “At this school, dance culture Homecoming Quad Day dances for guys is really only around dur- have allowed many boys to experi- ing Homecoming, so we want to Seniors Connor Reyes (upper left), Nathan Kang ment with new styles. However, extend that throughout the school (lower left), and Nicholas Di (above) execute moves in a er Homecoming, there have tryouts for the new all boys’ dance team on Oct. 27. been few opportunities for boys DANCE on pg. 5

FALCON // MUTHU PALANIAPPAN ue new music from Oh ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW PROJECTS Wondwhat’sinside ELECTIVES New PA system presents Campus beauti cation Class options unexpected challenges Why SHS lacks electives remains top priority compared to some BY JessicaWang building, which led to an update to BY KarenChow pletely intentional.  e four tall neighboring schools. pg. 5 & MichaelZhang the existing technology in the of- & KaitlynWang 60-year-old redwood trees in ce as well. Instead of using a land- the quad do not get rainfall for On the rst day of school, re- line phone for announcements, the Students walking near the li- ve or six months, Moran said. turning students were surprised to new system now communicates POLITICS brary and girls’ locker room may An occasional deep watering en- hear screechy and mu ed voices using IP addresses over the Inter- hear the sound of running water sures that the redwood trees do Divisions during morning announcements. net. and spot a hose lying at the bases not die. Technology sta , including dis-  is has resulted in a variety of of the redwood trees across the “With the unusually warm Long-lasting tension trict IT administrator Tony Palma, bene ts for both the announce-  ermond Drama Center. Wa- weather, they su er a little bit between China and Taiwan is jumped on the case immediately ment and bell systems. For in- ter gushes out of the hose, some- because they’re used to having dangerously close to reaching and discovered that the issue stance, it allows for speci c vol- times throughout lunchtime, a little more moisture in the fall the boiling point. pg. 8 stemmed from di erences between ume control for each classroom. It spilling out onto the tanbark than hot weather like this,” prin- a newly installed digital system and also allows for a broadcast to only that covers the trees’ roots. cipal Paul Robinson said. “We old analog one. a speci c set of classrooms in the Because the hose seems to love having our redwood trees CULTURE Over this summer, the school school. be le unmonitored and small around because they add so debated whether to put in an older  e new technology has also pools of water begin to develop much to our campus, so what- Family dynamics ‘60s-style PA system in the new helped make the announcement due to the sheer quantity of ever we can do to try to get them music building like the rest of the system feel more modern. Student learns over time water, some students feel con- the water that they need so that school or invest in a newer, more “Last year we used a telephone cerned. they can survive is important.” to accept and celebrate her modern system, Palma said.  e for announcements,” Palma said. father’s Asian accent. pg. 18 However, according to main- Robinson said that what may school elected to implement the tenance supervisor Brian Mo- newer technology for the music TECH on pg. 3 ran, the running water is com- MAINTENANCE on pg. 5

News 1-6 Opinion 7-10 Lifestyles 11-13 Entertainment 14-15 School Scope 16-17 In-Depth 18-19 Sports 20-23 Backpage 24 THE THE 2 NEWS November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 NEWS 3

picturethis cording to Palma, the cost, about TECH $1,000 per room, is too high. Also, construction for installa- continued from pg. 1 news tion would be necessary in every “But now we have a specialized room, which further adds to the microphone, which allows us to expenses and makes replacement briefs control the volume level a little impractical anytime soon. better. It’s more  tting with a PA “We’re working on a plan to type system — to make a call we make that change and implement Robotics boots up, begins building season just need to push a button.” these devices, but it can’t happen ASB President senior Nathon overnight,” Palma said. “ ere’s Chin, who frequently delivers the costs, there’s construction, and e First Tech Challenge (FTC) competition kicked o morning announcements, feels we have to have people out of the on Sept. 9 with the full release of the rulebook, which lays that he has adjusted to the new room to do it.” out the requirements of the contest. is year, the SHS teams microphone. As a result, Palma is working to are using 3-D printing technology to custom cra each com- “Both [systems] are good; the make the best of the current situ- ponent of their robots. new one just took some time get- ation. e theme of this year’s games is “Relic Recovery” and ting used to,” Chin said. So far, a complete re-wiring each robot will compete to sort and place items, o en in spe- Additionally, the school bells of the old system in addition to ci c con gurations, into sections of a game  eld. e four can also be set to any custom meticulous volume and audio ad- teams of 15 students each have been busy working to build sound through a sound  le. justments have already made the their robot. “ e bell can be any sound we sound quality much more toler- e team has six returning members as opposed to only want, and that’s the beauty of the able. two from last year, so more work is being done per day. system,” Palma said.  e current goal is to  rst gain “I am personally very excited because the parts on our FALCON // AVA HOOMAN Using the  exibility of the new independent control of each class- robot are a lot cleaner,” junior Derek Chiou said. “ e build- BOO! Seniors Amelia Berardo, Mateusz Kranz, Ania Kranz and Solomon Bailey dressed up as technology, Palma also proposed room wing by installing separate ing is going much smoother than last year.” FALCON // MUTHU PALANIAPPAN ghosts of Queen Elizabeth I, Michael Jackson, Joseph Stalin and Abraham Lincoln for Halloween. creative ways for students to de- devices and ampli ers so every e use of 3-D printing also allows the team to create sign the bell sound. Seniors Nathon Chin, Ishana Narayanan and junior Roshan Verma deliver morning announcements on Oct. 24. section on campus has its own vol- most of their design digitally. It also makes the robot much For example, he suggested that ume knobs to adjust. easier to assemble. e robot will be automated for part of perhaps the school band could music room also features a digital with the problems. their technology di ers from the However, about $600 is re- the competition and controlled by a driver for the other part. SOCIAL MEDIA create a unique tone or the Student display. “Was it a surprise that the qual- rest of the school. quired for each wing to have its e team’s score will be largely determined by how many of the Month could pick it for the  is means that it can  ash ity was bad? No, because we knew If the volume is adjusted for the own box, and prior to installation, “glyphs,” or 6-inch cubes, they can collect from a section in next month. messages along with important that it wasn’t going to get any bet- science and media arts buildings, the new device must pass multiple the center of the  eld. Awards will also be given for innova-  e current bell was selected announcements or silently warn ter quality than this old system can then the audio would be distorted tests. tion and robot design, as well as motivation, inspiration and because it was a so er alternative students of an emergency, such as provide,” he said. for the rest of the school, Palma “Eventually we want to come connecting with others. ‘Gotogapower’ Instagram to the former bell system. during a lockdown. So far, quality issues for most of said. to a point where all classrooms With the competition set to reach San Francisco in March, “ is year’s bell is more tolera- However, it has become appar- the school have been more or less Currently, the sound quality in are replaced with the new system the team has a lot of time to program and make changes. ble; not everyone is happy with it,” ent that updating such technology resolved, Chin said. these buildings is being sacri ced because it’s more accurate, easier In the past, the team succeeded at regional tournaments, account gaining popularity Palma said. “We can always make has induced unforeseen problems  e main exception has been to keep the quality high for the rest to repair and can send specialized taking awards in every tournament for the past two years. it better, and I think it’s an im- with sound quality. the science and media arts build- of the school. noti cations to each room,” he is year, the team hopes to not only build well, but to BY EshaLakhotia Mohnike started a similar ac- lot more followers,” Armes said. provement of what we had before.” While Palma did not expect to ings A seemingly simple solution said. “But I don’t have a timeline reach out to the community and inspire others to join. & MuthuPalaniappan count two years ago, but some- “It makes sense because it’s a great  e new system that has al- observe negative e ects in the sys- Since they were built a er the would be to install new PA systems of when we could get it into indi- “While incorporating engineering skills, marketing, and one hacked it last year and started way for students to see themselves ready been implemented in the tem, he certainly is not surprised original PA system was installed, in every classroom. However, ac- vidual classrooms.” ◆ community outreach, the team can strive to its fullest po- e school-run Instagram ac- posting spam and inappropriate or their friends in the Homecom- tential to make an impact on the community,” sophomore count @gotogapower has gained pictures, forcing Mohnike to cre- ing photos.” Devin Shah said. 100 more followers this year as it ate another school-focused Insta- Mohnike and Armes also post FRC, the other branch of robotics, begins in January with tries to cover daily school events gram. photos of day-to-day school activi- DRAMA a steampunk-themed competition. through photos and captions. Since then, the account has ties like sports games, rallies and e account is run mainly by been focused on documenting spirit days. — Allen Chen assistant principal Kerry Mohnike school spirit and o ering insights Because most students com- and attendance secretary Mandy into the non-academic aspects of municate through the internet and ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ to debut Nov. 11 Armes. the school. love social media, posting content Mohnike and Armes have also “It’s a great way to showcase online allows events to “get more Senior reaches regionals in science competition BY JessicaWang especially the Sycamore family members, reading along in the script waiting for your original production. been tagging their photos with what’s going on campus and how publicity” and lets both students since they’re onstage all the time.” line to come up.” “ ere is a very high energy and quick “#gofalconpower,” which has over busy everybody is,” Mohnike said. and parents access photos, Armes Senior Sohini Kar’s project related to number theory im-  e one-cast production of “You Can’t  e cast’s rapid progress partially relates  is year’s production has the record for re ned speech to it,”  ermond said. “So 50 recent posts. “It shows how involved everyone said. Take It with You” will premiere on Nov. 11, to the important aspects of the genre of the the largest fall play cast. even though the play is meant to feel like a pressed judges enough that she was named a Siemens Sci- ough she sees these numbers is in school.” rough the “gotogapower” ence Competition regional  nalist on Oct. 18. the  rst out of its four shows in the McAfee play, romantic comedy. Re-enactments of radio commercials real family’s home, there is sort of a style to as decent, Armes said the account Homecoming week in late Sep- Instagram, parents, sta and stu- Center. Main characters Alice Sycamore and from 1937 have been added as uno cial it that keeps it moving, keeps it energetic, As a regional  nalist, Kar was asked to submit a presenta- isn’t advertised well enough, so tember also helped the account dents have been able to come to- tion electronically by Oct. 30. Siemens is a research competi- Tony Kirby will be played by senior Katie parts of the script in order to incorporate and keeps it understandable for the audi- students, parents and community gain more followers, as students gether and appreciate the school’s Sabel and junior Mateo Morganstern, re- more characters and the students playing ence.” tion, in which students send in projects in a variety of STEM members are unaware that it ex- received recognition for their hard hard work to make events like  elds. About 2,500 competitors sent in papers to be judged spectively. “A lot of key moments them.  e play,  lled with witty and sophisti- ists. work and talent. Prom and Club Fair happen. “It’s a really simple story of two young  e radio commercials also play a role in cated humor, lets audience members recog- this year, and out of those, 491 were chosen as semi nalists “We had a training event about Mohnike and Armes also made “I really love seeing the di er- include families interacting, and 101 were regional  nalists. Seniors Chengzi Guo and people trying to get married, their families bringing up signi cant themes for the audi- nize and relate to just how ridiculous life can social media in high schools so we sure to post behind-the-scene ent events going on at school on going to meet each other, and by the end of which usually means eye ence, such as “consumerism and capitalism, be,  ermond said. Andrew Zheng also made semi nals individually, but did started this account a er learning photos of students decorating and the Instagram account,” junior not advance. act two, everyone goes to jail,” said drama contact and being present in and how instead we should be focusing on In mid-October, cast members and sets that social media can push out the practicing for their Quad Days. Jennah El-Ashmawi said. “It’s a teacher Sarah  ermond, who directs the what makes us happy,”  ermond said. were moved to the McAfee Center for stage According to the Siemens Competition website, scholar- good things that are going around “A er Quad Days this year, we great way to keep up with things the moment.” ships from $1,000 to $100,000 can be awarded to winning ◆ play.  ere is a big focus on ensuring that the rehearsals a month before the play’s open- on campus,” Mohnike said. noticed that we started gaining a that I miss seeing at school.”  e students are closing in on their of- set designs and costumes more realistically ing. projects, and a cash prize of $25,000 is awarded to all nation- SENIOR Katie Sabel al  nalists, with  rst place receiving $100,000 and second  cial “o -book” day, when they are able represent the ‘30s and ‘40s, the era in which “I’m really excited for people to come to run through the show without a script, the story takes place. in and see not only all of the funny timing place $50,000. Out of the 101 regional  nalists, there were CLUBS  ve teams and  ve individuals for each of six regions. Kar even before the production’s move into the During rehearsals that take place from and all the really strong performances by project was about creating a new integer sequence that fol- McAfee Center. “A lot of key moments include fami- anywhere between 11 to 20 hours per week the students and the school, but also the lowed a pattern, along with a mathematical rule that helped “ ings are moving quickly,” Sabel said. lies’ interacting, which usually means eye for lead roles,  ermond stresses the im- fact that all of that entertainment and fun “Because it’s a one-room play, a lot of the contact and being present in the moment,” portance of retaining the unique style of can add up to something, and that is a really de ne the sequence. New additions spark interests ◆ “Having participated in number theory summer pro- content is just people talking to each other, Sabel said. “ at’s hard to do when you’re American theater and  lm at the time of the memorable message,”  ermond said. grams, my interest drove me in my research,” Kar said. BY ShreyaKatkere start a Humane Society club at my Muthu Palaniappan are co-pres- — Jeffrey Xu and Michael Zhang & KaitlynWang school,” Carter said. idents, while junior Usman Khan Carter believes that animal serves as secretary and treasurer. SCIENCE BOWL CHEER As students milled about a protection rights are extremely e o cers plan on hosting crowded quad during Club Fair important and the topic of abuse workshops where members can on Oct. 3-5, club o cers eagerly should be discussed, not avoided. share and critique each other’s Squad hosts annual Pee Wee passed out food and held up post- “It is critical that this is brought photos as well as discuss tech- Team selects key freshmen falcononline ers, excited to attract new mem- to people’s attention so they can niques and styles. bers for the school year. make sure to treat their pets better “We encourage anyone who BY JeffreyXu problems instinctively. Among the clubs were 17 new and other animals and overall just doesn’t have a camera to learn to & MichaelZhang “I think Science Bowl is the most fun fundraiser at football game additions, including Humane So- be better human beings,” Carter take pictures on their phones,” thing in my schedule right now, so I’m ex- ciety Club, Photography Club, Po- said. Huang said. “But we will also teach Science Bowl members think they will cited to attend the practices,” Kumar said. BY FrancescaChu full routine to perform with the team dur- etry Club, and Agriculture Club. e club will sometimes volun- basic tutorials of DSLR cameras be more competitive this year because the  is year, the Science Bowl regional & EmilieZhou ing hal ime at the home football game on e Humane Society Club, cre- teer at the local Humane Society and simple techniques of Photo- team is stronger in subjects like biology, competition will take place on Feb. 3 at the Oct. 20.  e kids were each given their own ated by sophomores Risa Carter, on the weekends, where they will shop to edit the pictures.” chemistry and earth science. Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. To raise money for expenses, such as shirt and pom poms for the performance. Francesca Whiting, Alex Lee, help out with the animals. In order for a wider audience Tryouts occurred on Sept. 18, forming a  e A team, which consists of the top new equipment and gear, the Not only does the camp provide Top Story Kathryn Hamilton and aila “I hope that people who go to to view members’ works, the club team with seniors Anthony Ding, Chengzi  ve members, will be decided in late De- cheer team held its annual Pee a way for the team to fundraise, but Senior’s interest in biology grows from summer internship Morganstern, allows students to our meetings walk out and feel will feature student works on so- Guo, Rahul Kumar and Michael Xue; ju- cember or early January, Ding said.  is Wee cheer camp from Oct. 17-19. it also allows them to work with at Stanford on pg. 5 help animals through activities motivated and inspired to help an- cial media, such as Facebook and niors Joseph Li, Nathan Luk and Michael way, members will have a semester of prac- According to senior captain children and “share their passions and fundraisers. imals and feel like they made the Instagram. Zhang; sophomore Je rey Xu; and fresh- tice time for the upcoming competition Evelyn Ha, it is the team’s biggest with others,” sophomore Emily Top Picture e club plans to work hand in world a better place,” Carter said. “Photography is not limited men Rohan Kumar and Akshar Sarvesh. and tryouts. fundraiser. Lubyanitsky said. Korean and Chinese clubs wave their fl ags to attract new hand with the Humane Society, a e Photography Club o cers to taking pictures on professional Ding said that the addition of freshmen, According to Ding, members of the A,  e cost to participate was $75 For Ha, it also brings back club members during the second day of Club Fair on Oct. 4. nonpro t animal welfare organiza- began planning far in advance by cameras,” Huang said. “Anyone such as Kumar and Sarvesh will also be B and development teams have attended per person; with a total of 16 at- memories from when she partici- FALCON // PHOEBE WANG tion. creating their club interview pre- can take good pictures if they have good for future years. practices more regularly than previous tendees this year, the team was pated in the camp years ago. “I have a strong passion for sentation over the summer, said a good perspective and the right For his part, Kumar said he enjoys the years. able to make $1,200. “My favorite thing is de nitely To use: cover the QR codes except for the one you would like to animals and I also help out at the the club’s vice president, junior angle, even with phone cameras, so thrill of buzzing in to answer questions. “Overall, we’re more committed this  roughout the three days, the Ha just hanging out with the kids,” Ha scan, then use a QR scanning app (i.e., Snapchat by long press). Humane Society all the time, so Kitty Huang. we think it’s a good idea to spread With speed just as important as accuracy, year and we hope to perform well at the of- attendees, ages 3 to 10, learned said. “I did Pee Wee in kindergar- it just kind of hit me that I should Senior Aden Choy and junior the knowledge of photography.” ◆ Kumar has to focus and respond to science  cial competition,” Ding said. ◆ cheers, motions and jumps as well as a ten, so I know how exciting it is.” ◆ THE THE 4 NEWS November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 NEWS 5

DRAMA other guys out there who also have a pas- Not only is Moran’s crew renovating the DANCE sion for dance,” Di said. MAINTENANCE irrigation of the trees in the quad, but they continued from pg. 1 For Landeza, it is exciting to be able to continued from pg. 1 are also working to transform a plot of land spread the love of dance beyond only the near the pool by the front parking lot. year,” Di said. girls team. look like waste to students is something the  e maintenance team and volunteers Student productions ready to tackle staging  ompson originally came up with the “My ultimate goal for these guys is to district has budgeted for, and the money from various churches are planning on re- idea last year at one of dance team’s region- have fun,” she said. “I would like them to can’t be spent in other places. modeling it into an area that will look simi- al competitions and got Landeza on board. not worry about placing at competitions Another example of maintenance mon- lar to Hyde Park, located behind the library, BY FrancescaChu avoiding the harsh realities of poverty. just chaotic and hilarious.” three times a week for two to three hours ey work is a grassy area near the redwoods where there are a couple of in-ground ta- & JessicaWang Since the play only has  ve characters, it will Berardo is aiming to cast 10 parts, which each day once everyone can invest more “We noticed that there were a lot of oth- and just enjoy this opportunity.” be easier to direct than a play with a larger is slightly larger than an average student time. With everything else going on, she has er schools that had all-male dance teams,” Auditions were held on Oct. 27, and the that has been fenced o to try to bring the bles and a sidewalk that meanders through Taking on one of the most daunting chal- cast, Yoon said. production. Having been in a big produc- to carefully plan and manage her time.  ompson said. “so it was really interest- team will begin practicing soon a er.  ey lawn back to life, according to Moran. A the grass, plants and trees. lenges in the drama curriculum, two seniors “I wanted to do something dramatic that tion of “Cyrano de Bergerac” during her “I’m generally able to balance everything ing to see that in the program for other plan to compete in the all-male category modi ed irrigation system will water the “Our goal is to make it more visually are beginning work on productions that had a small cast,” she said. “Since I really like freshman year, she is excited to replicate by setting strict deadlines for myself and s c h o o l s .” at the same competitions as the current grass more evenly. pleasing and useful for both the students each will direct in January and February. the emotional impact of Williams’ plays, I that experience for others. limiting my distractions,” Yoon said. So around Homecoming week, Lan- girls team. However, Landeza anticipates and sta ,” Moran said. Hannah Yoon will be directing “ e decided to do ‘ e Glass Menagerie.’” Cast members were chosen following When casting main roles, Berardo hoped deza, with the help of Di and his friends, that there might be a di erence in attitude According to Robinson, Menlo Church, Glass Menagerie” from Jan. 19 to 21 and On the other hand, “Servant of Two Mas- auditions in mid October, and they have al- to bring more underclassmen on board. began recruiting. between the boys and girls, since most of which is across the street from the front Amelia Berardo will be directing “Servant ters,” originally performed as a commedia ready started reading their scripts and gain- “Last year, only one freshman was cast in the guys have not had years of traditional “We want to have a of the school, wanted to work on a service of Two Masters” from Feb. 2 to 4. Both will dell’arte, an Italian form of theater, includes ing familiarity with their lines. the show, and that was a bummer because dance training the way the girls have. good environment project with the school, so Moran sug- be staged in the ermond Drama Center. a lot of improvisation and bigger characters. “We had auditions early because we have as a freshman, I loved student productions,” “We want to build “I could be wrong, but it’s di erent gested a renovation of the area in front of “ e Glass Menagerie,” written by Ten- “It’s a really funny play about a servant the fall play going on right now, and we Berardo said. “Now I get to direct one se- when people are self-trained rather than for our students.” the swimming pool. Menlo Church will be nessee Williams, takes place in St. Louis, who decides it’ll be a great idea if he has an- didn’t want to create any strife within that,” nior year, so I’m hoping to involve some of a foundation for studio-trained,” she said. “Unlike the girls, buying materials and sending volunteers. 1947. It tells the story of the Wing eld fam- other master,” Berardo said. “However, it is Berardo said. the underclassmen who can really learn a lot guys who have a most of them haven’t been learning about  e front of the pool is currently a dirt ily, who each have their own negative way of not; everything is a complete mess and it’s Yoon plans on having rehearsals around from these.” ◆ discipline and fundamental techniques patch because of the drought.  e school passion for dance.” from a young age.” PRINCIPAL Paul Robinson turned o the water to about 70 perfect Because of this, the new team will also of the grass areas around campus to pre- SENIOR Nicholas Di have to gure out how to work with the serve water. However, with the help of the SPECIAL EDUCATION varying styles ach member brings. Di has “Right now it is spotty, so there are some Measure E bond, many plants have been always danced for fun, but he only began dried out spots that are just bare dirt and re-planted near the music building and the getting “o cial” training and attending no grass,” Moran said. “We are trying to front of the school. Sophomore Prosper Chiu was one of dance workshops at the end of junior year. renovate that area and restore it. It is taking From watering the redwood trees to Van driver challenges special needs stereotypes the students Di approached to join. During Eventually, he auditioned for the Syndicate longer than I envisioned, but that is why the remodeling the plot of land in front of the Homecoming, Chiu enjoyed choreograph- Dance Company, a dance crew in San Jose, fencing is up.” swimming pool, the school is undergoing ing the sophomore stunt dance and it made and joined their youth team, Syndikidz.  e grass may be sensitive to a lack of many small improvements to create a wel- BY KevinSze students in the program. Usually, there are Harris has experience working with stu- “I enjoy seeing their growth,” Harris said. him want to explore dancing. But due to issues with his schedule, he had water, but most of what has been planted coming atmosphere. & JefferyXu two to three vans on campus each day, each dents, having been in the secondary pro- “Like the van door situation. What may be a “I’m excited for the new possibilities that to quit when school started this year. around campus is drought-tolerant, he “One of the things that we take pride in transporting around four students. Aides gram at West Valley Community College little thing in our lives is huge in their lives.” being on the team could bring,” Chiu said. Chiu, on the other hand, has barely had said. For example, the lower eld and so - is that our school looks pretty good,” Rob- Each morning around 7 a.m., a small such as Harris and Straw are crucial to stu- and having coached basketball in the past. In addition, Harris realizes that due to According to Di, dance is becoming a any dance experience besides participating ball eld, which used to make up two acres inson said. “We want to be a good environ- school bus leaves the back parking lot and dents’ education and shoulder multiple du- “I love to work with children with special preconceived notions from their peers, stu- bigger part of the school’s culture, and he in the Homecoming dances. He hopes the of grass that needed to be watered, were ment for our students as they come in and drives directly to homes in Saratoga, Monte ties outside school. needs,” Harris said. “ ey are completely dents in the CBI program can be a hidden hopes the team will begin giving guys the team will help him learn more. changed to turf two years ago. Especially enjoy it. We’re grateful that the church and Sereno and Los Gatos. e job of these driv- According to Harris, she drives the CBI di erent from depictions of them on TV. presence on a high school campus. She chal- same opportunity as girls to expand their “Each of us has a di erent style and I with record rainfall last year, the drought the ASB are kind of combining together on ers is to transport students in the special program students every day, both in the ey have their own personalities; good lenges the people outside of the program to dance experience. can’t wait to see how we will complement did not a ect plants on campus severely, something that we think is going to make it needs program here at school. morning and a er school, taking around an days and bad days, just like anyone else.” reach out and get to know them better. “Our goal is to provide a foundation for each other as one team,” Di said. ◆ Moran said. look even nicer.” ◆ According to assistant principal Kerry hour for each trip. She works with Straw to Harris observes that most people think “If you just stop and say hi to a student, Mohnike, the van belongs to the Saratoga’s  gure out which routes to take and which of students with special needs as “static” you’ll actually learn that you guys are more Community Based Instruction (CBI) pro- kids each is responsible for. people, who are unable to progress in life. common than you think,” Harris said. togatalks gram. e drivers are Barbara Straw and Harris said that her job is not as time-con- is is simply not true, she said. She notes CBI student senior Jack Elizondo hopes Lindsay Harris, aides within the program. suming and tedious as it may seem. that o en, her CBI students would always to make more friends at the school before Since Los Gatos High does not have a “I enjoy driving them because I get to forget to close the van doors a er getting he leaves for West Valley College next year. What do you “There are enough “I feel like we “I’d say it has too CBI program for special needs students, the talk with them,” Harris said. “ ey’re fun- o in the morning. When a student actually “I really like meeting new people,” Eli- think about the for people who want should maybe boost few. I think we school is obligated to provide transporta- ny when you get to know them outside of comes back a er realizing and asks if they zondo said. “By talking to people, I can to do more than one the amount of could offer more ◆ tion and on-campus aid to the Los Gatos school and have conversations with them.” can close the door, she is ecstatic. learn more about them.” number of but not so many to electives.” languages.” electives? overwhelm people.” freshman Logan Hoover junior Charles Debling sophomore Elise Phan  e electives question: Does the school have enough?

BY ShreyaKatkere “When you are dealing with a smaller In previous years, classes such as these biomedical sciences. & EmilieZhou student population, there is not always were o ered to students but didn’t get “I think one of the repercussions of not enough students to ll class sections,” Sa ne enough sign-ups, Sa ne said.  ey were having a wide variety of courses is that we Sophomore Simrita Advani came to the said. “ erefore, we can’t o er everything later replaced by new classes; for example, are not able to explore more areas of study,” district last year from Stratford, a private that students might be interested in taking.” as students started to lose interest in wood- senior Aileen Zhang said. school in San Jose, and was disappointed to However, nearby Prospect High has a shop, new engineering classes took their But according to Sa ne, the school is al- nd that business classes aren’t o ered here. similar population to Saratoga High, but it place. ways willing to consider new interests for “I was really looking forward to taking a has a range of electives that includes cook- Still, some students wish that the elec- various classes. Ideas for new courses can business class because my father is a lawyer, ing, manufacturing, public speaking, street tives o ered at other schools were taught either be generated by student or teacher in- so business skills come as a second nature to law, madrigals, acapella and treble clef choir. here as well. terest, Sa ne said. me,” Advani said.  is is most likely due to Saratoga High’s “I think that Japanese is a good [language “If there is a match of teacher credential According to assistant principal Brian demand for STEM classes rather than to add] because we only o er Spanish, Chi- and student interest, then we bring it to our Sa ne, the school lacks some electives that hands-on visual and applied art electives. nese and French,” senior Audrey Dang said. school leadership team,” Sa ne said. “If it is other schools have, due to the fact that they Los Gatos High School, with 1,912 stu- “I know that a lot of people are interested in approved, then it will be moved up to the have about twice the population of Saratoga. dents has most of the electives SHS does, Japanese culture.” district level. And if it is approved at the With approximately 1,350 students, the but also others, such as cooking, agroecol- Many students also expressed interest district level, then we will allow students to school simply doesn’t have enough students. ogy, business, woodshop and Japanese. in courses such as business, woodshop and enroll in the class for the fall.” ◆ Senior’s interest in biology grows from Stanford internship

BY AlexandraLi for an internship. experience there and have been there for cided on what eld of biology she hopes to When Chakravarthy started working so long,” Chakravarthy said. “She treats me go into, she’s leaning toward biomedical en- For the past two years, senior Ananya at Stanford in the summer of her closer to an equal than an intern.” gineering. Chakravarthy has worked as an intern un- sophomore year, she spent much  e past summer, Chakravarthy Chakravarthy also said that her experi- der the direction of graduate student Cait- of her time observing Roake, worked as a full-time intern and fo- ence at Stanford has provided her with im- lin Roake in the eld of biology at Stanford who focuses on Dyskera- cused on an independent re- portant interpersonal skills and taught her University. Being exposed to this path of re- tosis congenita, a disease search project that related to how to act in a professional environment. search has allowed Chakravarthy to set her that mainly a ects the skin Roake’s work. Besides gaining technical skills from being college major and decide on a focus in biol- but leads to boneBOUND marrow Due to time restrictions able to work hands-on in a lab, Chakra- ogy in the future. failure and early death. COLLEGEBOUND during the school year, Chakra- varthy emphasizes that her work alongside Her journey began during the summer By studying the causes of varthy goes to Stanford twice a a graduate student has opened her eyes to before freshman year, when Chakravar- the disease, Roake hopes to week to do basic data analysis for more speci c elds within biology. thy attended the Stanford Explore Lecture eventually nd methods of halt- Roake. “I’m not sure whether I want to be a re- Series, a four-week program that includes ing it before it expands in patients. Chakravarthy’s most memorable searcher or doctor when I grow up, but I lectures from faculty, graduate students At the start, Chakravarthy learned to project at Stanford included performing know I want to be helping people,” Chakra- and postdoctoral scholars with the intent of perform small steps, such as examining in- assays, or tests, on cells of patients who are varthy said. “When doing research, the stimulating students’ interest in biology and dividual patients. However, now she is able infected with Dyskeratosis congenita.  e helping part can be pretty indirect. But medicine. to carry out full procedures like splitting tests that Chakravarthy carried out on her working with actual patients’ cells made the One of the lecturers was Roake. Chakra- and cloning cells on her own. own showed her value to the research team helping part feel more direct and reminded varthy emailed her at rst with general “While she’s still my mentor, we’re on and reinforced her interest in biology. me why I wanted to go into the eld in the questions about her research and later asked much more equal footing now that I have Although Chakravarthy has not yet de- rst place.” ◆ THE THE saratogafalcon 6 NEWS November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon 7 opinion November 3, 2017 DEPUTY SPIRIT saratogafalcon.org/opinion

Hundreds FOURTHPERIOD New school resource o cer STAFFPOLICY dress up for The Saratoga Falcon is published 12  e plague of plastic water bottles times per year by the Advanced Jour- nalism classes of Saratoga High School, A er every lunch period, the million metric tons per year. works to forge connections 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070. quad becomes a graveyard for  is misplacement of plastic Red Ribbon Views expressed in The Saratoga Fal- trash. bottles also has drastic impacts BY AaronChoi said. “Being a resource o cer gives him an model for students. con are those of the writers and do not One of the worst items le be- on ocean ecosystems, result- BY KarenChow & StephenDing opportunity to work with [youth] in a dif- Despite his frequent visits to Sara- necessarily represent the opinions of the & ChelseaLeung administration, faculty or school district. hind are dozens of plastic water ing in the death of over 100,000 ferent way, and you can see he really enjoys toga High, Davis is also assigned to other bottles. Even though the heaps marine animals each year due to With so much on their minds every working with young men and women.” schools in the area, including Lynbrook MISSIONSTATEMENT of trash are a result of a combi- being trapped in plastic or the A er Drug Enforcement Administra- day, students may seldom think about their Contrary to the stigma around o cers and Prospect High, Sacred Heart, Redwood nation of laziness and a lack of ingestion of it, according to  e tion (DEA) agent Kiki Camarena was The staff of The Saratoga Falcon is com- safety on campus. in uniform, administrators say Davis isn’t Middle and Saratoga, Argonaut and Foot- regard for the environment, the Whale and Dolphin Conserva- killed by drug tra ckers in Mexico City in mitted to objectively and accurately rep- And in a city that has been ranked as someone to fear. hill Elementary. resenting the diverse talents, cultures and answer to the plastic water bottle tion Organization.  e obvious 1985, the Red Ribbon Campaign was es- one of the safest in California, there may be “He isn’t just here to write tickets and Because of sheri ’s department rules, viewpoints of the Saratoga High School epidemic isn’t simply recycling solution to this problem is to tablished by the National Family Partner- community. a dangerously false stigma that “Run, Hide, bust people,” assistant principal Brian Davis isn’t allowed to be quoted on the re- them. have more people carry reusable ship. It is a national campaign for “keeping Defend” drills aren’t important. ompson said. “Of course, if there’s an cord in the press, but has been starting to People are o en think that water bottles. at is a perception that the school’s event that happens that requires some type forge relationships with faculty and sta on children, families and communities safe,

TO by simply recycling their plastic On top of being more eco- healthy and drug-free,” according to its LETTERS THE EDITOR new school resource o cer, Deputy Russell of law enforcement he’s going to be here this campus. water bottles, they are saving the friendly, reusable water bottles website. Davis, is working to combat. and his familiarity of the campus will help “Even though he visits so many cam- The Saratoga Falcon welcomes all signed environment.  is simply isn’t are much more cost e ective. Since 1986, the campaign’s Red Ribbon Starting earlier this year, Davis replaced him to keep everyone safe.” puses, Davis tells me that he would much letters of opinion, which are subject to true. A one-time purchase of around Week, which involves schools and cities, editing for length, accuracy and gram- Deputy Chad Garton in the position. Beyond school security, Davis has many rather be on our campus than anybody In fact, recycling is not even $20 for a reliable reusable water has taken place every year in October. e mar. Please send them to austin.wang@ Davis applied for the position and was responsibilities beyond law enforcement. else’s,” Robinson said. “He says it’s because saratogafalcon.org. For ad information, what it most people think it to bottle is a lot more reasonable Leadership class organized the week from thrilled to get the job. As implied in the name of the position, the we have the most interesting students. He phone (408) 867-3411, ext. 222. be. Instead of being an endless than spending $7 a week to buy Oct. 23-28. “He has an extensive background work- school resource o cer serves as a resource has signi cant experience and training that cycle of being able to recreate a 24-pack of Arrowhead plastic ◆ Encouraging students to dress up each ing with youth,” principal Paul Robinson for companionship, mentor and a role is essential to working at school.” products out of waste plastic, water bottles. day of the week, the spirit commission Editors-in-Chief Caitlyn Chen plastic products can be recycled  e argument that contends promoted this year’s message of “Your Fu- Eleanor Goh only seven to nine times before that disposable water bottles are ture Is Key, So Stay Drug Free.” becoming unusable. more convenient doesn’t hold, MUSIC On Monday, students dressed up in their Associate Editor Elizabeth Lee Because of this, more manu- either. Having to buy whole cases pajamas, promoting the theme of “Follow facturing of plastic water bottles of water bottles every month in- Your Dreams; Don’t Do Drugs.” Tuesday News Editor Roland Shen is needed to keep up with de- stead of relying on one reusable was Tie-Dye Day, intended to spread the mand, which takes a huge toll on water bottle is much more ex- Band fi nishes its marching season message of “Peace Out to Drugs.” Students Opinion Editor the world’s oil reserves.  is is a pensive and inconvenient in the KAITLYN WANG wore pink on Wednesday for breast cancer Isabelle Yang colossal problem because oil is long run. BY ChelseaLeung caused by the North Bay  res. It had been band General Manager and  ute soloist awareness, rea rming the theme of “Get Sports Editors an nonrenewable resource, and Best of all, reusable water bot- originally scheduled for Oct. 14. Deyshna Pai said. Your Pink On.” Sports Day on ursday Daniel Bessonov ism room has already conserved students to avoid buying plas- Harshini Ramaswamy according to  e Paci c Insti- tles can come with many perks, As in past years, the band consistently At Fresno State’s Sierra Cup Classic on e competitive season concluded with intended to “Knock Drugs out of the Park” 4,250 plastic water bottles in its tic water bottles and also install tute, 17 million barrels of oil are such as the insulated S’well or  rst year and two months of op- more hydration stations in places placed highly at competitions throughout Oct. 21, the band was runner up to James the Bands of America NorCal Regionals at and Red Out Day ended the week with Lifestyles Editors used per year to make plastic wa- Hydro Flask bottles that can this marching season with the show “Find Logan High with an overall score of 87.81 San Jose State on Oct. 28, when they won school spirit. Angela Lee eration. where many students gather, Ashley Su ter bottles. keep any drink warm or cold for Your Voice.” out of 100. seventh overall with a score of 72 out of 100. “We wanted to promote [not using Ironically, even with the im- such as the new music building, Some people believe that the 24 hours. Kicking o the competition season at Even though some band members were drugs] in a way that will get through to the Entertainment Editor plementation of hydration sta- the new Media Arts Program an- Julia Miller scope of the issue of running out  is isn’t to say that people Del Mar High’s annual Feste Del Mar Band disappointed because last year they had students that isn’t super forceful,” said ju- tions around the school in places nex and the upcoming student of fossil fuels is beyond their life- should never buy disposable like the weight room, the school center in the center of campus. Review on Oct. 7, the marching band  n- won second, Graham said that “regard- nior Madison Hartmann, the head of the Associate Entertainment Editor time, having the preconceived water bottles ever again.  ere ished  rst overall in their class, 6A, with a “It’s been cool to be a part less of what place we got, our band had an spirit commission. Alex Yang cafeteria still sells plastic water  is way, students will have notion that Earth still has plenty are rare occasions when they’re total of 92 points out of 100. e drum ma- of the band performances amazing last run, and you can’t ask for any- e commission also decorated the bottles for $1 each, a direct cause even more reasons to carry re- In-Depth Editor of natural resources to spare. But needed. But on daily basis, there jors won third in the  eld conducting cate- thing better than that.” quad with posters as well as posted on Alexandra Li of the pollution in the quad a er usable bottles rather than leave because no other school has Charin Park according to the British Com- is no reason they should be a gory, the auxiliary won  rst and percussion One big di erence this year was that Facebook to get the word out. lunch. behind horribly polluting plastic pany Ecotricity, the Earth is pro- person’s  rst choice.  e school should encourage bottles in the quad. ◆ was third. integrated choir into band.” choir joined the band performances. Choir, Student reaction was generally positive, School Scope Editor jected to run out of oil by 2052, Also, if the school pays for Although the students had not yet band, directors and sta agreed that there as class o cers also promoted the week Ryan Kim which is not very far o . more water hydration stations, learned the entire show then, junior trum- JUNIOR Simran Mallik were no problems with the addition. through Facebook posts telling students Backpage Editor Furthermore, according to using reusable bottles is more pet and General Manager Matthew Graham “It’s been really cool to be a part of the what to wear the next day. Stephen Ding Opinion of the Falcon Editorial Board the More Oceans Less Plastic convenient than ever, allowing said that the portion performed at Feste Del band performances because no other school For example, junior class treasurer Sa- Head Copy Editors Institute, less than 10 percent students to easily re ll their bot- Editors-in-chief Opinion Editor Reporter Mar was above standard. As the only competition with an over- has integrated choir into band,” junior choir myu Iyer posed with the other junior class Chelsea Leung of all plastic products are even tles on campus. Caitlyn Chen Isabelle Yang Je rey Xu “ e band had an amazing run, and we night trip, the Sierra Cup Classic was a member Simran Mallik said. “It gave choir o cers, Hanlin Sun, Nevin Prasad, Sasha Michael Zhang recycled properly, resulting in Costing around $5,000 per Eleanor Goh had one of our highest scores in the past special bonding opportunity for the show more performance opportunities outside of Pickard, Ashley Feng and Khiara Berkow- Head Photographer tons of waste plastic polluting installation, the hydration sta- e Falcon sta voted 28-2 in support of this article. years,” Graham said a er the competition. members. the regular concerts that we do.” itz-Sklar in pajamas for a photo posted be- Muthu Palaniappan the oceans, more speci cally — 8 tion inside the school’s journal- “ is show has incredible potential.” “Traveling to competitions that are far- As the marching season ends, the band, fore Monday. Head Graphics Editor e next week’s competition, the Cuper- ther away builds up hype because we are choir and Color Guard will start to focus “It provides a fun opportunity for peo- Karen Chow tino Tournament of Bands, however, was away from our familiar surroundings and on concert music and a er-school activities ple to think about what they’re dressing up Assistant Graphics Editor canceled because of the poor air quality we’re having a band adventure of our own,” like winter percussion and winter guard. ◆ for in the process,” Iyer said. ◆ Francesca Chu

Photographer Ava Hooman U.S. is losing its status as world power DANCES Social Media Editor Shreya Katkere BY LeoCao Rather than “Making America hard to assuage, making it so that refused to provide crucial funding Weekly News/Web Team & MichaelZhang Great,” he has further isolated and America is seen as unreliable and to help the poorest citizens obtain Commission faces challenges with its large budget shortages Esha Lakhotia weakened America as a whole. even problematic. reasonably priced health care — a Patrick Li Looking at the rest of the Whether it’s dissolving important One of the biggest factors of spiteful move aimed at undoing BY AvaHooman for Homecoming, and is planning to spend Business/Ad Manager world, it’s becoming increasingly and necessary trade deals such as America’s downturn is the regres- Obamacare that will surely hurt Pranav Ahuja & PatrickLi about $30,000 for Winter Formal, but the clear that the United States is a the Trans-Paci c Partnership or sion of the country’s education many of the very people who put commissioners fear ticket costs may not Multimedia Editor superpower in decline. Aspir- pulling out of the Paris Climate system. A study has indicated that him in the Oval O ce. e dance commission is seeking to raise cover the whole expense. Aaron Choi ing countries in Europe, Asia and agreement, President Trump’s pol- the U.S. ranks 24th out of 71 coun- At this point, the U.S. must ac- money to help pay for the Winter Formal in Winter Formal is generally more expen- Reporters the Middle East now hold major icy has regressed the U.S. on the tries in reading and below average cept the consequences as it contin- December. sive than Homecoming due to its pricey o - Leo Cao roles in the global economy, while world stage. in math, behind countries includ- ues to fall behind other countries. Allen Chen sometimes ignoring and  ghting Trump’s style of addressing ing Japan, France and the United Perhaps the solution lies in Head commissioner Marissa Leong and campus venue, since Homecoming occurs Jackson Green her fellow commissioners Nicole Wong, Jo- in the gym. is year, Winter Formal will be Andrew Lee against the wishes of the U.S. problems forces other government Kingdom in both categories. Congress. By  ghting Trump’s pol- Selena Liu Donald Trump and his policies o cials to clean up his blunders. Health care in the U.S. also icies, Congress can help limit the lyn Tran and Connor Reyes have been try- held at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara. Sean Oh ing to fundraise every other week. “Venues and food are super costly for Kevin Sze are the main cause for this decline. Earlier this year, defense secre- lacks when compared to other damage done to the reputation of Winter Formal since we have food catered, Jessica Wang However, accusations of — ”he’s tary James Mattis was forced to developed nations. Many large the U.S. For instance, even though Kaitlyn Wang racist,” “he’s sexist” and “he’s anti- publicly assure Iraqis that the U.S. countries, such as Canada, Ger- Trump recently decerti ed the so payments are made per person or per Jeffrey Xu serving we order,” Wong said. Emilie Zhou Muslim” — simply don’t cut it any- wouldn’t seize their oil, as Trump many and Australia, have already Iran nuclear deal, Congress has “I think Dance Although Winter Formal tickets are more. Above all, his inexperience had suggested. O en times, the established a universal health care been trying to salvage it provide in public o ce have changed the anger created by Trump’s in am- system. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the kind of competent leadership Commission will priced at a high $50 to $60, the dance usu- Adviser Mike Tyler world in a truly terrible way. matory remarks is extremely Trump has repeatedly recently of that the top o ce is lacking. ◆ progress and get ally still boasts solid attendance from stu- dents. Printed by Folger Graphics better at making is year, dance commission planned on in Hayward, Calif. dances super fun.” hiring an interior decorator for the venue, but he canceled in the last minute. As a re- togatalks SOPHOMORE Nicole Wong sult they are currently in search for a new one and are hoping not to spend more than PERCONA.COM Is the U.S. a “A lot of countries $2,000 for this expense. This year’s Winter Formal “Ice, Ice, Baby” will be at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara on Dec. 2. “No, the U.S. is not In their e ort to stay on budget, the com- world power? follow and copy the a world power; are Having already spent $22,000 on the mission is turning to fundraisers, selling dance held in the later spring months. e still planning to create memorable dances U.S. so I would say you kidding me? We down payment for the upcoming Winter boba tea, donuts and popsicles. ey have commission has not decided on their bud- for their classmates. Why or why that we are a world have no money.” Formal, they are seeking additional ways to made a few hundred dollars so far but still get for Spring Fling as of yet, and based on “I think dance commission will progress power.” pay for the decorations and food. need more. student interest, they may not even hold the and get better at making dances super fun not? Money is generally split between Home- Besides Homecoming and Winter For- dance this year. and enjoyable later on in the year,” Wong sophomore Julia Yoo junior Usman Khan coming and Winter Formal. is year, mal being held in the  rst semester, dance Despite the commission’s struggles to said. "We're trying really hard to make sure dance commission had a budget of $16,000 commission usually hosts a Spring Fling cover the cost of Winter Formal, they are everyone has a good time." ◆ THE THE 8 OPINION November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 OPINION 9 TaIWAN AND CHINA: Cool At School Historical 100-year Tensions comes to a boiling point 4-day weekend

BY MuthuPalaniappan school work from days past and recharge. Additionally, seniors For the rst time, the school were given an extra opportu- decided to implement a four- nity to work on college applica- day weekend stretching from tions, some of which were due Oct. 6-9. Aside from giving the following week on Oct. 15. President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen students a much needed break,  e four-day weekend has addresses a crowd of supporters it has also served many other additionally motivated stu- JACKSON GREEN after winning the election. bene ts. dents, acting as something to In years past, students did look forward to. not have an extra day o be- I already knew weeks before GRAPHIC BY ISABELLE YANG tween Labor Day on Sept. 4 and the long weekend what I would BY Superscoring bene ts colleges IsabelleYang Index ranking is 65 places higher than the many Taiwanese, who recognized as it as yet U.S. and other nations. Veteran’s Day, starting on Nov. be doing during my long week- & AlexYang People’s Republic’s. another Chinese aggression. Currently, China is one of the few na- 10.  is created a month-long end: sleeping, something I re- Yet, Taiwan still faces hurdles of being e spat is most notable for involving tions that has contacts with North Korea, a period in which many students ally started to value a er junior As the year comes to the end, the world an uno cial country, not recognized in the younger generations, who have previously highly volatile and unstable country. instead of exemplary students complained of giant blocks of year started. will celebrate the coming of 2018. However, United Nations despite its sizable global shown signs of distancing themselves from In order to ensure that China will con- school days. Between the constant  ow of Taiwan, also known as the Republic of Chi- presence. the divisiveness resulting from cultural ten- tinue to be compliant with the wishes of school work and tests with no BY MathewLuo perscoring is bene cial to students While this is not much of a  is year, the district’s deci- na, will soon be welcoming the year Minguo In fact, UN General-Secretary Ban Ki- sions between China and Taiwan. the UN and the U.S., the problems between & AlexWang who take the test multiple times, problem due to College Board sion to add an additional long time to relax, the long weekend 107. Moon rejected Taiwan’s re-entrance applica- Realistically, even though the aggressions China and Taiwan must be brought to the since they are able to hide their waiving fees for up to two SATs for weekend in the middle of Oc- in October provides students a is unique calendar system, based tion in 2007. from China have sparked some reactions spotlight and carefully negotiated. Superscoring is a method of lesser scores. low-income students and the fact tober has been nothing short way to take time o and relax, around the country’s independence from One aspect that is o en glossed over from the Taiwanese, there is actually very e fact is that Taiwan lives by staying scoring SAT and ACT tests by  ese supposed bene ts come that on average, students take the of a success. Students were something few SHS usually Japan, is indicative of the great amount of is the e ect that this bureaucratic power- little risk of a true con ict arising if nothing on the fence between being compliant and taking the highest scores in each with a fatal  aw, however: By al- SAT two or three times, it still re- given two extra days to spend have much time to do during u nationalism in the country despite slowly struggle has had on the peoples of both changes. resisting China, and a disturbance to this category (math and English for lowing students to hide both duces the number of options avail- time with friends, catch up on the school year. deteriorating and dangerous relations with countries and immigrants from the con ict- e island of Taiwan continues to oper- sacred balance could land Taiwan in some the SAT; and science, math, Eng- scores they dislike and the number able for low-income students. China. ing countries. ate essentially like an autonomous country, hot water. lish and writing for the ACT) from of times they have taken the SATs Colleges also have a somewhat Although this developing problem is Although basically unknown to most of and Mainland China gets to continue telling It’s undeniable that if a true military con- multiple exams taken on di erent or ACTs, colleges create score in- questionable incentive to super- extremely complex and involves many cul- the Western world, the Taiwanese people itself that it has control over an island that  ict were to arise, the Taiwanese govern- dates and creating a composite  ation and reduced di erentiation score. Since superscoring allows turally signi cant elements that have now have developed distinct cultures from the has actually been independent for decades. ment would surely be picked apart within test. Tests containing the highest among potential applicants. their students to have an overall Club Fair become intrinsic to Taiwan and Mainland Mainland Chinese people since their diver- However, it’s become clear that many in weeks, if not days. To prevent this, the Tai- score from each section are sent to By taking the tests several higher average SAT or ACT score, China’s cultures, there is a relatively simple gence in the mid 20th century. Taiwan cannot imagine a world in which wanese allied themselves with many West- colleges that superscore, who then times, students can improve their colleges can boast this di erence BY AvaHooman dents to be able to really un- solution: the status quo, or something very In fact, this di erence in customs had led this perfect balance stays. President Tsai’s ern democratic powers. create the superscored test. scores because some of their tests over competitors and improve derstand what the clubs had to near it. to a growing dislike between the peoples of goal isn’t to keep the status quo — in fact, However, in a con ict provoked by a Many colleges claim that the will be easier than others.  e pos- their rankings. As I rushed out of my third- o er. Since Taiwan’s 2016 election, tensions in the two countries. it’s far from it. controversial move made by Taiwan against students who best exemplify aca- sibility of at least one “good” score Why, then, is superscoring period class at the start of lunch, Stalls would become incred- the “Cross-Strait” relations have continued Residents of Taiwan generally resent be- Tsai, unlike her conservative counter- China, it’s highly doubtful whether the U.S. demic and personal virtues are granted by chance also increases still practiced?  e answer may contrary to years past, I was ibly crowded and be at a stand- to escalate a er a period of relative peace. ing called Chinese, and residents of Main- parts in the previously ruling Kuomintang or any other Taiwanese uno cial ally would the ones accepted to their school. greatly with each additional test lie in the fact that some consider pleased to see a clear view of the still.  e club booths were also Tsai Ing-Wen, the winner of the 2016 gen- land China generally think of self-identify- (KMT) party, wishes not for Taiwan to re- risk starting a world war against the legiti- However, superscoring, which taken. the lack of academic di erentia- quad. Instead of being trampled so close together that, amidst eral election and leader of Taiwan’s Demo- ing Taiwanese people as being stubborn and claim mainland China but instead for an in- mized Chinese government. It’s simply not dampens academic di erentia- Score in ation from repeated tion among applicants a blessing by a horde of eager students, I the commotion, Club Day cratic Progressive Party (DPP) has since unrealistic. dependent Taiwanese state to be recognized worth risking the loss of life to formally de- tion, is hypocritically widespread test taking causes the scores of in disguise, rationalizing that it is could actually explore the many lost its purpose — to expose strongly advocated for the formal indepen- One example of this is the controversy globally. clare independence. among many of these same col- those who scored well initially to better to make it hard for others clubs the school has to o er at students to both new and old dence of Taiwan. regarding 17-year-old K-Pop idol Chou is idea isn’t new, but the fact that the e cultural repercussions of the Taiwan- leges. be skewed by the composite scores to stand out than it is to stand out this year’s Club Fair. clubs. Although the country has been infor- Tzuyu, a member of the girl group Twice. head of the Taiwanese government is now ese and Chinese split will continue to a ect While superscoring seems ad- of those who superscored.  e themselves.  is year, the school de- Spreading the new organiza- mally independent ever since it was expelled is occurred a er she was spotted waving spearheading the movement is dangerous both its citizens and likely global politics for vantageous to both students and original purpose with which tests Or, it may simply be that most cided to spread the traditional tion of the event across three from the Chinese mainland, its economy as a Taiwanese  ag in the background of a Ko- for relations around the world. decades to come. colleges, it is actually an unfair are sent to colleges — to determine do not care about the issue because one-lunch Club Day over three days has allowed for students well as political system have proved to be rean broadcast show. Taiwan has and will remain an important However, it’s imperative that both coun- system. academic aptitude — is thereby they do not plan on taking the SAT lunch periods from Oct. 3 to 5. in charge of more than one club both independent and self-su cient. Following Chinese outrage, Chou re- asset and its relations with China are indica- tries maintain their status quo for the time For example, a student re- dampened. more than once or twice anyway  e 59 clubs that participat- the opportunity to participate In fact, Taiwan’s Human Development leased an apology, which in turn infuriated tive of how Asian tensions will be felt by the being. ◆ ceiving a 800 in math and 740 in Additionally, superscoring — when applying to a range of col- ed were divided into academic, at each one, instead of having English on one SAT, then a 750 in hurts the students who may not leges, it is unlikely that all of them community and arts and cul- to prioritize one club. math and 790 in English on anoth- have the money or time to take the superscore. ture categories, each of which  e new Club Fair was a er could have a superscored result tests more than once. As each SAT Rather than superscoring, col- took over the quad for one success and should without a Confederate statues represent of 800 in math and 790 in English. test costs $60 with the essay and leges should require applicants lunch period. doubt continue in the years Reverse racism is concerning Superscoring only changes each ACT test costs $62.50 with to submit all of their test scores.  is organized system has ahead. We should never again which scores a person sends, al- the essay, students with nancial In so doing colleges can account vastly bene ted both clubs and attempt to t almost 60 clubs BY AlexYang is isn’t to say racism by white people for many factors including times students. In the past, there was all in the same small area in one racism, must be taken down lowing students to make up for an di culties will not only have few- u should be brushed o . In fact, this is more unfortunate circumstance on a test er resources for studying, but will taken, dates taken and whether the always too much chaos for stu- 35-minute lunch period. “Racism is a white problem.” to say that no racism is ever good or OK, BY AllenChen Furthermore, most of the statues weren’t day, from sleepiness to sickness. also have fewer chances to retake student shows a trend of improve- It was shocking to read these words in even if done by minorities who feel justi ed built to honor the dead Confederate sol- As a result of this test choice, su- as well. ment with each successive try. u an article about racial tensions in the Sept. to do so because of past wrongs. e idea is past year, America has become a diers. Instead, most were built in response 29 issue of Forbes. e article by Chris of a rmative action, which has long been country whipped up into the frenzy of ra- to the the founding of the National Associa- Ladd says that minorities, in speci c Af- a hot-button issue among American uni- cial tensions, with some of its attention tion for the Advancement of Colored Peo- Hash browns rican-Americans, should have the right to versities, shows how racial discrimination turning toward the le over symbols of the ple in 1909 and the Civil Rights Movement BY AustinWang day: fat and carbs. A er all, fat say and do whatever they want to retaliate against whites is o en seen as acceptable. Confederacy. of the ‘50s and ‘60s, roughly 100 years a er Never too old to trick or treat is energy and carbs are power. against racism by whites. is view is mis- In one famous example from 1978, a ere has been strong opposition to the Civil War ended in 1865. I love the smell of greasy  at’s just science. taken and dangerous. white student, Allan Bakke, was rejected these removals. y argue that taking down e statues were created to be symbols BY AlexandraLi 73 percent of respondents agreed As pressure builds up in high hash browns in the morning. Pro tip: put some hot sauce Racism isn’t any one group’s “problem” “historical monuments” destroys a portion of white supremacy, the metal representa- from UC Davis’ medical school while hav- that somewhere between the ages school, Halloween should con- Most students would gag at from the soup line onto the — if anything, it’s all of society’s. is is be- of history. tives of the dying Confederacy, remaining ing academics that put him well within the I tip-toed through the spi- of 12 and 17, children should stop tinue to be celebrated by those the thought of eating school hash brown for a truly euphoric only to reinforce racist ideals. For example, cause racism, from any mouth, is still rac- range of accepted What opposers don’t realize is that the der-webbed entrance, watching trick-or-treating. who would enjoy walking through food, but for me, the cafete- experience. ism. candidates for the majority of the statues won’t be destroyed, the controversial Robert E. Lee statue in for hidden scares in the bushes.  ose who stand against teen- neighborhoods and taking a rare ria is an oasis of sustenance in Even proer tip: Place a single While historical graduate program. but sent to museums and other private Charlottesville, Va., was built in 1924, just Dressed in a pig-onesie, I greeted agers trick-or-treating may be night o . Growing up does not the morning hunger pangs and hashbrown in between a sau- context gives some It’s unhealthy for society to is was due to the owners, where they can be kept as what three years a er the Tulsa Race Riots of the house owner with an excited, convinced that with age, people mean losing a love for candy and sleepiness of tutorial. sage and egg croissant to treat reason for why allow any group the freedom college reserving they are: a reminder of the slavery and op- 1921. “Trick-or-treat!” lighthearted fun.  ere shouldn’t Waking up at 7:40, leaving yourself to a luxurious three many white people spots in its class pression of America’s past. ey will last Such statues weren’t built to be art, but Contrasting my excitement, be a negative stigma when teens at 8:00, arriving at 8:13 and dollar breakfast extravaganza. to step on another due to a decide to dress up or go trick-or- are forced to just let for underrepre- longer but not be the divisive symbols that were tools used by white supremacists. she glanced at me and responded, Inside, we’re not that sprinting to AP Statistics at But alas, such a blessing is much of the racism vague moral obligation. sented minorities. many have become. President Trump has suggested that the “Aren’t you a little old to be trick- treating. 8:15 doesn’t leave much time short lived. School hash browns thrown at them go, e case was In the midst of the many  awed argu- removals of these statues foreshadows the or-treating?” Although I shrugged di erent from the As high schoolers grow older, for breakfast. But who needs a run out faster than the meta- it’s simply unhealthy taken to the Su- ments against removing confederate monu- removals of other important statues, tweet- o her comment and continued 6-year-old who stood having another opportunity to be home cooked breakfast, or even phorical hotcakes the cafeteria on, a part of me couldn’t help able to recapture their childhood for society to allow preme Court, ments, the inability to separate history and ing, “I wonder, is it George Washington on the same door step a banana on the go when the should be serving (hint hint). any group the freedom to step on another which ruled in favor of Bakke and stated heritage is the most dangerous. next week? And is it omas Je erson the slouching a bit in an e ort to make innocence is more important than hot school cafeteria food beck- It pains my heart to think that due to a vague moral obligation. Although that racial discrimination, even against Although many interpretations of heri- week a er. You know, you really do have to myself look younger. a decade before. ever. ons to me a er the painful star- many students have not experi- saying is as become cliché, the idea that two white males, was still illegal and a violation tage and history have been thrown around, ask yourself, where does it stop?” A er this experience last Hal- Sure, since we’re no longer little, vation of rst period. enced the crispy starchy joy of a wrongs don’t make a right is an appropriate of constitutional principles. heritage is de ned as “the collection of tra- However, his point is completely invalid. loween, I quickly realized later that we may not look as cute as pump- I rush out and jump into school hash brown. way of describing this issue. A rmative action as an issue has con- ditions and mindsets passed down from e statues of the Confederacy represent her attitude toward teens out trick- kins or ghosts, but inside we’re not the cafeteria line, eager to be Or maybe it’s just the While not as widespread as the suppres- tinued into present day. In fact, as recently generation to generation within a group,” something di erent than that of the Found- or-treating struck me as odd. Why tend to get malicious intentions that di erent from the 6-year-old have the rst pickings at the hot heartburn from all those hash sion of minorities in America, much of the as 2003, a rmative action, and more accu- whereas history is the account of what re- ing Fathers. should there be an age at which we on Halloween night, such as de- who stood on the same door step a morning foods. Hash browns, browns. hostile stereotyping of white people done rately race as a factor in college, was ruled ally happened. When statues celebrating Confederate should stop trick-or-treating? stroying decorations or stealing decade before. in particular, are a blessing Still, if I leave this school by minorities can be just as harmful. as legal by the Supreme Court. When the statues are brought down, soldiers and ideals are taken down, they In 2016, the U.S. Census Bu- candy. Even if teens stand above the sent straight from the heavens. with only one major contribu- It’s become ominous how prominent Surely, a correct response by minorities the celebration of the Confederacy and the represent the country attempting to move reau reported 41.1 million chil- While this may apply to a few, average crowd on Halloween Each 50 cent package takes me tion, I sincerely hope it will be double standards have been in mainstream is to try to spread awareness about key is- tradition of white supremacy fall. e his- past the age of oppression. e history will dren between the ages of 5 and 14 the majority of teens who choose night, they should be able to spend straight to  avor town while my tireless crusade to increase media. When a white person talks badly sues a ecting their communities rather tory can always be found in higher quality be preserved in books and museums, but trick-or-treating, but did not even to throw on a costume and trick- the night collecting candy and do- providing me with all the es- the quantity of hash browns about a minority, it’s unacceptable, but than taking violent action that only under- in places such as museums, which can give the heritage of the Confederacy — a past of mention or collect data on those or-treat simply want to spend the ing whatever “Halloween-y” activ- sential nutrients to take on the served at tutorial. u night outside, relaxing while also ity they wish to do without con- when a minority does the same to other mines their ultimate cause of true social appropriate historical context that explains racism and white supremacy — needs to be over the age of 14. According to a survey conducted by Today.com, getting candy as a reward. demnation. u minorities or whites, it’s brushed o . justice and equality. ◆ the painful history behind the statues. at long last erased. ◆ THE THE 11 10 OPINION November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon saratogafalcon Dear administration, it’s time to tailor November 3, 2017 lifestyles a dress code to fi t the 21st century Halloween Recaps BY HarshiniRamaswamy Although several exam- is increases the likelihood port the overall educational ples, like clothing depicting that these de nitions are goals of the school and must One of my worst night- drugs, sex and alcohol, are con icting and arbitrary. be explained within the mares was getting dress reasonable de nitions of e handbook lists dress code.” -coded in middle school. “disruptive,” other guide- chains and saggy pants (the e dress code aims to GRAPHIC BY ASHLEY SU e teachers and ad- lines are more ambigu- likes of which I haven’t seen resolve “reasons for con ict ministrators would o en ous, like “shirts, shorts and in years) as inappropri- and inconsistent discipline,” stop students in the hallway skirts that are an appropri- ate clothing; however, the “unnecessary barriers to or ask them to stand up in ate length,” with “appropri- “elastic clause” of the dress school attendance” and re- e law makes a spooky class to measure the length ate” being vague enough to code allows sta to interpret lieve “the uncomfortable Halloween Haunt will of their shorts against the cause con icting de nitions already-written rules how- burden of dress code en- length of their  ngertips. It and perhaps an unfair stan- ever they wish to in light of forcement.” was an embarrassing, and dard of judgment between emerging fashion trends. It also includes a video visit to Foothill Elementary make you a hallo-weenie that they consider a “great quite frankly, a demeaning boys and girls. Above all, the gender in- a matter of seconds, we found ourselves tool to teach consent to process that mainly targeted e implementation of equity of dress codes is what kneeling on the black concrete, our excit- hour, and the line wrapped around a foun- students in middle school girls. Gi ed with long limbs, the rules doesn’t always is most disturbing. ing Halloween romp across campus turn- tain and snaked between pointed fences. and older as well as other I evaded administrators seem appropriate, either. Historically, dress codes ing into an episode of “CSI.” Taking my  rst steps into the haunted adult members of the com- spooky during break and lunch to Like Redwood, students are have been known to target “ at lady over there told us that she house, I watched the group of four disap- munity” and outlines the Yu-Gi-Oh! avoid being dress-coded for sometimes stopped in the girls, students of color and saw some of you guys dancing on the roof, pear ahead of me into the black hallway. A importance of teaching sausage shorts that didn’t go past my hallway and during class sexual orientations that is that true?” the deputies said. thick fog wa ed from the  oor, hiding my sta members and students god  ngertips. with the potential to be sent don’t conform to traditional Pranav Ahuja and Roland Shen We glanced up at the dark, dancing  g- shoes and leaving my socks barely visible. about sexual harassment — is led me to look for- home if they don’t posses al- ideas of a “male” and a “fe- ures, but they had vanished. Staring at the Aaron Choi Blacklights from the ceiling barely let me see male.” As currently written, speci cally what it is, how ward to graduating from ternate clothing. Sprinting through the Foothill Elemen- guns on the o cers’ belts, we could feel a few feet in front of myself. High-pitched the school’s dress code al- to recognize it and how to Redwood Middle School Another line that also tary playground as sophomores in our our insides swelling up and our minds go- For curious  rst-timers, the  rst steps shrieks shot through the mist; the three girls lows room for this kind of resolve it. and welcoming the suppos- struck me as odd was the new Captain America and Power Ranger ing blank. Neither of us had ever been in into Great America’s Halloween Haunt can in front of me had met their  rst ghoul. discrimination to occur. If school leaders truly edly lax dress code enforce- following: “School admin- costumes, we were ready for the 15th Hal- such a terrifying situation before. be deceptively quiet. Streams of friends and I was expecting something like a werewolf GRAPHIC BY KAREN CHOW is year would be a wish to “optimize the learn- ment at Saratoga High. Un- istration has  nal authority loween adventure of our lives. Slowly, the o cers began asking for all couples pouring into the park pass by the or a zombie, but no. What popped out of good time for the school to ing of each student” and fortunately, the dress code on what constitutes inap- As we spotted our friends playing bas- of our names and addresses, ending his departing, whose grim faces forewarn new- the dark corner was something that looked change its dress code to  t in “promote lifelong learning, here isn’t much more en- propriate dress.” vague wording is enough to administrators,  le a formal ketball and excitedly approached them, we questioning session with a speech nothing comers of the horrors awaiting. like a giant egg. Except the egg had a face, this century. personal integrity, social lightened. e wording seems to be warrant a written explana- complaint to justify their re- noticed something in the corner of our less than memorable. e $30 entrance fee gives park goers and the face was WRINKLED. For three One such dress code pol- responsibility, and good I recently took the time intentionally vague and po- tion explicitly stating the sponse to students’ clothing. eyes. Two teens, whose shadowed faces “Since none of you go to this school, access to this year’s new haunted houses: seconds, the egg creature stood and stared. icy that accomplishes this physical and mental health,” to read the school’s dress tentially allows for anything “disruption” the student is Furthermore, the were unrecognizable, danced on the kin- you are … wait a minute,” he stopped, the Roadkill Roadhouse, Zombie High, the I returned the gaze; my face remained still, is the Oregon NOW Model as stated in the school’s code a er hearing never- from hijabs to tube tops to causing with their clothing school’s sta , any of whom dergarten building roof to Drake’s “Hot- pointing at Roland and asked, “Do you go Wax Museum Chamber of Horrors, Corn- as I was too preoccupied with telling myself Student Dress Code, which mission statement, then ending complaints about it be interpreted as “inappro- and which parts of the dress can initiate enforcement of line Bling.” In the distance, we also spot- to this school?” Stalkers and the Toy Factory. Returning to that it was not a real monster. states that “students should they should bring the dress every year. A couple lines priate” and enough to send code they may be violating. the policy, is composed of ted an elderly woman peering straight at As everyone around us started laugh- the Halloween Haunt is the Demon, which en the egg man charged at me like a be given the most choice code into the 21st century stood out. e  rst: “At- a student home. e administration over 120 people, translating the roof through a pair of industrial-grade ing, including the elderly woman herself, has been renamed as the Demon: Reignited. walrus that had been possessed by Satan possible in how they dress and look to Oregon NOW’s tire that is disruptive to the Although the school may should go even further by to approximately 120 di er- binoculars. the o cer came to realize that Roland e new and improved roller coaster fea- himself. I couldn’t move. e mental prepa- for school. Any restrictions standards as a model for an teaching or learning process have one of the more lenient having disturbed parties, ent de nitions of what “con- A er a couple minutes of playing hot was not an elementary schooler, but just tures a waterfall of blood, surrounded by a ration and scenarios I had run through my must be necessary to sup- “appropriate” dress code. ◆ will not be allowed.” dress codes in the area, the who are mostly teachers and stitutes inappropriate dress.” lava monster with our group of friends, a height-challenged high school sopho- red fog. Much like Disneyland’s Fantasyland head moments ago were forgotten. I let out we watched as a pair of sheri ’s deputies more. and Frontierland, Halloween Haunt boasts a scream so high pitched that would have slowly walked onto the school grounds. Seeing Roland’s embarrassment, he Jestertown and Feary Tales. ese “zones” put the girls in front of me to shame and Not knowing what they were here for, we graciously released us without any con- are portioned o , where jesters and horri c hurdled my way out of the room. e rest all continued playing without concern. sequences. e next day, we discovered renditions of humpty dumpty reap chaos. is history. ASMR: an experience inexplicable in words But they continued to walk toward us, that those dancing  gures were two of our Having watched “ e Ring,” “ e e moral of this story is: Do not go to and with each step we got more and more close friends when we overheard them Grudge” and the “LEGO Batman Movie” Great America’s Halloween Haunt. Like me, nervous. telling the story at school. We also found all by myself, I’d consider myself a seasoned what you might think of as an opportunity BY LeoCao pears to be a so , mellow, type of times of anxiety and stress. “Hey, could you guys come here for a out that karma got them back, as their veteran of horror. However, no scary movie to demonstrate your scare tolerance might “therapy” that produces a sort of Many ASMR videos are essen- minute?” they said. trick-or-treating endeavors ended in the could have prepared me for Madame Marie’s turn into your becoming Mike Wazowski For nearly 30 minutes, a young meditative state for the user. tially guided meditations, which We froze, then nervously complied. In greatest stomachaches of all time. ◆ Massacre Manor. e wait took nearly an from “Monsters INC.” ◆ blonde woman whispers into a Many people are probably have been proven to improve con- camera in a  ow of constant gentle dumbfounded when they  rst dis- centration and reduce stress. Ac- speech. She waves her hands at the cover the ASMR community. On cording to a research paper Dr. camera, folds clothes and taps her the surface, it can feel very per- Nick Davis of Swansea University  ngernails on a wooden box. sonal and  irtatious, making an in the United Kingdom about 69 One-wheeled wonder: is woman, who posts videos inexperienced watcher borderline percent of people who claimed to every week to her 1 million You- uncomfortable. have moderate to severe depres- Tube subscribers, goes by the user- On the other hand, those who sion reported using ASMR videos Sophomore rides unicycle name “Gentle Whispering ASMR.” enjoy ASMR can watch 20- to to help ease their symptoms. She is part of a growing group of 40-minute videos regularly,  nd- Additionally, these videos may people who say they experience ing the experience quite invigorat- improve the quality of people’s BY MichaelZhang also made unicycling more challenging, ASMR, or autonomous sensory ing. sleep. In fact, the hints of therapeu- making it harder to turn than it would be meridian response. I discovered this phenomenon tic bene ts are su cient enough e vast majority of students arrive at in a  atter placer, according to Robinson. ASMR can be triggered by about two years ago by accident on for the National Sleep Foundation INDEPENDENT.CO.UK school by foot, bike or by car — but not In order to come to school, he has to ride many di erent stimuli, including YouTube. Initially, I disregarded to claim that it may help people Gentle Whispering ASMR, or Maria, whispers into the microphone in sophomore Daniel Robinson. While oth- up the slope on Herriman Avenue. Like a the sound of so voices, people it as something weird. But I soon overcome insomnia. one of her videos to demonstrate an ASMR technique for viewers. ers dread the morning commute to school, bicycle, the unicycle is di cult to control working quietly or squishing started to hear about ASMR on the Aside from all the purported he easily navigates the streets on his uni- when moving very slowly or very quickly. slime. news as well as from friends who health bene ts of ASMR, it is a free ments, ASMR has been quite a by it should lead to further scien- cycle. Since it only has one wheel, maintaining Wikipedia describes ASMR as encouraged me to try it. and easily accessible to experience ba ing concept for scientists. ti c inquiry. A er a few months of practice, Rob- balance on inclines is also tough. “an experience characterized by a A er venturing through a few — meaning regular use should not ere is not a lot known about As more and more people are inson was con dent enough to unicycle Despite the dangers of unicycling, Rob- tingling sensation on the skin that more videos, I found that although be a problem. It’s not a drug and it the physiology of ASMR and little becoming aware of ASMR, it’s to school. He  nds unicycling much inson does not wear any special protective typically begins on the scalp and I didn’t always experience the won’t harm anyone. evidence supporting its medical clear that although ASMR isn’t for faster than walking his one-mile com- gear. He doesn’t feel the need, and so far, moves down the back of the neck physical sensations on my body, Although ASMR may sound e ectiveness. But the ever-increas- everybody, giving this relaxing ex- mute to school. He even thinks he has avoided major injuries. and upper spine.” is feeling ap- ASMR did help me relax during like a magical cure for many ail- ing number of people who swear perience a try is not a bad idea. ◆ that on days with particularly “I only wear a helmet and heavy morning tra c, his mode long pants when riding,” he said. of transportation might be faster “So far, I have only gotten a few than driving. Robinson randomly scratches and have fallen a few became interested in riding the times. But the worst has just been Solar panels would be a huge benefi t to the school unicycle eight months ago. a skinned knee.” “It just seemed like something Aside from getting to school, BY JacksonGreen school ever since. it o en takes a about seven years bene ts for the hundreds of kids cool and fun to do,” he said. “I Robinson rides his unicycle oc- If the school added solar pan- e most direct bene t for solar panels to pay themselves involved in music. But for me, asked for a unicycle for my birth- Robinson casionally to other places, such As the world moves on to more els in the front lot like Prospect, it o  . investing in something like solar day, got one and just started prac- as church or Safeway. Now, a er renewable forms of energy, our would solve a multitude of prob- of solar panels is the Despite the somewhat high that would bene t even more stu- ticing.” almost a year of practice, Robin- school is falling behind. lems as well as aid the  ght in cover they provide price tag of installing panels, in dents and be cheaper seems like a Learning to ride was a challenge at  rst. son feels comfortable and con dent uni- With renewable energy costing mitigating pressing environmental reality, the money spent is not better idea. In the beginning, he struggled with a tech- cycling, and has even learned to juggle less than ever, many students have changes. from the sun. money wasted, but rather an in- e school’s priorities seem to nique many may not even consider when on the unicycle. But still, he notes that it wondered why the school has not Undoubtedly, the most direct vestment. be a little bit skewed, considering thinking about unicycling — mounting is more challenging than riding a bicycle. implemented more solar panels, bene t of solar panels for students Lastly, solar panels provide a the many bene ts of solar panels. and dismounting. As for the future, Robinson has his eyes especially in our parking lots. is the cover they provide from the Furthermore, solar panels “green” form of energy that does Although the school has experi- “[Aside from tricks] the hardest part of on learning more tricks. For example, Prospect High sun. Seniors and juniors who have would save money currently being not further contribute to rising enced positive changes as it has riding a unicycle is just getting on and o ,” “Eventually I hope to learn more, but installed solar panel overhangs in their cars parked in the front lot spent on the school’s electrical bills levels of greenhouse gases. remodeled, the process of install- he said. “It is also tough to ride on really right now I can’t do much more than jug- the parking lot in 2012, provid- would not have to worry about a and could potentially earn money e school spend $12 million ing solar panels in the parking lots rough terrain, but then, getting on and o gling while riding the unicycle,” he said. ing shade for the cars parked un- hot car when they drive home a er by selling extra energy back. on the new music building, and should not be le inde nitely on would be even harder.” “When I fall o , I’ll just get up and keep ◆ der them and clean power for the school. According to energysage.com, it will no doubt provide many the back burner. ◆ e hilly geography of Saratoga has practicing,” he said. GRAPHIC BY ASHLEY SU THE 12 LIFESTYLES saratogafalcon LIFESTYLES 13 November 3, 2017

Spicy noodles: a pleasant surprise My fidget spinner collection has spun out of control

possible without the help of other A few minutes into the chal- hands occupied with something other called Chillax. tinued later on in the summer when I foods or drinks like cucumbers or lenge, Smrithi and I found our- than a cell phone for once, my parents The new fidget spinner brought me brought my white Chillax fidget spinner lee-v me milk. selves actually enjoying the food. agreed to buy him one. To be fair to both much satisfaction, and my record time to the COSMOS program at UC Santa As someone of Korean heritage, Even though the aftertaste was fidjeff kids, they got me one as well. for spinning clocked in at three and a Cruz. Everyone in my cluster of 20 stu- I regularly eat spicy foods. Since pretty spicy (the spice level was My very first fidget spinner was sim- half minutes from a strong flick. dents wanted to try my fidget spinner. I alone Smrithi also has a high spice tol- comparable to that of a jalapeño), I ple, with a black frame and silver and After about two weeks of trial and felt like the coolest kid there. erance, we were confident that we felt no pain from the spice; instead, red rings that spun around. At first, I error and watching YouTube videos, Though I was quite furious at first Elizabeth Lee would be able to finish our bowls it just heated up our tongues. Eli- couldn’t keep my hands and fingers off of I learned all the fancy tricks of fidget when they dropped it on multiple occa- without drinking any milk or wa- cia, however, picked up the glass of Jeffrey Xu my new contraption. I would play with it spinner culture. I could spin one fidget sions, I gradually became less concerned With my unhealthy obsession ter. On the other hand, Elicia was milk as she stuck out her tongue, Ever since fidget spinners became day and night and would even spin my- spinner in each hand and balance one on about the spin speed and more about with trying new foods, I avidly hesitant but still excited to try the panting. Determined to finish her popular half a year ago, I’ve wanted one. self to sleep. my nose for a few seconds. I could even sharing in the fun of spinning with my watched videos of social media noodles. bowl, she continued to down her Fidget spinners are three-lobed toys However, as the novelty began to stack two fidget spinners on my desk and friends. stars trying and reacting to the We began by boiling water and noodles while laughing and tear- with circular rings that spin along its wear off, I decided an ordinary spinner spin them simultaneously. However, as summer came to a close Korean Spicy Noodle Challenge then placing the block of noodles ing up. axis. Twirling them supposedly helps was not enough for me. After comparing When I went to Boy Scout camp in and my sophomore year loomed ahead, on Snapchat and YouTube trying into the pot. Upon pouring in the Though Smrithi and I finished with anxiety and boredom. However, the spin duration to that of other fidget the summer, I bought a glow-in-the- I decided it was time to grow up and when it went viral. Wanting to take spicy sauce, we were amazed and our bowls, we found ourselves to- since my parents were overly pragmatic spinners on YouTube, I began to doubt dark fidget spinner for $8. To put that leave the spinners behind. Being the part in the fun, I got together with slightly nervous at how red the gether again in Smrithi’s kitchen and frugal, my dreams were shattered for that my fidget spinner was “real.” Unlike into perspective, my parents had given great older brother I am, I gave all of my my friends seniors Smrithi Balebail noodles were turning. the following day to cook and eat the time being. many other spinners that consistently me $50 to last the entire week away from fidget spinners to my little brother and and Elicia Ye to take on the chal- We split the noodles into three the noodles again for fun. Luckily for me, my little brother also spun for more than 3 minutes with one home. Since there was no Wi-Fi at the attempted to move on. lenge. bowls and poured out glasses of While the challenge didn’t re- began to develop a similar interest in flick, mine did not even last 2 minutes. camp, at night, my friends and I would From time to time, however, I still The spicy noodle challenge tests milk just in case the noodles were sult in any extreme reactions, we these spinners, and he begged my par- It was then that I knew I needed a new shine our flashlights at our spinners and sneak into his room to play with his people’s spice tolerance. It chal- too spicy. For fun, Elicia decided to were excited about our new love for ents to get him one so that he could show spinner. see whose would glow the brightest af- fidget spinners and reminisce about the lenges people try to finish a bowl vlog the challenge and we began to spicy noodles — except for Elicia, them off to his sixth-grade friends. Eventually, my dad gave me a flashy, terwards. summer I spent collecting and obsessing of Korean spicy noodles as fast as chow down on the noodles. of course. u Wanting to keep my hyper brother’s all-white fidget spinner from a company My fidget spinner adventures con- over fidget spinners. u

Naruto Running: strange, useful and fun hobby Hot or not: wiggly brows overlooked

So on Sept. 28 when my dad than other students and quickly tried to brighten as many people’s days have all these materials, it is time to start When I turned my head toward the dropped me off at school at 8 a.m., I reserved the best spots for my friends. as possible. doodling over your face. mirror, I shook when I saw what I had impersonated Naruto to the best of I was glad to finally be able to use this When the lunch bell rang, instead ding My experience with wiggly brows did gotten myself into. Where my eyebrows e-sze my abilities, quickly dashing through funny but seemingly pointless trend to of heading straight to my sixth- not start too well. With senior Angela originally were perched two jumbo- the quad to my second-period Spanish do something useful. period class, I sprinted around the Lee beside me and a trusty hand mir- sized worms. money class. This moment also happened to be entire school, taking detours and dong ror in my hand, I attempted to draw the Finally, it was time to test whether Naruto running was much more the turning point of my school day. random turns to show off my Naruto Stephen Ding first strokes of my new and improved people would notice the difference in embarrassing than I had imagined. Earlier, I felt as if people were judging impersonation. eyebrows. With my limited knowledge my eyebrows. When I first stepped out Kevin Sze I avoided the eyes and the laughs of me. People didn’t seem to appreciate Along the way, I received laughs and “This is a bad idea,” I thought si- of makeup, I already knew this was not of the classroom, I felt extremely ner- As I ran through the halls with my other students as they observed my my inaccurate anime sound effects even a few high-fives. When I did arrive lently in my head as I uncapped the pen. going to end well. vous and jittery. Despite this, I contin- head down, arms extended straight ridiculous behavior. — as a matter of fact, I was told that at my sixth-period class, I was glad to “There’s no way anyone would ever have I first attempted to draw the outline ued throughout the day with my regular behind me and knees slightly bent, Up until lunch, my crazed I sounded more like a racecar than have made so many other students these on in public.” of the brow with the eyebrow pencil, routine and eventually forgot that I even I could not have felt more stupid. I impersonation of Naruto made me feel Naruto himself. smile and to have exercised a little. Over the last couple months, a only to break off the tip because I was had wiggly eyebrows. looked similar to an airplane during singled out and strange. Even worse, In reality, people thought I was The point is, although this trend strange trend has blown up all over so- applying too much pressure. Despite Surprisingly, I received few com- takeoff and my face was like Kawhi my friends did not want to hang out actually funny. In the morning, one of may seem bizarre and unnecessary to cial media. this, I persevered and continued draw- ments about my new-look eyebrows Leonard’s in a game: unamused. with me, resulting in a lonely Naruto my friends came up to me laughing, the people not involved in it, it is all an My experience with wiggly brows ing. from my classmates until I specifically I had accepted a challenge to try a run to fourth period. saying, “Dude, this is way funnier than attempt at comedy. If you can try new was not a good one, but it wasn’t as bad After a couple minutes of struggling, asked if they noticed anything different new trend known as “Naruto running,” Yet, there was a major upside to your stupid puns,” a comment I ignored things and make fun of yourself, people as I had feared. If anyone wants to try I looked into the mirror only to find about me. Even my parents did not no- a type of sprint inspired by popular Naruto running. Luckily for me, the out of embarrassment. will love you more than if you stay in the wiggly brow out, be ready to invest that I had drawn something that did not tice the difference anything different at anime character Naruto. I had no clue juniors’ quad day began at lunch, and I realized that people were your comfort zone. time and effort into this useless trend. even resemble an eyebrow. first. what was so enticing about this trend, this was my time to shine. laughing at me because they found my So hopefully, if you saw the “weirdo In order to obtain squiggly brows, Since I was having so much trouble At the end of the day, I could not re- but I was interested in it because of its When the lunch bell rang, I bolted impression of Naruto so lousy that it with the tan hoodie running around you have to get not only an eyebrow with it, I decided to let my friend draw ally tell if I enjoyed having wiggly eye- widespread appearance in videos that out of my fourth-period class and was hilarious. like Naruto,” he brightened your day. pencil but also a mirror — unless, that them on for me. Lee finished it within brows or not. With these trendy brows, became viral on Snapchat, Instagram, sprinted for the quad. To my surprise, So, for the rest of the day, instead Trust me: He really did not want to is, you want to look like there are worms minutes and I was finally ready to see you can wiggle your way out of almost and other social media platforms. I arrived at the bleachers much earlier of being embarrassed of my running, I burn any of those calories in vain. u crawling all over your face. Once you the finished product. any situation. u

GRAPHICS BY ANGELA LEE THE THE 14 ENTERTAINMENT November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 ENTERTAINMENT 15 graphic headline REVIEW ‘Younger Now’: a metamorphosis for Cyrus

BY JuliaMiller Cyrus claimed she has quit smoking mari- juana and is cleaning up her act by ton- GRAPHIC BY KAREN CHOW Sporting a sparkling silver, shoulder- ing down her swearing and wearing more padded dress, singer-songwriter Miley clothes. Cyrus, in an interview with Fallon Cyrus nailed the high note of her new song, on June 15, ceased her marijuana addiction, “Week Without You,” during the second day because “to sit here and talk about what I’m of “Miley Week” on the talk show, “ e To- doing, I wanted to be really clear ... I’m actu- ‘Sremmlife’ a night Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” on Oct. ally the most passionate about what I’m do- 3. ing with this record than I have been.” As she strummed an iconic white Cyrus released the  rst single o her new source of joy Gretsch guitar, singing of desires to get wild album titled “Malibu,” on May 11, which de- while her lover is away, Cyrus’ deep, sooth- buted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Tracks. ing voice sent shivers down listeners’ spines, e pop ballad is centered around Cyrus’ leaving audience members shaking their newfound home with Hemsworth in Mal- heads at the marvel of her transformation. ibu a er owning a house in Tennessee her in senior’s life TRIBUTE NEWS MEDIA Cyrus released her sixth studio album, entire life. Cyrus and Hemsworth reunited “Younger Now,” on Sept. 29, taking us back in 2015 a er ending their engagement, and Miley Cyrus blows the crowd a kiss while performing at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. to her Tennessee country roots, where her Cyrus even admits in her lyrics, “I never father, country singer-songwriter Billy Ray would’ve believed you if three years ago, you was concluded that “Malibu” was practically country icon and actress Dolly Parton. e Cyrus, and mother, Tish Cyrus, raised her told me I’d be here writing this song.” the only song without a country feel to it. song begins with an excerpt from a voice- on a farm with her four other siblings. Fans were juggling between country and Cyrus is graceful in every word she sings mail Parton le for Cyrus about recording is may be surprising to hear for many pop as the o cial genre for her new album and has the power to calm her listeners with the track and fades into a strong electric people, since Cyrus’s style has been far from when Cyrus’ second single o the album, just her voice and an omnipresent guitar. guitar and a beating tambourine. Cyrus and country in recent years. “Younger Now,” was released on Aug. 18. It However, “Bad Mood” is among one of Parton share their optimism for a peaceful During the eras of her fourth and   h peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Top 100 the album’s few country outliers. Accom- world, akin to John Lennon’s “Imagine.” studio albums, “Bangerz” and “Miley Cyrus list, and begins with a  owing river and rib- panied by echoing “oh’s,” Cyrus sings of the For Smilers that still jam to Cyrus’ pop & Her Dead Petz,” Cyrus was known for her biting frogs from Cyrus’ own backyard. e anger she holds in her heart for feeling un- anthems of the last  ve years, I sadly have unpredictable, crazy shenanigans that ce- song has a strong country undertone, with a appreciated by someone she loves. to admit “Younger Now” may not be the al- mented her bad reputation. slow rhythm and a bold bass guitar support- Cyrus was the sole writer for “Younger bum for you. Nevertheless, die-hard fans of But now, everything has changed. Since ing Cyrus’ fruity singing voice. Now,” with just one collaboration on the Cyrus, like me, never grow tired of her no she began working on “Younger Now,” Upon the release of “Younger Now,” it song, “Rainbowland,” with her godmother, matter what genre she sings. ◆ Movie soundtracks do more than accompany the action

BY PranavAhuja songs in the album, ones BY RyanKim swell of hope and determination through as the heroes march across Middle-Earth to emotions and thoughts of both the audience like “ is Could be Us,” I the perils of Mount Doom only further em- save the world, most of the movie would be and the characters. Flashback to my 15th decided to add much of Although movies win Oscars or other phasize the sense of balance and emotional like a silent  lm or documentary of people Decades-long movie series are no ex- birthday, Jan. 19, 2015. I the album’s selection to accolades for their plots and character de- upheaval conveyed through the music. hiking across  elds and mountains. ception. For example, when Rogue One’s Junior learns was having a great day, my Spotify playlist. velopment , their soundtracks o en become As the musical score soars, the audience But add in the soundtrack, and suddenly composer Michael Giacchino paid homage strolling through the Although these songs ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ a their most iconic feature. feels like charging down the  eld with the the monotonous trudging is an epic quest to to Williams’s original “Star Wars” theme, aisles of Target while may not be suitable songs ere are the serious, brooding themes of Rohirrim,  ying on the backs of the Eagles persevere through the treacherous storms the audience in my theater went wild, giv- hunting for new things for younger audiences, “Inception” and “Interstellar” that make the or sitting comfortably in a small cozy liv- and hordes of orcs to protect all that is good. ing a standing ovation as many tears rolled lessons through to buy on my birthday they led me to discover reminder of true audience question the world around them. ing room, reading a tale and eating second e noble journey through the perils of down their cheeks and nostalgia washed shopping spree. Sud- a genre of music that has ere are also more light-hearted, catchy breakfast next to the gentle  replace. Middle-Earth is only accentuated and truly over them. Even though the  rst Star Wars denly, when I entered the consistently improved tunes like Moana’s “You’re Welcome,” but Mystery and magic and horrible suf- conveyed through the music. movie was released 39 years before “Rogue cereal section, I heard a my life and happiness in even these movie soundtracks have merit fering; wonder and beauty and ephemeral When Samwise Gamgee, a loyal Hobbit One,” fans young and old alike could enjoy ‘Star Wars’ III simple yet elegant tune numerous ways through courage, sacri ce beyond pop culture. peace; inspirational charges and gruesome friend of the protagonist, Frodo, wonders the swelling emotion  owing through the that changed my life. punchy beats, fast raps or Even light-hearted movies like Disney’s last stands: all of these emotions are driven why they, simple farmers, embarked on this theater. BY AvaHooman birth into a monster. A er hearing this even slow tunes. BY EshaLakhotia them on his shoulders and “Hercules” have many songs focused on home with emotional gut-punch music. quest, he eventually comes to the conclusion To this day, the most memorable as-  e message of Ana- song on the Target sound Unlike other albums lowering them down a cli self-realization and courage, like “I Can Go Imagine watching iconic  lms like that, despite the hardships of life, the good pect of the greatest movies is so o en their As I wipe the tear falling kin betraying all his loved system, I couldn’t stop or music, the upbeat, As the credits rolled for with a contraption made the Distance,” that inspire even the most un- “Star Wars” without the John Williams’ of the world is worth  ghting for; the music soundtracks; people hum the tunes as they down my face, I glance side ones reminded me of a time thinking about it. For the rapid base of the song the movie “Hacksaw Ridge,” from rope. While the rest of feeling moviegoer. soundtrack. accompanies his  ow of ideas and emotions, live their lives, subconsciously keeping the to side to make sure nobody when I felt someone close next few days, I found was something I had I nished drying my tears his unit  ed to safety, Doss Perhaps the epitome of great movie e experience would be terrible. ere slowly swelling from dull rumblings to a spirit, not just the plot, of the movies alive. has noticed me lose my to me was betraying me as myself singing it in the never truly heard before, with my sweatshirt sleeve. was stranded in no-man’s soundtracks is Howard Shore’s “Lord of would be no ambience, no concrete grasp crescendo of hope and courage. Soundtracks are the fundamental back- composure. well. shower, humming it dur- and I immediately fell in Even a er being cramped in land, looking for men who the Rings” soundtrack, a masterful blend on thought or feelings — just monoto- It describes the emotions of the char- bone of emotion in movies. ey bring  e essential message Even though that per- ing tests and searching love with it. During times the middle seat of an 8-hour were ghting to stay alive. of total serenity in the Hobbit theme and nous dialogue and awkward choreography acters, moving from sullen and exhausted inspiration, hope, tension, sorrow, horror, hidden through all of the son’s actions didn’t threaten of depression or stress airplane ride to Cincinnati, A er many rescues, Doss the jarring, exciting and frightening theme among the actors. to brave and re-invigorated to protect the joy and peace to the audience. ey are the chaos in “Star Wars: Revenge a whole galaxy, they still from school or family, I Ohio, “Hacksaw Ridge” persists on, asking God to of Orcs. e triumphant fanfares of victory Consider “Lord of the Rings” again: If people they love. And this simply would not foundation of the impact of movies. ey of the Sith” is one I learned hurt me, and I could easily o en turn to music, spe- managed to move me and help him in his journey, say- juxtaposed with the heart-tugging gentle there were no inspirational trumpet fanfare exist without the soundtrack guiding the are the punchline. ◆ at a young age — people can relate to and empathize with ci cally hip-hop, to sup- make me appreciate all war ing, “Please, Lord, help me learn to do something they this in the movie. I heard a port me. heroes. get one more.” thought they were never ca- Anakin’s greed for power simple yet For example, when-  e movie came out last Doss’s immense perse- pable of. leads him to forget what was ever I have a bad day, I November, and I had seen verance and sel essness are REVIEW  e famous scene of Obi- truly right and the people elegant tune always make sure to blast advertisements for it, but extremely motivational. He Wan and Anakin ghting who stuck by him. In real that changed “SremmLife” and rap never got to watching the takes all his own strength relentlessly with their light- life, people are constantly my life. along with my friends, two-time Oscar-winning and risks his own life for the Lady Gaga’s new Netfl ix documentary comes up short sabers on the dealing with and I always feel better. lm until this past month. wounded and stranded sol- lava planet others who be- Likewise, whenever I  e movie follows diers who would is the turn- tray them and am feeling happy or ex- the true story of have died without BY ShreyaKatkere hip injury and her breakup with her  ancé  bromyalgia has been suspected of being because Gaga was pictured mourning the ing point in the are disloyal. cited, listening to the rap- a World War him, all while in 2016, Taylor Kinney, a er  ve years to- brought on by anxiety and depression rather death of her father’s sister throughout the series and the Even though up every lyric I could re- idly spewed lyrics from II army medic sticking to his Lady Gaga, li ed up to the ceiling dur- gether. than any form of physical ailment.  lm, even though Gaga never met her. most emotional. the story of “Star member in order to nd rappers, paired with the Desmond Doss, moral and reli- ing the Super Bowl hal ime show nearly In addition, part of the documentary “I use the word ‘su er’ not for pity, or at- Many of Gaga’s fans were extremely dis-  e break of the Wars” is ctional, the name of the song. ear-pounding beats in played by An- gious beliefs of two years ago at Levi’s Sta- mentions the loneliness she has tention, and have been disappointed to see appointed by the documentary because it iconic pair’s the lessons it Nearly a week later, I - the background, feels like drew Gar eld, his religion. dium, letting her shiny high faced. Gaga talks about how she people online suggest that I’m being dra- focused on her personal battles with de- friendship is taught me are nally managed to gure a natural extension of my who served Doss’s story heels woven with tiny pearls felt empty at home by herself af- matic, making this up, or playing the victim pression, loneliness and  bromyalgia rather one of the grounded in it out: “No Flex Zone” by happiness, adding even during the Bat- moved me and dangle beneath her as she dis- ter being the subject of so much to get out of touring,” Gaga said. than the successes and obstacles she faced in most devas- real life and Rae Sremmurd, a rap duo more joy to the moment. tle of Okinawa, made me realize appeared into the ceiling. e attention every day. e documentary about her is aimed at her musical career. tating scenes in all the basic principles of what’s with brothers Swae Lee  ough “SremmLife one of the bloodi- my own problems are screen faded to white and the “It’s hard enough when love raising awareness and tackling ignorance Because of this, some reviews theorized of the “Star Wars” franchise. good and what’s evil. and Slim Jimmy. 2” was terrible, hopefully est battles of World War II. nothing compared to the words, “Five Foot Two,” ap- isn’t working out the way you about this mostly invisible illness. Further- that Gaga was trying to distract the audi- Surprisingly, this is also one Rewatching the movie I soon realized, there will be a “Srem-  roughout Doss’s train- life-or-death situation he peared, cueing the start of the want it to and you have to walk more, she provides a strong role since she ence from the downfall that was “Joanne.” of the easiest scenes to relate when I was feeling espe- though, that the real val- mLife 3” that will invigo- ing and battle, he refuses faced.  e math test I was recent documentary about the down the street with somebody doesn’t let her su ering stop her from do- I support this theory because “Joanne” her to since we’ve all had rocky cially unhappy helped me ue of the discovery wasn’t rate my senses like the to pick up a gun due to his stressing about suddenly singer. going, ‘Are You OK?’” Gaga re- ing what she loves: performing on stage in second lowest-ranked album. moments in friendships. understand that friendships so much the song, but the original did. strong ties to the Seventh seemed foolish and petty. “Five Foot Two,” which called. “I had to go into the deep- front of her global fan base. Critic Jessie Cooper of “Odyssey” said  roughout the movie, I break all the time, even in artist who created it. Without that shop- Day Adventist Church, Since that plane ride, was released on Sept. 29 on est pain in my life. I had to go Contrary to popular belief, “Five Foot the documentary was “all right but didn’t am heartbroken at Anakin’s other galaxies, but the more  e two brothers of ping spree in Target, I which holds a belief in non- I have watched the movie Net ix, gives fans an intimate into the part of myself that you Two” does not refer to Gaga’s height address what fans wanted to know about: choice to go to the “Dark considerate you are in mak- Rae Sremmurd have re- may have never found violence.  is belief brings three times. I have also look into Gaga’s life. Prior to don’t want to face.” (which, by the way, is 5”1’). Instead, it re- why her songs have been somewhat unsuc- Side.” Even a er watching ing the correct choices, the leased an entire album my favorite type of mu- a lot of criticism from his shown the movie to my its Net ix debut, it premiered Courtesy of PEOPLE.COM e documentary also gives fers to a song called “Five Foot Two, Eyes of cessful for such a star like her.” the movie dozens of times, I more you can do to prevent called “SremmLife” with sic, and although my military o cials and peers. parents and a couple of my at the Toronto International Film Festival an intriguing glimpse into Gaga’s challenges Blue” that plays during the baptism of her I agree with Cooper, and I can say that I still feel a sense of emptiness losing a friendship. In the songs just as catchy as playlist is probably lled During the battle, how- friends and they all agree on Sept. 8. with a condition called  bromyalgia. friend’s baby. disliked “Five Foot Two,” because of its de- when I see him turn to evil. future, I know that the next “No Flex Zone.” with over 600 songs, ever, Doss single-handedly that it has made them more e  lm is directed by Chris Moukarbel Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome Although “Five Foot Two” is a deeply pressing aura surrounding Gaga’s personal  e movie ends with time I have friend drama or A er sharing this I will never forget the saves 75 infantrymen who enlightened about the real- and follows Gaga through the making and characterized by tenderness and pain in personal look into Gaga’s struggles, the problems and battles. Anakin becoming Darth even feel a little bit upset, I'll song to all my friends jewels I found in “Srem- were le behind and se- ity of war, as well as be more release of her   h studio album, “Joanne,” deep tissues and muscle. Many people re- documentary has received mixed reviews I would have preferred if she made her Vader, symbolizing his de nitely turn back to this and hearing all the other mLife.” ◆ verely injured without ring humble and compassionate in 2016 and gives a look into her Super Bowl sponded with skepticism and doubt that she from the public. Some people even went documentary that focused more on her death as a human and re- movie. ◆ a single weapon, carrying people. ◆ hal ime show performance, her critical was telling the truth about her disease, since as far to question Gaga’s album, “Joanne,” journey to where she is today. ◆ THE THE saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon SCHOOL SCOPE 17 16 school scope November 3, 2017 Senior suffers panic attack in SAT

live up to my expectations of doing “well,” I tutor had taught me. Once we nally began ror. I had to remind myself it was just a test. was convinced that every college would turn the Language Arts portion of the SAT a er I went back in there and tried the best that away in disgust at my “sinful” scores. 45 minutes of instruction, I froze. My mind I could. GRAPHIC BY KAREN CHOW dancing Like seemingly every other night during moved at an immeasurable speed as my  ough I was not satis ed with the score those ve months, it was pouring rain on the hand was unable to process which bubbles I received and retook it in June, I learned a queen way home. As my mom drove through giant to ll in. I began to overthink everything; I valuable lesson from my panic attack expe- puddles on Highway 17, spraying water on was analyzing the letters within the words, rience. Standardized tests are designed to Music program helped 20 years later, Boitz still Julia Miller either sides of our car like a water ride, we words within sentences, sentences within test us on subjects we have been learning for suddenly came to a stop. We turned to each paragraphs. I couldn’t help but forget what years, and no amount of cramming the days Let’s return to last winter:  e rain fell, other and muttered, “No.”  e rest is ve simple vocabulary words meant. and nights before the test date will signi - 30.75 inches dumped on California in ve hour-long history. We sat in standstill tra c I began to tremble, my legs bouncing cantly add to what we already know. Shiuan; now he repays enjoys teaching music months. Since I live in Scotts Valley and until 10 p.m., moving about half a mile in up and down in my chair. As my breathing Stress is almost unavoidable on these commute with my mom to her teaching three hours. I had no practice tests to cram quickened, I laid my head down on my desk tests, but I changed several parts of my rou- BY MuthuPalaniappan his primary instrument, the saxophone, BY MuthuPalaniappan play the cello and trumpet, and continued job at Foothill Elementary School, the se- with, no study guide to review and no inter- and tried to take big breaths, but my heart tine leading up to my second test. I stopped & EmilieZhou and learned to play other new instru- & EmilieZhou to play the tuba, euphonium and trom- vere weather le us facing countless road net connection to nd a practice test online. only raced faster. I had never experienced a studying a week before the test (I know, ments, as well as how to conduct and bone in high school and college. blockages,  ash  oods and emergency con- I felt the beginnings of panic. panic attack before, even during crucial test crazy!), and I turned o all electronics three Jason Shiuan, who teaches and directs teach music. With the school’s top- ight music pro- Boitz started at Concordia College in struction zones.  ese blocked me from Once we nally made it home, I got only nals, and of course, it had to be during the hours before I slept on SAT-eve (I know! the concert, jazz and marching bands, Besides higher levels of performance gram, it is easy to credit success solely to Moorhead, Minn., originally thinking going home and resulted in less sleep, fog- about six hours of sleep due to my stress-in- SAT. Even crazier!). is in his second year of teaching at the and increased dedication, Shiuan doesn’t the hundreds of dedicated students en- that he would become an engineer. gier mornings in class and more demanding duced tossing and turning. Groggy and par- Tears stinging my eyes, I tried to contin- But, most of all, I changed my mindset. I school. feel that the music program has changed rolled in it. However, he soon began to time crunches for homework and studying anoid, I drove to Santa Cruz High School, ue the test to the best of my ability, but when told myself repeatedly that the SAT was no Shiuan, a 2011 SHS graduate, grew up But behind the scenes for the feel a stronger connection with — all during junior year. where I would be taking what felt like the the proctor declared that time was up, I still big deal and that I was going to crush it. attending schools in Saratoga and started past two decades, the one constant the music classes he was taking But it was just my luck that the worst biggest test of my life. Upon arriving, I im- had 10 questions le . I bubbled in random With these techniques, I scored 100 playing piano at age 5, later joining the force has been music teacher Mi- in school because of the instruc- night of them all would take place on Jan. 20, mediately felt out of place. Everyone seemed answers, got up out of my chair and was the points higher on the second test. I learned band in   h grade. “I circled back to chael Boitz. tors. 2017, the day before I took my rst SAT. Not to know each other except for me, making rst to leave the room for break. that I have to have con dence in my abili- It was during the summer before music, so I knew When he started teaching here, “I kept gravitating back to only was I already over-studying by doing the environment extremely uncomfortable. I ran to the bathroom as quickly as I ties and accept that I am prepared enough eighth grade, when Shiuan’s brother was it was something I Boitz was the only sta member in music and I would gravitate to daily practice tests and SAT tutoring twice As I stood there silently while everyone could and threw cold sink water in my to succeed. For a student making her way going to college, that Shiuan decided that the instrumental side of the music music education speci cally,” a week, but as an over-thinker, I was treat- chatted about common classes, I went over face. I needed to calm down, I thought as I through the rigors of high school, that’s all he wanted to make a career in music edu- really enjoyed.” department. Boitz said. “I tried really hard to ing the test like Judgment Day. If I didn’t and over the strategies and concepts my SAT looked at my panic-stricken face in the mir- I need. ◆ cation. “ ere was one band and one not go into music because it was orchestra; the orchestra was really Boitz the stronger desire of my parents “[My passion] always circled back to BAND TEACHER Jason Shiuan music, so I knew that was something I re- small,” Boitz said. “I basically did every- that I do something else.” ally enjoyed,” Shiuan said. “I knew I was thing; that eventually built and built, and Boitz started working as a short-term never going to be a performer. much. now it’s a larger program with many more music educator in Minnesota. I never liked to practice alone in a A er attending the school as a student s t a  . ” In 1997, he moved west and started Students share room, so then I gravitated towards work- and coming back to teach, Shiuan feels as From early on, Boitz was devoted to teaching at Saratoga High, with the inten- ing with people, which evolved into though it’s been a smooth transition and music. tion of staying only for a few years, but he their SAT stories teaching.” that it feels like “home.” During his childhood in Minnesota, ended up  nding a home and building a Test-y Trials His love for music continued to grow, “ e program I grew up in it gave a he was surrounded by three siblings who nationally recognized program. as he continued to play in band through- lot to me and provided me [with] a lot of also played instruments. “I really loved the school and the ad- out all of high school and college. He later wonderful, really great opportunities, and He started out playing piano, but was ministration, who were really excited to graduated from Northwestern University so coming back is a way of giving back to also “forced” to learn the accordion at a build the arts program for kids,” Boitz with a degree in music education. the community that brought me to where young age. said. “It’s just been a 20-year labor of love, At Northwestern, he continued to play I am now,” Shiuan said. ◆ In elementary school, Boitz learned to and I think I have 20 more le in me.” ◆

GRAPHIC BY KAREN CHOW Katy Perry grants me Bathroom break trouble ately noticed gra ti on the walls with ra- unwelcome test ‘visit’ cial slurs and derogatory words targeted to di erent sexual orientations and other it’s me profanity. lowed by Perry’s voice, made it not only I was a bit shocked, but I didn’t let it impossible to concentrate but also impos- (k)e$ha bother me. As I exited the stall, I noticed sible to stop tapping my foot. However, it that everyone had already le and that I the p-dogg was at this time when I noticed ve other was the only one in the bathroom. With students beginning to tap their feet. We Esha Lakhotia horror, I realized I didn’t know the way all looked up at each other, thinking, were back to the classroom. we all crazy? Or even better: Telepathically Running from hall to hall, my legs were I already felt like I was rushed and now Pranav Ahuja connected? moving faster than my mind could com- I was running in the halls, trying di er- prehend. All I could think about was how ent patterns of le s and rights to get to my ‘‘’Twas my rst attempt at the ACT, this moment would destroy my SAT score classroom. Even though I was probably lost back in the December of 2016. Like most Were we all crazy? Or and ruin my chances of getting into college. for only six minutes, it felt like hours. I was students taking the exam, I was nervous, even better: Telepathically Unaware that the day ahead of me was shaking; I didn’t want to miss time on the scared and, of course, sleepy. It was a mir- going to be one of the most stressful days next section just because I had to go to the acle that I didn’t totally fail the exam, espe- connected? of my life, I travelled all the way to Seaside bathroom. cially a er what happened in the middle of Unfortunately, no. High School in the Monterey Peninsula to A er frantically running around I found the test. take the exam. the room and burst into the class, scurrying A er entering the room and prepar- Yes, I knew I was taking a naturally into my seat. To my horror, four minutes of ing my pencils, calculator and mind by Unfortunately, no. Soon, the whole class stressful test, but I didn’t know that by 1 the writing section had already begun and I quickly going through the water cycle as I looked up, and a er a couple of minutes of p.m., I would have stood in line for 40 min- panicked even more, wondering if I would do whenever I am stressed before an exam blankly looking at each other, we all slowly utes in freezing weather, been assigned to get to all the questions in time. I tried to (don’t judge), I was o cially ready to start and simultaneously stared at the test proc- the wrong test room and gotten lost on an quickly answer the questions to compen- the test. During the rst few minutes, ev- tor. He was jamming out to “T.G.I.F” on unfamiliar campus. sate for that 4-minute delay. erything was going smoothly. I was slaying his phone with his headphones plugged in, A er standing in line for 40 minutes to Luckily, I don’t think the delay really af- the grammar section, placing commas le eyes closed, completely oblivious to what get into the test center, I scurried to my as- fected the accuracy of my answers — I still and right like a punctuation ninja, when all was happening. signed classroom only to nd out I was as- thought carefully and managed to calm of a sudden, I heard it.  ankfully, one brave soul decided to signed to the wrong room, and my name myself down when I realized I was on track “Last Friday Night, yeah we danced on wake the proctor up and tell him that we wasn’t on the list. with the time. What lessons did I learn? For table tops, and we took too many shots. could hear the song through his head- Finally, unsure if my scores would even one, it’s best to sign up early to get a closer  ink we kissed but I forgot…” phones. Embarrassed, the proctor turned count, I proceeded to ll out the bubbles and more familiar testing location as well Suddenly, Katy Perry’s world-famous o his phone, but the time that was lost was for my information and went into the read- as arrive really early to the center in or- song, “T.G.I.F”, was blasting in my ears never returned. On the bright side, at least I ing section, already stressed out from the der to map out the bathroom route before while I was attempting to determine what learned to never be afraid to alert my proc- hectic morning. A er the reading section, starting the test. was wrong in line 72 of one of the many tor about any issue during an exam.  anks we had a 10-minute break, so I decided to As for myself, I know that I’m never go- ACT passages. At rst, I thought I was go- to my proctor, I also realized I needed to re- go to the bathroom. ing to the bathroom during a timed test ing crazy.  e continuous thumping, fol- move “T.G.I.F” from my Spotify playlist. ◆ When I went into the stall, I immedi- ever again. ◆ THE THE 18 saratogafalcon saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 IN-DEPTH 19 in-depth November 3, 2017 Recognizing my dad’s 17 years of sacri ce

BY RyanKim But then came January. A er all of those been shelving his own dream for 17 years, shoulders the weight of living apart from us harrowing exams, a er struggles in school just for me and my family. Every day he and the stresses of a di erent workload and “So … you’re just leaving?” and home, a er waging war with my fears worked in America, he looked for oppor- job culture. African Americans examine cultural labels “Well … yeah.” and sorrow every day for two months, it was tunities for promotion and self-improve- For 17 years, I have disregarded his at was about the conversation I had  nally time to see my father again. I didn’t ment. But that would mean we would have dream for my own, and he has faithfully with my dad when he moved away for his know how to feel or act or think. What do to move, which would then destabilize my stood by my side to help me reach my goals. BY KaitlynWang said. “But instead of him getting in “On the Norwegian and Jamai- new job in Korea last December, leaving you say to a man you thought you once sister’s and my education. Until last year, he Only now has the weight of my father’s sac- & JeffreyXu trouble for  ghting me originally, can side, I’ve had a lot of family Demographics of SHS me, a junior struggling through mountains knew, a man who you depended on so much declined many opportunities to expand his ri ce clicked in my brain. A er graduating I got blamed for it. Personally, I [members] who have come from of homework and stress, to fend for myself. but le you when you possibly needed him career. high school, I am supposed to be ready to As senior Solomon Bailey wait- believe it was because of my race.” rougher areas, so that has taught BLACK I stumbled outside, throwing open the most? face the world by myself and try new paths ed at the DMV for his license test Despite the occasional stare, be how to cope with di cult situa- HISPANIC back door and running into the rain. I felt When we arrived at my dad’s new house, to  nd my passions. It’s long past the time results, he felt a policeman’s gaze Bailey, who moved from Ethiopia tions and be more resilient,” Chaf- TWO OR numb, my arms tingling with goosebumps. I immediately recognized the faint musky to hold someone’s hand. My dad recognized boring into his back. six years ago, said that being Af-  n said. 0.1% MORE Blood rushed to my head. I grabbed the smell of cigarettes. And there he was: the is con ict is not about this, so he gave me perhaps the greatest gi “He watched me more closely rican American proved to not be Of course, being African Amer- 5.0% nearest object — one of my dad’s old Crocs same father, burly arms open wide and tack- he’s ever o ered me: freedom. than anyone else in the room,” Bai- a disadvantage during freshman ican in a city like Saratoga isn’t 100 me. My dad has been 8.0% — and heaved it across the yard. It landed ling me in a hug. Squeezing me till I choked, I don’t hold anyone’s hand anymore. I ley said. “I’m di erent, and that’s year, when he was the only full percent positive, especially when it in the soaked grass, squelching a little as it he said over and over, “I missed you, son.” shelving his own dream for walk alone, blazing my own path,  nding something people notice.” African American student in the comes to cultural stereotypes. ASIAN sagged under the mud. Tears  owed again, releasing the months 17 years, just for me and my out what I want to do by  nding out what Bailey o en notices that people school. Bailey said that with his “I partially blame other African It wasn’t a divorce, and it wasn’t as if of anger I had festering in me. All of the I need to do. I don’t live for praise or heav- cast odd glances at him because he afro and metallic chains, he stood Americans for these stereotypes,” 58.9% there was ill-will, either — my mother and pent-up emotions and frustrations came family, to make sure I live a ily rely on the guidance of my parents any- is African American. out in a good way. Bailey said. “Sometimes, African 28.0% ASIAN 12-year-old sister, who live with me now, swelling out. No words were spoken for the comfortable life. more. I’m growing up. Freshman Tyler Cha n said “Kids wanted to be friends Americans do things that make WHITE will join him in South Korea a er I gradu- remainder of the night. My dad did not betray me. Rather, I be- he experienced discrimination at with me just because I was Afri- people think this way. If you see ate next June. As I le Korea a er staying for two weeks, trayed his faith in me by turning against Redwood Middle School. Accord- can American,” Bailey said. “ at gang members wearing chains and Ever since I was little, I sought advice and I realized that although I had thought my him for a while. We have both grown. He is ing to Cha n, while he and his didn’t bother me.” then you see an African American acknowledgement from my parents. I wasn’t relationship with my father had changed He has sacri ced his wants every day so now managing the stress of living separated friends were hanging out, a stu- For junior Lidya Demissie, who man wearing chains, you may as- sure how I would fare if I were suddenly drastically, it was actually still the same. My that I can ful ll mine. He works all day to from us much better than he originally did, dent stole his friend’s phone, and also moved from Ethiopia, being a sume they are a gang member just SOURCE: US NEWS GRAPHIC BY FRANCESCA CHU alone. Even with my mother and sister with dad didn’t abandon me or betray me; he earn the money I spend on chips and fancy and I’m working hard to make sure my dad’s Cha n tried to get it back. minority at the school hasn’t been because they dress the same way.” me, the house felt emptier without my fa- still loved me, and he still wanted the best clothes. He is sacri cing still by devoting 17 years of sacri ce are not wasted. I’m not While scrambling over the a barrier. She said that “everyone According to Bailey, it is impor- While Cha n sees problems look on any culture, it is important ther’s heavy footsteps and boisterous laugh. for me. And as I thought about it, I realized his life not only to working hard to support being dragged by the hand anymore. I walk phone, the student threw a punch here is really welcoming and nice.” tant to recognize that few African a ecting African American com- to not allow others’ opinions to af- All I could do was sit back and watch my something even more astounding. my family, but also to caring for all four of by myself, my dad cheering me on from be- at Cha n, and a  ght erupted. e For Cha n, who is part Ja- Americans fall into stereotypes. munities, he also said they should fect one’s self-image. life unravel. is con ict is not about me. My dad has my aging grandparents in South Korea. He hind, and I’m not turning back. ◆ o ending student’s parents later maican and part Norwegian, he’s “Somebody who doesn’t know “help each other out instead of “Not only African Americans called the school administrators grown used to being a minority me might think I’m a gangster,”  ghting each other.” are stereotyped,” Cha n said. “Ev- and blamed the  ght on Cha n. at school. He also sees bene ts he Bailey said. “But once you know In the end, Bailey, Demissie and eryone can be stereotyped, so just “ e kid started  ghting me, feels his ethnic background has me, you know that I’m nowhere Cha n all believe that in order to ignore them and continue doing and I fought him back,” Cha n provided him. near being a gangster.” break free of society’s skewed out- what you have to do.” ◆ Exploring the gulf between us and our hired help

BY ChelseaLeung was comparatively di cult, I would soon From 2004 to 2006, Diana worked for Along with phone calls, Diana o en forget about her troubles. ey were so far a cleaning company, but then secured a receives messages from clients a er 9 p.m. Editor’s Note: Names of sources have been removed from my comfortable world and government job. However, she said she was To force her mom to calm down and sleep, changed. my relatively trivial worries: I’d jokingly fret  red once she became pregnant with Natasha has to take her mom’s phone over having to attend West Valley College if Natasha’s sister, who is now 9. away, describing her as a “very e median home size in Saratoga is my ideal college plans don’t work, but not Needing money, Diana stressed person.” 2,722 square feet, with the median list price about whether my family could a ord to went back to cleaning On a typical day, Diana being roughly $2.6 million, according to send me to college in the  rst place. houses, but worked on wakes up at 5:30 a.m. By 6:30, GRAPHIC BY CHARIN PARK Zillow. So who cleans many of these large e  rst time I met Natasha was on her own. For the past she has dropped Natasha o at and expensive homes? my staircase. I was coming down; she was 10 years, Diana’s school. Most days, Diana has In many cases, the answer is that so- heading to the second  oor with the plush, business, which is three to four houses to clean and called cleaning ladies do. I’ve o en heard comfortable rooms my brother and I never concentrated in the arrives home at 7 or 8 p.m. On some My dad: a true American Proving prejudices wrong other students casually mention their had to share. inland Bay Area, days, her work hours stretch until 10 cleaning ladies who come to their homes I remember how we both stopped and has grown through p.m. every week or two; I’m no exception. stared, but it wasn’t as awkward as when a word of mouth. Natasha’s days are no less busy. At BY AshleySu became “lillard,” my brother would roll BY KevinSze sible for me to excel on the court. Diana began cleaning my house  ve years year later, Diana asked my mom if she could Although Diana Presentation High School, where she over in laughter, mimicking the broken Elementary school was supposed to be ago. She comes every two weeks. Every time give her daughter the crusty eyeshadow that has improved her is a senior, Natasha plays sports and In the face of a barrage of questions, a words that fell from my dad’s lips. “You are so bad at basketball!” shouted for nap time and Fun Fridays, not bullying she leaves, the house is spotless, with only a I had thrown out. English through maintains a 4.0 GPA. Because her string of mumbled words whooshes out of And yet I realized there was a clear dif- a fourth-grade teammate of mine. “Is it be- and derogatory remarks. I was shocked by whi of lemon cleanser remaining. Bought years ago for dance performances, night classes, mom does not have time, she also my dad’s mouth as he struggles to form a ference in the way we treated Dad’s accent. cause you are Asian and you see everything what my peers could get away with and the I knew that Diana has a daughter, the eyeshadow had been thoughtlessly Natasha usually picks up her sister a er school and coherent sentence: Would he like a plastic While my brother’s mockery was done out widescreen?” ignorance or agreement of everyone else. Natasha, who is one year older than I am. chucked into the trash when the cover grew helps her out holds three jobs: babysitting as bag for 10 cents? A Safeway Club card? of good-natured fun in the privacy of our I felt the tears welling up and frustra- I stopped playing basketball a er that Diana o en mentions Natasha to my mom, misty with broken pigment. with messages, well as working at Levi’s Stadium What about an eco-friendly reusable tote home, my shame was rooted in my insecu- tion rising from my chest. My third-grade day and for the rest of elementary school. who would later tell me of Natasha’s athletic How do you describe the feeling when acting as Diana’s events and at Godiva. for $2? Meanwhile, my freshman self stands rity of identity. In our home, where there dreams of making it to the NBA had been My doubts only got worse when my par- or academic achievements and Diana’s someone you respect has to ask your mom secretary. GRAPHIC BY FRANCESCA CHU“I work so hard,” Natasha beside him staring at the ground,  inching is a clear divide between two di erent cul- crushed beyond repair. ents told me that being Asian meant that I dreams of sending Natasha to a prestigious if she can have your trash for her daughter “I take a lot said. “My parents did so each time he stumbles over his words. tures, I struggled to properly adopt Ameri- irty minutes prior, I had excitedly could not make it into the NBA. university. to use? of responsibility much for me and now it’s Behind closed doors, I am my dad’s per- can culture without the stain of Taiwanese run to the basketball courts. I had dreamed Six years later, I confessed my story to Months later, Natasha asked my mom knowing that my my turn to repay them.” sonal English coach. From car rides to the mannerisms. Because my dad could not about playing for the Golden State War- a few close friends who also felt that mi- how old I was. I wonder how she felt when parents moved Any work I’ve done dinner table to the line for grocery shop- sew together his words  uently, I rejected riors and nailing a buzzer beater to win the norities were being short-changed for their she discovered that although we were their whole life in the past 16 years ping, I am there next to him, drilling un- him as an American. NBA Finals. appearance. How do you describe the nearly the same age, I had almost endless and sacri ced being seems lackluster mastered words into his mind to cleanse the But for someone who pays American I joined a game of blacktop basketball When I let it slip that I had once been privilege at my  ngertips while she had to with their family for compared to the A LI feeling when someone you heavy Taiwanese accent from his speech. taxes, follows American politics and lives with the fourth graders, playing ANDR told that I could not play basket- LEX help her mom clean my house. I wonder if my well-being,” Natasha e ort they put Y A Yet, as soon as we leave the security of on American soil, my dad is just as Ameri- point guard in an intense B ball because of my small eyes, respect has to ask your mom IC she felt angry that the circumstances of our told me. in every H closed doors, a façade of cold apathy blan- can as anyone born in this country. game, until one of my Cau- P one of them told me some- A births placed us on opposite sides of a huge Although Diana day. R if she can have your trash for kets my supposed supportiveness. When casian teammates shot G thing that will stick with economic gap. enjoys interacting with I n he orders “sour cheese” instead of “sour that racist comment at me for the rest of my life. her daughter? Other than our ages, the only similarity the people she works for, fact, cream” or butchers Stephen Curry’s name Even if his words don’t ow as me. At  rst, his com- “When you look we share is that our parents are immigrants. as a service worker, she I’ve n e v e r as “Steven Curry,” I grimace in embarrass- smoothly as a native speaker, ment did not register, like a model, you only Diana immigrated to the U.S. in 2001 a er sometimes encounters less- held a job, let alone three; I’ve never had ment and shu e to the side, attempting to but soon I was furious need to be OK,” he However, Diana has always feared that living on a ranch in rural Jalisco, Mexico. than-kind clients. Natasha said that “people to help my mom learn English, because she avoid being associated with him. my dad is just as American as that he blamed some- said, “but as a minor- she will not be able to pay for her daughter’s Natasha was only 1. who are on her case about everything” or went to graduate school in America. I don’t “Why does it matter so much to you?” anyone born in this country. thing that I could not ity, if you want to be tuition. My mom told me once that Diana ough Diana did not have the money to people who watch every detail of her work even have to clean my own house. he would ask me as I’d nitpick his mispro- control, my ethnic- included and loved by came close to tears while sharing her own much livestock, she would wake up at 5 irritate her mom most. Natasha is currently applying to college. nunciation of Stephen. ity, for why I could not everybody, you have to concerns. a.m. every day to milk the cows and support For example, recently Diana was told I’m sure she will be accepted to many “I’m trying to help you improve your make a proper pass. be great.” e concept of  nancial doubt has her family and would walk nearly an hour to to clean underneath a large bed, but her excellent schools — her achievements speak English,” I’d retort, but we both knew that So what if his words don’t  ow as For the rest of the day, Ever since, prejudiced been alien to me. A er all, I’ve grown up travel anywhere past her ranch. tools did not have the length to fully reach for themselves. was an excuse. My meticulous instruction smoothly as a native speaker? ose words, school was a monotonous attitudes have fueled my mo- comfortably in Saratoga in a big two-story Since opportunities were few and women under. Her client then wiped an expensive So when she  nally ful lls her dream wasn’t an extension of goodwill. It was just however broken, represent the hours of chore. I walked away from the tivation to prove people intolerant house with my own debit card supplied with worked mainly in the home, Diana and her and long rag on the  oor, and upon  nding of becoming a lawyer, I will be proud to a product of my shame at his Asian ac- hard work dedicated to learning English for courts in tears and ignored onlooking of other cultures wrong. Chinese New Year money. husband moved to California in search of a the “smallest speck of dirt,” complained to say that she has been one of my biggest cent — I worried that each blundered word his education in America. ey represent friends, obsessing over what had been said. To anybody going through any form Although I felt sad that Diana’s life better education and future for Natasha. Diana in an angry phone call. inspirations. ◆ projects a bad image on our family. the daily frustrations of a peer or professor He’d shaped my future in 17 quick, ruth- of oppression, whether it be for your race, at same freshman year, I remember misunderstanding his words. ose slips in less and decisive words. He could have said gender, religious beliefs or anything in be- going to get lunch with my older brother pronunciation, as I have realized, cannot something like, “Jeez, you need to work on tween, just know that  ipping the script on and my dad at a sandwich shop. As my determine how American my dad is. your game,” and I would have taken it with the ones who frown upon you is not easy, togatalks dad struggled through his order, I glanced Now three years older, I feel no shame in a grain of salt, but pinning the blame on my but it can be done. at my brother and snickered, attempting being out in public with my dad. When his ethnicity shattered my con dence. In fact, I owe that insensitive fourth What role “The gardener just “I have known my “Our old house to relieve my embarrassment by teaming daily errands require interaction with oth- For the next few months, I woke up grader a thank-you. Although I have not do domestic does his job and house cleaner since cleaner Hannah up with him against my dad. Instead, my ers, I have taken it upon myself to help him wanting to be someone else. I wanted to be played competitive basketball in six years, leaves. There is I was little and when was really nice, and brother glared at me and pushed me aside translate as much as possible. able to make the pass on target and seal a he is the reason why I have worked harder workers in your really no interaction she comes over we I considered her a to help my dad order. For most children of immigrants, it’s al- victory, to be able to run faster, jump high- to improve skills that I lacked before, such I wanted to lash out in annoyance. most inevitable that our two di erent cul- er and have limitless range on the basket- as writing, and learn the intricacies of my house play in between us.” always talk.” part of the family.” Wasn’t this the guy who always mocked my tures will clash, but I have learned to take ball court. But I never tried to achieve any new favorite sport, golf, to prove that being your life? dad’s accent at home? When “downtown” pride in the Taiwanese culture that my fam- of these lo y goals, because I  gured that a minority can’t hold me back from achiev- sophomore Alex Mah sophomore Eman Ahmad junior Graham Kingston somehow became “dawntawn” or “lizard” ily so  ercely values. ◆ small stature and small eyes made it impos- ing my goals. ◆ THE THE saratogafalcon saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 SPORTS 21

20 November 3, 2017 ferent. careers. Fong leads the league in receiving to the wire as a fumble returned for a touch- GAME Additionally, the Wildcats starting run- yards with 700 yards and  ve touchdowns. down by now sophomore Tyler Ouchida sports ning back, Will Fordyce was ejected in the Turpin is third in receiving yards with 543 put the Falcons up by four points.  en, the continued from pg. 1 saratogafalcon.org/sports Milpitas game, and as of early in the week, yards and has three touchdowns. Wildcats  nal drive was stopped by now GIRLS’ TENNIS player that led the Falcons to a CCS bid last it was unclear whether he will play due to a On defense, senior safety Pranay Bett- linebacker Justin Yagobi at the 1-yard line, year. suspension. adapur is tied for second in the league with sealing the victory. BOYS’ WATER POLO If the Falcons stick to their game plan, two interceptions, more than any single Los  e game went largely unnoticed be- grab an early lead and play good o ense and 3. Come to support your seniors in their Gatos player, in addition to a whopping 43 cause it was played at Helm Field and the 10-7 (W) @ Milpitas defense to hold onto it, they can come away nal home game. tackles. Turpin and senior linebacker Alec varsity lost that same day, but it still shows Falcons aim for NorCals 14-13 (W) @ Santa Clara with their  rst victory of the year.  e varsity team has 28 players, 16 of Lindeman have also racked up 61 and 50 that a victory is in the realm of possibility. whom are seniors.  e seniors have played tackles respectively. Senior lineman Jake BY ElizabethLee 12-13 (L) @ Fremont 2. Los Gatos is having a down year. their hearts out and fought through 38 Beine is tied for fourth in the league with 5. Make sure your team has a true home- Los Gatos has struggled to beat strong games, and this is their  nal home game. 5.5 sacks. eld advantage, and you’ll get to rush the With a season record of 9-3, the girls’ 20-2 (L) @ Mountain View teams this year.  ey went 1-3 in the pre- Senior captain and quarterback Niko With this being the last home game of eld if the Falcons win. tennis team  nished o second in the De 9-10 (L) @ Santa Clara season, losing to Menlo-Atherton and Co- Rositano, who has taken over the team this their high school football careers, make sure  e last time the Falcons beat the Wild- Anza League and quali ed for CCS, which rona del Mar.  eir struggles have contin- year, has proven that he can make a large va- to come support your seniors, as their high cats in 2010 at home, players, cheerleaders will take place on the week of Nov. 6. 1-16 (L) Wilcox ued into the regular season, and they are riety of plays. He leads the De Anza League school football journeys come to an end. and fans all celebrated the hard-fought win. e girls played Lynbrook on Oct. 26, 4-13 (L) @ Fremont only 1-2 against opponents that the Falcons with 2,092 passing yards and 18 total touch-  e fans’ constant enthusiasm and support  nishing their league season with a victory have faced.  e Wildcats are also coming o downs on the season. 4. JV won last year at LG, and players from helped the Falcons come up on top. against the Vikings with a match score of a 45-7 blowout loss against the undefeated Senior receivers Harrison Fong and Wil- that team play on varsity this year. If the Falcons manage to pull o the up- 4-3. ough the boys did not qualify for Milpitas Trojans.  e Falcons’ 62-7 loss ear- liam Turpin have also shown their playmak- Last year, JV shocked the league by beat- set tonight, you’ll get a front row seat to a “Since it was the last league match of CCS, they were able to come together lier in the year to Milpitas wasn’t all that dif- ing ability throughout the season and their ing Los Gatos 41-37.  e game came down glorious moment in Saratoga’s history. ◆ our season, we all played well and worked as a team and pull o surprising wins together to make the most out of our last during league. e team succeeded in GRAPHIC BY LILLIAN ZENG one,” No. 2 doubles player sophomore Viv- defeating higher seeded Santa Clara ian Lin said. “Our singles and doubles put with a last second lob shot, placing up a tough  ght through all their matches them 5th in leagues. and we are excited to play at CCS.” “Everything just began to click,” Because of poor air conditions on Oct. 12 junior attacker Andrew Gao said. “We due to the  res in the North Bay, the girls’ Courtesy of NOW & FOREVER STUDIOS just had this explosive energy in all of VS match against Los Gatos was postponed to Senior Stephanie Ren readies her racket during warmups earlier this season. our league games, and that let us do Oct. 25. what we thought was impossible.” In the match, the girls took home a 7-0 them the  rst time and since this match de- no injuries, the girls were able to maintain victory against the Wildcats, a team they termined whether we were going to be seed- their strongest lineup for the matches. lost to 4-3 earlier in the season. e Wild- ed in CCS,” No. 1 doubles player freshman “Overall, the team has been working cats were without several top players, a sig- Alyssa Pinai said. “Each of us played our really well together and we are growing GIRLS’ WATER POLO REPORTERS DEFEND THE SUPERIORITY OF THEIR FAVORITE SPORTS BRANDS ni cant factor in the lopsided result, but the toughest game to beat our biggest rivals.” closer together not only through tennis, but 10-4 (L) @ Palo Alto Falcons took pride in it nonetheless. On Oct. 24, the Falcons beat Palo Alto through team bonding as well,” Lin said. further examination, Adidas’s overpriced most comfortable cushioning system on “Going into the match, we were all re- High 6-1. e girls took home wins against “We are looking forward to  nish o the 14-3 (L) Los Altos shoes seem even more ridiculous. Phar- the market. ally excited and determined to take home season placing high in CCS and hopefully Cupertino on Oct. 19 5-2 and beat Home- 12-1 (L) @ Los Gatos e-sze rell Williams’ “Human Race Family and A couple of years ago, I purchased the win, especially because we lost against stead on Oct. 17 5-2. Because the team had even qualifying for NorCals.” ◆ Friends” sneaker is mostly sought a er by holy Derrick Rose’s sixth signature shoe, 13-6 (L) @ Mountain View lavish spenders, reselling at a whopping a mostly gray model and full-length money $9,000. cao “Boost” on the bottom. I was skeptical  e dark purple shoes are widely un- about the seemingly exaggerated e ects GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL e girls had a rough season  nish- Kevin Sze Leo Cao ing last in the upper league, but that known to the average consumer and look of “Boost.” However, a er playing bas- hasn’t stopped them from improving. extraordinarily out of place in a standard ketball in the shoes a couple of times, the “No matter how many losses we Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin out t.  e Germans are sports stars.  ey’re di erence in terms of support and stabil- had, we continued playing hard un- Durant, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and As important as shoes are, a company’s the reigning World Cup champions in ity was apparent. Team readies for post-season til the last game,” senior Aileen Zhang Cristiano Ronaldo. Four di erent sports, 10 shirts o er consumers an opportunity to soccer, they dominated the 2016 Rio I found the $150 shoe from Adi- said. NBA championships, 79 PGA Tour wins, speak without saying a single word, un- Olympics and, recently, they have been das much more comfortable than the BY MichaelLee outside Katie Hulme dug out 23. three sets 25-17. 33 majors and 4 FIFA Ballon d’Or victories knowingly forming connections with peo- outperforming the competition in the previous Nike shoes I had worn. In the & KellyLiu “I think Los Gatos put up a really good During an away game at Lynbrook on split between the six. ple we see walking down the street. sportswear industry as well. “Boost,” I did not feel any pain in my  ght, but we were ready to take it to them Oct. 17, the Falcons lost 3-2. e  rst game So what do all these champions have in Nike boasts a large variety of team-in- Adidas, headquartered in Germany, joints a er long periods of play.  e shoe e frustration of a losing league season and beat them on their own senior night,” ended in a 25-20 loss, but the girls bounced CROSS COUNTRY common? spired products including San Francisco may have fallen behind Nike throughout was also much more durable than my faded away for one night on Oct. 24 when Carter said. back, taking the second set 26-24 with Cart-  ey are sponsored by Nike. Whether 49ers gear. When I wore my Niners T-shirt most of the past decade, but Adidas has old Nikes, whereas my previous Nikes the Falcons defeated their biggest rival, Los On Oct. 23, the Falcons played Palo Alto er and Gousseva leading the team. Lynbrook Invitational (Oct. 26) it’s posting on social media about giveaways at the Westgate Mall, a stranger walked up experienced a powerful resurgence in all experienced signi cant wear-and-tear or handing out free merchandise in per- to me, gave me a high- ve and we started the past couple of years due to releases in months. Pleased with the purchase, I Gatos High, 3-1 during an away game on High at home on their senior night, cele- e Falcons’ defense broke down in the Girls — (7th of 9) the Wildcats’ senior night. is ended their brating their  ve seniors as they played their third set, which ultimately led to a 25-20 son, these stars elevate the Nike brand to talking about the new Niners roster and of timeless classics, collaborations with invested in a pair of “Crazy Explosive” season with a huge win and a 2-10 last volleyball game. defeat. Boys — (4th of 8) unequaled status. Besides this, Nike’s top- management team. designers and impressive new technolo- shoes, “Ultra Boost” running shoes and record. e ceremony consisted of a In the fourth set, Hulme dominated with  ight designers also have much to do with Another shirt that I wear on a regular gies implemented on their clothing and a number of the Adidas’s shirts and pants Even more signi cant, they dance and speeches by the rest of not only her quick hits, but also her consis- Baylands Park (Oct. 17) the company’s success.  e simple clean basis is the USA Men’s Basketball Team T- shoes. the following year. Again, I was delighted lines and wearable colors and patterns per- shirt, priced at only $11 during the 2016  e top-selling shoe on the market in with the quality. will be competing in Division III the team, honoring seniors middle tent passing, resulting in a 25-23 win. Girls — (10th of 13) CCS on tomorrow night at 7 p.m. hitter Belle Strawn, opposite hitter Despite Hulme’s dominance and 18 kills fectly balance with stylistic touches. Olympics. It combines a black and white ea- 2016, according to SneakerNews.com, Based on these experiences, I am now against Prospect High, despite  n- Paige Hansen, co-captain setter Da- in the match, they fell short in the   h set Boys — (5th of 13) In addition, Nike’s a ordable prices gle seamlessly with the all-black shirt itself, doesn’t have revolutionary technology. a believer in Adidas. ishing in last place in the De Anza sha Gousseva, Fan and Carter. e 15-8. make the brand much more enticing than making it clean but not outlandish. It doesn’t have collaborations with Adidas’s sneaker business isn’t the League. night ended with a 3-0 loss to the An away game on Oct. 10 at Monta Vista Adidas’ ridiculous costs. Adi- In the 2016-2017, Adidas made all the Lebron James, Drake or Cris- only area of the company on the rise. It “I think that the team needs to work “I think our high energy and Vikings. resulted in a 3-0 loss. e girls lost the  rst das’ popular UltraBOOST shoe NBA team uniforms and merchandise. tiano Ronaldo. has also been dominating in terms on communication and actually make spirits will carry us through CCS “ e underclassmen put on the set 25-15, but continued to  ght on in the is priced at $180, while But starting this sea- But what keeps the of clothing — many use of what we learn during practice,” and we will do really well,” co- Carter best senior night ever for us,” Cart- second in third set. Inconsistent serve-re- Nike’s popular Free Run son, Nike has taken brand relevant is the students on cam- sophomore star Cole Tippetts said. captain senior outside Riley Carter er said. “It was really heart-felt and ceive passing led the Falcons to lose 25-20 Flyknit goes for $120. this role too. Adidas Superstar. Re- pus own Adidas’s “By group running, we can improve said. “I think we are  nally clicking was one of the best nights of my and 25-21. Nike’s simplicity but  e new NBA jer- tailing at $80, the signature black track our team ranking for sure.” on all levels and our energy is the highest it’s life.” “Every game was extremely close and we  air combined with seys and designs have re- shoe sells for a rea- pants with three stripes ever been.” On Oct. 19, the Falcons lost 3-0 to played well as team,” junior defensive spe- its wide range of ath- ceived positive reviews in looks, sonable price tag, along the side. cialist Michelle Vu said. “Moving forward I letic gear for various and although they have ripped a which is one of the  e classic performance During the game on Oct. 24, senior li- Homestead at home. Courtesy of DANIEL BESSONOV bero Hannah Fan carried the defense with Although the girls fought their hardest think we have to continue to improve our sports such as basket- Courtesy of DANIEL BESSONOVfew times, Nike should be cut some slack factors that propelled the pants, which were  rst intro- 24 digs, while Carter had 15 digs and junior and played aggressively, they fell short in all defense.” ◆ GIRLS’ GOLF ball and golf allows people of all ages, due to their inexperience in jerseys. Superstar past Nike’s most duced in the ‘60s, has ridden the athletic genders and interests to sport the swoosh. I Adidas simply cannot compete with popular but expensive sneakers, such as leisure wave perfectly. On menswear run- 201-229 (W) @ Palo Alto own countless Nike T-shirts, from speci c Nike on a marketing basis either. Adidas’s the “VaporMax,” which retails for rough- ways all over the world today are styles athletes’ gear to simple shirts with just the marketing is subpar, with attempts to sell ly $190 at most outlets. Adidas’s iconic inspired by these pants, like Kanye’s 224-343 (L) @ Los Altos iconic swoosh on it. signature products from Damian Lillard shell toe is an essential part of streetwear “Calabasas” version, which is essentially From kindergarten on, I have always and Andrew Wiggins, relatively unknown that  rst released in 1969, emphasizing a higher quality version of the same track 186-188 (L) @ Lynbrook Teachers fi nd balance through exercise had a pair of Nike shoes. Every pair of bas- basketball players who have yet to win a the longevity of the brand’s design com- pants. 221-221 (T) Gunn ketball shorts I have worn are also made single championship. Already, Nike trumps pared to Nike. Regarding the U.S. athletic Adidas is garnering a lot of attention BY DanielBessonov gram and do the daily workout that is fea- with Ellis because “Mr. Ellis is such a great from the brand. Adidas in its a ordability, style and quality. footwear market this summer, Adidas’s from the hip-hop crowd by working with & JeffreyXu tured on their website.” motivator.” 216-232 (L) Monta Vista(Cupertino) All great out ts start from the ground Even the meanings behind the names of the sneaker sales rose 74 percent while Nike Kanye West, and others. Kanye’s patented “Yeezy Boost,” are easily the hottest com- According to Orre, the daily workout Abe said that he and Ellis mainly do 215-215 (T) @ Los Gatos up, and Nike’s signature all-white Air Force companies suggest Adidas’ inferiority to dipped a couple of percentage points. Ask almost any high school student to is basically a combination of weightli ing, CrossFit workouts designed by Ellis that he 1 Lows, priced at $90, are the perfect begin- Nike. Nike is named a er the Greek goddess Although Nike is still the wealthier modities on the sneakers market. Even describe a teacher’s life outside the class- gymnastics and classic cardio exercises that described as “tough.” 215-216 (W) @ Gunn ning to endless possibilities. Nike, who symbolizes victory. company, Adidas’s market share sur- with the expensive price tag of $220, they  e Air Force 1 was an instant hit a er On the other hand, Adidas’ name is in- passed Jordan Brand. Decades before sell out within minutes anytime a new room and most will picture someone sitting range from 7 to 45 minutes. “I exercise because it makes me feel good 200-231 (W) @ Palo Alto behind a desk grading papers. is, how- is includes li s like deadli s and con- and more energized,” Abe said. “When I its release in 1982. spired by a man named Adolf Dassler. If you Nike rolled out its  rst sneakers, Adidas colorway drops and then resell for up to ever, is not the case for many teachers at the ditioning work such as rowing or running. skip a day, I tend to feel like a slug.” In later years, pop culture king and fash- have never heard of Dassler, it’s no surprise. was already writing sports history.  e 10 times the original price. school, who o en have much more to show Orre said this exercise allows him “to cope Both teachers said that exercise is what Girls’ golf currently holds a 4-3- ion icon A$AP Ferg elevated the shoes to Dassler is no athlete of any kind — he is German brand of the Dassler brothers Not only is Adidas a formidable pres- for their a er-school agendas than stacks of with stress and more generally have a better helps them balance out their already stress- 2 record. Players attribute this to the even higher heights a er wearing them to simply the founder of Adidas. dates back to 1949, 15 years before Nike ence in the hip-hop sphere, but its reach graded tests and assignments. outlook on life.” ful work schedules with their outside-of- team’s hard work and dedication. in multiple concerts and red carpet events, In fact, the meaning behind Adidas was was founded. It’s not the oldest sports in high fashion is being ampli ed with In fact, the school has at least a dozen Kirk Abe is part of a group of teachers school lives, allowing them to create less “We’ve been working hard at every cementing their place among some of the so inferior to the meaning of Nike that Adi- brand out there, but no other sports ap- the help of designers Raf Simons, Rick teachers who participate in highly active who play basketball at lunch on Fridays. e stress throughout their days to ultimately practice and we’ve helped each other most iconic shoes of all time. das fans pretended the company’s name was parel brand has been producing quality Owens and Alexander Wang, in sharp  tness activities, ranging from lunch-time group of regulars includes special education take the edge o of what o en seems like a throughout the day,” senior Sarah Lo  e obsession with the Air Force 1 is for an acronym for “All Day I Dream About sportswear for athletes for so much time. contrast to Nike’s less successful e orts basketball to marathon running to skiing teachers Brian Elliott and Danny Wallace, never-ending cycle of lecturing and grading. said. “We’ve also done many drills to- good reason.  e comfortable  t matched Sports.” Recently, “Boost,” a cushioning system with Kim Jones and Olivier Rousteing. and sur ng to intense CrossFit training. history teacher Mike Davey, journalism “Exercising gives me balance in my life,” gether and it’s clearly paying o . It’s with the timeless look has been the prize of Try as Adidas might, Nike’s fresh look that was meant to aid high-performance Without a doubt, both Adidas and Biology teacher Kristofer Orre is one teacher Mike Tyler, P.E. and history teacher Orre said. “It’s the one time during my day nice that we have two new players this athletes, sneakerheads and fashion moguls will undoubtedly stand up to the test of runners, has come to de ne an era of Nike are popular, but by sticking to its such example. Rick Ellis, English teachers Erick Rector and when I can focus on myself and try to get year because we lost four of our se- alike. time.  e Nike swoosh is more than just a Adidas shoes. Given that “Boost” is part athletic roots, engaging with today’s so- “Although I am relatively busy during Jason Friend and principal Paul Robinson. better. It allows me to forget about my other niors. e two new players have  lled Adidas, Nike’s closest competitor, simply logo: It symbolizes hard-earned success, of almost every one of Adidas’s most pop- ciety and culture and combining per- the day, I workout during my sixth-period According to Abe, he also works out two commitments and activities to relax and get the gap beautifully.” does not live up to the same a ordability, victory and, most importantly, a brand that ular shoes, it is clear that it has become formance with style, Adidas now reigns ◆ ◆ prep,” Orre said. “I follow the ‘CrossFit’ pro- to three times a week in the weight room ready for the upcoming day.” ◆ hype and quality that Nike boasts. Upon inspires young athletes. what many athletes consider to be the supreme. THE THE 22 SPORTS November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon saratogafalcon November 3, 2017 SPORTS 23 Senior pits skills vs. world’s best overseas

BY JeffreyXu of the top four boys and four girls from the Junior International Trials (JIT), which was Senior athletes recruited to Division I colleges Senior Stephen Ding is the school’s best held in Seattle last spring. badminton player. Recently, he had the At the BWF Junior Championships, the U.S. team matched up against India, Swe- GRAPHIC BY KAREN CHOW chance to match his skills against some of the best youth players in the world. den, Hungary and Australia in a round-rob- Ding was invited to represent the U.S. in style tournament. World Junior Team in the Badminton World Each match consisted of  ve di erent Federation (BWF) Junior Championships, events: boys singles, boys doubles, girls Dasee Chloe held in Indonesia from Oct. 9 to Oct. 14. singles, girls doubles and mixed doubles. : : Ding le for Indonesia on Oct. 6 though, in In order for a national team to beat another order to prepare for the tournament. country, it had to win at least three out of Carter McGhee Even with the tough competition, such the  ve events.

BY ChelseaLeung previous coach, Byron Nepomuceno, Carter BY JuliaMiller a key part of the varsity soccer team’s two as China’s team, which ranked  rst, and Not every player on the World Junior was a 2016 Stockton Championship winner recent CCS tournament appearances, once Japan’s, which ranked second, according to Team was guaranteed a spot in one of the When student athletes become injured, and a Stockton Excellence semi- nalist, .  e stress most seniors are feeling about during her freshman year and again at the Tournamentso ware.com, the U.S. team events. According to Ding, the U.S. national they usually sit out practices to recover. But Carter is ranked 163 out of around 5,000 po- college applications is something senior semi nals her sophomore year. Addition- still came close to being in the top 16 teams coach ultimately decided which players a er senior tennis player Dasee Carter in- tential recruits nationwide on the Chloe McGhee has not been able to relate ally, McGhee has played on the club soccer and advancing to the elimination round. would be benched and which players would jured her right wrist last October, instead of college recruiting rankings. to: She has known her future since the be- team, the California  orns, throughout  e team barely missed 17th, losing a compete in more than one event, based on sitting out, she learned to play le -handed. Her success has not always ginning of the semester. high school.  e  orns are nationally critical game that Ding said should have their practice performance and teamwork. “Dasee is an all-in kinda gal,” said Tim been a smooth ride. Carter sustained McGhee has received a scholar- ranked and became Elite Club National been theirs, if one of his teammates had not  e lineup decision was also based on Courtesy of C.F. DING Sunderland, coach of the Bay Club Courtside many injuries, her biggest being to ship to play Division 1 soccer on the League (ECNL) Champions last May. gotten injured in the middle of it. player input about what event they felt they Senior Stephen Ding lunges for a defensive shot on Oct. 11 during the BWF Tournament. Anteaters, which Carter has played with her wrist last October. A er unsuc- Northwestern University team as an In addition, DePaul University in Ding, who played mixed doubles, went could play best in, which motivated Ding to for the past seven summers. “Still, at only cessful recoveries using casts and outside defender. McGhee said it Chicago, and St. Mary’s in Moraga ex- 2-3 over  ve matches. He said he “underper- speak up for himself. hours of practice. In addition to his three- Despite the results of the tournament, a fraction of her best level of play, Dasee physical therapy, Carter underwent has been her dream to play soccer pressed their interest, but McGhee has formed a bit” on the last game he played, but “As players, we had to tell the coach what hour sessions at Bintang Badminton Acad- Ding still views his experience in Indonesia keeps  ght- ing back.” surgery this April and was able to in high school and college ever her heart set on Northwestern. thought he played pretty well. we were most con dent in, so from that I emy four days a week, Ding attended the in a positive light. Her pas- restart playing. since she played for the Ameri- McGhee’s varsity teammate, junior Although he played doubles, Ding be- learned to be more outspoken and be more two-hour U.S. team practices, where build- “Even though we didn’t advance, I think sion for ten- Although still not completely can Youth Soccer Organization Sasha Pickard, said she cannot think lieves that by practicing singles, he could be  rm with my opinion,” Ding said. ing team coordination was emphasized. we did pretty well as a team,” Ding said. “It nis has now recovered, Carter went with Bay (AYSO) starting at age 6. of anyone who is more deserving of a more versatile member for the team since Ding said he was glad to showcase his In Indonesia, however, the U.S. team was lots of fun taking a break from school propelled her Club Courtside to the U.S. Tennis McGhee has had her eye on the scholarship than McGhee. he would be able to play in any category. hard work and represent his country. trained in normal gyms, where they condi- and competing in the sport I’ve been playing to a college level. Carter recently com- Association national champion- Northwestern since freshman “She has worked so hard and so I’m  e U.S. World Junior Team consisted Before the tournament, Ding put in tioned by running and weightli ing. for eight years.” ◆ mitted to playing on UC Irvine’s Division I ships in Florida this summer; her year, and it would have been her so happy for her to be able to  nally tennis team while majoring in biology. She team came in second. No. 1 school for academics re- achieve her dream,” Pickard said. “She’s plans to go into either sports medicine or “Even though she would lose gardless of soccer. “It al l fell one of the sweetest and most support- psychiatry someday. to signi cantly lesser players than so perfectly together and I know ive people I know and an amazing lead- Carter said that though she had spo- her normal level of play, she would I am going to be so happy fol- er on and o the  eld.” A torn meniscus can’t tear my passion for basketball ken to other coaches from the University battle on and helped her team become lowing through with my deci- As far as her senior year, McGhee still of Chicago, NYU, UCSD and Claremont the second best in the country,” Sun- sion,” McGhee said. rigorously commits herself to her classes a growth-related condition that I was diag-  e most painful part of the surgery was watching my teammates from the sidelines McKenna for the past two years. But since derland said. McGhee was introduced to as she did before her scholarship o er, nosed with that causes a painful bump near the I.V., which took the nurses three tries to and devastated that I couldn’t be in the game Irvine was her top choice as well as a Divi- Currently, she practices 10 to 12 Northwestern when she was at since the amount of class work at Saratoga the front of the knee. Foolishly ignoring the poke a hole in me. A er that, all I remember to help my team. sion I school, Carter said that she felt “so hours a week, and increases to 17 a tournament with her previ- High is nearly the same at Northwestern. i’m a symptoms and not consulting a second doc- is rolling into the operation room and wak-  e standard recovery process should excited and relieved” a er receiving the hours when preparing for tourna- ous team, De Anza Force. She McGhee will savor her senior year, but tor, I unknowingly played through the in- ing up with a pounding headache. have been six weeks, but my meniscus tear o er. Although Carter still has to apply to ments, which occur almost every describes Northwestern as a could not be more eager to go to North- Be-li-ever jury for the entire season. I was scheduled to be on crutches for the was slightly di erent. My doctor had re- Irvine, she does not need to apply to other weekend. “home away from home,” spe- western in the fall. I probably would have continued to play  rst two weeks and a knee brace for the fol- paired it in a way that there was only a small schools. Carter said that in college, she looks for- ci cally pointing out the lakeside campus “Every time I think about how I am com- Patrick Li if not for the overtime game against Santa lowing four.  e estimated recovery time: chance that blood  ow would continue to Carter has played tennis for nine years. ward most to living on her own and traveling and soccer  eld, the university’s close prox- mitted to Northwestern, it amazes me and Clara High, where my knee swelled nearly six to nine months, but it felt like centuries. circulate in the torn region and heal it. If She mostly plays individually and trains pri- with her teammates. imity to downtown Chicago and its strong makes me so excited for what is to come,” At  rst, I didn’t know it was that bad. to the size of a basketball.  e sports trainer,  e  rst few weeks of the recovery were not, I would have to get a second surgery vately with Brian Eagle, co-founder of the “Everyone says that your best friends are psychology program that o ers the chance McGhee said. “I’m so happy that my years Don’t get me wrong, it was de nitely pain- Liz Alves, suspected I had a torn meniscus the hardest. I was forced to keep my knee cutting out part of the meniscus, which Eagle Fustar Tennis Academy. the people on your team,” Carter said. “Being to take part in local research projects. of soccer have  nally paid o to accomplish ful, but nothing much worse than the nor- and advised me to consult an orthopedic brace on at all times and couldn’t move would lead to more problems like arthritis ◆ Under the mentorship of Eagle and her on the team is always going to be fun.” ◆ At Saratoga High, McGhee has been my dream of playing college ball.” mal knee agony a er basketball practice. surgeon. I hoped she was wrong. A torn me- around without crutches. It was also annoy- down the road. It was last year. I was practicing with niscus would mean that I would have to sit ing to take a shower — the slippery  oor Because I could not run for a long time, the varsity basketball team one night dur- out the rest of the season. and the fact that I had to stand on one leg I developed better shooting to compensate ing preseason. During layup lines, I leaped Leading up to this injury, I had never had didn’t make it any easier. for my lack of speed. I still have not played to  nish my shot and landed with a straight any surgeries or serious fractures, so I was I began a vigorous strengthening pro- a full game, but when I do, I hope that I will Kyle Nathan leg, feeling a small tweak in my right knee. nervous as I waited for my MRI results. gram with my therapist. My right quad had be a stronger player.  e next thing I knew, I was on the ground  e moment I heard the news, my heart shrunk a third of its original size, and I had Although I did not wish for this injury, : : holding my leg in pain. dropped.  e report con rmed my worst to do a list of exercises every day. it has taught me perseverance and patience, Abe Peng Two weeks a er the awkward landing, I fear:  e injury was indeed a torn meniscus.  e worst part about the injury was the and it gave a better ability to adapt to ad- went to a sports medicine doctor who told  e next step was surgery. I always had a inability to play basketball for six weeks. versity. me I simply had a “tibia bone bruise.” I fear of it, due to the way it is shown on tele- Before, I would shoot around on my drive- I still have more recovery to do, but I BY PatrickLi BY AlexandraLi freshman year. coaches reached out to him. thought nothing of it, believing that the pain vision. But looking back, I shouldn’t have way every day and play with my friends on can’t wait to go back to crossing up amateurs “He’s so well rounded. He has power, “I had a personal meeting with the was resulting from my “Osgood Schlatter”, been so afraid because it wasn’t very painful. the weekends, but a er, I was con ned to on the court. ◆ Senior Kyle Abe began participating in Berkeley coach, talked over the phone with In July, senior Nathan Peng, who plays  elding, defense, and a strong work ethic,” gymnastics even before he started attend- the University of Minnesota coach and both pitcher and catcher, received a phone Auches said. ing elementary school. Since then, he has talked over email with the University of Il- call from the baseball coach for the UC Da-  e path to Davis began for Peng in put in thousands of hours in the gym. linois coach,” Abe said. vis Division 1 team. sophomore year, when his coach told him All this hard work paid o recently when But a er attending a three-day camp Right away, Peng could tell the tone of he was skilled enough to continue base- he was o ered multiple Division 1 scholar- with other Cal gymnasts this past summer, the call was di erent. He had been invited ball beyond high school and be recruited Trump bashes professional athletes; no one wins ships from top tier gymnastics schools like he decided to select Berkeley as his home to take an o cial visit to tour the school, by a top-tier college. In the summer a er the University of Illinois at Urbana Cham- for the next four years. during which the coach would present him sophomore year, Peng began emailing BY LeoCao who had said he was hesitating to go to the Even worse, Trump has focused on sports Trump is recognized not as a leader, but paign and the University of Minne-  ese sorts of camps with an o er to play for the team. coaches of schools he was interested & KevinSze White House for any kind of ceremony. rather than serious matters such as averting as an arrogant fool who cannot keep his sota. In the end, Abe chose serve as recruitment plat- “ e moment I found out I was get- in, including UC Davis, Santa Clara In a 22-word tweet, Trump rescinded nuclear war with North Korea. mouth shut and his opinions to himself. ◆ to attend the University of forms for potential college- ting o ered was really happy and excit- State, UC San Diego and Washing- Every fall Sunday for the past few years, his invitation to Curry and the rest of the California, Berkeley. level athletes. ing for me and my whole family,” Peng ton State. the NFL has o ered moments of relief from champion Golden State Warriors, saying “I started doing gym-  is Berkley camp in- said. Davis had long been Peng’s the daily political, economical, racial dispar- that they were no longer invited to celebrate nastics because I was a troduced Abe to college- A er touring the school with the dream school. He plans to ities and disagreements that have plagued their achievement in the White House. really energetic kid, and level competition and rules, coach, Peng was o ered to play for the major in mechanical engi- the nation.  e league has acted as a relief  is compelled Lebron James to call my parents didn’t know which are more “compli- team, most likely both as a catcher and neering. According to col- from the issues of the day and has allowed Trump a “bum,”  tting for the man who what do with me so cated” and the judges grade pitcher. Within six hours, he accepted legefactual.com, Davis is viewers to enjoy their free time. doesn’t understand the power he has. they just put me in a “harsher.” and was verbally commit- ted. ranked 38th nationwide  is changed last year.  at’s when peo- For the following weekends, Trump’s of- gymnastics class,” said One reason he chose to Peng, who has been for mechanical engineer- ple noticed then-San Francisco 49ers quar- fensive Twitter account changed the way the Abe, the son of history attend Berkeley was the playing baseball since ing. terback Colin Kaepernick taking a knee NFL was covered. teacher Kirk Abe. strong bond he formed second grade, is on His commitment to during the national anthem to protest a  ag Pre-game shows and even live commen- His training regi- with the team’s coach, J.T. both the school team Davis has made the college that he claimed “oppressed people of color.” taries were  lled with talk about the political ment is intense, to say Okada. and the California Club application process much sim- Kaepernick’s kneeling is the suspected implications of race and protest. the least. Abe practices “ e coach knew team. pler. Although Peng still has to reason the quarterback has yet to be re- Photos of owners linking arms with their three and a half hours what he was doing and Last year for the Falcons, Peng batted write his essays, he only has to signed by any of the teams in the NFL. players, players kneeling or holding a  st up every day except Sundays. we real- ly clicked at the camp,” Abe an amazing .467, had 44 hits, including 12 do so for Davis. He can also apply Recently, the league and the rest of the were all covered as much as the game itself.  roughout his career, Abe has been to said. “When he was coaching me, I really doubles, and walloped three home runs. He with the comfort of being fairly certain of sports world were thrown into further con- A er this back and forth, many NFL so many competitions that he recalls most understood all the tips he gave me.” led the De Anza League in most o ensive his acceptance, which now mostly depends troversial political territory with the in am- players refused to take the  eld during pre- of it as just a “blur.” He estimates it to be It also didn’t hurt that Berkeley’s gym- categories. on him maintaining his grades. matory and unnecessary involvement of game ceremonies. more than 30 gymnastics events. nastics program has propelled multiple On the mound, his top fastball speed av- Peng plans to sign the letter of intent in President Trump. Trump’s disrespect for professional ath- Abe didn’t realize he could go so far in gymnasts to the Olympics and on several erages 87 mph. Peng recognizes that Davis early November, making the entire process Trump’s wild episode started in late Sep- letes and their rights shows once more why gymnastics until last year when he quali- world teams. Abe believes it would be ben- most likely became interested in him for o cial. tember when he encouraged NFL owners he is un t to be the president.  ed for the Junior Elite Program, an ex- e cial for him to be around an environ- his arm strength and batting power, which “I know that with sports in college, I’m to  re any “son of a bitch” player who knelt  ere is no rule stating that NFL players tremely selective training program aimed ment with so many top athletes. teammates have also seen in abundance. going to have much less time to do home- during the national anthem. must stand for the national anthem. at preparing athletes to represent the U.S. “Hopefully, I can place in an event in Senior Chris Auches described seeing work or fun stu because I’ll be training or He followed this up with a series of 22 Athletes are simply exercising their free He eventually captured the attention NCAA,” Abe said. “ e Olympics may be a Peng play sophomore year and being sur- in practice,” Peng said. “But I’m just excited sports-related tweets directed at the NFL as speech rights as U.S. citizens to address a of top-tier colleges, and several of their little far down the line, but maybe.” ◆ prised by the strength he had gained since to play baseball.” ◆ well as other athletes such as Stephen Curry, social injustice. THE 24 BACKPAGE November 3, 2017 saratogafalcon snapshots

FALCON // MUTHU PALANIAPPAN FALCON // MUTHU PALANIAPPAN Spanish teacher Bret Yeilding talks with his class dressed up as a nerd on Halloween.

On Oct. 26, seniors Aayush Gupta (le ) and Shaunak Vaidya (right) try out for the new all-male dance team. As part of a schoolwide Red Ribbon Week campaign, junior class o ce poses in paja- mas to promote anti-drug awareness.

Freshman Megan McMahon plays the xylophone during band practice on Oct. 26. FALCON // MUTHU PALANIAPPAN FALCON // MUTHU PALANIAPPAN buzzworthy e scoop on tasty Japanese treats

BY AustinWang sense “weird.” Although the slightly creepy is one wasn’t bad — it actually tasted strong meaty & AlexYang frog mascot put on the packaging was inter- extremely close to corn potage despite look-  avoring. It esting, it needed more depth in the taste and ing more like a weapon than a snack food. was exactly Curry Lemonade, Roasted Baby Crabs texture department to earn a place as an odd e yellow color made the snack look decep- what you and Candy Squid. ese are only some of Japanese snack. tively salty, yet it was surprising to  nd that would expect the things we saw in a BuzzFeed article It ended up being a C in both taste and it was actually more on the sweet side. In the from a Japa- with what seemed like a never ending list of end, it wasn’t unpleasant at all. is was more nese snack weird-sounding yet curiosity-sparking Japa- like a B for taste and weirdness. creator whose only experience with Ameri- nese snack foods. Our second to last item was a bag of soy- can barbeque was a bag of Lay’s barbecue Filled with questions, we went to the It actually tasted extremely bean, or edamame, shaped and  avored  avored chips. nearby Mitsuwa Japanese Supermarket to close to corn despite looking snacks. Although a bit o the mark of being “bar- look for some of the most unusual looking more like a weapon than a Although containing and interesting becue ribs,” it still tasted really good. is snacks. As a rating system, we decided to looking mascot on the bag, the snacks them- one scored an A for taste, but it was likely a give each snack two A to F scaled grades. snack food. selves le a lot to be desired. ey were C- in weirdness. Simply put, unless they put One for taste and texture, one for the weird- mostly tasteless other than a little hint of a Japanese Chester the Cheetah on the label, ness of the snack. bean  avor. Although the taste was a C, the it ended up being a lot more normal than the e  rst thing we picked up was some- weirdness was around an A-. packaging suggested. thing called “Cabbage Taro”  avored snacks. weirdness. With our wallets close to empty, a display Unfortunately for us, it seems that al- Shaped like little cheese pu s, they ended Next, we picked up “Corn Potage” soup  lled with barbecue rib  avored cheeto-like though many online sites tout Japanese up tasting OK. Nor did they end up being  avored, tube-shaped snacks with images chips caught our eyes;  ve bags only cost snack foods as being both weird and deli- that weird. Sure we couldn’t put our  nger of Doraemon, a Japanese anime character $2.50. cious, it seems like it’s unlikely any time soon on anything that tasted similar, but still the who looks like a robotic cat, plastered on the e chips had a texture like that of Chee- that some chef in a lab perfectly balances the  avor and presentation just weren’t in any wrappers. tos, but they were lighter and crispier with a tastes of cabbage and taro. ◆ Becoming a true maze runner topten WAYS TO SCARE YOUR PARENTS

Do the “Get Out Challenge” at REPORTER TESTS HIS WITS DURING ESCAPE ROOM PUZZLE a police officer: Hold a knife in your hand for an extra challenge.

of horror experience. She laughed and told structions, which were a welcome novelty. Go out and stand on the street me to relax. A er  nding the right bugs, we needed with a sign: See what it’s like to We entered the puzzle with the biohaz- to use images on the other side of the cases be homeless. Greenie ard poster, known as “Pandemic X.” is to know which buttons to press on a near- was a moderately di cult puzzle. by kiosk. Pierce your sibling’s ears: Make Panini During the introductory To make matters worse, one sure to wash your hands  rst. video, the narrating voice told person had to do the whole thing Jackson Green us that a deadly virus infected blind, with a friend guiding Be a newborn baby for Halloween: the majority of the human them. No clothes needed! “ is should be fun.” race, and the key to a cure We were failing miserably, at was my  rst thought as I stood was within a top-secret lab until Eric’s mom decided to Get a tattoo on your forehead: outside of a giant warehouse with a little hidden in the sewers. just press some random but- Preferably an inspirational quote. banner labeled “Omescape”  ying outside. e only thing we got tons at the kiosk. And that My friend Eric had invited me to an was a walkie-talkie to somehow gave us exactly Run away from home: See how Escape Room in San Jose with four of his communicate with the what we needed to pass — long it takes the police to  nd family members, where we were supposed sta . ey told us we got I guess button-mashing you! to solve many puzzles and escape a series one hint per room, and doesn’t only work in  ghting Start an American doll of rooms. there were around  ve games. collection: $100 per doll is I had heard all about these types of ex- rooms, each with its own At the end of the allotted chump change for them! periences and was pretty excited. puzzle. GRAPHIC BY FRANCESCA CHU hour, an employee had to My pre-puzzle pep talk was something Half of us didn’t hear the come in and spoon-feed us the Purchase a pregnancy test: Even along the lines of, “I’ve played a few puzzle “per room” part, leading to us having an answers so that we could actually exit the if you’re not about that life, it games, so I should be  ne, Right?” argument over whether or not we wanted rooms and  nish the puzzle. never hurts to be careful! Right. to use our one hint. And so, we clocked in 17 minutes over As I walked into the facility, I noticed A whole bunch of incredibly confusing time. Tell them you want to drop out slightly creepy posters advertising each of and di cult puzzles later (let’s just say that I guess that’s why we ended up naming of school to pursue your dreams the di erent challenges. we de nitely used the one hint per room), our team, “Doomed but Determined.” of become a rapper: Rapping is One had a biohazard symbol, and an- we were faced with an incredibly di cult To all survivors of the deadly virus that easy. we failed to cure in the allotted one hour, I other had a rather creepy clown on it that puzzle. Get a C in driver’s ed: Your grade appeared to look up to the Joker as a role ere were a bunch of plastic boxes sincerely apologize for dooming you to a is just a number. model. with plastic bugs in them, and we needed life of sitting around in sterile disease bun- I asked Eric’s mom if this was any sort to  nd the right ones according to the in- kers and hope the vaccine works soon. ◆ Aaron Choi and Pranav Ahuja