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Table of Contents

When Will It Be Safe For OCSA to Return For In-Person Learning? 

By: Karli Larsen

On October 30th, OCSA announced that it had solidified plans to reopen. Students and faculty had the opportunity to either participate in the hybrid/in person learning model or the virtual/online learning model for classes starting January 11th, the start of spring semester. Students who chose the hybrid/in person learning model will be taught by teachers who also committed to that group and vice versa for those who chose the virtual model. Some were hopeful, some were excited, and some were nervous to hear this news but what it meant for all was a step forward. 

However, on November 16th, it was announced that Orange County will be put back into the most restrictive purple tier for California COVID-19 severity, which halts OCSA’s future reopening plans. Schools that have already opened for hybrid learning may remain open, but those who haven’t are unable to do so until Orange County moves back into the less restrictive red tier for 14 consecutive days. For OCSA, this means we will not be able to reopen on January 11th, as previously scheduled unless Orange County is placed back into the red tier 14 days prior. Although our reopening date may be later, OCSA will continue to follow the guidance given by CDPH and the Orange County Healthcare Agency to safely go back to school at the soonest possible date. 

When hybrid learning is approved, most performance based conservatories will likely suspend performances planned for the spring semester due to the uncertainty. During this past semester many have made the most of the situation by participating in virtual shows presented to audiences over Zoom, Youtube, or other video streaming services. Some instrumental music groups have had the opportunity to record at OCSA in Symphony Hall, showcasing their pre-recorded material like other performance based conservatories have done. Because of current circumstances, performances in the spring semester will likely not look much different.

OCSA has worked with the reopening task force to make the process of resuming in person learning as smooth as possible. When students arrive on campus they should expect temperature checks, one way up and one way down stairwells, and wipes and hand sanitizer to clean their desks when they get into the room. Plexiglass will also be provided around the desks and air purifiers have been installed in each classroom. OCSA faculty are also attempting to give students the opportunity to connect with one another safely while on campus in the upcoming semester, including the possibility for small groups of students to attend in person rehearsals or outdoor celebrations.

Although this situation is unlike anything we’ve experienced, through the dedication of all students and faculty, the transition to back to school learning will likely be safe and smooth.

The Philippine Human Rights Act

A year later, the former PSC club leaders fight for the end of violence of the Duterte regime against the Filipino people.

By: Mia Soumbasakis

The Philippines is a lush archipelago made of 7,107 islands rich with copper, gold, silver, lumber, rice, bananas and coconuts; it has enough natural resources to support a population over twice its current size. Despite this, ~75% of its citizens are peasants and urban workers without job security, laboring on land they do not own to create profits that do not benefit them. An estimated 10% of Filipinos are forced to leave their families and work overseas (often as domestic or field workers) to escape low wages or unemployment. The reason for this stems from the fact that the Philippines has been under consistent occupation (whether directly or indirectly) of another country since 1521. Today the country continues to be exploited under U.S. imperialism. The United States uses the Philippines as a place on which it can dump the extra products it produces and in return receives agricultural goods from farmers that are stuck using outdated, labor intensive forms of planting technology, (the Philippines never had the chance to fully industrialize) along with minerals from mines that were forced to stay open even during the spread of COVID-19. The U.S. also works closely with the Philippine government and their military to violently suppress those who oppose this system and maintain the power of the top 2% of the Philippine population, made of large landlords and imperialists.  

Philippine Student Coalition

It can be easy for Filipino-Americans to feel disconnected from the struggle of those in the Philippines due to physical distance and the vastly different circumstances under which they live. When the OCSA Filipino Club was started in 2015 after four years of inactivity, J Jiminez (MT ‘16) says it was “the typical Filipino club where [they] talked about the flag, food, tinikling, tourism, etc.” It was known as a cultural club that served lumpia on 10th street and celebrated the Filipino identity. However, J notes that they “always thought something was missing” from the club, and that it “lacked a critical analysis as to why the Philippines’s conditions were (and still are) terrible for the people.” 

Four years later, in 2019, Hal Saga (FTV ‘20), Syd Prado-Coleman (PM ‘20), and Keet Hizon (CW ‘20) reinvented OCSA Filipino Club, now the Philippine Student Coalition. Syd said the club was meant to “build a sense of community among Filipinos that [extended] further than the parts of belonging to a culture that are often most accessible to [them]” and “seek an understanding of the presence of colonialism and imperialism in the Philippines (and of those who struggle against it) that has led to [Filipino-Americans] being here today.” A historical slant was added to the club, allowing for members to evaluate their past and present in relation to the Philippines. 

Oftentimes this brought up the subject of how colonization and Filipino-American immigration overlapped, which Hal mentioned was one of the topics of the educational discussions PSC held, along with the “corruption” of “Duterte’s military and police.” One of Hal’s favorite parts about PSC was being able to “[teach] others about [the Philippine’s] conditions as well as learning about them.”

According to Keet, the club’s “biggest presentation was on the current state of the Duterte regime at the time,” one involving a War on Drugs used to criminalize poor farmers, urban workers, activists, and Indigenous communities. This has resulted in countless human rights violations, with more than 12,000 deaths in the first 14 months of its implementation. Now, the death toll is over 30,000.

Today, the PSC club is currently inactive, but it is likely to revive in the next school year. 

Anakbayan

Today, J, Hal, Syd and Keet are all a part of Anakbayan Long Beach (ABLB), a Filipino organization based in Long Beach which helps improve the living conditions of Filipinos in the United States (primarily in Long Beach) and Filipinos in the Philippines. The group is primarily made of Filipino-Americans.

When peeling back the layers of Filipino-American identity and discussing why they have such a strong connection to work with ABLB, Syd comments, “we [Filipino-Americans] are so often made to feel that any discontentment with our ‘comforts’ [in the U.S.] is dismissive of the sacrifices our families have made to migrate here, but it’s important that we recognize....why so many of our families’ migration stories begin and end with the search for job security, comfort, “freedom”--things that are stolen from the Philippine people through feudal agricultural systems, rampant urban poverty, a government and economy that prioritizes the wealth of the country’s elite and foreign exploiters over the basic needs of the people.” 

The history of Filipino-Americans is often a complicated, twisted narrative, as many Filipino workers migrated to the United States in the mid-1900s to pursue economic opportunity, escaping a country impoverished due to violence enacted by the very place in which they found asylum. For example, often Filipino men would enlist in the U.S. military (and therefore gain U.S. citizenship), working ruthlessly to maintain job security and receive benefits. This military is the same armed forces which killed more than one million Filipinos in the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1902 (after the U.S. bought the Philippines from Spain) to uphold U.S. power in the country. 

 According to Reese (DM ‘18), a former PSC member and current ABLB member, “as Filipinos living in the imperial core, it is our duty to help those who are experiencing the effects of U.S. imperialism in the Philippines.” 

The Philippine Human Rights Act

One immediate way for Americans to help Filipinos right now is by supporting the Philippine Human Rights Act, a proposal to suspend U.S. military aid (taken from U.S. tax dollars) to the Philippines until proper investigations have been done on the numerous human rights violations that have been committed under the Duterte regime. Currently, with the spread of COVID-19, U.S. funds are needed to support health workers and provide medical supplies, and yet the U.S. still pledged in April 2020 to work with large weapons manufacturers and send $2 billion of weapons to the Philippine government.

This money is used by Duterte’s military and police, who terrorize the most marginalized in Philippine society, killing activists such as “Ka Randy” Echanis and Zara Alvarez, both defendants of the peasantry in the Philippines. Other activists have been framed and arrested by the Philippine police, most recently with the imprisonment of Amanda Echanis, Ka Randy’s daughter. She and her daughter were arrested for possessing firearms which were likely placed there by the police hours before. 

Hal states that “the PHRA is an important step in ensuring that military aid to the Philippines will be ceased, and that Filipino working class and peasants will be a step closer towards safety.” Besides signing an open letter in support of the PHRA to Alan Lowenthal, a Long Beach House representative who has shown previous support for the PHRA, people can send emails and voicemails to their Congressional representatives to ask them to support the PHRA once Congress opens session again in early January. According to Keet, “the PHRA is a way to show the Philippines that we support them in their fight to better conditions for human rights activists and the masses.”

Will Captain Snowflake’s Twin Save the Day ?

By: Jane Lee

Loud chatter, shuffling feet and stuffed rooms of people in the DMS are often what you see at OCSA’s annual Winter Market. The Market helps bring the OCSA community together, not limited to just students, but teachers, parents, and the Santa Ana community. However, this year’s Winter Market will be nothing more than rooms filled with silence and dust bunnies. The OC community is disappointed to hear that the 5th year of the annual Winter Market will be canceled due to COVID-19.

Not only does OCSA’s Winter Market help raise funds for the VA conservatory, but it is one the most popular events that help showcase the creativity of students and help them get into entrepreneurship, as they display their art, so much so that student alumni that have participated in the Winter Market have gone into successful fields of entrepreneurship in art. Its diversity of student vendors that come from different conservatories is what makes Winter Market so popular at OCSA. Mr. Au, VA conservatory director and ceramics teacher says it “always stays fresh.” 

As the organizer of the event, Mr. Au said that the Winter Market would have gone virtual, but the work and cost of doing so would be too difficult for the sellers and the organizers. He announced that there will be a Spring Market in late March/early April, part of it being on a virtual platform. A button and sticker convention is what Mr. Au has envisioned for the Spring Market, however, it is still being developed and the news for the new event will be announced shortly. 

Captain Snowflake, a world-renowned, or should we say community-renowned superhero, is a popular figure among the OCSA community. The identity of the masked Captain Snowflake is still unknown, but some sources say that he looks similar to Mr. Au. Donning neon fur shorts, a purple silk cape, and a shirt with “CS” written on it, Captain Snowflake appears every year to promote the Winter Market. Running around campus, popping into classes, and interrupting Art Attack, Captain Snowflake gets everyone into the festive spirit to attend the Market. The festive spirit of their presence will make no appearance this year, however, there is rumor to be said that a new superhero will emerge in the Spring Market. Perhaps Captain Snowflake’s long lost relative or twin will come out to get OCSA back into its place. Captain Shamrock? Captain Sunflower? Who knows who the new superhero will be. Only time will tell when the Spring semester comes.

Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe

By: Lauren Le

Ingredients

• 4 eggs, at room temperature

• 1 ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp orange blossom water (optional)

• Juice of one orange

• Zest of one orange

• 2 ½ cup flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ⅔ cup olive oil

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

At this point, if you didn’t bring your eggs to room temperature, just know I am very disappointed in you.

Beat the eggs and sugar together using a mixer on medium-high speed with the paddle attachment. Continue until pale, frothy, and tripled in volume, about 5 to 7 minutes to reach “ribbon stage.” Check for doneness by lifting the mixer attachment and drizzling the mixture on itself. The batter streak should hold for 3 seconds before incorporating back into the rest of mixture.

In the meantime, whisk together the flour, leaveners, spices, orange zest, and salt.

Stream the oil into the egg/sugar mixture, with the mixer on medium-low speed, until homogenous. Then, add the orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water, if using. 

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, stirring until just combined. 

Pour the mixture into your prepared pans, until they are about one-third full. 

Bake the cakes until the tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, before removing. Leave the cakes to cool completely, about one hour, before sifting a little bit too much powdered sugar on top, for a finishing touch that hides all the mistakes you made. For authenticity, feel free to cut a sacreligious circular slice, to really complete the Kylie Jenner vibe. 

Note: this recipe is super easy to cut in half, but I provided the recipe for 2 cakes because it makes an amazing holiday gift! Or so you can have an entire cake all to yourself. Bah Humbug, you know

Rockin' Around Opacic's Lawn

By: Monica Johnson

With the holiday season well underway, many families throughout the country have already or will soon decorate their homes. You’ve most likely seen several shopping centers and homes near you covered in intricate arrays of lights, bows, and more. This year however, Ralph Opacic likely takes the cake for one of the most elaborate Christmas displays. With Production and Design (P&D) conservatory students in distance learning and no upcoming productions where sets need to be made, they have taken on the project of designing, producing, and building a set of holiday decorations for OCSA’s founder. P&D teacher Mauri Smith, assisted by faculty member Ben Penman and P&D conservatory director Kevin Cook, created the decoration design, and students turned Opacic’s dream for the perfect lawn this Christmas into a reality.

Carter Higton (P&D ‘21), this project’s student lead, considers it to be an enjoyable experience getting to work with his peers on something in person, even with masks and other Covid-19 precautions. “[Opacic] pretty much gave us free reign in all of it except for the idea of the theme, which is ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,’” Higton stated. The design features four wood panel reindeer playing instruments, stationed around Opacic’s front yard with the addition of a painted wooden tree and two signs that read “Rockin Around.” “They gave us a budget and the teachers went and bought wood. All of it was either cut and traced by me or another student.” Higton made it clear that the work was all volunteer, and no student was forced to help. Students spent hours outside the annex painting and cutting, putting in their hard work into the pieces for OCSA’s founder.

Davina Cabera (P&D ‘21) assisted with the project as well, mentioning how Opacic’s time constraints and conflicts impacted students’ work. She said, “He didn’t give us enough time to flesh out our design because he was too busy to answer any questions we had. It was all just up to us to figure out what he wanted.”

Jane Lee (P&D ‘21) explained their experience with the work as “abrupt and kind of random.” They went on to explain that though helping with the construction and creation of the design was volunteer based, students had to do research and work on the project because it was considered an assignment. Lee found it difficult to plan aspects of the design because they weren’t told how Opacic’s house even looked.

However, the timing of such a request from Opacic did not go unquestioned. With the OCSA administration already facing backlash on a number of fronts, from the possibility of an unrenewed charter just last year, to criticisms of their silence early on in the Black Lives Matter movement over the summer. It was expected that students, faculty, and families would have strong opinions on what was going on.

“I think it’s sweet that he wanted OCSA students to make the decorations but I think maybe something else to bring the holiday spirit would be better,” Zoey Boyd (CV ‘21) says. “If the kids had a say in it, that’s important, but I feel like energy could’ve been put towards other things. Ralph lives in Santa Ana and the surrounding areas are battling homelessness and COVID. Maybe instead of decorations we could’ve helped out the community in different ways.”

Higton, Smith, and a few other students had the opportunity to set up the design at Opacic’s home, consisting of the student-completed pieces, along with spotlights for the reindeer and colored lighting for the signs. Regardless of any criticisms the concept faces, the festive decor stands as a marker of the collaborative nature and hard work of the Production and Design conservatory.

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

By: Mehra Marzbani

Back in the 16th century, Shakespeare wrote of deaths that seemed too tragic to be true. Fast forward five centuries later to today, where we are witnessing similar devastating losses due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The virus has infected more than 74 million people around the world. The need for a vaccine to contain the virus has become increasingly urgent.

As of writing, major pharmaceutical company Pfizer has begun administering vaccines to healthcare workers across the country. Moderna and AstraZeneca are soon to follow upon authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. But ay, there’s the rub: with over 180 vaccines being developed by other drugmakers in countries like Australia and China, a new concern arises--how safe and effective will this broad array of vaccines be in preventing COVID-19?

As with any new vaccine, its safety and effectiveness must give us pause. Pfizer and Moderna both utilize a novel source of technology for their COVID-19 vaccines: next-generation vaccines, or RNA-based vaccines. This type of vaccine uses messenger RNA, or mRNA, to create a small fragment of coronavirus in the body. Due to this unique structure, both Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines must be transported and stored at low temperatures in order to stay active-- negative four degrees Fahrenheit and negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. 

Furthermore, those planning to receive the vaccine must get two shots for the small amount of Coronavirus generates a poor protective immune response. It is still unknown how long the immunity from the vaccine will last.

This new mRNA concept has been tested for use in neither children nor adolescents; in fact, according to viral immunologist Suresh Mahalingam, it has yet to be approved for medical use in humans. 

It is also important to note that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have advised that people with a history of significant allergic reaction speak to their health care professional before taking Pfizer’s vaccine. Trial data has shown that some who received the vaccine experienced potentially adverse responses, possibly allergic reactions, which included symptoms of anaphylactoid reaction. According to Yahoo News, this was the recent case of two Alaskan health care workers; one of which felt “short of breath” and the other experiencing symptoms that included “puffy eyes, lightheadedness, and a scratchy throat” after receiving the vaccine. Neither of them had a history of allergies.

Marry, mark thee this--unlike Pfizer and Moderna, AstraZeneca bases its vaccines on a modified chimpanzee adenovirus that resembles the typical flu shot. Alas, the credibility of the vaccine has recently been in question. As biostatistician Natalie E. Dean wrote in a Twitter post, “AstraZeneca...gets a poor grade for transparency and rigor when it comes to the vaccine trial results they have reported. This is not like Pfizer or Moderna where we had the protocols in advance and a pre-specified primary analysis was reported.”

But soft you now, there are several benefits that come with being vaccinated for COVID-19. One such advantage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is that the vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19. It might also help protect people around you, especially those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. 

Speaking of those at increased risk, Moderna’s study proved the vaccine to be equally safe and effective for people aged 65 and older as well as people who were multicultural, Black, Asian and Hispanic. No serious side effects were reported either, but participants have noted symptoms of fatigue, fever and muscle aches. Overall, Dean sees hope in this vaccine, as she noted that “it appeared to prevent severe forms of the disease,” in an article from the New York Times.

So if we all take the COVID-19 vaccine, does that mean that schools will be able to open again? Will students get to have conversations with living, breathing people rather than a face on a computer screen? Will seniors get to go to prom and make long-lasting memories from their last year at OCSA? Alas, only time will have to tell.

Gender Online

By: Anica Sherry

I know I’m not the only person who has grappled the ever present gender binary ever since their upbringing. Rewinding to as early as elementary school, we’ve heard teachers use gendered language: “My strong boys, can you help me move these tables?” “Girls, on this side of the gym, boys on the other.” We’re taught in our high school foreign language classes that inanimate objects are gendered as well. Gender is present in almost every aspect of our life and we are all hyper aware of it. 

For the first time, teenagers are experiencing the anticipated, sometimes uncomfortable, process of finding their identity, without the degree of social interaction we would have had before the pandemic. Almost no one has spent as much time alone as we have in the last year. 

One thing that you might notice during a quick skim of Gen Z social media profiles, is that now, more than ever, there are rising numbers of gender neutral pronouns located in biographies. In the last 6 months or so, I’ve seen my friends and acquaintances slip a little “they/them” or combination of “she/they” or “he/they” into their Instagram and Twitter bios. As a friend, it fills my heart with joy to see them grow into their identity in real time. As a writer and someone who also has thought a lot about gender identity themself, it makes me ponder the correlation between being quarantined for so long and our relationship with gender. 

Philosopher and academic Judith Butler was one of the first to rethink gender as a social construct, theorizing that gender is the repetition of small actions that we make, which categorize us because they are inherently gendered. “Gender is always a doing,” she said, which creates an illusion that gender and its correlating expectations are intrinsic to society. I would also like to point out that Butler’s studies and theories speak of gender as we know it in a place that has been impacted so heavily by colonialism, erasing the indigenous experience in relation to gender.

To put it simply, when you aren’t physically surrounded by others on a daily basis, you are no longer obligated to “people please” and conform to gender roles. Jacqueline Blom, a junior in Classical Dance who uses both she/her and they/them pronouns (displayed as she/they), said experiencing your identity alone is comparable to how “people have the best ideas in the shower.” When left alone for hours, some people are prone to putting on all the fancy clothes in their closet and strutting around their rooms for an ounce of dopamine. Quarantine has amplified that curiosity and sense of self expression while shielding us from dirty looks and social pressures to conform to gender norms.

Because our interactions with people have become so limited, a lot of us have turned more to social media as a means of self expression, allowing us to control when and who we socialize with. It also serves as a digital expression of ourselves-- the only version of ourselves that is perceived by others these days. We have full autonomy over our online personas, and it makes one re-evaluate how they want to be perceived. Our posts reflect our identity, which for some, gender is a large part of. For others, it may not be at all, which just ties in to the disconnect some people feel from their assigned gender at birth. That’s not to say that gender-queer or nonbinary people have not been around for a long time, there just has not always been a place that safely allows people to talk about their gender. 

One thing many queer people are good at is finding each other, weeding each other out of a larger group to create a community. The internet lets us do this, with the added protection of anonymity and distance from physical harm. In the past few years, queer people have created spaces on the internet--from Tumblr, to Twitter, to Tiktok-- that allow us to safely express our opinions and gender identity. Recently there has been a push for intersectionality within these communities and to amplify the voices of specific groups, such as the disabled queer community and queer people of color, who have not historically been represented in both the media, but also these spaces online.

Being online allows us to be up-front with gender, but more specifically in our pronoun use (which gender is not always indicative of). Many nonbinary students who don’t fit the very androgynous, “right in the middle” stereotype deal with being misgendered by peers and teachers online. We are forced to think before we speak when we include pronouns in Zoom display names. People are “most likely concerned with not embarassing themselves using incorrect pronouns for someone,” said Blom. Cisgender individuals are also encouraged to diplay pronouns in their bios to make it easier for non-cisgender people to display pronouns without any fuss. But of course, if that’s a confusing topic for you at the moment, you have the time to sort it out. 

Despite being immersed in an internet environment full of posts relating to gender identity and Mother Mother songs (a group well-loved by many nonbinary and queer people), I still find myself participating in gendered actions. These are things as small as instinctively changing my voice inflection in the Dunkin Donuts drive-through or using several exclamation points in an email. I’m working on separating myself from those gendered actions though. Perhaps we all can.

Myths About Affirmative Action

By: Zola Franchi

As college application season rolls around again, many students are back to calculating their chances of acceptance to their respective colleges. Amongst the discussions about financial aid, letters of recommendations and transcript orders, a recurring hot topic is affirmative action. 

Although affirmative action has been used in college admissions since 1965, there are still major misconceptions regarding its process and purpose. 

Myth 1: Race is no longer a barrier in education and therefore AA can be removed. 

Despite the progress many cite when supporting this myth, the unemployment rate of Black Americans is still double that of other racial groups. Moreover, only half of the black population have attended college at a four-year institution. Without affirmative action, there would be even less resources available to black applicants who are put at a disadvantage due to systemic racism’s effects on their educational environment. 

Myth 2: Admissions should be colorblind and emphasize socioeconomic diversity.

Admissions processes based on income levels would result in white students continuing to hold an overall advantage over black students. Black families are disproportionately represented in the lower-income brackets because, when compared to low-income white families, they remain in the minority with a ratio of one to three. 

Asian-Americans would benefit the most from this kind of affirmative action. During the past couple of years, several colleges have revealed a negative bias towards Asian-American students, expecting their scores to be higher than other applicants. If affirmative action was limited to income brackets, there would be an increase of Asian-American students; Mainly families, who have not reached middle class status, yet still have children who do exceptionally well in high school. This difference in academic achievement can be attributed to differences in cultural experiences and expectations, but it’s clear that the college admissions process should change the way Asian-American students are treated, for the current method creates a monolith narrative for all applicants. 

Many educational professionals believe that a system based on race and income levels would be best. Currently, the income-based achievement gap is twice the size of the race-based achievement gap; so many believe that the best option would be to replace the race-based system. When this was implemented at UCLA and Berkeley, the enrollment of Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans fell by 44% - thus creating an educational environment that produces graduates who may not be exposed to diverse surroundings and perspectives. 

Myth 3:  Affirmative action, when used to increase racial diversity, is the final step needed to address racial inequality. 

Affirmative Action was never suggested as a cure-all to the inequality observed in the United States, but rather a temporary solution to address academic and hiring inequality as policies are put in place to address systematic oppression - starting at the smallest level. 

The most beneficial action for minority students would be increasing aid to K-12 schools with large minority populations. Usually, these schools have difficulty hiring qualified teachers, which is reflected in their low test scores. Affirmative Action was created in order to address the testing disparity stemming from unequal education.

Myth 4: Caucasian students are put at a disadvantage with Affirmative Action

The number of white students who apply to universities remains significantly higher than that of students of color. The former president of Harvard, William Bowen, said that the implementation of race-blind admissions would only increase white student’s enrollment from 25% to 26.5% at selective colleges; a stark comparison to the 8% of Black students across all Ivy Leagues and selective colleges. 

Myth 5: Affirmative action creates self-esteem issues in racial minority students that are accepted to top institutions. 

The largest contributor to “imposter-syndrome” at university is reportedly developed in minority students from the comments made by fellow peers. In contrast, White and Asian American students usually develop it on their own. The constant comments made towards minority students - usually equivocating their race to their admission at their respective college - relies on anti-black sentiments shared in every racial group. Many will make these comments without respecting the obstacles minority students face. Black students are not the largest barrier in admissions; legacy students, who are usually white, are. 

The college cycle, while seemingly transparent, is not. It is impossible to pinpoint a sole reason for a student’s acceptance. As this next admissions process ends and we await decision letters, it’s important to not discount the hard work displayed by any student and embrace the exciting change any college will bring.

How Do You Celebrate The Holidays? 

By: Zola Franchi, Jennifer Woo, Jane Lee, Karli Larsen, and Mallory McKenna

“Christmas is a very important holiday for my dad’s side of the family because they’re extremely religious, so our celebration always starts off with attending a church session and lots of prayer. Following that, we all return home to eat Kenyan meals such as Ugali, beef stew, and Sukuma Wiki (a version of collard greens). We also indulge in deserts like Mandazi which are African donuts. These meals are especially meaningful because we all cook them together and the children get to learn how to make these dishes. We play Kenyan music in the background, and we all sit around the table and enjoy each other’s company. It’s not an extravagant or extraordinary event, but it’s still really special to me because I think that those moments are invaluable and will forever be treasured by me.” -Dari Thiongo (PM ‘21) 

“During a typical December, one would find my house decorated with both a Christmas tree and a menorah. Although it’s quite unconventional, my family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas due to my Jewish dad and my Catholic mom.” Elena Levin (IA ’22)

“As I grew out of my younger years of childhood, midnight mass went from a novelty to a staple of Christmas.  Ironically, it was the one mass I was actually able to stay awake in, even though it was the latest into the night. Although the whole month of December leading up to the 25th is spent hyping up to this special day, I can’t say there’s a time more filled with genuine Christmas cheer and good will then walking into the church and sitting at the pews surrounded by my family and a community of altruism and love.  Midnight mass is and will always be one of the best parts about Christmas for me.” Josh Nguyen (FTV ‘22)

“Usually around the holidays my family will rent a duffy boat and cruise through the canals of Naples Long Beach to see all of the fun holiday lights/decorations! Because of Covid-19 we aren’t doing that this year, but I’m sure my immediate family and I will still try to see the holiday lights/decorations around our neighborhood.” Mia Dunbar (IA ‘21)

“I spent fall break at home, working on college apps agh, it was really chill and my family didn't see anyone but I got to work on some projects and do some uber radical things while at home (:” Dana Worrell (IA ‘21)

By: Elena Levin

With the holidays upon us in this time filled with uncertainty, gifts are probably the last thing on your mind. For many, online shopping is the safest and most convenient option this year, but it is important to keep in mind that not all virtual stores are created equally. While Amazon is a “go-to,” it ultimately creates a plethora of negative consequences outweighing the short-term gratification a customer receives. Shopping small, on the other hand, not only benefits the shopper, but also greatly aids the small business owner as each purchase essentially fuels their dream. No matter the contribution, the small business community thrives from any recognition it receives, and what better a time to extend your patronage than now. Whether you plan your gifts out months in advance or you’re a last-minute shopper, stick to supporting small businesses this holiday season!

Upon speaking to Emma Han (VA ‘22), creator of withlovemma, insight regarding the inner workings of her small business were revealed. Located on Etsy, Han’s online shop features a variety of hand drawn and produced stickers, ranging from colorful milk cartons to animated animals. Han got her start from none other than OCSA’s own “Winter Market,” which she has participated in for the past three years. 

In terms of OCSA students looking to start their own business, Han described the experience to be extremely valuable to learn the ropes and develop an audience. Unknown to many, are the recurring masterclasses that the “Winter Market” sellers attend. These opportunities provide guidance for all things business related, like pricing and packaging for example. However, with the absence of this monumental event this year, aspiring business owners lack the chance to reap the success of holiday sales. “Not having [“Winter Market”] this year kind of steals that experience away from new small business owners that want to start,” Han said. 

But just because there aren’t an abundance of student-owned businesses right outside of your science class doesn’t mean that you can’t support those types of shops within your community, whether it be the OCSA community or simply online. Not sure where to look? “Small business instagrams are everywhere, if you just spend a little time and search up hashtags like #shopsmall, you’ll find a bunch and it’s a great resource,” Han said. 

Let’s face it: at this point, Amazon has essentially become a faceless corporation that antagonizes small businesses across the board. With as much power, influence, and resources as they could ever wish for, efficiency is never a question for this company. But at what cost? Small business owners often make their livelihood out of selling their products and can almost entirely be robbed of their audience by Amazon’s massive consumer base. 

For others, their business represents their passion and a means of sharing their art with others, and they are equally resentful of Amazon’s societal dominance. What customers of big corporations like Amazon lack are the connections made from essentially investing in someone’s art. “Honestly what I would define as success for my business is just making my customers happy and having that genuine experience with people. I feel like that’s what makes running a small business successful because you’re sharing your work with people and they want it,” Han said.  

We all know the world could benefit from more conscious consumers, especially when it means that our funds are being redirected to people other than Jeff Bezos. But, if you don’t have the means to support a small business through your purchases, even doing something as easy as following them on Instagram is one step closer to getting them the recognition they deserve. Nevertheless, if you have the ability to purchase gifts this holiday season, shop small!

Five Holiday Gift Ideas for Anyone on Your List

By: Ashley Nguyen and Elena Levin

The holiday season is finally here, which means it’s time to start buying gifts for family and friends. Coming up with gift ideas can be extremely stressful when you don’t know what to get your loved ones, so if you’re stuck this year, look no further! At least one of these ideas is sure to be the perfect present for someone in your life, and each one can be purchased from a small business. This pandemic has led many small businesses and independent sellers to struggle to stay afloat, so it’s important to be mindful and try to support these groups this December! 

1. Chess Set

With The Queen’s Gambit celebrating a successful release on Netflix these past couple of months, chess sets are turning out to be one of 2020’s most popular holiday gifts! Exercise your intellect with this traditional game that is perfect for the whole family. I mean, Beth Harmon learned to play when she was 9 years old, right? Whether you’re a chess buff or are hopping on the trend after binge-watching the show, chess sets are a timeless classic that can be used for years on end. Even if your gift recipient doesn’t end up playing too often, a chess set can serve as an elegant coffee-table centerpiece that can trick guests into thinking they’re an intellectual. Not sure where to buy one? You can find tons on Etsy, listed by independent sellers, which provide options that the local department stores just can’t match. An even better choice would be to purchase one used on a site like eBay, where you can give a pre-loved set a second home!

2. Homemade Movie Theatre 

This gift idea is perfect for those friends or family members who are missing going to the movies right now! It’s personal, practical, and convenient as you can tailor it to your needs; I’m looking at all of you last-minute shoppers. All you need for this super simple gift is a box, basket, or bag; your gift recipient’s favorite snacks and candy; and a movie! As for the movie, you can get creative: pick up a DVD of their favorite flick, print out the cover of a movie you want to watch together that’s already on a streaming platform like Netflix, or even include a movie poster of your choice! There’s so much freedom within this idea and you can make it as big as you want– add in some fuzzy socks and maybe even a blanket if you’re looking for the ultimate comfort level. Experiences are the best gifts, so this is the perfect way to spend some time with your loved ones and recreate an event that they’re probably missing right now, all from the comfort of your own home!

3. Artist Commissions 

There are so many talented artists who are out of work right now and need all of the support they can get, or even just people who have used this time to plunge into creating a business of their own, and this holiday season is the prime time to support them! One of my favorite gift types is anything homemade, especially if it means that I’m supporting a local artist. But now, with platforms like Etsy, thousands of artists can showcase their abilities on a larger scale. The best thing about buying from a small business is that they typically offer commissions or custom orders for their products. Whether it be jewelry, clothing, ornaments, embroidery, or paintings, you can ensure that the gift you get will be a perfect fit for your recipient! 

4. Boba Kit

This boba kit is the perfect gift for any boba lover! Boba has become an extremely popular drink but with Covid-19, going out has become more risky and difficult. With these unusual times, this DIY boba kit allows anyone to make their favorite boba drinks from scratch. This can be bought anywhere from independent sellers on Etsy to various websites. This gift can be enjoyed by any individual or can be turned into a family activity over the holidays!

5. Family Cookbook

With the holiday season coming around the corner and quarantine keeping most of us in the house, it is the perfect time to try new recipes at home! This is a personalized DIY cookbook to record your family's new recipes. From baked goods to fancy meal ideas, this gift is perfect for anyone that loves to experiment with cooking. Many independent sellers are known to create custom gifts like these-including this item that can be found on platforms such as Etsy.

Hideously Cozy: The Story Behind Ugly Christmas Sweaters

By: Isabel Hahn

Ugly Christmas sweaters are not an unfamiliar sight during the holiday season. Fuzzy fabric, bold colors, and cheesy Christmas motifs may come to mind, everything from red-nosed reindeers to 3D ribbons. In recent decades, this obnoxious, yet strangely wholesome article of clothing has become almost an essential part of the holidays, becoming as prevalent as other festive items like wrapping paper and tree ornaments. It may be difficult to believe, but the infamous ugly Christmas sweater has a lot more history hidden behind its flamboyance.  

In the 1950s, the Christmas season was first widely commercialized, and as a result, Christmas themed sweaters began to be produced on a larger scale. These sweaters were affectionately called “Jingle Bell sweaters.” They were never intended to be tacky, and usually had more modest and artistic designs over neutral colors. Rather than the irony of today’s ugly sweaters, Jingle Bell sweaters were more genuine in their ugliness. They can be compared to vintage fair isle sweaters that are still around today. 

The ugly Christmas sweater only started gaining mass popularity in the 80s. They started appearing more throughout pop culture, most notably in television sitcoms. It became common for conductors of Christmas specials to wear ugly sweaters. The sweaters became somewhat of a joke making fun of old people, as it seemed to encompass the endearing spirit of a dorky parent. People began to proudly wear the sweaters at holiday office parties and family get-togethers for laughs. 

However, the ugly sweater craze of the 80s was fleeting, and by the 90s, ugly sweaters became something associated only with gifts given by unfashionable relatives. The emergence of the internet and other exciting worldwide events caused people to focus on the present, rather than nostalgic items of the past. Inevitably, ugly sweaters were considered old news. 

The turn of the century was what eventually brought back the sweaters from the dead. A kind of resurgence occurred throughout the early 2000s. The first ugly Christmas sweater themed holiday party was held in 2002, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch, the party hosts, intended to organize a feel-good party with the ugly sweaters. This party idea soon gained traction, and it was not long before similar events began to appear frequently. What started off as a goofy lighthearted gathering eventually snowballed into a modern cultural phenomenon.  

Over the next decade, the ugly Christmas sweater cemented itself as a holiday tradition. Social media contributed to its lasting popularity, as it provided a platform for people to share their love for ugly sweaters. As a result of promotions from celebrities and well-known brands, ugly Christmas sweaters became a “must-have” item.  

Ugly sweaters continue to maintain relevance in today’s generation. Sidney Muntean (CW ‘22) recalls back to her freshman year at OCSA, when she saw a student wearing an ugly Christmas sweater in the middle of September. She describes the sight as very memorable and absurd. This year, despite being in distanced learning, OCSA Leadership also held an ugly sweater contest for the student body to celebrate the winter season.  

The beauty of ugly Christmas sweaters is how shamelessly ridiculous they are. With no overbearing expectation of elegance or refinement, many people find that they are able to get as creative as they want with their sweaters. They can let off some steam and have fun by intentionally wearing something admittedly ridiculous. Whatever the design may be: pop-up pom poms, colorful LED lights, or a simple pattern of snowflakes, ugly sweaters perfectly fit the chaotic, yet heartwarming atmosphere of the holidays.

James fights Tim Allen and becomes Santa

By: James Herde

The Disney film “The Santa Clause” is known to many as a b-flick Christmas film you may have watched once or twice when you were a kid. For me, “The Santa Clause” trilogy is a year long affair. I’ve spent the last three years compiling information on the tale of Tim Allen’s character Scott Calvin for my 13,000 word thesis: “The Santa Clause: Plot Holes, Christian Dominance, and More!”, which at this point is still unfinished. In my work to analyze, decipher, and understand the meaning of these films I keep coming back with more questions rather than answers. I need to find the truth, and in order to do so I must go to the man himself; Tim Allen.  

On the eve of December 1st 2020, I met up with Allen at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa for a signing of his new industry tell-all book: “Why Being a Man Makes Me Better than You”. Of course, this was unbeknownst to him, but I had motives aside from getting a copy of his book signed. That was simply my ticket in. After waiting in line for three hours, I finally managed to make it to the front. 

First I purchased his misogynistic opus, which I had signed under the guise of a Christmas gift for my father (which I made clear, rather than saying it was a “holiday” gift, lest I be shot dead by mall security for my liberal agenda). After getting through the semantics, I brought up “The Santa Clause”. ‘Tis the season, after all. I began by asking why the parents didn't wonder where Santa’s gifts came from, to which he responded with “Do you?” This rocked me to my core, I’d never thought of it that way. I shook off my shock and proceeded, time was limited and I had more to ask.

“Why does killing Santa make you become Santa?” He looked up at me with a grim stare: “You need to prove that you’re willing to do what it takes to save Christmas.” He flipped the table as he stood to face me and began wailing punches into my face and arms. Lucky for me, I had grabbed my Vulcan Gear Classic Handmade Sharp Japanese Katana Samurai Sword on the way out the door. I began swinging my Vulcan Gear Classic Handmade Sharp Japanese Katana Samurai Sword wildly, but Allen dodged each swing with effortless grace. He did a spinning kick in an attempt to sweep me off my feet, but my cat-like reflexes allowed me to backflip a few feet out of reach, laying a deep slice into his leg with my Vulcan Gear Classic Handmade Sharp Japanese Katana Samurai Sword while mid-air. As South Coast plaza began to evacuate due to our cataclysmic brawl, Allen’s eyes began to glow red with the spirit of his fellow Boomer Dads at his side in the astral plane. He flew towards me, seeking to lay a blow with an energy beam straight from his hands. I ran towards him and with all the power I had, and swung my Vulcan Gear Classic Handmade Sharp Japanese Katana Samurai Sword. 

I landed a fatal blow to Allen’s tors’. I had slain him like a modern Kraken. I held him in my arms and he began to weakly explain himself. 

“Through this battle you’ve proven that you’ll do what it takes to do what’s right, you’ve earned your place in the Hall of Snowglobes as Santa.” I wept as Allen made one final transition to Santa. He suddenly had a bushy white beard, rosy cheeks, and was wearing his signature suit, with a belly to match. He faded away, all that was left in my arms was his red winter coat. As I began to put it on, I heard the jingle of sleigh bells on the roof of the mall. Now I could finally go and find out the truth.

A Ghost of Christmas Tree Past

By: Serapina Chung

Special Feature: HATS

By: Kaon Suh

2020 Document Based Question

…Because 2020 is a year that’ll have its own unit in history textbooks

By: Jennifer Woo

2072 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY EXAM
SECTION II

Total Time—1 hour, 30 minutes

Question 1 (Document-Based Question)

Suggested reading period: 15 minutes

Suggested writing time: 40 minutes

Directions: Question 1 is based on the accompanying documents. The documents have been edited for the purpose of the exercise 

1. Evaluate the different causes contributing to the unprecedented chaos, unique to America in the year 2020.

Document 1

Source: CNN article, “Second giant 'murder hornet' escapes after it was captured by scientists in Washington”, October 13, 2020

“Another "murder" hornet that could have led scientists to its nest has evaded experts once more, following a lost signal.

Last week, scientists with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) captured a live Asian giant hornet—known as "murder" hornets for their ability to decimate honeybee populations—and used dental floss to attach a tracking device to its body, which "worked quite well," said Sven Spichiger, WSDA's managing entomologist, during a news conference on Monday.”

“Once a nest is located, the plan is to vacuum out the hornets and use carbon dioxide gas to knock out any remaining hornets in the nest, he said. [...] What makes them so dangerous is that they can destroy a honeybee hive in a matter of hours, killing the bees by decapitating them.”

Document 2

Source: Associated Press News, July 20, 2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Rapper Kanye West, in his first event since declaring himself a presidential candidate, ranted against historical figure Harriet Tubman on Sunday, saying the Underground Railroad conductor “never actually freed the slaves, she just had them work for other white people,” comments that drew shouts of opposition from some in the crowd.

Document 3

Source: A Biden-Harris campaign shirt from Biden’s official store

Document 4

Source: CNN article, January 5, 2020

“In the hours after the Pentagon announced the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani on Thursday, "World War III" was trending on Twitter. Traffic to the US Selective Service, the agency that would be responsible for any eventual military draft, spiked so high that the website crashed.”

Document 5 

Source: Donald J. Trump’s Twitter, November 7, 2020

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

I WON THIS ELECTION, BY A LOT!

Official sources may not have called the race when this was Tweeted

Document 6 

Source: The Atlantic, “The Most Watched Show in America is a Moral Failure”, Sophie Gilbert, 7 April 2020

At this particular moment, the most-watched show in America is a seven-part documentary series about a gay, polygamous zoo owner in Oklahoma who breeds tigers, commissions and stars in his own country-music videos, presides over what he describes as “my little cult” of drifters and much younger men, and ran for governor of Oklahoma in 2018 on a libertarian platform. He’s also currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for, among other charges, trying to arrange the assassination of his nemesis, an animal-sanctuary owner in Florida. And his business allies include another big-cat breeder—a yoga-loving guru in Myrtle Beach who runs what appears to be a tiger-themed sex sect.

Document 7

Source: The Washington Post, “Mall Santas brave the pandemic with plexiglass barriers, sanitation elves and snow-globe bubbles”, Abha Bhattarai, 11 December 2020

The SoNo Collection, a mall owned by Brookfield in Norwalk, Conn., is offering virtual visits this year for $25. But for those who would like to see Santa in the flesh, he’ll be greeting shoppers from inside an acrylic snow globe on the third floor.

“Santa has survived so many things — the Spanish flu, the bubonic plague — and I just couldn’t bring myself to tell my kids that he was afraid of covid-19,” said Kathryn Burgess, a Richmond-based photographer who designed the snow globe and spent $10,000 manufacturing it. “But we had to come up with a creative plan to protect him.”

The Cursed Cuisine of the Holiday Season

By: Erick Ferrufino and Lauren Le

One of the most beloved traditions of November, arguably the most beloved, has to be Friendsgiving. In the interest of safety, many people made the tough decision of cancelling their Friendsgiving plans, but here at the Evolution, we wanted to give all those affected by this tragedy something to look forward to. In this bold celebration guide, Managing Editor and resident recipe developer, Lauren Le, and globally despised satire writer, Erick Ferrufino, join forces to make your makeup Friendsgiving as memorable as possible. If you are feeling extra inspired, these dishes would make a lovely December Holiday meal spread.  

Entrée: Holiday Mac & Cheese Jello

What you will need:

• Two Boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese

• ¼ cup water

• 3 cups milk

• 2 tablespoons of butter (experts only)

• Red and green food coloring

• Dad’s leftover ashtray (for seasoning)

• 2-3 boxes of gelatin (pumpkin spice)

• ¼ cup Thousand island dressing (for glazing)

Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the macaroni, cook for 1 minute. Keep the heat on high, so that the milk curdles. Do NOT skip this step. It is essential to receive a delectable texture. 

Remove from the heat, and add the packets of cheese powder and butter. Stir vigorously to combine. Add the gelatin, and mix until just combined. Add the food coloring, and swirl artfully with a long skewer for a marbled-effect. 

Pour the contents of the pot into a large bundt pan and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until set. 

Unmold the Mac & Cheese onto a decorative platter, set aside. 

In a small bowl, whisk the thousand island dressing with the remnants of your dad’s leftover ashtray, add cinnamon to taste. Pour over the mac and cheese bundt, and enjoy with loved ones, who will promptly leave after you unveil this. What a festive way to make sure no one wants to gather with you this holiday season!

Beverage: Spoiled Egg Nog

• 1 tsp mayo

• 1 can chickpea water

• 1 tsp cream of tartar

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• ¾ tsp cloves

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 5 gallons yak’s milk, fermented for 45 days

• 5 pumps hand sanitizer (optional)

After the yak’s milk has fermented for the 45 days, transfer it into a large stockpot. Place the pot onto the stove on high heat, and bring to a boil. 

Once the delectable smell wafts through your kitchen, drop in your spices, and immediately bring to a simmer. Add in the eggs, one at a time, but do NOT stir. This yields a more unique, fun, drinking experience (similar to boba)!

While waiting for the eggnog to reduce, use an electric mixer to whip the chickpea water, mayo, and cream of tartar to stiff peaks.

Ladle the milk into a nice little mug, and pump the hand sanitizer in for a boozy kick. Spoon on some of the whipped topping, and sprinkle a bit more paprika for that Michelin finishing touch!

Dessert: Extra-Dry Fruitcake

• 2 cups of flour 

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup sugar 

• 1 single maraschino cherry

• 5 tbsp salt

• 1 cup baking soda 

• 3 tbsp baking powder 

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup sawdust

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Mix all the ingredients in at once, eggshells included. Fold with a spatula until just combined, and take a bit of a break. Then get back to it; you are not done yet. Continue folding until your arm is screaming for help, and the batter is extra lumpy and hard to work with. 

Transfer the batter into a 9x5 loaf pan that has been greased with lard, or any other leftover holiday fat drippings may be lying around your house. 

Bake for 2 hours, until black, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, you are unable to, because it has solidified into a brick. 

Leave to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before inverting it onto a serving platter. Make sure you save the craggly bits that fall off for an extra crunchy topping. 

Horoscopes

By: Anica Sherry, Monica Johnson

Aries

Aries, your creativity will likely satisfy you more than anything else during this upcoming month. Though school and work may seem to be leading nowhere, your headstrong nature will likely lead you towards your goals. The stars are in your favor with relationships and finances, so utilize these to enjoy life and find an artistic outlet to spend your time with. 

Taurus

You are likely to feel bored with the static nature of this month, but be on the lookout for meaningful interactions with your peers. Find ways to keep yourself motivated with your work and tolerate the actions of others so you can defuse tensions within relationships. Overall, persistence and avoidance of negativity will most likely be the best methods for you in having a good experience during this time.

Gemini

Gemini, things may feel slow paced and tedious, so be patient if you want to achieve your goals at this time. If you carefully make plans for the near future, your chances of success will be all the more likely. Keep a lookout for those around you struggling as well, considering you should be better equipped to help them than usual. As long as you aren’t too impulsive or reckless, you should be able to follow your ambitions.

Cancer

It is likely that you will face some challenges in your education this month, and you are probably going to have to buckle down to keep up. Don’t be afraid of the hard work, as it will surely benefit you in the long run and allow yourself to ask for help when necessary. Once you have the time, try to connect with your loved ones as you will most likely make a great impact on others this month. 

Leo

Leo, this next month have lots of patience with family members (it’s holiday season-- you might be stuck with them!) and refuse to be provoked by small comments and actions. When second semester starts in January, you’ll find success in your schoolwork, and in as well as in your professional life. Consider talking with a mentor who is experienced in the field you’re entering. 

Virgo

Now is the time to utilize your artistic talents! Start a project, find some inspiration, and let your creativity flow. Maybe use it as a way to relax, considering tensions in many of your relationships might arise. The stars are in your favor regarding your health at this time, as long as you keep social distancing and practicing safe habits.

Libra

You should be feeling relatively good this upcoming month, but do not exert yourself! Use this opportunity to share your ideas, pursue your goals at this time, and take charge of your education. Try your best to be kind and respectful, especially to your family and friends as it will likely serve you very well. Tensions will likely be low for you so make the most of it!

Scorpio

Scorpio, next month, your health might be affected by your stress levels-- keep a keen eye on your environment and stay out of anxious situations, if you can. You will find your work atmosphere to be a little difficult to be in, but this doesn’t mean to avoid career-related topics at all costs! Stay resilient and work hard. If you are able to safely, consider taking a small road-trip--travel might ease your anxieties and open up new opportunities.

Sagittarius

The learning environment this month might be filled with distractions and hindrances, so put some extra effort into grasping educational concepts. Luckily it’ll be the beginning of the semester soon. Let your adventurous spirit lead the way artistically, Sagittarius. Money might be tight this month, but complete career related tasks simply and in a way that is enjoyable for you.

Capricorn

Capricorn, try your best to treat coworkers and peers pleasantly this month, in both the workplace and in school. Same with your family and people at home-- don’t lose your cool. To avoid unpleasant surprises and confrontations, plan out familial expenses well and remind yourself why you love the ones you keep close to you. 

Aquarius

Aquarius, you will find it a little difficult to maintain family harmony this month. There might be a difficulty between older and younger generations, but be patient and understanding. These tensions will resolve. On a more positive note, there will also be unexpected good fortune coming your way, plus bountiful opportunities to further your finances and career. 

Pisces

This year, Saturn will leave your eighth house, allowing for many more financial opportunities this next month, despite there not being much professional development in your career life. All success this month will have to come from hard work and drive. You’ll spend a lot of time with yourself, especially if traveling and working.

What It’s Really Like To Be A Senior

By: Julia Motakef

Being a senior at OCSA is a little different than being a senior at any other school, but there are some pretty standard things that every senior goes through that no one could really warn us about. The first thing: the simultaneous feeling of being a child and an adult all in one. We are doing things that will affect our adult lives, like applying to universities and colleges, and getting jobs for the first time. All our academic lives are spent working towards this goal of “having a better future” and “making something of ourselves”. When we were in elementary school, teachers warned us about middle school being so much harder and rigorous, and we had to prepare for that. Then we got to middle school, and teachers told us that high school was no joke and that these were the last few years our grades didn’t matter too much. Now finally in high school we wonder what this was all about, why we had been preparing for so long to get here. As a freshman there’s a lot of excitement and wonder in the air, because we are finally at the place we’ve heard so much about. Then as a sophomore, we start realizing that our teachers were right, high school is as hard as everyone says it is. By the time we get to our junior year, we finally start feeling the rush. We start taking opportunities and we do things we never thought we would. We make new friends, and take classes we want to take, not just ones we have to. We’re finally old enough to start learning how to drive and we become more independent. And before we know it, just when we’ve caught our breath, we’re seniors. Just as we get used to the way things are going, we blink and we’re out. 

All our lives we have been training to grow up and start a life for ourselves, and we realize we’re still kids. Our senior year is just preparing us to leave again, the same way we prepared to leave elementary school and middle school. As soon as we gain all this independence, there’s this feeling of wanting to stay a kid. We start doing things on our own and learning how to rely on ourselves for more everyday tasks, but there’s still this part of us that misses being a kid, even though we still are kids. We’re just kids learning how to be adults before we actually are. This creates a pretty blurry line.e don’t want to grow up completely, but it’s time to make decisions that are going to determine our future and what kind of life we want to have. 

The feeling of contentment and satisfaction is pretty bittersweet for seniors. The Class of 2021 won’t get a traditional graduation ceremony, but there’s something special about leaving the bubble we’ve been trapped in for years. Some people have been going to school together since kindergarten, while others have been going to school together since seventh grade; like my friends and I. Graduating high school is something that we have looked forward to our whole lives. It’s a rite of passage, and a huge accomplishment that we made it through more than 12 years of education for this piece of paper that proves it’s all over. We get to say we graduated high school and that the hard part is over. On the other hand, there’s this part of us that is attached to the people  who have now become our second family. We got used to what life was like,  a daily routine, but now it’s all about to change. We have to leave behind people that we have spent years with, who know us inside and out. It stings that we will never all be in once place ever again. Sure, there could be a reunion in the future, but none of us will ever be the same as our high school selves 10 years from now. It doesn’t help that the Class of 2021 won’t get a senior year at all, and people we took for granted are people we might never see again. Most of the people from high school will pop up on Instagram or Twitter sooner or later, and there’ll be a fleeting thought of “Oh wow, I never got to say goodbye to them.” But that’s just the part of graduating that’s shared by everyone; at the end of the day we were together for six years and now it’s all coming to an end.