September 2020

School Events

Mr. Morgan

Vice Principal

Mrs. Rudolph

English 10

Dr. Moore

Musicianship 3

AP Music Theory

All Choirs

Dr. Jarocki

AP Lang & Composition

Speech & Debate

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW UHS STAFF!

Ryan Titapiwatanakun, 2023

Q: What’s something fun you were able to do during summer break?

"Since I was not able to spend time at Disneyland, I found the music that is played throughout the park in various forms online and created a 4 hour playlist of attraction sounds and music to at least give me the feeling that I was visiting the "Happiest Place on Earth." A drive through town while playing "McQueen and Sally" transports you to Cars Land and churros in an instant!" -- Mr. Morgan

"I hiked the Lewis Creek Trail near Oakhurst and loved it. The waterfalls were beautiful, and it gave me a sense of serenity during the pandemic." -- Mrs. Rudolph

"Moving across the country during a pandemic was fun but challenging! It took most of the summer to manage. The fun part was about cleaning out and getting rid of old useless things and stumbling across wonderful notes and momentos from the past! The challenging part came with getting my car and all my stuff across the US. I only broke one plate and one cup. Everything else was intact!" -- Dr. Moore

"I moved from Visalia to Fresno. I can't say that the process was fun, but my family is so happy to be in Fresno and at UHS, so it was all worth it."-- Dr. Jarocki

Q: What’s one interesting fact that you would like UHS students to know about you?

"As strange as it may be, I am a small-time YouTube celebrity with a channel that has about 15,000 views a day. Granted, the videos are all math related and not super exciting, but to think that each day there are kids literally all over the world that hear my voice teaching them math is quite astounding." -- Mr. Morgan

"I used to ride dirt bikes until I was 27 and loved every minute of it. I stopped riding because I became a mom and my priorities changed, but I still love motorcycles and ride whenever I get the opportunity." -- Mrs. Ruldoph

"I spent the last 2 years co-writing a book! It was a lot of work but I feel proud of myself every time I look at my bookshelf and see my name on the cover!" -- Dr. Moore

"When I was in the Navy, I was part of the Defense Intelligence Agency (like the CIA, but for the military). I didn't do anything spectacular or James Bond-ish, but it still sounds cool." -- Dr. Jarocki

Q: Is there any advice you have to help keep students motivated during online classes?

"Learning online is challenging for both students and teachers, but it is great preparation for life after school. There are no guarantees in life and the rules of the game are always changing. To be successful you learn to set goals for yourself that extend beyond the present moment and make the adjustments needed to move toward them regardless of the barriers and challenges you face. To stay motivated, remind yourself of what you are working to achieve. At the same time, you may also discover that what you once thought was important and essential doesn't hold as much weight in your life any longer. So use this time as an opportunity to ask yourself "who am I and who am I becoming" so that as you press forward through adversity you become the person you are designed to be." -- Mr. Morgan

"I would recommend students set weekly goals for themselves to stay motivated during this time. At the end of the week, check to see if the goals were met and then continue to build on them. I would also encourage students to stay connected with their classmates and peers through study groups and fun Zoom activities. An example could be a Zoom movie night, where everyone brings popcorn and snacks and watches a movie together. They could then stay after the show and discuss it, just like they would as if they were walking out of the theatre at Sierra Vista or Edwards." -- Mrs. Ruldolph

"Online learning is tough and to be honest, it is a bit of a drag for everyone, teachers included. It is hard to stay physically and mentally healthy at this time. I think we all need to take mini-vacations every day to do something that makes us happy. Maybe that is 10 minutes playing a game, taking a nap, walking the dog, talking to a friend, looking at something beautiful outside. It could be so many things! I think students should pair the work they don't like with a reward they'll look forward to! Be careful though, it is easy to reach for unhealthy ways to reward yourself. Your body craves movement and nutritious, voluminous foods. Figure out what movement you like: dancing, swimming, walking, weight lifting, etc. Figure out what foods your body likes and doubly reward yourself by exercising and eating well. You'll get energy from doing these things and that in and of itself is another reward!" -- Dr. Moore

"Remember that this shall all pass, and you'll have great stories to tell your kids someday, especially when they complain about school." -- Dr. Jarocki

Q: So far, what is your favorite thing about UHS?

"I enjoy the silence of the campus....no, that's not true! I am looking forward to being with students once again and getting to know everyone! What I like is that we have a diverse group of students united by a passion for music and academics. We are a strong community of learners who are accepting and understanding of one another because of the many shared experiences we have on the UHS campus." -- Mr. Morgan

"My favorite things about UHS are the students and staff. Everyone on campus and Zoom has been very welcoming and encouraging." -- Mrs. Ruldolph

"The students. Hands down. The rest of the UHS staff would probably answer the same way. UHS students are thoughtful, smart, talented, and funny! I can't wait for us to all be in person at school!" -- Dr. Moore

"It's a tie between my students and my colleagues--both are of exceptional caliber, and I'm really glad to be a part of this school." -- Dr. Jarocki

ONLINE SCHOOL CHECK-IN: RETURNING TEACHER EDITION!

Praise Okoli 2022

Online school has been a big shift for most of us. The idea of starting freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year from your bedroom is something that no one saw coming. But despite all of the challenges, the UHS Staff and students have managed to pull through more than a month of online learning. Our teachers have managed to do what seemed impossible and gave us a little sense of normal with each of their classes. I asked a few teachers some questions about the experience along the way. Here is what they said.

The overall experience for most has been challenging. When I asked Mrs. Hayden how online teaching has been so far, she responded that she “misses seeing everyone face to face.” She appreciates the online platform because in person, “we wouldn’t be able to do group work” without a ton of complications. For online, there has been lots of “planning, modifying, and being flexible.” But like most teachers, it has made her a better teacher because she “had to find creative ways of getting to know the students while still trying to teach something.”

I asked a few teachers about the difficulty of online teaching, and what they miss about being in person. Mrs. Downer said that she “misses the interaction with students:hearing them talk to one another as they walk in the door and settle into their groups; checking in with students when I pass back papers; reading their faces when I'm introducing tough concepts like perfect, passive, participles…”. She is used to reading facial expressions and body language to be able “to see who is getting it and who is struggling… distance learning inhibits both of these things.” The hardest part for Mr. Hagen is the “lack of interaction and personal connection.” He wishes that students would “unmute themselves more and say something, even [if] it’s a silly comment that is unrelated because that is life and gives personality to a class.” He understands that there are “tons of other challenges and things that take longer”, but he believes that “they will always be behind the personal relationships and conversations missed.”

But there are some benefits to online learning as well. I asked Mrs. Hill what the best part about online learning is for her. She said “The best part of online teaching so far is realizing how much technology I DO know how to use! I'm techier than I've ever given myself credit for!”. Mrs. Dowis agrees. In addition to that, she says that the most positive outcome from online learning is that she will “have a record of the entire semester for the future.” When asked how he copes with the challenges of online learning, Mr. Canfield said “Regarding excessive screen time, I make a point to as often as possible walk around between classes and during lunch, to walk around the school.” Regarding limited interactions with students, he says that he “treasures [his] limited interactions via zoom, and can only hope that this policy of distance learning will end ASAP.”

Lastly, I asked Mrs. Bird for general information that the teachers want the students to know about online learning. She responded that “Teachers really want students to communicate with them frequently. Especially if students drop out of zoom, can't have their camera on or if something else is going on preventing them from being on zoom or getting in their assignments. Students also need to know where to find things for each of their classes whether it be google classroom, canvas or other online platforms.” For advice on how to keep up with school work she said “Staying organized and managing time in this online environment will be the key to student success. Additionally, taking breaks and doing a physical/mental stretch between each zoom class.”

To conclude, there are many obstacles that teachers are facing with online learning. Between missing student interactions and having to learn a bunch of technology, online classes are a whole new challenge for them. There are benefits, such as learning more about technology that they could incorporate into in-person classes and learning new ways of self care. There is a lot more responsibility on the students, so make sure you ask for help when necessary. Also, if you ever just want to say hi or have a conversation with a teacher, do not hesitate. Many teachers miss interacting with students so even a “Hi!” or a “How are you?” is greatly appreciated by the teachers and staff. Mrs. Bird has a zoom call open if you ever want to talk to the counselors (check for the link in your email) and your teachers are always available by email. Let’s make the best out of online learning, and together be UHS!

STAYING ORGANIZED FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

Celine Irasusta 2021

As UHS kicks off the school semester with virtual classes, some may experience difficulty in more ways than one, from losing track of important due dates to feeling burned out from distance learning. For those who find themselves struggling because of this odd learning environment, here are a few tips and tricks that may help you adjust:

Plan out a daily schedule, setting time limits for each task. This first part is pretty obvious, especially because most of us utilize our planners or certain apps to keep track of assignments and test dates. However, each person uses these items differently, and I bet the majority of us simply write in due dates and what not. Something I’ve gotten into the habit of is writing dates in my planner, and, on a whiteboard, creating a breakdown or checklist on how I plan to complete an assignment, project, or something of importance (assuming I didn’t procrastinate :D). This is a method that has helped me set goals for myself and has lessened my stress, even if just slightly. It is also crucial to establish a time limit for each assignment or task you give yourself each day to avoid excessive screen time. This may encourage you to work efficiently and manage your tasks in a timely manner.
Spend your 10-minute breaks or free periods away from the screen. Get up and walk around the house for a bit, take a nap, or maybe grab something to eat or drink! It’s easy to neglect these little things that keep us active and on our feet. Because of our current situation, we’re often seated in our chairs, staring at our computer screens for hours on end. Give yourself a tech-free break when you get the chance; little bursts of relaxation can go a long way!
Keep in contact with peers (virtually, of course). Some students have set up class Discord servers or group chats for multi-purpose communication with one another (socializing, asking questions about homework, etc.). Sure, it’s not the same as when we’re together, but at least it gives us a chance to converse with people other than our family members.

With that, let's do our best to stay sane as we endure the challenges of online learning!

Current Events

THE LEGACY OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG

Mohammad Al-Saber 2023

Americans mourned the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg recently, as she passed away on the night of Friday, September 18, 2020 at the age of 87 with her loved ones close by in Washington, D.C.. Unfortunately and sadly, her death causes turmoil in the political atmosphere due to her being an advocate for divisive social issues, including, but not limited to, gender equality, same sex marriage, reproductive rights, immigration, and so forth.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933, and endured a tenuring home life. She was the second daughter of her parents, Ceila and Nathan Bader, and she came from a low-income, working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn. As her mother always instilled the value of education, as she earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1954 and attended Harvard after her husband, Martin D. Ginsburg, returned from being drafted in the military, perfectly capturing her work ethic. There, she graduated with seven other women in a class of 500. She kept trekking in academic diligence, despite the fact that she continually faced gender discrimination in the workplace and other challenges in her personal life. Her husband contracted testicular cancer in 1956, which caused Martin to not participate as actively in his studies. Ruth stepped in and aided him with his classes, along with taking classes of her own at Columbia Law School in the late 1950s and raising their only daughter at the time. She graduated from Columbia Law School in 1959, but repeatedly encountered gender discrimination while searching for the jobs in the early 1960s. She eventually did, and became a professor at Rutgers University Law School and at Columbia throughout the 1960s and 70s. Her political career began in 1980, when President Carter designated her to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and served there for 13 years. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was then appointed to the highest court in the American legal system in the summer of 1993 by the president at the time, Bill Clinton, and was the second woman in United States history to be bestowed this honor upon.

She has continually been a progressive member of the court, as she has taken place in various Supreme Court cases, such as United States versus Virginia in 1996 (an issue of women’s rights and university admission policies), Olmstead versus L.C. in 1999 (a court case over the rights of disabled citizens), Ledbetter versus Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 2007 (Ginsburg resented this, as it ended making it more difficult for employees to sue their employers over allegations of wage discrimination), Obergefell versus Hodges in 2015 (one of the more infamous cases, as this allowed for LGBTQ+ Americans to get married), and Whole Woman’s Health versus Hellerstedt in 2016 (struck down the H.B.2. law in Texas that imposed a number of regulations on abortion clinics). Nevertheless, these cases are not the only battle that she fought for, as she went through numerous, excruciating health illnesses. In her later years of life, she endured colon cancer in 1999, multiple falls that broke several ribs, and pancreatic cancer from 2009 to the current day, among other ailments. Pancreatic cancer was the cause of her death, reports state.

What does this exactly mean for the current political world? With the elections a mere seven week away, this possibly can mean a sway to the conservative political party. Currently, there are five conservative jurists and three liberal justices until a replacement is confirmed. President Donald J. Trump insists to replace Ginsburg’s position on the Supreme Court, but a declaration made by her granddaughter from Ginsburg herself on her deathbed says otherwise, which reads, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” As the same occurrence happened over four years ago with another late justice, Senate Republicans did not allow for then President Barack Obama to restore the ninth spot. Obama writes, “But there is no doubt, let me be clear that the voters should pick the president and the president should pick the justice for the Senate to consider. Four and a half years ago, when Republicans refused to hold a hearing or an up-or-down vote on Merrick Garland, they invented the principle that the Senate shouldn’t fill an open seat on the Supreme Court before a new president was sworn in. A basic principle of the law -- and everyday fairness - is that we apply rules with consistency, and not based on what’s convenient or advantageous in the moment.” Citizens all across the divided United States say that the president should hold off on doing so because Obama did so; however, reports state the process of the nomination has already begun. This vacancy on the court gives President Trump the opportunity to further solidify the conservative majority on the court and fill the seat of such an influential woman. In other words, the Supreme Court will follow through with Trump’s current orders for the next several decades, something that most, if not all, Democrats wish not to do. Nonetheless, this raises an interesting question of how the elections will run this year, as a full nine justices on the Supreme Court is needed to make a final decision on presidential elections. Many people can attest that this election will be as divided as it can possibly get, much like the Bush versus Al Gore case in 2000, where the president was not actually announced on election day; this is accounted to the divide over in-person voting versus mail-in ballots due to the imminent risk of COVID-19. While us citizens realize that either party will be angry with whatever outcome comes out of these elections, what could further top it off is the fact that the decision will be made after Election Day. While this impactful decision will not only ulteriorly dictate this year’s elections, speculations are going around saying that rights of innumerable minorities are at risk. Since Ginsburg was so unconventional in her liberal views, what is known as aspects that make up a left-leaning individual, essentially it being equality, could be reversed in the coming decades, which raises extreme concerns among involved persons. Only time will tell us the answer to that question and the others that are brought up with the eventual passing of such a figure.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s perseverance has inspired and will continue to inspire all sides of the political spectrum, as nothing got in her way of making the world a better place. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy will continue to leave a mark on American politics. Friday, September 18, 2020, will always She has done so much in her career to better social injustices, but sadly, what comes next may reverse hundreds of years of advocacy, both with this icon of a figure and with the progressiveness as the United States of America.

Thank you, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

TRAVIS SCOTT BURGER REVIEW

Sela Pattillo 2021

Hello UHS! It’s been quite a while, and I’m gladly going to give you guys the latest scoop on the just now trendy, "Travis Scott Burger" at McDonald’s. This new special at McDonald’s allows for you to buy the burger alone, or along with the whole Travis Scott meal. This meal includes the burger, which is a quarter-pound burger with two patties, two cheese slices, two bacon strips, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, and onions on the inside. On the side, this meal has a medium french fry, with barbecue sauce on the side, and a medium Sprite. I ordered it all, with no modifications, to give the fullest, no error (like Mrs. Royce told us) review.

Before I get into telling, rating, and getting into the nitty gritty of the order, I want to share my short anecdote with you. Not surprisingly, when I rolled up to the McDonald’s closest to my house, I found a ton of cars in the drive thru. As I got closer to the menu, I saw that this McDonald’s did in fact have the meal listed for purchase! Now that it’s actually time to order, I tell them what I wanted, and you’re not going to believe what I heard! “We’re not selling that combo at the moment.” What? It’s their biggest advertisement ever right now, and they’re not selling it at this franchise? To say the least, I was shocked. Anyway, I went on to another McDonald’s and I found it for y’all.

Now for what you’ve been waiting for this whole time: the review! Note that I’m grading this on a 10 point scale, 10 being the best, of course. I opened up my to-go bag when I got home and found everything that was supposed to be in the bag, except for the barbecue sauce. “No worries,” I thought, “I’m sure the rest of it will be fine.” I open up the burger box and find exactly what comprises the burger, however we’re missing the lettuce. Now, I’m not going to deduct points for the barbecue and the lettuce, because it’s human error and out of my control. To be honest, it’s a really big burger. Compare it to two double cheeseburgers with only two pieces of bread on that mound and some bacon, it’s that huge. Something I was stunned by was the bacon I got in every bite. Also, I want to mention that the Travis Scott burger is a little salty, you definitely need something to drink with it.

And now onto the drink and the fries. I ordered mine with Sprite, just as the meal is advertised with. When I first drank it, you guys it was awful. It has the Sprite flavor, but it tastes like water. Disgusting to say the least. However the fries tasted just like how they usually do without barbecue sauce. To attempt at fixing the “no barbecue issue,” I got some of my own sauce and dipped the fries in it, and I really don’t recommend that either. It’s not that the flavor is too terrible, it just tastes wrong to put the two together.

Lastly to officially rate them out of 10, I’m going to rate each individual and then the meal as a whole. I thought that the burger does have some clout, it’s definitely bringing money into McDonald’s by doing this partnership with Travis. I think for what it is, and how it tastes, as I’ve described to you previously, I think it deserves a 7/10. I can’t really give it more than that because of the saltiness and the size of it. It was certainly just as extra as Travis himself. The fries were a solid 9/10. Adding the barbecue sauce is a no-go, but I think if you’re obsessed with barbecue, totally go for it. Now the Sprite, it gets a 0/10. Sorry not sorry, girl. I really recommend ordering something else. Although, I really hope that my McDonald’s is the only one with nasty Sprite. Collectively, the whole meal is about 8/10 for common ground. So there you have it! Try the Travis Scott Burger special at your will!

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS AND BODY IMAGE

Joann Moon 2022

Social media has been a major trailblazer towards sharing pictures and friendly connection. However, these apps have caused the “glamourized lifestyle” image that everyone seems to have online, which have perpetuated pressure for teenagers. “Perfect” skin, bodies, and lives that are constantly depicted from celebrities to the people around us can force us to believe that while everyone else’s lives consist of instagram-able food and outfits, we comparatively live in a grayer world. Not only is it the false advertisements of “flawless” moments captured that sting our self- esteem, but it can be attributed to the apps themselves.

The App Store’s #1 rated social app has exhibited blunt favoritism towards more “objectively attractive” content, straying away from people who fall short on their “Instagram-worthy” expectations. That app is none other than TikTok, installed across millions of teenagers’ phones throughout the world. TikTok’s moderators were advised to “‘..keep certain body types and lifestyles out of the For You section. That includes anyone with who falls into these categories: ‘Abnormal body shape, chubby, have obvious beer belly, obese, or too thin.’ They also axed people with ‘Ugly facial looks’” (New York Magazine). Gatekeeping certain groups to use their platform enforces normalization of the world of Facetune and fabrication. Our own UHS students have spoken up about their relationship with their bodies, and how that’s been reflected upon within social media.

“Right now, it’s funny because I’m actually okay with my body. I’m not happy with it, but I think body positivity and self-love are both life long journeys that everyone goes through. In the past, I really hated myself personally. I compare myself with girls on social media, at school, or even at the store. It got really out of hand because I was never happy with myself with showed through my confidence at school. It really changed once I got to UHS and I learned to have a better mindset than I did before… in the past, I only saw certain body type[s] in magazines and especially on tv shows/movies… societal expectations are the main factor.” -- Katie Xiong, ‘21

“... I can’t say that I’m the happiest about my body, but not terribly upset.I’ve always tried to not pay attention to how my body looks. However, every time I open up a social it’s hard to shy away from the topic. For me, being the gay male that I am, beauty standards have been unbelievably unobtainable because of all of the prerequisites I have to fulfill to [not be] considered ugly. It’s been really tough for me to genuinely be proud and happy with how I look when there are so many things out of my control. There are so many people in this world who think that you have to have this ideal body in order to be perfect. In actuality, this only results in youths having this mindset that perfect is an option when it’s not. There is no such thing as perfect and we’ve been told this false narrative that we can achieve happiness our entire lives through this.” -- Alex Vang, ‘22

“I have been feeling better about my body a lot more recently. It’s been hard in the past though. I use to compare myself to like everyone I saw, and I’d feel insecure eating around like everyone, so often I would eat alone because I feared people would judge like what I ate. It’s still hard at times, but I’m much better at not comparing myself to others and just listening to my body. Those called “perfect model/body” tropes really can contribute to other ways of thinking. It’s been really hard for me in the past because I would always think about how if I didn’t meet everyone else’s standards then people wouldn’t really like me. Seeing all those models made me really strive to look like them. I would always ask myself “Would I ever look like that?” or “Can I please look like her?” or even “Can I just be skinny?”. It made me feel like I wasn’t enough for society. I wanted validation from everyone.” -- Francesca Abiera, ‘22

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: THE HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

Cadence Dooms 2021

Every year, from September 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Heritage month is observed, a celebration of Americans who originated from Spain, The Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. Officially recognized in 1988, the 30 day period celebrates the culture and history of these people and countries, and embraces the contributions of these people into society.

This specific period was chosen, due to the fact these thirty days encapsulate the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries, like Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September the 16th and September the 18th, as well as Día de la Raza.

Many Hispanic and Latinx men and women, who make up about 18% of the United States today, take this month to display their heritage, and celebrate their traditions, as well as supporting or promoting local Hispanic run stores or businesses.

While some controversy stirs over the name of this month, due to Hispanic being a term describing countries whose language is Spanish, leaving out Latinx countries such as Brazilians or other Portuguese speaking countries, regardless, the entire community celebrates some of the men and women who have changed the lives of minorities.

This month is celebrated this year in a tumultuous time, where many struggles and battles are fought in our day to day rights for civil rights. Regardless of political belief, take this month to support the local Hispanic businesses, especially prominent in our Central Valley, advocate for Latinx civil rights and other issues being brought to life, and shout a little WEPA for your hispanic community.

9/11: REMEMBERING THE DAY MANY LOST

Terralynn Datrice 2021

September 11, 2001 was a heart wrenching day for many Americans. The day started off ordinary- men and women on their way to work, children on their way to daycare, new employees trying to provide for their families etc. It wasn't even a thought that later that morning, the terrorist group al Qaeda would hijack four planes against the US. Out of the four planes, two flew into the World Trade Center crashing into New York City's World Trade Center. Another plane flew into the Pentagon right outside of Washington D.C. Lastly, the fourth plane rammed into the field of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Under the presidency of George W. Bush, America was forced to put in new initiatives to fight terroism preventing events like this to occur again in the US. This day of tragedy will never be forgotten after the death of so many innocent lives. Almost 3,000 lives were taken that day and much more were affected. With new generations and new Americans, it is important to never forget 9/11. On this day we show appreciation to firefighters, paramedics, doctors and policemen and women who worked endlessly to save the lives of many.

Today, the well-known design by Michael Arad, titled as “Reflecting Absence,” now sits in an eight-acre park in New York City. It features two reflecting pools with waterfalls rushing down where the Twin Towers were once in the sky. On the masterpiece, pays respect to all 2,983 victims killed in the 9/11 attacks. These namess are arranged and engraved on 152 bronze panels with names of individuals organzized by thier location during the misfortunate event.The memorial was opened to the public on September 11, 2011 during the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.

SOURCE: History.com Editors. (2010, February 17). September 11 Attacks. https://www.history.com/topics/21st-century/9-11-attacks

LIVE ACTION MULAN MOVIE REVIEW

Check out that chi!

Sela Pattillo 2021

The live action “Mulan” came out September 4th, 2020, and an overwhelming negative opinion came along with it. It was interesting to me that before I was able to watch the movie for myself, already there were many opinions floating around with many people that I talked to about it. One of the main reasons why I wanted to watch “Mulan” was because I wanted to form an opinion of my own, but also I wanted proof for what I was hearing. Before I continue on, I want to disclaim a spoiler-alert in the next paragraph for any of you that haven’t watched it yet, read on at your own risk!

Naturally, I was a bit shocked at the differences between the two movies. I’m not going to go over all of the differences between these two movies, but I’ll leave a source at the end. The first I noticed was when it actually started and Mulan’s life began as a young girl. It was engaging, and it definitely kept me on my toes wondering what was going to happen next. One of the things that I noticed that REALLY wasn’t like the 1998 version was her “name change”. Essentially, she went from Fa Mulan to Hua Mulan. What I didn’t know was that the 2020 movie was following the original, “The Ballad of Mulan” in which her name is Hua Mulan. I felt relief knowing that information. I’d like to mention that Fa and Hua both have similar meanings even though it might not seem like it. Hua is the Cantonese pronunciation, which is more closely related to the Ballad of Mulan version than Fa is. Another similar, but different thing, about this movie is the added character of Xianniang, who is a female villain. Both Mulan and Xianniang possess the power of chi, but in different ways. The Insider says that, “According to the filmmakers, they wanted to bring in a new female antagonist as a way to balance out the protagonist.” It’s an interesting take by Disney’s filmmakers to add that part in, but I thought that it was more or less to contrast the two ways that each character dealt with their outing while possessing the chi. Although, the “Mulan” made in 1998 depicts Shan Yu, leader of the Hun nomadic group, has a falcon spy. I believe that Xianniang is the same character, just shown differently than before. Aside from this, the controversy Disney is getting from this movie is actually scandalous.

As some of you may know, in Xinjiang, China there are many Muslims that are being placed in concentration camps alike to the Jewish people back in WWII times. Well, it turns out some parts of the live action “Mulan” was filmed in that area. Not only is there backlash for filming where a genocide is currently taking place, but also Los Angeles Times wrote that “Hawley,...on Wednesday published a letter addressed to Disney Chief Executive Bob Chapek, accusing the company of ‘whitewashing’ the ‘ongoing Uighur genocide,’” which further goes on to day that Disney was a bit insensitive to what’s going on, completely ignoring the present situation. This is only one part of the problem, though.

Disney also did not hire Asian filmmakers to oversee the making of “Mulan.” The director, Niki Caro, defended Disney by saying that they reached out to Asian filmmakers, such as Ang Lee, to bring the story to life, but still ultimately didn’t hire any person of Chinese, or even Asian, descent. When Caro was asked about the hiring of another director, she responded, “Although it's a critically important Chinese story and it's set in Chinese culture and history, there is another culture at play here, which is the culture of Disney, and that the director, whoever they were, needed to be able to handle both - and here I am," completely ignoring that people of color are just as capable at directing Disney movies as whites are. I thought that “Disney’s culture” was supposed to be inclusive of all people, ethnicity/cultural-wise, but clearly I was wrong about that. And from this scandal, people have been boycotting watching the movie, as a way to show that this kind of issue is NOT okay. Aside from all of this though, there’s a mixed opinion on my part about the movie itself, unfortunately.

So this movie has brought a lot of information to me, regarding the scandals, and Chinese culture in general. It’s a hard judgement for me to make about this movie, if I’m completely honest. I can’t say that I love it after I revealed some truth about behind-the-scenes work. However, I don’t necessarily hate it, because I learned many things as I did some research and rolled with the punches that “Mulan” threw at me. To rate this, simply I give it a 5/10, for my split opinion. If there’s some of you out there that completely disagrees with me, I’d love to hear your side and what you thought, maybe I can learn something from one of you!

Works Cited

Phillips, Ian, and Kyle Desiderio. “All the Ways Disney's Live-Action 'Mulan' Is Different from the Animated Movie.” Insider, 8 Sept. 2020. www.insider.com/disney-mulan-live-action-differences-from-animated-movie-2020-9.

Faughnder, Ryan, and Alice Su. “How Disney's 'Mulan' Became One of 2020's Most Controversial Movies.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sept. 2020, www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-09-11/disneys-mulan-debuts-in-china-heres-why-its-controversial.

Schaefer, Sandy. “Mulan 2020 Director Defends Disney Not Hiring An Asian Filmmaker.” ScreenRant, 26 Feb. 2020. www.screenrant.com/mulan-2020-director-defends-not-hiring-asian-filmmaker/.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Rachael Rivera 2022

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and with that it is important to discuss the topic of mental health. Mental health plays a big role in all of our lives, whether it affects us as an individual or if it affects the people around us. “Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year” . A lot of people don’t grasp how many people that actually is, causing them to feel alone and like no one understands them. This, along with many other things, can lead to thoughts and feelings of suicide. There are many reasons as to why people commit suicide, but two of the leading factors that contribute to suicide is isolation or feeling like a burden; “I am alone”, “I am a burden”, and hopelessness, “things will never get better”. Suicide is the 10th biggest cause of death worldwide, leading to over 800,000 deaths because of it. With so many challenges people are facing and the difficult times we are in, mental health issues are on the rise as are suicide rates. It is so important to spread mental health awareness to help suicide prevention, however, the way to do so may be unclear.

To help suicide prevention, please check in on your loved ones, and even people you might not be that close with. Ask how they are and let them talk to you if they feel like it. Remind them they aren’t a burden, and share some of the things that you love about them or why you’re grateful to have them. It may not seem like much, but to someone who is struggling it can really make their day. You don’t always have to be giving advice, sometimes people just need someone to talk to or just need someone to be around. Help them how they need you to help them, not how you think you should help them. If you think that someone is at risk of hurting themselves or committing suicide, suggest to them that they talk to a doctor or a trusted adult. Another thing to do is to encourage others to do the same. Keep spreading the idea of mental health awareness, since this sort of thing can be confusing and hard to process for some people. With this, more and more lives can be saved every day.

STAYING OFF THE SCREEN AND STAYING ACTIVE DURING QUARANTINE

Sela Pattillo 2021

Everyone knows now that Zoom has practically taken over our lives. This video conference app has been so prevalent that some of you have done projects asking how much screen time you have, which includes Zoom activity throughout the school day. So, what I want to share with you is some ways that you can stay healthy, by keeping away from the screen.

For the fitness aspect of staying healthy and off the screen, you might want to consider doing Chloe Ting workouts. Not only did they start trending in the summer, but they’re very inclusive and have actual results to them. I started doing mine around the end of the trending period, and they actually worked for me. I built a ton of muscle, and improved on some of the fitness tests that we already need to do for class. In addition to this, Mr. Hagen has been making YouTube videos for 30 minute workouts, that you can do for homework or fun. Of course, you need to ask him for the link, as they’re unlisted on his channel. Make sure that before you do these workouts, you’re checking the air quality and staying safe while doing so. Please do not overexert yourself if you can’t do something; it’s better to stay safe. Another thing you can do besides looking up workouts is playing with your pets, especially if you’re a dog owner. Now that all of us have been inside and on Zoom, our pets probably haven’t been getting the fun they deserve. Go outside and run around with them! Not only is it helping you by giving you a break from the screen, but they’re getting exercise too. I know some of you are thinking, “But I only have ten minutes in between classes and an hour during lunch!” I know it’s a short time, but your eyes and body will thank you for giving them a break.

Away from fitness, I asked some of you on Instagram what you did to stay off the screen. Cadence (@cadencedooms) said, “I literally go outside to my knees in the pool and stare at the sky. It really regrounds me.” I think that this is a simple and easy way to take breaks from the screen. I don’t know if you guys have a pool, I definitely don’t, but the simplicity of just walking outside and taking in nature is a calming way to relieve stress from online school. Another student, Meilin (@_mei653) said “[I’m] chilling with my cats and learning the guitar.” Again, I think this is a great way to remove yourself from the screen. Afterall, we do go to UHS and we are musically driven at this school, so why not spend a little time playing/learning a new instrument? Along with this, some of you said that you’re practicing your instruments and singing. For example, Gannon (@aprettyflywhiteguy) said that he practices all his instruments in his free time. Practicing your instrument or singing brings relief in itself. Being able to focus on something other than your school work, and working on improving your skills can be really rewarding. Also, there are some basic things you can be doing as well to keep off the screen for a short time, like cooking your favorite meals, baking something for your family, talking and engaging with family or friends, sketching, reading (you can do this by going to UHS and picking up your books instead of reading PDFs online or read something for fun), and many many more things that you can do.

I hope that all of you are staying safe and healthy during our time with online learning., and I really hope that you all are getting the best experience out of it. If you’re needing help with your mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out to an adult, your teachers, peers, or your counselors; they’re all here to support you. And lastly, don’t forget to keep your body moving every once in a while!

Student Life

ZOOM INTERVIEWS WITH VALERIE

Last year I took the position of interviewing students for the "Student Life" section of The Phoenix Post. It became a tradition to always include this portion in every monthly issue, with the idea that those who weren't part of the club can get the chance to still take part in it. It was also a great way for peers to share their opinion and express their views on certain topics. Normally these small interviews would have been done in person, but due to unfortunate circumstances caused by COVID-19, we had to adjust and use Zoom as a method of communication. Our first time doing "Student Life" through a Zoom meeting allowed us to provide readers with the same information we would have gotten if we were at school, so it was a success!

QUESTIONS ASKED:

Do you watch anime? If so, which is your favorite?
What do you do outside of zoom classes?
How do you stay organized during distance learning?

Bea Sale 2021

Haikyuu!!
I like to listen to music and play rhythm games.
I often ask my friends and I write in my agenda.

Gaby Mendoza 2021

One Piece.
I like to sleep and go on Discord on my free time.
I usually have a planner and I prioritize things that have a more recent due date.

Linus Tiu 2021

Anohana.
I like to sleep, but I also really like to play the violin when I am not in class.
I start my work immediately to prevent falling behind.

Frank Cardinale 2021

I don’t watch anime.
I enjoy working on music through the Logic app.
I mainly use my planner but I also have a Discord called “Frankzone” to remind me of deadlines.

Cayla Irasusta 2024

Charlotte.
I don't know.
I use my planner to keep track of due dates.

John Herrera 2022

I watch anime occasionally, but my favorite to watch is Attack on Titan.
I like to watch YouTube, play Minecraft, and sleep when I am not on Zoom.
I use Google Classroom as well as Google Bookmark. I also like to set reminders on my phone to organize my time management.

Celine Irasusta 2021

Cowboy Bebop.
I've gotten into the habit of taking naps whenever I have free time.
Often times, I use a white board to write out to-do lists and remind me of upcoming due dates.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse