Shedding Light on Night

Discussing hate and prejudice in school is never easy. Talking about these sensitive issues in a group with school board members, your classmates, and your mom can be even more uncomfortable.

However, the Palo Alto community has risen to the challenge in an effort to bring these issues out into the open.

School board member Barbara Klausner said she hopes to address issues of cultural understanding with an upcoming forum called "Growing Up Asian in Palo Alto" from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, at the Mitchell Park Community Center.

Panelists and community members of all ethnicities will discuss cultural issues of increasing prominence, including perspectives on the importance of getting into college and other related topics.

Klausner's event will follow a successful community dialogue centered on anti-Semitism hosted by sophomores from David Cohen's Facing History and Ourselves classes.

The 10th grade classes led a community discussion on Wednesday night in the library in concurrence with their study of the controversial Holocaust book Night by Elie Wiesel.

"We are here to face the racism and prejudice that, no matter how much we try to ignore it, thrives here, even at Paly," sophomore Al Brooks said. He cited insensitive remarks by a past city official, the swastikas graffitied on the Tower Building in 2007, and even the tendency of Paly students to eat lunch in groups segregated by race.

Klausner, who was also a participant in the discussion, said she takes these issues very seriously.

"Al's comment, especially about how everyone knows where the Asian kids and the black kids and the Latino kids eat lunch, really worried me," Klausner said.

Cohen said he first got the idea for an evening of discussion and dialogue from a teacher in Georgia, who tried to plan a similar event but gave up.

"It's one of the missing pieces in my teaching — bringing it out of the classroom," Cohen said. "In a way, this was kind of my new years' resolution. It was also a good way to get to know my students."

In the months leading up to the event, students have posted blog entries, chronicling their planning process and ruminations on the book's graphic content.

Six group sessions followed the opening remarks, with different groups of students leading discussions and presentations of different aspects of the book. One of the smaller group sessions focused on confronting hate in the 21st century, especially in online interactions.

"A lot of people do it [post hateful messages] as a joke," sophomore Gerrit Gerritsen said. "After a while it starts to become acceptable."

The student leaders and the session participants both recognized some benefits of anonymity on the Internet, including how it can allow individuals to make information public in whistle-blower situations.

"The truth can sometimes sneak out," participant Nancy Greene said, referring to the photos of prison abuse in Abu Ghraib that came to people's attention through wide dissemination on the Internet, "but sometimes it needs to be anonymous."

However, the group also talked about the widespread abuse of technology and its role in perpetrating hate, especially in cultural contexts.

"The first person can say something without repercussions and because of the anonymity, people feel free to add on," Klausner said. "You can get this mob mentality that allows these things to happen.

"Eventually, you get to where is that point at which we can no longer keep going with that sense of human-ness. What's amazing about Wiesel is that he managed to maintain that humanity throughout the book."

Cohen said he is open to planning another event next year to continue community involvement, possibly with a different book.

"I've been thrilled with the outpouring of support," Cohen said. "I definitely want to continue in this direction."

This article was previously published in the Paly Voice.

WHO DAT? Blogging the 2010 Super Bowl Ads

At approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, I sat down to watch my very first Super Bowl.

The game actually turned out to be rather exciting, even to someone like myself who knows precisely zip about football, but I was even more interested in the famed Super Bowl ads, which collectively are supposed to reflect the economic, social, and moral temperature of the entire nation.

And while this method of taking America's pulse was quite a bit more entertaining than, say, watching Obama's State of the Union address, the portrait it painted was also more alarming. I mean, I knew that most Americans get excited about beer, cars and Doritos, but this must be one of the first times an ad for an online employment agency can elicit the same mouth-watering sensation. And what was with all those ads with people slapping each other?

But regardless, the experience was intriguing.

So here are my responses to some of the more notable ads of Super Bowl XLIV.

One of the first ads was for Bud Light, because in times of recession the one thing America needs is more beer. And also auto-tuners so that white people can sound like T-Pain.

Then there was TIM TEBOW'S STUPID PRO-LIFE AD. It was kind of anti-climactic but oddly amusing because Tebow tackled his mother while she was talking.

Here's the gist of it:

TIM TEBOW'S MOM: "I love my son. He's my little boy."

AUDIENCE: Awwww.

[TIM TEBOW tackles TIM TEBOW'S MOM]

AUDIENCE: WTF??

TIM TEBOW'S MOM: "Timmy! I'm trying to tell our story!"

TIM TEBOW: Oh. Uh. Hahaha.

[Both grin foolishly at camera.]

AUDIENCE: …

Hyundai dominated many of the commercial breaks. In addition to sponsoring basically the entire Super Bowl, the Korean car manufacturer proved that it is smarter than Toyota by playing classical music during practically all of its commercials. And naming one of its newest cars "The Sonata."

There's also a new movie out about Robin Hood, who apparently was a gladiator who liked blowing stuff up until he turned to philanthropy in his later years.

Doritos had a series of remarkably violent ads:

1.A dog tases a man over a bag of chips.

2.A young child smacks his mother's boyfriend for taking his Doritos.

3.A man is very nearly buried alive in a casket full of orange potato chips. This is actually a recurring nightmare that I have.

4.A Dorito embeds itself in a man's neck. And kills him. WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA??

Cars.com had kind of an interesting ad in which a man who saves the world doesn't know how to go about buying a car. (I learned how to say "Olive oil neutralizes jellyfish stings" in Italian.)

One ad started with a football player saying "This is a message for all the women watching the Super Bowl. This is the actual sound of my heart."

I, of course, thought was another FRICKING ANTI-ABORTION AD until he said "Women's heart disease is a real problem. And you matter to me. Especially if you're watching the Super Bowl." Then I kind of liked it.

After that, there was a Careerbuilder ad in which wholly unattractive people go to work in nothing but underwear. This was immediately followed by an ad for Dockers in which men march through the grasslands singing "Weeeear noooo paaaants!!!!"

I can only assume the placement was intentional.

Universal Studios bought an ad for the new Harry Potter Theme Park, which I hadn't known existed until that moment. My childhood died a little.

The NFL gets the award for Deepest Statement in an Ad: "The seasons may change, but there's always football." Wait, but they don't play football in spring...or summer...

Then there was an ad for March Madness. During the Super Bowl. Isn't that kind of like advertising for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving? Oh, wait...

Then there was one in which Megan Fox wonders what would happen if she sent out a picture of herself nude in the bathtub. I honestly do not remember what this ad was for, but I know it was totally unrelated to the subject matter.

The Denny's ads featuring screaming chickens were more than slightly disturbing as well. Maybe it's just me, but an ad for a diner that virtually promises to abuse animals does not make me want to patronize aforementioned diner. However, judging by the apparent flock of Paly students who enjoyed a free Grand Slam this morning and felt compelled to share their experiences, the ads were effective.

Finally, a man uses Google to find out how to go to Paris, find a job, meet a girl, marry the girl, and have a kid. Ironically, that was probably the cheapest ad to produce, and it was legitimately one of the best.

There you have it: a year in commercials for a multitude of products, the majority of which will make you fatter, poorer, and marginally less intelligent than you were before you bought them.

So, America: we've got one year to buy a personal fitness machine, work off all the calories we gained from eating chips and Cheez Whiz in front of the television, and revel in the triumph of an underdog football team before we again indulge ourselves in the uniquely American macho gloryfest that will be the 2011 Super Bowl. Enjoy!

The Junior's Guide to College: 2010 Edition

Q&A With Private College Counselor Frona Kahn

Between AP classes, SATs, and watching frantic seniors submit college applications, navigating the pitfalls of junior year can be tricky. Professional college counselor Frona Kahn answered some of the most pressing questions.

Q: Is it true that now universities want "angular" kids (i.e. extremely involved and successful in one activity) rather than "bright, well-rounded" kids?

A: In general terms, private colleges are looking for students who are more "angular." However, if you are applying to the Ivies, you need depth and success in two major areas.
I'd approach this from another angle as well--why do colleges want this? First, they want to see that a student goes way "beyond" the normal involvement, is self-motivated, and strives for excellence. Secondly, colleges want to know that students will be key contributors on campus. For instance, high school students involved in math may participate in the Putnam Competition in college. Admission officers don't want to see "resume fillers", they want to see leadership and passion. Show initiative and be able to differentiate yourself from other students.

Q: Should juniors send their SAT scores to colleges?
A: If you have scores well above the top scorers granted admission during the prior year and are interested in a specific college, you can certainly send them. However, there are many other ways to get noticed by college admission officers.

Q: Any tips for doing well on the essay portion of the SAT?
A: It is a formulaic essay. If you have good knowledge of 5-10 key figures, leaders, and changemakers from history, you can probably adapt whatever question you get to fit that knowledge. Make sure you give strong examples. Practice using the rubric and ask and an English teacher to give you feedback, if possible. Make sure you read the prompt carefully and answer it.

Q: How many SAT Subject tests should students take? How should we choose which ones to take?
A: Choose tests where you feel you can be most successful. Get a practice test book and take a couple of tests.
I generally recommend that students take 3-4 subject tests and use the highest scores. It's helpful if you don't have to take all the tests on one day. That said, you usually want to wait till the end of the year in which you are studying the subject to take the test.
If you are heading towards the math and science area, you want to show proficiency in those areas. For instance, my eldest son, who is getting his Ph.D in theoretical physics at MIT, took the SAT 2 Physics test. As in most standardized tests, practice helps, and reflecting on your answers right after you finish a practice test can also be beneficial.


What advice would you give to juniors in general?

Try to take the long view on this process. I've found that there's a great deal of maturation and change that goes on between the time that you apply for college (next fall) and the time you send in your housing deposit (next spring).

On choosing the right college: Look for and apply to a school that fits you. Schools have personalities, and you are in this process not just to get accepted, but to be happy, meet friends, learn and flourish. The school that "fits" you may surprise you--be open to many different kinds of colleges, because undergrad is just one step in your educational process. Many of you will go onto graduate school. And look outside the US if that works with your family; for instance, one of my sons is studying at McGill in Montreal, Canada.

On college visits: Know why you are applying to the colleges on your list. Visit during spring break if possible and plan your visit well. Connect with professors and students in departments of interest. Share your interests with them and ask lots of questions. The right preparation for a college visit can help you write a stronger essay of "why" you want this particular school -- and that counts with admissions. Learn how to be successful in admission and alum interviews and present yourself as a strong candidate.

On preparing for applications: Look at the common application online and the various supplements needed for different privates. See what is asked. Don't start on the applications now, but know what's coming up.
One of our students actually said that filling out apps was fun. She followed her passions, which were music and language. She became the student choir director at her high school and helped mentor younger students, select repertoire, and conduct the ensembles. By the time she reached the application season, despite all the SAT stress, she had a lot to say about herself, and where she wanted to study and why.

On resumés: Start working on your resume during the next break. Keep adding to it monthly/quarterly. It will be much easier to fill out college applications with an organized list.

On internships: During this next semester and summer, seek to deepen your involvement in outside activities. Internships are important. One of our students was accepted as a fashion design intern in NYC two summers in a row and worked with several big name firms. But it took her 300 letters, countless phone calls, resumes, portfolios and interviews to secure her first internship. Another student interned in the Genetics Counseling Department at Stanford--again, it took tremendous work, effort and initiative to make this happen.

On working: Admissions officers love students who have paying jobs. They like the commitment this shows. A summer job can be helpful experience without getting in the way of schoolwork.

On financial aid: Many parents and students ask me how to get scholarships to pay for college. When we develop lists for students, we include colleges that we know will give merit-based aid (not based on income level, but on accomplishments). One of the students we worked with is now at a private college on a large 4 year renewable merit scholarship. It can be done!

On leadership: Look for opportunities to develop leadership skills. It will help you on your applications and it also helps others. Admissions officers are interested in seeing that you care about helping the community.

On Ivy League pressure: Realize that some Ivies accept only 7-10% of students that apply. That means they turn down 93-90%. I firmly believe, and this is reflected in our practice with hundreds of students, that it’s possible to get into top grad schools if you have done extraordinarily well in your undergraduate programs (at non-Ivies).
Grades do matter, of course, and taking the most challenging academic load, however, please, please try to stay balanced. Easier said than done, but it is possible.



Know that all of you will get into wonderful colleges and universities. Relish the journey. Ask questions, and trust your instincts. Best of luck to all of you.

Frona Kahn is the president of DesignWorlds for College and an experienced college counselor. She has two sons who currently studying at MIT and McGill.

In the Year 2009

After several weeks' silence on this blog, I figured it was only fitting to finish off the decade with a multimedia feature.

The following videos, in my opinion, capture about the right mood for the year that brought us the absurd healthcare town hall meetings, Governor Mark Sanford's apparent penchant for hiking the Appalachian Trail, and Kanye West's inopportune outburst at the VMAs.

Disclaimer: These videos may contain material unsuitable for children, pets, or anyone with an unhealthy amount of nostalgia for the year 2009. Contains bleeped obscenities, simulated consumption of alcohol, and some jokes in very bad taste. Enjoy!

And yet, this year also saw the sobering inauguration of Barack Obama, the triumphal landing in the Hudson of the plane piloted by Chesley B. Sullenberger III and, most recently, a reminder that we have a long way to go in overcoming threats to the safety of the international community, especially when we're airborne several thousand feet above the earth.

In that somber vein, I offer this uplifting article, published in the New York Times.

A MIDEAST BOND, STITCHED BY PAIN AND HEALING

By ETHAN BRONNER

Published: December 30, 2009

JERUSALEM — He can be impulsive. She has a touch of bossiness. Next-door neighbors for nearly a year, they talk, watch television and explore the world together, wandering into each other’s homes without a second thought. She likes his mother’s eggplant dish. He likes her father’s rice and lamb.

Friendship often starts with proximity, but Orel and Marya, both 8, have been thrust together in a way few elsewhere have. Their playground is a hospital corridor. He is an Israeli Jew severely wounded by a Hamas rocket. She is a Palestinian Muslim from Gaza paralyzed by an Israeli missile. Someone forgot to tell them that they are enemies.

Read the rest of the article here.

Happy New Year! Best wishes for a peaceful decade.

Journey to the Sacred Homeland

Pilgrimage is a pillar of all three major world religions. Although prayer is possible from anywhere in the world, physical travel to sacred monuments allows for a tangible connection to the history of belief.

I had the privilege to travel to such a monument. It is perhaps not as well known as the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, or the Vatican, but it shares a beautiful location, extensive security, and famous inhabitants.

It’s Barack Obama’s house in Hyde Park, Chicago.

The leafy neighborhood of Hyde Park has wide, quiet streets and dignified craftsman and colonial houses. Concrete blockades and signs at the entrance to Obama’s street inform visitors that “by entering this area, you are consenting to a search of your person and belongings,” but pedestrian access to the street is otherwise unimpaired.

The Obamas’ modest house stands across the street from a brick synagogue, Temple KAM Isaiah Israel. The synagogue’s intriguing architecture includes a domed roof and a towering minaret, congruent with the Moorish style of the synagogue’s sanctuary.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, the synagogue endured stringent security measures, according to Executive Director Tal Rosen.

“If someone was coming to the synagogue, they had to wait at the checkpoint and have the Secret Service call in and confirm that they were going to the synagogue, and then we had to go out and meet them,” Rosen said. “It was a hassle, but it does make you feel safe.”

Secret Service agents on duty at the President’s house do inform passersby that unless they are headed to the synagogue, they should not be on the road. However, this policy does not seem to be incredibly strictly enforced.

The two agents on duty at the time were quite amiable. One of them, an officer in the Chicago Police Force, told us he used to be an attorney. When my 10-year-old brother said that he thought it would be cool to be a Secret Service agent, the officer advised him to “stay out of trouble, do well in school, and don’t do drugs. It’s an important job.” Then he gave my brother a Secret Service lapel pin and posed for a picture.

Yes, even Obama’s home security agents are chill.

And the coolest thing is that the house next door is for sale.

Oktoberfest

Everything seems to happen in October: fall sports, choir concerts, new seasons of TV shows, college apps, APUSH projects, APUSH tests, College Awareness Day, PSATs, SATs, Nobel Peace Prizes, 6-year-old boys not actually floating away in balloons, and – just today – the Malaysian government's underwater meeting to protest climate change. Plus five million other things.

Just how busy is October? Several Paly students responded. Enjoy!

1. My October's so busy, I wish I was a freshman.

2. My October's so busy, I don't have time to watch Glee.

3. October's so busy, the weather obviously spent only those two rainy days on winter and now it's spring.

4. My October's so busy, I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4 (Warning: Parental supervision not advised.)

5. October's so busy, the Nobel committee couldn't wait for Obama to make peace before giving him the prize.

And personally, my October's so busy, I didn't have time to post this on my blog.

Halloween: Too Old to Trick-or-Treat?

For me, Halloween represents three basic childhood experiences:

1. Getting candy for free.

2. Having my mom yell at my drunk neighbor who wouldn't give money to UNICEF.

3. Wearing bits of fabric that I would otherwise never be caught dead in because they're much girlier/sluttier/less comfortable/weirder than what is generally deemed socially acceptable.

But really, the candy and the costume are the best parts. After all, what's more fun than celebrating a pagan holiday by disguising yourself to ensure your safety form the living imprints of departed souls who rise from their graves on this one night to terrorize their former communities?

And let me tell you how happy I am to not be dressing like Sarah Palin this year. It was highly emotionally taxing.

As I recently discovered, contrary to popular belief, the Great Pumpkin actually does not appear at midnight to hand out Snickers and Hershey's to all who believe in him.

However, trick-or-treating did start as far back as the Middle Ages, when poor people received food on All Souls Day in return for their prayers.

But the fascinating part is why we, who are clearly not medieval beggars, also claim the right to collect on America's most profitable day for candy sales. When does it stop being okay? When are you too old to march up to a stranger's door, ring the doorbell, hold out a pillowcase, and rake it in?

Paly junior Camille Ezran placed the age limit at 9th grade - and that's only if you have a costume. "If teenagers show up without a costume, it's just annoying," Ezran said.

"I think you're too old to go trick-or-treating as soon as you might possibly be taller than the person handing out candy," Paly sophomore Maddie Kau said. "This being said, I actually did go trick-or-treating last year, but felt incredibly guilty about it."

Of course, this rule of thumb may cause problems for tall kids, especially when trick-or-treating at homes with diminutive residents, but it's a start.

Paly juniors Hannah Ohlson and Irene Wang are less harsh on their fellow students.

"I don't think you're ever too old, as long as you dress up," Wang said.

Ohlson agreed. "I think if you're a teenager, it's fine to go trick-or-treating," Ohlson said, adding, "As long as you're polite and don't take, like, 25,000 pieces of candy."

So, Paly, go dress up and hit the neighborhood hot spots, but be nice.

Happy Halloween!

Paly Spirit Week this year will take place Oct. 26 through Oct. 30. Halloween is the following Saturday.