The New Surviving the

Administration Apocalypse
The new team has arrived Get some quick tips to save
and is ready to take on the yourself from the inevitable
year ahead. end.
News - Page 10 Off Topic - Page 12
Photographer: David Tsitrin

✦ e cineribus et ad abstra ✦
nOVember • VOl. 37, Fall issue aCtOn-bOXbOrOugh regiOnal high sChOOl www.thespectrumabrhs.com

Headlines
DACA
DREAMers, Donald Trump
and everything in-between.

Forum - Page 3
Pumpkin Spice and
Everything Nice
Is pumpkin spice really that
basic?

Forum - Page 3

Freshman Ideas on
Resilience
Remember to listen to the
voices of the oppressed.

Resilience - Page 6
Resilience in
Immigrants
Finding a community in an
unfamiliar place.

Resilience - Page 7
Intersectionality
A taste of inclusive
feminism.

Resilience - Page 7
New Start Times
Get ready to sleep in.
We are Resilient.
David Tsitrin and Anna Charisse/ Photographers

News - Page 9 Resilience in the Workplace when CEO Reed Hastings and voices deep-down fears that no and effort come to mind. Angela
Love Nest By serena han former CTO Patty Mccord de- matter how many hours one Duckworth, author of Grit, ex-
The doctor is in to fix up Publicity and Finance Manager veloped a transformative busi-
ness model. They collaborated
works per week, someone more
talented can be in the office for
plored the relationship between
the two, hoping to discover ef-
your love life. “Be resilient”: The phrase on a PowerPoint to show new half that time and earn twice as fort’s significance in the equa-
echoes through the halls of employees. Among its 125 slides, much money. tion. Unsurprisingly, she found
ABRHS, ingraining itself in stu- one stands out: “Hard work - Not The slideshow maps out a that when asked which is more
dents’ minds as they go about Relevant.” Hastings and Mccord company’s main priority—to get important, Americans are about
Off Topic - Page 11
their days. At a school like Acton- elaborated that Netflix has no work done—and when Hastings twice as likely to pick effort. Yet
Boxborough, there is a necessity care for “how many hours [peo- and Mccord’s slideshow went psychologist Chia-Jung Tsay’s
for students to recover from set-
Search for Bigfoot
ple] work or how much they are viral, it became clear that busi- tests reveal the very opposite in
backs, often through hard work. in the office.” Instead, it looks for nesses around the world agreed. human conscience: people ide-
Join the thrilling The emphasis on resilience, sug-
gesting that it defines success,
an A-level performance, which is Yet their prioritization of output alize natural talent. Duckworth
adventure of finding the causes one to question how far it
rewarded whether or not the em-
ployee receives an “A for effort.”
seems in direct opposition to AB’s
preaching of resilience. If hard
explains, “It’s a little like saying
we don’t care at all about physical
real thing. can really take people in life: af- The slideshow explains the com- work is truly “[n]ot [r]elevant,” attractiveness… and then, when it
ter high school, after college, and pany’s unlimited vacation policy then resilience cannot help stu- comes to actually choosing whom
specifically in the workplace.
Off Topic - Page 12
and suggests an unconventionally dents beyond school. to date, picking the cute guy over
The multi-billion dollar com- lax work environment, but it can When considering the most the nice one.”
pany Netflix gained popularity be jarring for some. Their model important traits for success, talent See Resilience/ page 6
 Intro
Page 2 The Spectrum November 2017

Letter from the EICs The Spectrum

Kirtana Krishnakumar
Serena Han
By Jasmine Mangat and and breaking them, then making new Publicity and Finance
Nithyani Anandakugan
ones and breaking them again. But Founded 1982
we worked tirelessly: between tak- Genevieve Hammond
Editors-In-Chief e cineribus ad astra
ing pictures, drawing comic strips, David Brusie
writing articles, editing them, and
Ironically, resilience has become Nithyani Anandakugan Faculty Advisors
laying them out, we lost ourselves in
incredibly relevant here at The Spec- the creative process. Even when we Jasmine Mangat Contact Us
trum—and not just because we’ve thought we had finished, we knew Editors-in-Chief 36 Charter Road
been writing about it for the past we had to do more. The road to per-
three months. We have spent count- fection was one with no end. Jessica Luo Acton, MA 01720
less afternoons in the Mac Lab ed- Our journey was rough and Chief Layout Editor www.thespectrumabrhs.com
iting stories on resilience and, in bumpy and uneven. There were mo- [email protected]
a way, creating one for ourselves. ments of doubt, of stress, and of
Sydney Smith Check us out on Facebook and Instagram
We’ve watched our seniors work confusion. But we had resilience on
through their November 1st dead- our minds. We worked through our Chief Copy Editor Copy Editors
lines. We juniors have plunged our- issues, we created new ones, and we Sam Chen, Katherine Gu, Mira Mulgund, Somya
selves into the sprint that will carry solved those too. Kavya Uddaraju Prabhakar, Sam Qiu, Teagan Smith
us to the end of high school. Our But enough with this cheese. We
sophomores have begun to feel the now find ourselves on the flip side.
Columnist Editor Staff
slow and mundane drawl that is So, here it is: the Fall Issue. Siena Brolin, Anna Charisse, Annabella Chen, Akash
characteristic of the year. And we’ve We are so proud of all that we Anjali Raman Choudhury, Kaitlyn Chen, Michael Cheng, Lucas
helped our freshmen through their have accomplished with this is- News Editor Escobedo, Matt Fleming, Pratik Gazula, Paulina Garro,
traumatic first tests. Certainly, re- sue. Not only do our articles range Grace Gong, Michelle Gong, Nithya Jonnavithula,
silience has been no stranger to The among a variety of different topics, Ritika Koirala, Srija Nagireddy, Kam Narra, Julia Olney,
Spectrum. from interviewing the administration
Vera Tsang Daniel Poulton, Sonali Rai, Emily Richardt, Lizette Sta.
One Monday this past Septem- to finding Bigfoot, we have also cre- Forum Editor Maria, David Tsitrin, Aadhiti Vallatharasu, Neha Vijay,
ber, the Chief Staff met in Mrs. ated an issue that is very relevant to Alicia Wong, Daphne Wong, Emily Xu
Hammond’s room to plan our year. our community at this time. Over the Michael Xu
We braced ourselves for the flurry of past year, AB has faced a lot of hard- Off-Topic Editor Columnists
activity that would consume us over ship. We have seen lots of change at Katherine Chen, Olivia Oliyawole, Mila Rushkin,
the next year. The next Thursday, this school, both big and small. The Niraagi Shah, Anjana Srivastava, Jake Verilli
our general staff joined us—a collec- administration has changed, and Maxwell Kim
tion of old faces and, to our pleasant there seems to be an increased em- Website Editor Layout Editors: Peter Bi, Kaitlyn Chen, Grace Du,
surprise, many new ones too. With phasis on wellness and mindfulness. Adam Ford, Isaiah Lee
little time for introduction, we began So as our environment has grown
our process almost immediately. In a and changed, so too have we.
cyclical process of trial and error, we Cheers,
found ourselves making deadlines Nithyani and Jasmine

Our full Spectrum 2017-18 team!

Anna Charisse / Photographer

Aryan Ranade / Cartoonist

 Forum
November 2017 The Spectrum Page 3

DACA’s Impact on DREAMers Charlottesville Rally the Women’s March, wearing pink
By Kam Narra of recipients were able to get a job a profound impact on thousands By Vera Tsang
with better pay. In addition, 61% of of DREAMers and undocument- hats and waving signs for the rights
Correspondent Forum Editor that they felt were threatened. At
the recipients could open their own ed immigrants across the nation.
Donald Trump has captivated bank accounts, and 65% gained Right here in Massachusetts, 2.3% On August 12, 2017, the Unite Charlottesville, the same backlash oc-
headlines since the beginning of educational opportunities that they of the population—and 3.6% of the Right rally occurred at Charlot- curred.
his campaign. He has continued previously lacked. But why would the labor force—consists of ille- tesville, Virginia. It was organized Unite the Right believed that Au-
to dominate the news with his the government end a program gal immigrants. In fact, Massa- by Jason Kessler to protest the re- gust 12th would be about them, that
decisions on DACA, or Deferred with such a high success rate? Ac- chusetts, along with fifteen other moval of the Robert E. Lee statue they would finally be able to intimi-
Action for Childhood Arrivals, a cording to the Trump Administra- states, has filed lawsuits against from Emancipation Park. Across the date others. Fortunately, they pre-
policy that protects people who tion, the DACA program is not as the Trump administration follow- south, Confederate statues were se- dicted wrong. Counter-protests were
immigrated to the U.S. as minors great as it seems. The administra- ing the president’s announcement lected for removal as they are consid- organized by students from the Uni-
from deportation and secures their tion argues that the progress is un- regarding DACA. In the lawsuit, ered symbols of hate. The protesters versity of Virginia; they linked arms
work permits. The debate about its fair to those who immigrate legally, the state claims that DREAMers disagreed with this judgment. They around the statue of Thomas Jeffer-
removal has lasted for years. Dem- and that those who want to enter are an important part of the state carried torches, performed the Nazi son while withstanding the jeers from
ocrats argue that these children the country should do so legally. economy and attend universities salute, and yelled chants like “white the white nationalists. Black Lives
should have a choice on whether It also argues that, if their parents such as Harvard, Tufts, and the lives matter,” “blood and soil,” and Matter activists, antifa, and other
to remain in the country because are deported, kids will not want to University of Massachusetts. Ac- “you will not replace us.” At the groups like Showing Up for Racial
they did not consciously choose stay in the country. This does not cording to the Boston Globe, cutting scene, terror ensued as a car ran into a Justice appeared, demonstrated their
to leave their homeland and enter mean that the Republicans oppose DACA would cost “$258 million group of counter-protesters, injuring opposition. And, contrary to what
the United States illegally; in most immigration by foreign youth; they in tax—and nearly $925 million to 19 people and killing one. Heather Trump later claimed, the counter-
cases, they were toddlers or even simply want them to do it legally. the economy as a whole,” over the Heyer, the single casualty, died fight- protesters did have a permit. Walt
infants when they crossed the bor- Donald Trump has said that he course of the decade. ing for her beliefs. When asked to ad- Heinecke, a professor at the Universi-
der. DREAMers are no different has “great love” for the kids rely- Aside from the possibly nega- dress the situation, Trump said that ty of Virginia, said that he received an
from the majority of children in ing on the DACA Program. By tive economic impact, the lives of there were “many sides,” and that the approval for the events at two other
the United States—they are part of giving Congress six months to act DREAMers and their families are alt-right protesters had some “very parks located very close to Emancipa-
a generation of immigrants raised on the cancellation, Trump hopes in disarray. Trump and his admin- fine people.” David Duke, former tion Park.
here. Sometimes, DREAMers do that “Congress will be able to help istration have continued to speak Grand Wizard of the KKK and an Days later, an right-wing “free
not know that they illegally im- [the DREAMers] and do it proper- out against illegal immigrants, and American white nationalist, praised speech” rally stirred up in Boston.
migrated to this country until their ly.” He claims that he has nothing many citizens agree with them. Trump’s response and thanked him But it dissolved rapidly, as people
teenage years. Therefore, many against DREAMers but argues that We all are entitled to our political on Twitter for his “honesty and cour- were quick to organize a counter-
believe it cruel to take them away “before we ask what is fair for ille- opinion. However, no matter your age.” protest. Because of this, other “Amer-
from their homes and send them gal immigrants, we must ask what political affiliation, it is important The Charlottesville Rally, if any- ica First” rallies were cancelled in
to an unfamiliar environment. To is fair to American families,” sug- to acknowledge that illegal immi- thing, should be a wake-up call to 36 states. Hate lost that day. There’s
spare these immigrants from depor- gesting the prioritization of Ameri- grants are normal people who are a those not aware of the rising hate a reason why the First Amendment
tation, the Obama Administration can citizens. For this reason, the part of our community. For many, in this country. It is easy to pretend exists: everyone has a right to express
officially implemented DACA; to Trump Administration decided to America is their home. Therefore, that we live in a post-hate, post-racial themselves. But there’s a fine line be-
this day, the program has protected end the DACA program this Sep- we must support them. While our society, but, according to the South- tween using it and violating it. That’s
800,000 young adults, and now the tember, and the government will no politicians may be divided, there is ern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the what Charlottesville showed. The
Trump Administration wants to longer accept new applications. no reason for our community to be total number of hate groups in the white nationalists who popped up
shut it down. Congress’s decision on DACA the same. country has grown from 862 to 917 at the protest were highly racist and
Through DACA, around 69% in the next few months will have since Donald Trump’s election. Anti- prejudiced, using their freedom of
Muslim groups increased from 34 in speech to hate.

Returning Trends from the 90s Crocs, and brands like Dolce & Gab- even a leather jacket. Denim jackets,
2015 to 101 in 2016. Neo-confederate
organizations rose by 23%, from 35 to
43. Hate still thrives in this country,
At a school like Acton-Boxbor-
ough, students are taught to respect
rather than to judge. Student-run
By Olivia Olayiwole as the Unite the Right rally at Char- organizations at our school such as
bana and Balmain have reintroduced overalls, and skirts have also risen GSA, Girl Up, Young Democrats,
Fashion Columnist lottesville has proven. Having grown
tailored grunge into mainstream fash- in popularity within our generation. Young Republicans, etc. all allow
up in an open community, this event
My outfits often make my mother ion. The 90s were defined by their abstract students to share their opinions and
horrifies me. We are taught that it is a
nostalgic; they remind her of favor- Most girls probably own at least use of denim in a variety of different perspectives without aggression or
basic rule to not hate, dislike, or judge
ite 90s TV sitcoms and pop culture. one pair of comfy high-waisted jeans. types of garments, of which many antagonism. For the most part, they
someone for their identity, and it ut-
Though teenagers may groan when Also known as “mom jeans,” these are reentering street fashion around coexist peacefully. Still, at AB, we ex-
terly shocks me that someone would
their parents begin a conversation jeans are coming back into our closets the country. ist in a sort of bubble. It is easy to for-
commit such atrocities.
with “when I was younger,” the 90s and are usually worn with a solid col- Fashion is continuously inspired get that, in many parts of the country,
However, in situations like these,
are making a major comeback, and ored blouse that is tucked in. These not only by the past, but by the pres- hate is at a recent high.
there is always a sliver of hope. If
nostalgia for older generations has jeans add to the curve of the waist ent. The clothing we wear is not only Yes, Charlottesville happened
something runs counter to the beliefs
resurfaced. The entrenched emotions and create an hourglass figure, which a form of self-expression, but inspires months ago, and some may say it
of a group in this country, they never
of our parents are reappearing with many see as attractive. I myself can other areas of pop culture. Its influ- doesn’t matter anymore, but it does. It
hesitate to remonstrate. The day af-
the new fashion movement. From attest to having seen several women ence can be seen in music, with 90s is a reminder that the quieter we are,
ter Trump was inaugurated, millions
high-waisted jeans to chokers, sev- rocking their outfits with a pair of R&B becoming an inspiration in vari- the louder hate will be.
around the country participated in
eral iconic 90s fashion statements are these dated jeans out in Boston. They ous modern genres. In entertainment,
commonly seen not only in AB’s hall- only further emphasize the return TRL, the beloved 90s MTV show, has
ways, but in high fashion. of 90s trends to modern-day Amer- been resurrected, and in gaming, Nin-
90s fashion re-emerged in the ear- ica. Distressed jeans, or “boyfriend tendo has rebooted multiple famous
ly 2010’s, with the sudden influx of jeans,” are also making a comeback. Gameboy titles for the 3DS, to the
crop tops, flannel shirts and combat Though they lie lower on the waist excitement and nostalgia of many.
boots. The fashion industry has since and usually display a small section of This unique return to the 90s makes
further reverted to 90s fashion trends. the ankle, they have a similar effect me wonder what the future of fash-
Many trends have, in fact, taken new and are worn like high-waisted jeans. ion and world culture will look like.
forms. At the latest Fashion Month, The ripped jeans always give an awe- I am ecstatic about the reintroduction
a futuristic styling of platform shoes some rocker-chick vibe that goes well of great 90s trends and excited to see
from Balenciaga—yet another 90s with almost any look, though they how long they will last in our end-
trend—was on display. The fashion are recommended with other punk- lessly changing world of fashion. Charlottesville candlelight vigil held against hate
house recently introduced platform related accessories, like dark colors or ONLINE SOURCE

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: What’s the Hype?

By Mila Rushkin in 361 million dollars of revenue. began in 1796 when a woman Although pumpkin spice is to enjoy all things pumpkin spice
All this fame makes you wonder: named Amelia Simmons pub- known as one of the most com- — even outside the western world,
Food Columnist
what’s so great about it, anyway? lished her first cookbook, Ameri- forting food items, most com- a similar phenomenon can be ob-
Pumpkin spice: the staple prod- Pumpkin spice is a blend of can Cookery. It included a recipe panies do not use wholesome served with India and chai flavors,
uct of fall. It’s a synonymous with spices. It contains nutmeg, cinna- for pumpkin pudding, which products. Many of them even use or with the Middle East and bak-
all things autumn. You will see it mon, and ginger with allspice or incorporated stewing pumpkin, synthetic compounds that serve to lava. In this way, people are drawn
in almost every commercial food cloves. These flavors are used to ginger, and nutmeg and became trick your brain into thinking that to consume pumpkin spice. Most
this time of year. Many famous incorporate a warm and musky very popular. People continued you consumed a pumpkin spice products don’t even have the actual
brands are making their products feeling into desserts, and they are to keep this pumpkin pie recipe blend. Companies take advan- spices in them; they only smell like
“pumpkin spice flavored.” But it’s often used for pies or cakes. But with them, cooking it and pass- tage of smell and the emotions it they do.
not just adding pumpkin spice to where is the pumpkin in the pump- ing it down, and it soon became can trigger. For many people, the Pumpkin spice may not be ev-
food: there are now candles, lip kin spice? The truth is that there an American staple. However, the smell of the spices in pumpkin erybody’s favorite, but there is no
balms, and even air fresheners of is no pumpkin in the flavor. The spice really became popularized in spice creates a nostalgic feeling of doubt that it represents the ambi-
this variety. Representing all things name simply comes from a flavor- 2005, when Dunkin Donuts and home and warmth, because many ance of fall. It is nearly as symbolic
“American,” this seasoning is right ing that is used in pumpkin pie. All Starbucks launched their pumpkin home-baked items have tradition- as spooky ghost decorations are
up there with apple pie, football, the same, pumpkin spice items al- spice lattes. Ever since, the pump- ally used similar mixes of spices of Halloween. Really, it’s hard to
and barbecues. Pumpkin spice’s ways end up being the most popu- kin spice business has bloomed as and been eaten in a comforting en- imagine a future where we don’t all
recent popularity seems arbitrary lar during the fall. it took on grocery stores with full vironment. We are effectively con- freak out over the annual return of
to many people, but it has brought Pumpkin spice’s rise to fame force. ditioned through our upbringings the Pumpkin Spice Latte!
 Forum
Page 4 The Spectrum November 2017

Hurricanes & Natural Disasters North Korean Crisis

By Neha Vijay dicted to last for months. More collapsed. However, earthquakes By Anjana Srivastava Additionally, North Korea’s
than half of the population still are not at all new to the people Politics Columnist missile program has come to appear
Correspondent
lacks access to fresh water, and of Mexico. Mexico is very seismi- somewhat arbitrary and meaning-
Violent winds, waves devour- there is hardly enough food to cally active due to its location on In a world of confusing politics, less. Vladimir Putin commented,
ing buildings, and heavy rains sustain them. Air conditioning three of the world’s largest tec- it is understandable that we gather “Russia condemns North Korea’s
drenching civilians: the people of systems collapsed in hospitals, tonic plates. most of our political knowledge exercises, we consider that they are
Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico causing patients to suffer. Walls Mexico is familiar with earth- from TV news. We fall for clickbait a provocation.” He added, “Whip-
have suffered all of these phenom- were torn off buildings, windows quakes, but not so much with that compels us to watch the horrors ping up military hysteria makes
ena during recent devastating hur- shattered, and roads destroyed. hurricanes, which are currently playing out across the world. Then, absolutely no sense in this situation
ricanes reaching category 4 and Maria was one of the fastest grow- in season. The summer of 2017 we shut it off and eat breakfast. ... This is a road to nowhere.” Putin
higher. These hurricanes all made ing hurricanes: it evolved from a had unusually high water tem- How much concern must we have acknowledged the threat of North
landfall within a few months of tropical depression into a category peratures in the Atlantic, creat- for a place as distant as North Ko- Korean nuclear power, but implied
each other, and they showed no 5 hurricane in just 24 hours. The ing the perfect storm of condi- rea? As it turns out, we can safely that it is an empty one. Even once
mercy. current death toll is 66. tions that enabled the formation disregard the pressing news on the complete, the nuclear project will
Hurricane Harvey took place Unfortunately for Puerto Rico, of a hurricane. The energy of missile crisis because, contrary to likely accomplish very little.
late August in Houston, Texas. help has had a hard time getting these hurricanes may have been popular fears, North Korea does not It is also important to note that,
Harvey pounded Houston with there. To start, Wi-Fi and cellular caused by climate change’s evolu- pose as much of a threat as the me- while American lives are not cur-
incessant rain and flooding, caus- connection are down; there is no tion over the past century. Water dia suggests. However, if we carry rently directly threatened, there is
ing property damage. Many busi- way to communicate with the is- temperatures have climbed about on this way, the future may hold im- a country whose people are losing
nesses suffered damage, leading to land. After the hurricane, it was as 1 to 3 degrees on average. It is no mense danger. The North Korean their lives because of the missile
an increase in unemployment. By though Puerto Rico had ceased to secret that the warmer the water, missile crisis currently affects life project: North Koreans themselves.
the end of the storm, Harvey left exist. Puerto Rico also happens to the more intense a hurricane will in the United States only minutely, A tunnel in one of its missile testing
about $190 billion worth of dam- be an isolated island, while Texas be. In addition, ocean levels have but the issue presents an imminent facilities recently collapsed, leaving
ages and killed 83 people. and Florida are inland states. The risen about 7 inches. Rising sea threat, given nuclear weapons’ de- about 200 dead. The facility was
Days later, on September 6th, Jones Act, signed in 1920, prohib- levels contribute to the worsening structive nature. not secure: other foreign experts
Hurricane Irma made landfall on its foreign vessels from transport- storm surges and flooding. While North Korea has fired twenty- observed “the danger of radioac-
Barbuda before hitting Key West, ing goods between domestic ports Mexico is familiar with earth- two missiles since February, im- tive fallout escaping from the site
Florida. Barbuda has now been like the mainland U.S. and Puerto quakes, hurricanes mostly depend proving the technology each time. and spreading.” This instability
abandoned due to damage from Rico. On September 28th, a week on the climatic conditions of the It conducted some of the first tests may stem from a nuclear test on
the hurricane. Uprooted trees, de- after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto water. of the Intercontinental Ballistic September 6th, said to be “around
stroyed homes, and flattened land Rico, President Trump waived Those who lost their homes Missile, which is designed to reach seven times as powerful as the bomb
are all results of Irma in the Carib- the Jones Law, enabling essential from the recent natural disasters “anywhere in the world.” Most mis- dropped on Hiroshima during
bean. A few days later, Hurricane items to be shipped to the island. have been staying in shelters. siles tested were “surface-to-ship World War II.”
Irma hit Florida and left approxi- Hurricanes have not been the Funds, websites, and food banks cruise missiles” designed to destroy Still, we must remain vigilant.
mately 75 casualties. Irma created only natural disasters to hit the have opened and welcome do- ships from any range. Given this When Kim Jong-Un threatened to
storm surges that flooded sea-level western hemisphere. Mexico re- nations from people around the data, it is logical to conclude that bomb Guam, Donald Trump threat-
areas, causing more than 15 mil- cently endured two catastrophic world. Numerous communities the U.S. may be in grave danger. But ened, “[T]hings will happen to them
lion people to lose their power. earthquakes. On September 7th, are helping the victims by volun- North Korea is not truly a prevalent like they never thought possible.”
Just two weeks later, Hurricane an 8.1 magnitude earthquake teering at relief centers and donat- threat. Once it perfects its nuclear The Washington Post makes the
Maria struck Puerto Rico on Sep- killed close to 100 people. A ing blood, money, and life essen- technology, North Korea will not distinction between “firing verbal
tember 20th. Maria left Puerto 7.1 earthquake then followed in tials. immediately attack other countries. bombs, and ... engaging in a dan-
Rico without power, cell service, Mexico City, and the casualties With the amount of natural di- North Korea is ambitious in its nu- gerously childish shouting match.”
or connection, a state that is pre- quadrupled. Over forty buildings sasters impacting the world in the clear program due to fear that the As of now, we are relatively numb
last month, it is our job as a soci- U.S. may overthrow Kim Jong-Un. to the missile crisis—perhaps right-
ety to assist our fellow humans as Thus, its “missile” crisis stems from fully so. Yet this immature exchange
they get back on their feet. In rec- defense, not aggression. could spiral into something much
ognition of this responsibility, we Furthermore, America is not worse. The Washington Post warns
in the AB community have made necessarily vulnerable to air attacks. that the “[i]rresponsibly throwing
an effort to help those in need. The U.S. government is well aware around nuclear war threats could
Student Council hosted the Pow- of North Korea and its steadily ad- spiral into accidental and inadver-
derpuff Game on October 14th vancing nuclear capacity. An offi- tent conflict from miscalculation
and decided to donate all profits cial close to the Trump Administra- and mishap.” We are not threatened
to hurricane relief. Though seem- tion stated “shooting down a North right now, but this situation may
ingly insignificant in the grand Korean ballistic missile even if it still worsen: “[t]he Kim regime is
scheme of these disasters, AB’s does not directly threaten the US or not suicidal to lodge the first strike,
contributions exemplify that even its allies,” according to CNN. The but one never knows if it’s given
our school has both the power and United States’ ambitious tactics to any reason—even a misinterpreted
ability to tackle the problems that take down the enemy prove that no one—to hit the button.” We must
exist beyond our town. We, in our crisis is truly threatening; because not speak or allow our elected offi-
united community, can make a of its role as a military and diplo- cials to speak irrationally regarding
Hurricane Irma devastated the Caribbean difference. matic superpower, America is able nuclear weapons, for our peace and
ONLINE SOURCE to defeat almost any threat that may security may disappear with a single

Women’s Fight for Equal Wages

imperil its people. misunderstanding.

employers found to be in violation of not yield the intended results. We

By Emily Xu
the law. Employers were only forced look forward to continuing to work
Correspondent to pay two years of retroactive pay to with EEOC, OMB, Congress and all
Lilly Ledbetter was one of the a plaintiff: a mere slap on the wrist relevant stakeholders on robust poli-
first women to work at the manage- for large companies. cies aimed at eliminating the gender
ment level of the Goodyear tire fac- As a future working woman, the wage gap.”
tory in 1979. After working for 19 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was This brings into question why
years at the company, she received one of the bills I hoped would stay a woman would suddenly go back
an anonymous note revealing that in place when Donald Trump be- on her word and support for wage
she was making thousands of dollars came president. While he stripped equality, an action that will only
fewer than males working the same away the rights from certain groups encourage a sexist rule, eradicating
job. Ledbetter filed a lawsuit, lost of people in the U.S., I thought that all of the work Obama has done on
her case, and subsequently became Trump would close the wage gap, as closing the gap.
an advocate for gender equality. In his daughter Ivanka Trump has built Many worry for the future of
2009, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay a reputation on supporting equal our country with Trump as presi-
Act was signed into law by President pay. However, I, along with millions dent. Instead of just worrying about
Barack Obama. The bill was set in of Americans, was shocked to see the future, however, millennials in
place to amend the 1963 Equal Pay news on the Trump administration’s America should work on solutions
Act, which contained loopholes al- plans to halt the Lilly Ledbetter Fair to solve the prominent problems in
lowing men to be paid a higher wage Pay Act. our world and educate people on
than their female counterparts on the Trump had initially supported the problems many minorities and
basis of seniority, merit, productiv- the act. In August of 2015, he stat- women face today. As John Locke
ity, and “a differential based on any ed that men and women deserved once said, “Everyone is entitled to
other factor other than sex.” This “equal pay for equal work.” But, a own all they create or gain through
vague language made it difficult for few months later, he dismissed the gift or trade.” The government is
women to prove they were paid less idea of equal pay. In response, Ivan- supposed to protect the people’s
than a male counterpart specifically ka Trump stated: “Ultimately, while property, not turn its head to the fact
because of their gender and deterred I believe the intention was good and that women are not receiving the
many from even filing a lawsuit. Fur- agree that pay transparency is im- “property” or wage they should earn
thermore, the EPA barely punished portant, the proposed policy would from their jobs.
 Forum
November 2017 The Spectrum Page 5

Acton-Boxborough’s Fight Against Climate Change

By Jake Verrilli that, as a country, we do not con- In fact, on June 2nd, 2017, gover- not as cut and dry as it may seem. successful in reducing plastic water
Politics Columnist sider climate change to be a prior- nor Charlie Baker announced that The Resource Force, another bottle use in the school and start-
ity. Massachusetts would enter into a important club at AB, “covers quite ing a conversation about the harm
The world is facing a crisis. Now that the U.S. is out, the multi-state coalition to fulfill the a lot of topics,” according to club that plastics can cause to the envi-
Without a change in the current Trump Administration may roll commitments of the Paris Climate member Kevin Lui. The group not ronment.
emission rate, our planet will suffer back many policies created by the Accord despite Trump’s decision. only helps with recycling and com- In the face of complacency,
irreparable damage. On November Obama Administration in an ef- Thankfully, efforts are still being posting in the cafeteria, but works both our state and our school com-
4, 2016, the leaders of the world fort to control climate change. The made to slow climate change. Even on raising awareness about the munity are working to stay green.
came together to create a solution Clean Power Act, which helps to at AB, there are people contribut- environment around Acton. Last But more can always be done. At
to this precise problem with the reduce carbon dioxide emissions, ing to this fight. year, the group “went to Science AB, small improvements help,
Paris Climate Accord. The main will be one of the first to go. Follow- One of the groups joining this Family Night to educate about but the best way to fight climate
goal of the Accord is to ensure ing this decision, it is up to us as a effort to clean our planet is the Re- how batteries work in preparation change is through the government.
that global temperatures do not country, school, and individuals to cycling Club. Every Wednesday, for a new electric school bus” and Policies that require large corpora-
increase more than two degrees take responsibility for the problems the club members take the recy- this year, the group “made a physi- tions to use green energy, require
Celsius in the future. While two that our president and government cling from every room in the school cal and online map of Acton’s gas people to use electric cars, or limit
degrees might not seem like much, will not. All of us have heard about to the recycling dumpster behind leaks and have gone to gas leak emissions of companies are in the
keep in mind that that this tem- what we can do to help the envi- the school. AB “fills about 10-20 summits and conferences.” As hands of the government. Unfor-
perature refers to a global average. ronment, but perhaps looking at trash bags each week,” according mentioned previously, methane tunately, without support at the
Those two degrees could translate what will happen if we do not save to Somya Prabhakar, a member of is a serious contributor to climate federal level, it is up to the people
to huge swings in temperature in the planet will be more effective the club. Recycling paper products change, and both recycling and gas of the United States, including AB
certain parts of the world, leading when it comes to taking action. helps fight climate change in sever- leak prevention are an important students, to take responsibility. Cli-
to massive crop failure, flooding, According to NASA, if the world al ways as it reduces methane emis- part of reducing emissions. Kevin mate change is neither a matter of
and droughts. Another key aspect continues on its current emissions sions from landfills, the destruc- further stated that AB is doing a party nor a matter of opinion: it is
of the Accord is the method by rate, sea levels could rise by 1-4 tion of carbon dioxide-absorbing great job overall in the fight against a matter of the survival of humans
which countries contribute. Every feet by 2100. In addition, droughts, trees, and cuts the energy costs as- climate change, but that more can and the millions of other plant and
country decides how it wishes to heat waves, and hurricanes will be- sociated with making paper. Recy- be done. He says that the school animal species the reside on Earth.
contribute on an individual basis, come increasingly common. These cling is extremely important in the could try to get “100% green elec- To ignore it would strip our home
rather than by a group decision. consequences will eventually be- fight against climate change, but tricity” and do away with “non-re- of its beauty and complex forms
However, on June 1st, 2017, Presi- come apocalyptic as weather and we also “need more awareness of usable styrofoam trays and bottled of life that have developed for mil-
dent Donald Trump announced food supply become more and what not to recycle.” Somya says water in the cafeteria.” Campaigns lions of years. With or without the
that the United States would back more erratic. Luckily, many states that “if papers are wet...the whole such as “Get On Tap,” created by support from the White House, we
out of the agreement, sending a in the U.S. are still contributing in batch is trashed.” So despite being Anna Rychlik and Chantal Ragu- must act.
message to the rest of the world the fight against climate change. extremely important, recycling is in, Class of 2017, have in fact been

Making Acton a Sanctuary City Yoga and Meditation

a town in either direction, the study ing immigration laws. While Steve Yet, simply taking ten minutes be-
By luCas esCObedO itself was limited. However, if crime Kropper is worried about Donald
By pratik gaZula
Correspondent fore and after sleep will have a sig-
Spectrum Staff rate would increase due to Acton Trump’s policies for immigration, nificant impact on the way students
According to CNN, the term becoming a sanctuary city, the town he still maintains that sanctuary Mindfulness helps to relieve will perform on a test. They just
“sanctuary cities” pertains to “juris- would need to increase the scale of cities such as Arlington should not stress. It can calm us in difficult might even do better.
dictions that have policies in place the local police force, which would limit the power of their local police situations and allow us to step back Meditation is another impor-
designed to limit cooperation with tap into taxpayer funds. forces: “Let law enforcement pri- from frustrating ones. Through tant aspect of yoga. According to
or involvement in federal immigra- Proponents of the proposal oritize crimes, and if that includes the past few months, AB has con- a Leiden University study, medita-
tion enforcement actions.” Sanctu- claim that making Acton a sanctu- using immigration statutes then it sistently promoted mindfulness tion can promote creative thinking.
ary cities are intended to provide a ary city would bring more diversity would seem like bad policy to have through advisory discussions and ReShel of Uplift, adds, “The prac-
safe haven for undocumented im- and a greater sense of unity to the 351 Massachusetts cities and towns other programs initiated through tice of mindfulness can greatly re-
migrants who fear deportation by town. In a different interview with set immigration and police policy.” the Wellness Campaign. Although duce stress, increase well-being and
preventing law enforcement from The Beacon, a resident in favor of Arlington may be well on its way every student prefers different happiness, and promote innovative
prosecuting them on the grounds sanctuary city status contributed, to becoming a sanctuary city, but methods of relaxation in stressful thinking or the thought processes
of their status, as well as ensuring “Inclusion helps to fill in the spaces the future effectiveness of its police situations, two ways have proven to that generate and explore creative
equality of access to town services. so hate can’t grow there; inclusion force is uncertain. be particularly effective: yoga and ideas.” So, the next time you feel
On February 6th, 2017, the Ac- makes for stronger communities, Katie Green is an Acton Selec- meditation. stressed for an assignment, take
ton Board of Selectmen met at the not weaker communities. It gives twoman interested in making Ac- Studies have shown that yoga a break. Switch off and put away
town hall to discuss whether or not more diverse cities, which gives us ton a sanctuary city. She told The and meditation can increase cre- all electronics and sit with your
Acton should become a sanctuary more opportunities to get to know Boston Globe, “Acton is a diverse ativity and positive emotions. In two feet placed firmly on the floor.
city. A large crowd gathered at the people who are unlike yourself, community and I want to make it high school, students develop stress Straighten your back with your
meeting in hopes of persuading the which builds empathy.” understood that we’re a welcoming because they must constantly pre- hands in your lap. Close your eyes.
selectmen to vote for or against the The town of Arlington’s select- community and not discriminating pare for tests, papers, projects, and Erase all thoughts in your head,
proposition. men already voted to make it a against or negative toward people other assessments. However, a and focus on your breathing. Feel
Opponents of the proposal ar- sanctuary city, changing how the based on their race, ethnicity, or sta- simple ten minutes of yoga every the air go in through your nose
gue that sanctuary cities bring an local police force operates. They tus.” Jamie Eldridge, a Massachu- morning before school and every and slowly let it out through your
increase in crime and drug use and are restricted from all questioning, setts state senator for the Middlesex night before bed can substantially mouth. Although this is simple way
lower standards of education. In an arresting and detaining of residents and Worcester District, has already decrease tension and stress. Brain to practice mediating, it can take
interview with The Beacon, a resi- based off of federal immigration registered the Massachusetts Trust function improves significantly, and you a long way.
dent opposed to sanctuary city sta- laws and not criminal laws. This Act, which restricts law enforce- lower stress levels and relieved anxi- Above all, yoga and meditation
tus said, “[It would] make this town decision protects law-abiding illegal ment from detaining residents for ety often ensue. can help relax a person. Home-
a magnet for illegals from the Mid- immigrants attempting to reside in possible violation of federal immi- Decreased stress levels relate to work, tests, after school activities,
dle East, from Africa, from south Arlington from being deported. In gration laws. Eldridge has also reg- a lessening of protein activity that and other commitments can burden
of our border.” They went on to an interview with The Boston Globe, istered The Safe Communities Act, causes inflammation in the body. many students. Even though keep-
state that the “schools will change co-chair of the Massachusetts Co- which prevents taxes from being For a span of twelve weeks, Boston ing up with school work and other
significantly” with lower test scores, alition for Immigration Reform used for the Trump administration’s University conducted a study with commitments is important, it is
and “crime will change,” along with Steve Kropper stated, “Trump’s deportations of immigrant families. a yoga group, which later revealed also necessary to keep in mind that,
increased “drug trade” and “prosti- messages on immigration are odi- Recently, on October 30th, the that yoga can lead to much lower without relaxation, students will
tution.” While a study at the Uni- ous, the sanctuary city movement is Acton Board of Selectmen adopted anxiety levels as well as happier at- burn themselves out, which inevi-
versity of California at Riverside misguided.” Kropper believes that a new policy regarding immigration titudes during work. In fact, Azriel tably is detrimental to one’s men-
indicated that sanctuary city poli- police should not arrest residents on status. The policy declares that no ReShel of Uplift, an organization tal health and ability to succeed at
cies did not affect the crime rate in the suspicion that they are violat- town employee can collect informa- whose goal is to transform and im- school and extracurriculars in the
tion on a person’s citizenship unless prove the global community, says future. So, to all my fellow AB stu-
the town of Acton or the Common- that “yoga dramatically supports dents, take a deep breath and relax.
wealth of Massachusetts require and broadens creative connection” Try to find a few minutes through-
officials to do so. Katie Green re- due to its effect on the human brain. out the day to meditate because, in
marked that this vote was needed to Some students may argue that the end, your mental health is of
protect against any efforts from the they don’t have the time to do yoga. utmost importance.
Trump administration or the Baker
administration to change any laws
that override the decision made in
Lunn v. Commonwealth which de-
clared that officers were not allowed
to arrest someone with the intention
of deporting them. Acton’s efforts
to protect immigrants against the
Trump Administration’s policies re-
flects a pattern emerging across the
Rally for sanctuary cities outside Acton Town Hall nation: resistance. Yoga’s relaxing effect
ONLINE SOURCE ONLINE SOURCE
 Resilience
Page 6 The Spectrum November 2017

Workplace Resilience (Cont. from pg 1) Resilience Playlist

tainable; Netflix has thrived due relieving, labeling achievement - “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
By Serena Han purely as a result of talent can set
By Ritika Koirala and
to the resilience of its workers. As - “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
Publicity and Finance Manager Duckworth explains, “Talent— people at ease. As philosopher Niraagi Shah
- “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato
Indeed, many companies have how fast we improve in skill—ab- Nietzsche explained, “To call Spectrum Staff - “Don’t Stop Believin’” by
tried to hire and reward employ- solutely matters. But effort fac- someone ‘divine’ means: ‘here Enjoy! Journey
ees based on talent. Ernon, one tors into the calculations twice, there is no need to compete.’” - “Part Of Me” by Katy Perry - “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill
of the largest energy-tracking not once. Effort builds skill. At Yet, competition is not a foreign - “1-800-2773-8255” by Logic ft. You)” by Kelly Clarkson
companies at the time adopted thesame time, effort makes skill word at AB. With its prominence Alessia Cara, Khalid - “Defying Gravity” by Cast of
adopted this business model and productive,” and it is only then in the community, one might as- - “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten Wicked
became a prime example of its that outputs materialize. Indeed, sume that talent’s perceived con- - “My Shot” by Cast of Hamilton - “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy
success. However, it abruptly though Netflix gives its employ- trol over output might allow stu- - “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Grammar
filed for bankruptcy in 2001; its ees unlimited vacation days, most dents to breathe a sigh of relief, Sia - “Bruises” by Train ft. Ashley
profits were attributed to system- employees rarely take time off but such a result is unlikely. - “How Far I’ll Go” by Alessia Monore
atic and accounting fraud. The because they cannot keep their The feeling of inherent inca- Cara - “Zero to Hero” by Ariana
“talent mindset” had ultimately jobs without constantly being in pability only results in self-pity. - “Rise” by Katy Perry Grande from “Hercules”
fostered a narcissistic culture of the office. People would rather know that - “Rise Up” by Andra Day - “Pick Yourself Up” by Nat King
employees who felt pressured to Still, Netflix’s prioritization of they have the potential to reach - “Hall of Fame” by The Script ft. Cole
display short-term output rather output can require performances the stars than that they are in- will.i.am - “We are The Dreamers” by Tif-
that some simply cannot provide. nately too short to do so. Thus, - “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child fant Thompson
than achieve long-term growth,
resulting in workers’ misreport- When asked about firing those the key to practicing resilience,
ing of their performances. The employees, Patty McCord de- to wielding its utmost potential,
company’s bankruptcy is confir- scribed an outlook most people is recognizing both its power and
mation that a workforce centered would be surprised by: “[I]f we… limitations; as AB students re-
around talent cannot thrive. [think] of our careers as jour- mind themselves to “be resilient”
At first glance, Netflix ap- neys and places that we go and and “work hard,” they must also
pears to be spiralling down the things that we explore, then we’re recognize when to lower their
same path Enron once followed. [not going to] get all wigged out expectations. Perhaps students
However, the company has seen when… it doesn’t work out.” To should take it from Patty Mccord:
enormous success over the past McCord, leaving a company can classes, clubs, and activities are
decade, despite claiming that be equated with recognizing the all part of the journey, and turn-
hard work is irrelevant. The re- limits to what one can produce ing onto another path when that
ality is that A-level performance and simply moving on. journey gets too difficult is just
with minimal effort is rarely at- Just as “moving on” can be another form of resilience.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings

ONLINE SOURCE

Several Freshman Insights on Resilience at ABRHS

Similarly, even though he Muyskens explained further: hurdles that get in one’s way, or [you’re] underwater, drowning,
By Sonali Rai
Correspondent “didn’t do as well as [he] wanted “Let’s say you’re one down in a realizes that things will eventually but [you can] still get through it,”
on [his] first Geo test,” Siddanth soccer game, and time’s almost be all right, sticking with the task as Divyasri Krishnan advises. You
Freshmen have it bad. Yes, Bhatt says that “after working up. You can either give up, or keep at hand is extremely important. are strong and completely capable
those little kids with giant back- harder, [he] bounced back on the fighting. Being resilient means Keep in mind: “even when it gets of pushing through, no matter
packs, always sprinting down next test.” Working hard and im- you play ‘til the end.” A student a bit difficult, you don’t give up. what the situation is. Take it from
the wrong side of the hall, have proving grades in tough classes must accept the situation at hand There are times when it feels like the Class of 2021.
it tough. Transitioning from R.J. not only makes a student more and “play” through. However,
Grey can be a challenge; everyone confident, but also more resil- some students are able to stay de-
remembers their struggles from ient. Coming to terms with mis- termined by forgetting about pre-
ninth grade as they adjusted to haps and growing from them is a vious errors and simply moving
change. It may be one of the most critical skill at a rigorous school on.
frustrating times of a student’s like ABRHS: yet it is even more Ignorance is bliss, especially
high school experience. That said, critical in the real world. Even in as coming to terms with our mis-
I asked students from the Class of non-academic environments, the takes can be tough. Realistically,
2021 one simple question: what ability to overcome obstacles is we tend to dwell on the negatives.
does resilience mean to you? important. The ability to ignore setbacks is yet
Upon reviewing the responses, a Sports and other activities another useful trait to have. Fiona
few patterns emerged. are another significant part of Hurwitz describes it like “taking a
No matter the class, the first our community. Throughout the punch.” She explains, “[one must]
test is often inordinately difficult, year, many students take part in stay strong, try not to react to it,
especially if one has to cram for extracurriculars offered here and and move on.” Some drawbacks
multiple tests on the same day. outside of school, most of which can be so crushing that it is best to
At the high school, the number require many hours of practice. just forget them.
of assessments is far higher than Preparation for tournaments and Facing the reality of a situa-
at the junior high. Many fresh- large-scale competitions is dif- tion may prove to be easy in the
men expressed concerns about ficult, to say the least. Between moment, but it can come back to
the first grades they had received; juggling class assignments and haunt later on. For example, Glo-
however, they were not necessar- practice, things can get out of ria Zhu says that “when [she] ex-
ily discouraged. Ananya Gade hand. However, according to Tea- pects one thing but gets another,
mentioned how “[her] very first gan Smith, “when in the face of [she] ignores it and stays empow-
Biology test wasn’t that great, challenges and adversities, [one ered to keep going.” Letting mis-
but [she’s] sure [she] can do well must] never give up hope.” Teagan takes linger in one’s mind is frus-
on the next one.” The ability to talked about how “especially since trating; ultimately, trying to forget
stand back up even after a dev- [she’s] a dancer” and performs in about them proves the best option
astating start builds strength and competitions, she needs to push in many circumstances.
grit. It’s understandable to be through. There are many ways that stu-
upset, but pushing forward helps When faced with high stakes, dents at ABRHS stay resilient. Underclassmen hard at work(?) in East Commons.
one grow. there are two options. Adeon Whether one fights back, ignores David Tsitrin / Photographer
 Resilience
November 2017 The Spectrum Page 7

Intersectionality: White vs. Inclusive Feminism

By Katherine Chen nity shed light on different types everyone should have a voice at
Politics Columnist of marginalization to fix the prob- the table.
lem at its core. The most important point to
One of my favorite chick flicks This is why there is an in- keep in mind is the importance of
is 10 Things I Hate About You. A creased demand for intersection- recognizing the experiences, opin-
beloved scene recalls main char- ality and the promotion of inclu- ions, and voices of people from
acter Kat Stratford’s teacher, Mr. sive social justice movements—in different backgrounds. The expe-
Morgan, commenting on her particular, inclusive feminism. riences of black women should be
class presentation about her per- While there is nothing wrong brought up so that they are equal
sonal struggles. He remarks, “I with privileged women fighting to the experiences of white wom-
know how difficult it must be for against sexism, their experiences en, not belittled or undermined.
you to overcome all those years of are very different from those of a The movement is all about giving
upper middle-class suburban op- Latina, lower-class, or transgen- power and representation to those
pression. Must be tough.” While der women, for example. voices and insights that have been
the scene is a humorous and light- Much of mainstream femi- underrepresented or ignored in
hearted one, it touches upon an nism, dominated by white femi- the past.
incredibly important message and nism, does not necessarily cele- There has been an upwelling of
theme of privilege and representa- brate an inclusive mindset and yet inclusive approaches to feminism
tion. has taken over the gender equality around the world. Tamika Mal- Approaches to inclusive feminism, such as Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, are taking a stand.
The term “intersectionality” movement for the past several de- lory, a black woman, co-chaired ONLINE SOURCE

was coined by legal scholar and cades. Unfortunately, this form of the highly influential Women’s inclusive feminism in our lives. that are present in their lives.”
activist Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw in feminism excludes less privileged March on Washington earlier #BlackGirlMagic celebrates black Women of color have been
1989. She explained that “the ex- women; it often only amplifies the this year. Viola Davis recently culture and the women who are a rising up in the world of politics,
periences of women of color con- voices of upper-class, cisgender, became the first black woman to part of it. media, and leadership, despite
sist of a combination or intersec- straight, white women. win the “Best Actress in Drama” In the local community, AB challenges. This success ampli-
tion of both racism and sexism.” On the other hand, along with at the Emmys. Pop star Rihanna GirlUp has emphasized the im- fies the resilience in the fight
Furthermore, queer women, dis- increased traction and support released Fenty Beauty, an inclu- portance of helping underprivi- for equality on levels, including
abled women, and poor women for the movement, intersectional- sive makeup line for an enormous leged women. Past fundraising recognizing intersectional and
carry the weight of social stigma ity has faced backlash and criti- variety of skin types. Women of and awareness efforts have shed historically silenced voices. Al-
that are distinctly their own. The cism. Many of this stems from color are gaining influence and light on and rallied support for though this movement has existed
combination of distinct personal misunderstanding or misconcep- power in the worlds of politics women all around the world. Tea- and prospered for some time now,
identities produces a set of strug- tions of the issue. It is, of course, and mass media. gan Smith, a freshman at AB and it has recently taken off with new-
gles unique to individuals of a not condemning privileged indi- In the age of technology, social a member of GirlUp, said that found awareness and emphasis
particular group. Intersectionality viduals for being activists, and it media movements have become a “some women are put at a much despite the backlash. And with
is founded upon the core idea that is certainly not to say that they powerful vehicle to create change greater disadvantage because of the strength, passion, and resil-
all oppressions are connected as cannot be part of the conversa- and raise awareness. Hashtags their different histories, and we ience of its supporters, intersec-
opposed to isolated; it is essential tion. In fact, the whole point of like #WhyWeCantWait call out need to be able to consider the tionality does not appear to be
that we as a society and a commu- intersectionality is the idea that the urgency of incorporating agendas of all women and issues backing down any time soon.

Resilience v. False Hope Syndrome Immigration Project

of their lives pushes them to create ily in Mexico,” says Dana.
these unattainable plans to change. By Katherine Chen, Daphne She started at Acton-Boxbor-
When their plans do not work out, Wang, Emily Richardt ough in February and expected
their spirits diminish and their Spectrum Staff the classic American high school
searchs end in disappointment. depicted in movies like High School
This leads to the perception of be- Alain de Botton once said, “A Musical. Even though the transi-
ing a failure. good half of the art of living is re- tion was difficult initially, Dana
Students in particular encounter silience.” Every day, we pass our describes one act of kindness that
the problem of putting too much or teachers and fellow students in the showed her that happiness was
too little effort into a task. Attempts hallway, unaware of the different possible here too: “A girl on the
to juggle school, life, and extracur- challenges and obstacles they have first day came over to talk to me,
riculars, while trying to meet high faced. The Spectrum recently got to and I ate lunch with [her and her
expectations, hinder their true po- know a few members of the AB friends]. We started talking a lot,
tential. Some students fall short in community who have overcome ad- like the whole squad. That was the
their efforts and give up; others go versity. These individuals have one day where I thought this could go
past it and expect far too much of thing in common: they were not pretty well and not be as bad as I
themselves, something common at born in America. They immigrated thought.”
AB. In the process, they encoun- here. Despite the initial shock of a Reflecting on the experience as
ter stress and overload, issues that new school and sometimes even a a whole, Dana says it has made
have become a byproduct of high new language, students shared their her stronger and more confident.
school. Students often ignore these stories of learning, kindness, and “For me, at first, it was hard to ask
feelings and push themselves hard- finding their place. questions in a new language. I was
er. Polivy and Herman warn that Moving up from middle school always afraid, but now I ask ques-
they may “unintentionally create to high school can be a intimidat- tions in my classes because they’re
the very problems they are trying ing transition in and of itself. So, questions for a reason, you know?”
“...people expect simple changes to produce tremendous outcomes...” to overcome”: more stress from ris- imagine the drastic change when This was just one of the inter-
ONLINE SOURCE ing expectations, constant fatigue, you move from a different country, views The Spectrum conducted.
By Kirtana Krishnakumar no matter the cost. However, con- and monotony. It is easy to blame leaving everything familiar behind. More can be found in a video,
Publicity & Finance Manager tinually failing is a waste of time. oneself and imagine that an inabil- It’s no surprise that this transition that will be released on our web-
To recover from his mistakes, an ity to juggle a demanding workload would take time to adjust to, which site soon. In these interviews, we
Hope and pessimism: the con- individual must notice flaws in can be resolved just by improving is the case for sophomore Dana listened to stories of leaving every-
cepts are opposites, yet they impact his judgement or planning and be one’s time management, or study- Gonzalez. thing behind and navigating a com-
lives in the same way. Humans use open to changing these aspects of ing harder, or sleeping less. How- “It was pretty tough for me. I’ve pletely fresh start. These stories
both hope and pessimism to shield himself. Those who ignore these ever, what we do not often consider moved a lot since I was born, but represent just a small snapshot of
themselves from disappointments; flaws and pursue futile goals show is that perhaps knowing one’s lim- I feel like this movement was the the resilience that is embodied by
they maintain a positive attitude a lack of self-awareness because its is more admirable than pushing hardest because we moved so far, immigrants in our community and
despite failures, or expect the worst they fail to address the resulting oneself past the breaking point. and I had a lot of friends and fam- across the country.
so that they will not be further dis- hardship. Instead, these individu- Rather than putting pressure on
heartened. Although both can help als put their strength into a hope- themselves to meet a difficult goal,
an individual to cope, hope is more less scenario and contract a perni- students should set more realistic
attractive, particularly to positive cious state of mind: the false hope ones and build up true resilience.
thinkers. Hope rewards those who syndrome. Achieving the right balance be-
endure failure, promising an in- Humans try to change them- tween determination and positiv-
valuable prize along with success, selves upon failure. They do so ex- ity is an arduous task that requires
which is a building-block of resil- pecting confidence, happiness, self- self-awareness, experience, and
ience. Unfortunately, some look so respect, and other positive feelings willingness to try different meth-
hard for the prize in one spot that to follow. While these goals are ods. Although one should be wary
they forget to look elsewhere. admirable in the face of difficulty, of false hope, resilience remains a
Resilient individuals generally people expect simple changes to priceless skill and can nurture one’s
feel more open to mistakes, and produce tremendous outcomes potential; people simply have to
they see greater value in learning in an unrealistic amount of time. point their dreams in the right di-
from the mistakes that they invari- Psychologists Janet Polivy and C. rection. Equally important as push-
ably make. These people set high Peter Herman explain that the hu- ing forward in the face of difficulty
goals for themselves and persevere man predilection to feel in control is knowing when to let go. Sophomore at AB, Dana Gonzalez.
Katherine Chen, Daphne Wong, Emily Richaardt / Spectrum Staff
 Resilience
Page 8 The Spectrum November 2017

Hidden Strengths of Refugees Dropping Classes difficulty of a class cannot be un-

By liZette sta. maria year-old Malak as she tells the story English phrases. Doctors, lawyers, By aadhiti Vallatharasu
of her voyage from Syria to Greece. and engineers in the old country are derstood unless one has actually
Correspondent Correspondent
“After I got cold, I was very very demoted to minimum-wage jobs at experienced it. What a student
You overdraw a line. You leave very scared.” Once on land, Malak local supermarkets. You are sitting in your third thought would be easy will not
a few smudges. You can’t seem to and her family had to find lodging In many ways, the refugee re- period Algebra class, anxiously always be so. Students might be
find the right words. You ultimately somewhere in the foreign land- settlement experience parallels that waiting for your teacher to pass frustrated that their efforts were
decide to crumple up the piece of scape of the Lesbos mountains: of many immigrants, but there are back the most recent chapter not enough to get the grades they
paper entirely and chuck it into the “Every time we reached a peak, I some critical contrasts. While an test. Between attending extra wanted, but, believe it or not,
trash. Frustrated as you may be, thought it was over…but we con- immigrant may not be able to find help and working with your tu- sometimes these things are be-
you get up to retrieve another sheet. tinued to go higher.” There seemed a job very quickly, a refugee must. tor, you have spent countless yond their control.
You’re comforted by the thought to be no end to this process of start- The International Rescue Com- hours studying.You hope that The main difference in each of
that if you make a mistake, you can ing over. mittee only supports families for a this test will be better, especially the class levels is the rate at which
always try again. Over the years, the outskirts of short period of time, working with after receiving four consecutive the subject material is learned. If
But what if you didn’t have that Lesbos grew to accommodate the clients for anywhere between three D’s. Unfortunately, that is not someone struggles to get by even
choice? What if starting over wasn’t surges of refugees that enter Greece and eight months and requiring the case. At the top of the test, though he or she has studied and
an option, but a necessity? And daily. Once primarily comprised of that they are self-sufficient by the right next to the letter D, is a understood the material, chances
those smudges were the dirt, dust, nothing but olive groves, the Kara seventh month. Congolese broth- note from your teacher reading, are that the class is just not set at
and wounds of a crumbling city in Tepe refugee camp now houses ers Patrick and George, now col- “See me after class.” You hang the right pace for them. Everyone
a war-torn country? The reason you 5,000 people at a time. The need for lege students who came to Idaho your head, embarrassed, real- processes material differently.
couldn’t find the right words was basic humanitarian resources grew as children, believe that the main izing the teacher will to suggest Scott Grafton, a neuroscience
because the horrors of seeing your with every refugee that arrived; vol- difference between them and their that you move down to a lower professor at UC Santa Barbara,
home destroyed were too grave for unteers eventually came together to “immigrant friends” is that “[immi- level. conducted a study in which a
you to speak of. What if none of provide a sustainable water supply grants] can go back to their coun- Deciding to drop a tough class group of participants played a
this was a mistake, but a catastro- and proper lavatory, bathing, and tries whenever they want.” It seems is an act of resilience. Recogniz- simple game where they had to
phe? laundry facilities. Far from luxury, that refugees are pushed all the way ing the stress and struggles of respond to notes, which were
Such is the case for 65 million these arrangements were merely back to the bottom, forced to start harder classes and following your color-coded, and press the cor-
refugees worldwide. Since the civil temporary. What the refugees really from scratch. teacher’s advice to move down a responding button on a control-
war began in 2011, 5.1 million refu- needed was information on how to Yet, still they rise. level proves that you are doing ler. While they played, an MRI
gees from Syria alone have fled their get to the mainland and reintegrate When thriving is out of the what best for your education. In scanned their brains. As Grafton
homes seeking sanctuary elsewhere themselves into society. Though question, the only way to survive this scenario, it is important that puts it, “the participants who
to begin a new life. However, they stepping out into the real world is to keep trying. The unwavering you understand your teacher’s showed decreased neural activ-
are not eagerly jumping into a new outside of the camp generated fear, belief in a brighter future is surely perspective and do what is best ity learned the fastest.” Grafton
world of opportunities and possi- nothing could be more horrific something worth fighting for, and for yourself. Many AB students shows us that everyone’s learning
bilities. Instead, they are reluctantly than the world they left behind. So sometimes the results of this con- worry about whether their class- rate is different and that the pur-
leaving the only home they’ve ever again, they were left with no choice viction are better than anyone es are labeled Honors, AE, or CP. pose of leveled classes is simply
known to enter an unfamiliar world but to keep pushing forward. could imagine. The media now In a competitive school environ- to let students learn material at
where their futures are uncertain. Some refugees are fortunate displays refugee success stories in ment, many feel that their intel- the pace best suited for them. Do
Starting over is not as easy as crum- enough to resettle in countries like headlines such as “Twin Daughters ligence is judged when they re- not feel defeated because you are
pling up a piece of paper and fetch- the United States and Canada, but of Somalian Refugees on the Road veal their class levels and grades. being asked to move to a lower
ing a new one. they are still faced with the cold, to Becoming Doctors” and “For- However, it is crucial for students level class; that does not mean
For many, the first leg of the harsh realities of adjusting to a first- mer ‘Lost Boy of Sudan’ Becomes to remember that the quality of you are not trying hard enough,
long journey into the unknown world country. The glamorous no- Atlanta Police Officer.” Refugees their education comes before and it certainly does not mean
happens overseas, the ocean itself tion of streets paved with gold dissi- fully embody the keys to overcom- anyone’s opinion. that you are not smart enough.
vast and intimidating. All around, pates as soon as they have to shovel ing adversity: persistence, determi- If a student has worked hard The teacher is simply suggest-
there is nothing but sloshing waves, slush and snow off of the driveway. nation, and resilience. Like Malak and has put forth his best effort ing that the class is not the cor-
the sound of a rickety boat, and the Parents who want their kids to and her family, they continue to in class, there is nothing to be rect pace for you and that there
looming threat of drowning.“I was have every opportunity to speak for climb every peak of the mountain ashamed of. Class recommenda- is a better opportunity for you to
very very very cold,” recalls seven themselves struggle to learn basic until they reach the top. tions are rarely perfect, and the thrive in a different class.

Across Down
3. Income _______ 1. Eighth astrological Zodiac
4. (Of tides) to recede symbol
5. Violently send out 2 .Remarkable, mythical
7. A puzzle 3 .The capital of the country of
8. Invented by Arthur Wynne in Georgia
1913 6. Topic for consideration
9. Cause baby you’re a _ 11. One of three bird species to
10.Roman God of War produce milk
12. A final demand 13. A question in an investigation.

The Spectrum’s
Fall Crossword
 News
November 2017 The Spectrum Page 9

AB Start Times: The Late Edition Beauty and the Beast her job while creating fond memo-
By Michelle Gong However, these plans have seen other committee funds or by AB By Somya Prabhakar and
some opposition from students families, but over 20% of survey ries. Maddie Steverman enjoys Ba-
Correspondent Grace Gong bette’s tango with Lumiere in “Be
themselves, whose concerns re- respondents said they would not
volve mainly around the new end support this. Correspondents Our Guest,” while Sarah Woods
School start times have become
times. For many students, leaving The Start Time Committee ad- This fall, students and staff in loves how “everyone on tech crew
the subject of a heated conversa-
school at 2:40 or 3:10 would mean dressed these concerns about after Acton-Boxborough Regional High has such a good bond.” In addition,
tion among students in the dis-
compromising their after-school school activities and the two-tier School’s award-winning theatre the members get to learn and devel-
trict. Since last June, the ABRSD
activities. Staying later after school busing arrangement in their final program, Proscenium Circus, pre- op skills through their jobs. Calvin
School Start Time Committee
would push back after-school ac- report. Regarding to comments sented the beloved Disney musical Benelli, a member of the dance en-
has advocated for a change in the
tivities, causing students to also get about sports and activities, they Beauty and the Beast. The show semble, loved learning complicated
school’s start and end times. After
home and sleep later. Additionally, stated that the ending time will opened on October 27th and ran for dance sequences, while Catarina
researching and analyzing surveys
these later end times afford less only be about 20 minutes later two weeks, totalling eight fantastic Santos enjoyed seeing how an intri-
taken by members of the AB com-
time to practice sports and skills, than the existing time, so it will performances. Although the Acton- cate face of makeup contributes to
munity, the Start Time Committee
which could decrease participation not dramatically impact athlet- Boxborough community recognizes a performance’s dramatic effect.
has synthesized the possibilities
in after-school activities altogether. ics or extracurricular activities. PC for its impressive productions Although the cast and crew
that would be the most beneficial
Furthermore, the start time The committee also believes that that cover a variety of storylines, make performances look easy,
to students and families of AB.
combines the elementary school the advantages of having two bus most students are unaware of the students work hard to transform
Plans include shifting the high
schedules, with only one round of tiers instead of three outweigh the grueling work that goes into creat- the show from script into reality.
school and junior high start times
buses for all elementary schools. disadvantages. Without the dif- ing a successful show. The Spec- Benelli reveals that “we sometimes
to 8:00am, with end times at 2:40
The current three tiers of busing— ficulties of switching elementary trum followed the musical’s cast feel rushed to learn a dance, …
and 2:36pm respectively, and shift-
two rounds of buses for elementa- schedules every year, plus the late and crew through the final stages of with the pressure of opening night
ing elementary school hours be-
ry schools and one for junior high schedule—which many believe rehearsal to learn more about the looming upon us.” When asked
tween 8:40am and 3:10pm.
and high school students—will ends too late—all elementary musical and the students putting it to use only one word to describe
According to surveys, around
turn into two tiers. For this plan to school teachers would be available together. his fellow cast members, Benelli
80% of respondents indicated
work, eleven buses must be added for meetings at the same time. If Proscenium Circus offers the- exclaimed, “Dedicated.” The cast
that “student health and well-
to the existing fleet, resulting in this is financially unattainable, the atre opportunities with various and crew put in extensive amounts
being” and “impact on student
more than forty buses necessary to school district will continue with roles in both cast and crew, such of work to perfect each produc-
sleep” were the main reasons for
drive students from all six schools. three tiers and the high school start as costumes, hair and makeup, and tion. Steverman explains that her
a schedule change. A National
Financially speaking, for the first time will be delayed by fifteen min- stage lighting. Each year, PC pres- commitment to PC is “around 12
Sleep Foundation poll found that
year, the cost would increase by utes. ents four productions, including hours on an average week”; she
59% of middle schoolers and 87%
approximately $750,000, and ev- While there are still a few de- Cabaret; they are constantly plan- “doesn’t even want to do the math
of high school students in the
ery year after, it would cost nearly tails left to finalize, the commit- ning something fresh and exciting for tech week!” Similarly, Benelli
U.S. got fewer than the recom-
$375,000 before a 45% reimburse- tee is planning to implement this for everyone. Aside from PC’s per- spends around 16 hours a week in
mended 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep
ment by the state because of AB’s change next fall, so prepare to hear forming talent, it is also known to rehearsal, not including time spent
on school nights. Even without
status as a regional school dis- the first bell ring at 8am instead of be a tight-knit community. Maddie practicing dances at home. How-
large amounts of homework and
trict. These costs are paid through 7:23am. Steverman, who plays Babette in ever, the students have no regrets.
extracurricular activities, mela-
the production, describes PC as a Despite the tremendous effort that
tonin—a hormone that controls
“crazy, loving family.” After spend- members of PC must put into their
sleep cycles—prevents many teen-
ing almost every day together, the roles, Benelli describes his expe-
agers from getting enough sleep.
students have even developed their rience in PC as “a riot!” PC has
According to the National Sleep
own jargon, like “don’t kill Simba,” evolved into a community where
Foundation, the release of melato-
which serves as code for “be quiet students can bond, foster their mu-
nin later at night with age promote
running on stage.” tual love for drama, and produce a
later sleeping and waking hours in
The students and staff work captivating story.
teenagers. A lack of sleep causes
together to create an amazing pro- Congratulations to the cast and
adolescents to suffer physical and
duction within a whirlwind three crew of Beauty and the Beast, and
mental health problems such as
months; during this time, each in- the whole PC family, on a wonder-
obesity and depression, decline
dividual works extensively at his or ful performance!
in academic performance, and a
higher risk of being in a car acci-
dent. With a later start, kids might be less tired throughout the school day.
ONLINE SOURCE

Communal Housing in Acton create an inclusive family. New View However, residence still means
By Paolina Garro
includes multiple houses and units being a relatively active part of
Correspondent
designed to build social interactions the community. For instance, the
New View, a cohousing commu- between every neighbor. Houses are maintenance of New View’s land-
nity in Acton, is filled with a diverse arranged in pairs of four connected scape is managed by the members.
group of people who put aside poten- by pedestrian roads. Every house As important as being active in
tial differences such as religious or has its own yard, but the community the community is, friendships are
political affiliations to live together shares an open ground. This space also a big part of New View. All
as one united group. Cohousing is is great for barbecues, picnics, and members of New View feel secure
a sustainable way for people to both other social events. New View also and respected, distinguishing this
enjoy both the luxury of a private has a Common House, the heart of community from many others. Proscenium Circus performing the smash hit, Beauty and the Beast.
ONLINE SOURCE
home and participate in commu- the community’s social life, open to Most of them were accustomed
nity bonding. It not only helps cre- every member. The Common House to avoiding their neighbors, but
ate more social interaction, but also is often used by members to gather with cohousing, their neighbors
helps environmental issues through together for meals and social events feel like family. Now, members
shared facilities. like Thanksgiving or Memorial Day. can interact with people from
New View members join for one Participation in discussions and deci- various ages, backgrounds, and
simple reason: acceptance. They have sion-making is highly recommended, views, allowing them to expand
meals together, carpool to school, but not obligatory. The community their knowledge beyond their own
help each other through tough times, does not put pressure on its members lives; New View provides a unique
and simply live as one united family. to participate, allowing members to experience in which members are
No matter a member’s race, gender choose how much time and energy a part of a loving and caring com-
or sexuality, the community strives to to devote to their neighborhood. munity.

New View’s Common House is the heart of the community as social life is open to every memeber.
ONLINE SOURCE
 News
Page210
Page The Spectrum
The Spectrum November
January 2017
2008

Administration Changes: New Plans, New Beginnings

By Michael Cheng where the district aims to secure start times and parent, and com- was “fairly unique in [his] expe- nated in confidential minutes for
$1.3 million of funding (spread munity engagement.” Some at- rience.” Despite these steps to- two closed-door meetings, where
Spectrum Staff
between Acton and Boxborough) tempted remedies to these issues wards community engagement, Dr. Brand’s prospects with the dis-
William McAlduff was ap- for a feasibility study, which here at the high school include the the School Committee was still trict were discussed, were illegally
pointed interim superintendent would include finalized cost esti- increase in the number of home- recently criticized by some mem- released. The school calls this act
for the school year on August mates and a preliminary architec- work-free weekends. The school bers of the community regard- a violation of Dr. Brand’s “legiti-
28th after Dr. Brand departed tural design for the new building. district has also planned to imple- ing the confusion of Dr. Brand’s mate privacy interests.” However,
at the end of the 2016-17 school The meeting will also address any ment later start times and their departure from the district. A both the School Committee and
year. Mr. McAlduff has held a su- concerns that people may have potential benefits, and will test a School Committee meeting was Mr. McAlduff express a desire to
perintendent position for much of about the project. When asked at new bell schedule for two weeks devoted to answering the commu- move forward with the permanent
his twenty-one-year career, most a school committee meeting on this coming March. nity’s questions regarding issues superintendent search process,
recently at the Dover-Sherborn November 9th what will happen In addition, the district is try- such as the $192,000 in 2017-18 which the district tentatively hopes
district as an interim for two years. if the feasibility project does not ing to improve on the third key salary paid to Dr. Brand after his to wrap up with a final candidate
Mr. McAlduff, along with pass, Boxborough School Com- focus of the program: “parent departure. However, the mutually- to vote on by March. In the mean-
Marie Altieri, a longtime AB ad- mittee and School Building Sub- and community” engagement. negotiated non-disparagement time, the district will continue to
ministrator, sat down with The committee member Mary Brolin Mr. McAlduff praised the existing clause prevented the Committee attempt to make “decisions that
Spectrum to discuss the upcom- said that the district would lose practices of the district, particular- from giving direct answers and benefit students,” who are, for Mr.
ing school year and the district’s $50 million in state partnership ly the “number of surveys that this starting a conversation with the McAlduff, the district’s “reason
goals. As the new interim for funds. The towns could then elect district has been involved in,” add- community. This situation culmi- for existence.”
Acton-Boxborough, Mr. McAlduff to either fund the full $150 million ing that he has not “experienced
sees his role as simply being “the
leader of the district for the school
year” and an advisor to the School
project or make shorter term fixes
for $35 million, which, according
to Brolin, would still not relieve
that much input [in his career],”
which is “commendable.” He spe-
cifically mentioned that surveys
Girl Up Club : FAQs a child-bearing age, but this is often
Committee and Central Office. the district’s current spatial needs. concerning school start times and By Katrina Sousounis
the only reason many women end
According to Mr. McAlduff, A more immediate goal of the twin school project were pre- Correspondent up seeing a doctor at all. Yet be-
the most important project in the the district, according to Mr. ferred options in a survey conduct- tween these two age groups, when
Media coverage of feminist is-
district currently is to build a new McAlduff, is the progression of ed last winter that garnered almost young girls are left underfunded,
sues has spiked in the past year.
twin school—like the Merriam Stanford’s Challenge Success ini- 250 responses from both staff they often drop out of school to
However, even with increased cov-
and McCarthy-Towne Elemen- tiative. The initiative was adopted and the general community. Mr. help with domestic chores. Eventu-
erage, the general public may not
tary Schools at the Parker Da- two years ago based on student McAlduff encouraged students to ally, they marry young, as opposed
completely understand the defini-
mon building—on the Douglas survey results that found that take advantage of opportunities to boys, who continue to get an ed-
tion and depth of a term as broad
and Gates campus. The primary students were reporting “having to provide feedback, to allow for ucation—because they do not fear
as feminism. As the younger gen-
concern that inspired this project very little free time,” which they more engagement between the dis- assault on the way to school that
eration, it is more important than
was spatial availability: the cur- defined as “time that is spent out- trict and the community. pressures them to drop out. Ado-
ever that we take initiative to ensure
rent enrollment of the schools is side of structured activities.” Stu- Mr. McAlduff praised the lescent girls lack the support they
that we are educated on global is-
486 students more than recom- dents also admitted to often get- School Committee practice of need to overcome these challenges.
sues. Here are the answers to a few
mended state guidelines, with ting fewer than six hours of sleep. “allow[ing] the public to com- Girl Up provides adequate funding
frequently asked questions about
projected increases in the future. Stanford identified three areas of ment on different agenda items for the UN programs implement-
feminism:
A critical hurdle is the upcoming focus for our district: “homework after the School Committee dis- ing this greatly needed aid: access
Why do feminists think they are
town meetings on December 4th, and workloads, schedules and cusses them,” a practice he said to bicycles for safe travel to school,
better than men?

Finding Dorey: A New Principal

By definition, feminism is the access to mental health mentorship
belief that women should be en- programs, and access to leadership
titled to equal political, social, and that trains and empowers them to
economic rights as males. When continue on the correct path. Ado-
By Srija N., Anjali R., To foster a better relationship belled it as one of the major is-
someone stands up for her rights lescent girls in developing coun-
Nithya J. between the staff and student sues they will try to tackle this
as a feminist, instead of asking, tries live significantly different lives
body, Ms. Baker and Mr. Dorey school year. Specifically, they
Spectrum Staff “Why are you making such a big from ours, yet they have the same
plan to utilize existing resources are targeting unhealthy levels
deal?” realize that this person is potential. Girl Up simply creates a
This year, students at like the principal’s advisory. of stress. Stress can actually be
advocating because she is in the campaign willing to invest in that
ABRHS returned to a rela- They are also implementing healthy, but only until it exceeds
minority. Feminist ideology is amount of untapped potential.
tively new administrative team. their own strategies, including a certain limit and harms the
rooted in the belief of equality Why should I care about this if I
To learn about the transition inviting a senior from every student. It is okay, if not neces-
for all. Speaking up for feminist am not a woman?
and the administration’s goals advisory to the Principal’s Ad- sary, to have your stress levels
issues is helping women, a op- Feminist issues are human is-
for the year, The Spectrum sat visory, as well as having lunch rise before a test. However, this
pressed group historically, by rais- sues. Gender equality cannot be a
down with Interim Principal with a group of seniors every stress should not hinder you in
ing awareness for the inequalities one-sided battle. Closing the wage
Larry Dorey and Associate Friday, hoping to “invite every any way. The administration
many women face in their day-to- gap cannot be one-sided. Rally-
Principal Beth Baker. senior by the end of the year.” has many methods is has tried,
day lives. ing behind the empowerment of
Reorganizing the administra- In the morning emails ,there’s a or hope to try, in order to target
Why isn’t there a club called Boy women in developing countries
tion definitely has its challeng- new appointment calendar for this damaging type of stress. In
Up? Why only Girl Up? and investing in their future cannot
es. Thus, the school has focused administration and counseling, fact, students may already see
If we want equality for all, of be one-sided. We need everyone to
on ensuring a smooth transi- so students can easily schedule the tangible effects of the ef-
course we should have a club called cooperate and work together in this
tion. Mr. Dorey stated that a meeting to talk. Mr. Dorey forts, with the revised test policy
Boy Up . . . this only seems logi- global movement because, when
most positions have remained even says, “If my door is open, already in use. Mr. Dorey and
cal, doesn’t it? However, girls face we advocate for feminist issues, we
unchanged, so the transition I’m available to see you.” Both Ms. Baker have received positive
far more obstacles when it comes advocate for the progression of our
has been “relatively easy on Mr. Dorey and Ms. Baker are feedback on this change, and
to leading their own futures. Based world. By supporting strong female
that end.” His responsibilities committed to showing students they hope it proves to be useful
on statistics and research by the role models and the feminist move-
have shifted to issues beyond that they are approachable. The for students. An additional way
UN, adolescent girls in developing ment as a whole, we make strides
the building and presentational video they recorded in the be- they hope to improve the school
countries are, by an overwhelming towards a future in which both
work, but he’s still able to work ginning of the year, was created year for students is through the
majority, left under-funded and vul- men and women work together as
with kids like before. Meeting to introduce students to the new AB Because You Matter Cam-
nerable without assistance in areas equals to develop their society—a
with students and teachers is admintration. They hope the paign. Bringing together a team
like healthcare, education, safety, better future. As the youth, it is our
important to him, and he enjoys video allowed students to see of staff and students, the cam-
and leadership training. Younger responsibility to participate in and
it. them as people whom they can paign members, the school was
girls generally have access to early fully understand the feminist move-
The new administration always talk to. applied for a grant from the Ac-
education programs, but these do ment and all that it stands for, be-
has developed new goals and Furthermore, the administra- ton-Boxborough United Way.
not continue to adolescence. Older cause at the end of the day, rallying
changes to implement. When tion has created many initiatives Using the grant, the high school
women have access to hospitals behind it secures a more prosperous
asked about their most impor- to make life easier for students created a two step campaign.
and healthcare because they are at future for all.
tant goal for the year, Ms. Baker this year. This is best shown The first phases consisted of the
emphasized “the importance of through the implementation of “swag bags” and planners that
taking care of each other.” In the new late bus system. The were distributed to students at
fact, this premise is central to feedback on the late bus system the beginning of the year. Ms.
the new administration’s efforts the administration has received Baker explained how the bags
to create a more supportive en- has been very positive. Mr. Do- were meant to be “... a very vis-
vironment for students. It spe- rey spoke to the bus drivers, ible, visual gift to say that all
cifically hopes to focus on build- who report about 35 students of our student’s wellness does
ing “strong relationships in the on each of the buses each day. matter.” The planners, while
classroom, strong relationships They have received “wonderful a practical tool for students to
in the school community, strong emails” and “thank yous” from use, also include places to re-
relationships among peers, many people for providing it. flect, and other wellness themed
strong relationships among col- Many students at AB un- pages. The second phase con-
leagues, as well as the outside doubtedly face high levels of- sists of multiple, monthly well-
community.” Both Mr. Do- stress, something that has con- ness workshops aiming to cover
rey and Ms. Baker believe that sistently been identified as one a variety of student-vetted top-
these relationships can serve as of the major problems here. ics. These workshops occur dur-
a strong foundation for their ad- Both Mr. Dorey and Ms. Baker ing all lunch periods, and all are
ministration. recognize this and they have la- welcome to attend.
Members of the AB Girl Up Club.
Katrina Sousounis / Correspondent
 Off Topic
November 2017 The Spectrum Page 11

Acton-Boxborough Students’ Favorite Rappers

in Compton. In the same year, Ken- on a music sharing site, thus gaining
By kam narra and ChOud- drick won best rap performance, best a cult following. In 2013, he released
hury akash rap collaboration, best rap song, best his monumental mixtape, Acid
Spectrum Staff rap album, and best music video. Rap, which was downloaded over
Since then, Kendrick has released a one million times on Soundcloud.
On Instagram, The Spectrum critically-acclaimed studio album, Chance, still remaining label-free
shared a poll to determine the an- DAMN, and shows no signs of slow- despite numerous offers, created a
swer to the single most pressing ing his forward progress. band called The Social Experiment
question currently on our minds: Recommended songs: “Alright,” and, in 2016, released his third mix-
who are our favorite rappers at “HUMBLE,” “Now or Never,” tape, Coloring Book, making history
ABRHS? After much anticipation, “DUCKWORTH,” “i,” “Rigamor- by being the first streaming-only art-
here are the results: tus,” “m.A.A.d City,” “Swimming ist to win a Grammy.
With 40 votes, Kendrick La- Pools.” Recommended Songs: “Cocoa
mar: Kendrick Lamar has arguably With 25 votes, Chance the Rap- Butter Kisses,” “Juice,” “No Prob-
become one of the most well-known per: Chance has released three wild- lem,” “Angels,” “Blessings.”
artists of our generation. Because ly popular mixtapes while simul- With 22 votes, Kanye West:
Lamar spent most of his life in taneously making history. Chance Kanye West has been considered one
Compton, his lyrics often reflect his recorded his first mixtape, 10 Day, in of the most influential artists of the
childhood experiences there. For ex- his senior year of high school after 21st century. Surprisingly, Kanye ini-
ample, in 2015, Kendrick released his being suspended for possessing mar- tially was not a rapper: he was a pro-
monumental album, To Pimp A But- ijuana. In the same year, Chance ac- ducer. He made beats for Jay-Z’s al-
terfly, where he rapped about gang cumulated over 400,000 downloads bum, The Blueprint, and for Cam’ron,
culture and the institutional racism Nas, Beyoncé, and many other suc-
cessful artists until 2002. In 2004, he
recorded his first song, “Through the
Wire,” with his jaw wired shut. Later
that year, he released his first album,
The College Dropout, which won him
three Grammys. Since then, he has
released 8 more projects, many of
which are critically acclaimed.
Recommended Songs: “POW-
ER,” “Jesus Walks,” “Ultralight Kendrick Lamar - First Place
Beam,” “Runaway,” and “Touch the Nithya Jonnavithula / Cartoonist
Sky.” er released his first album, Camp, After being discovered by Dr. Dre,
With 21 votes, Childish Gam- and, in 2013, he released his best Eminem dropped his first album,
bino: Donald Glover, also known rap album, titled Because the Inter- The Slim Shady LP, in 1999 and
as Childish Gambino, is an actor, net. Since then, Glover has released went on to release two platinum-
comedian, rapper, and singer who his third studio album, Awaken, My selling albums, making him the first
writes some of the most thoughtful, Love!, and has been featured in vari- rapper to do so. He recently returned
intricate verses in the hip-hop game. ous films and tv shows such as Com- to the spotlight with his controver-
He attended New York Univer- munity and Atlanta. sial freestyle about Donald Trump.
sity, where he joined many comedy Recommended songs: “Sweat- The next day he was featured on the
groups, most notably Derrick Com- pants,” “Me and Your Mama” song “Revenge” by P!NK. It is likely
edy. In his senior year of college, “Sober,” “The Worst Guys,” “Red- that Eminem will drop his new al-
NBC, having seen his viral Derrick bone,” “3005,” “Bonfire.” bum this year, and people are eager-
Comedy videos, hired Glover as a With 19 votes, Eminem: Emi- ly awaiting it.
writer for the show 30 Rock. In 2009, nem was the face of the music indus- Recommended Songs: “Legacy,”
Glover began to release mixtapes try during the early 2000s. Growing “Stan,” “Not Afraid,” “Till’ I Col-
under the alias Childish Gambino, up, hip hop offered him a means lapse,” “Crack a Bottle,” “Forgot
Chance the Rapper- Second Place a name he got from an online Wu- to escape his surroundings where About Dre,” “Revenge,” “Mocking-
Nithya Jonnavithula / Cartoonist Tang name generator. In 2011, Glov- he lived in an impoverished family. bird.”

Love Nest: I’m Fall-ing For You I wish you luck in this fine-feline ing is about, blame it on your turtle
Fall Issue Staff Recs
Jasmine: Listen to the band Also, visit Cha-Time.
By JaCk OlsOn Coin. Anjali: Watch House, MD. It’s
world. who stubbed his toe. How insensi-
Spectrum Staff ble of your parents, asking to meet Nithyani: Try Trader Joe’s better than Grey’s Anatomy.
Hey, I’m a freshman! I was Doc, I need major help. The your significant other when they Peaches & Cream Yogurt...it’s so Vera: Listen to “I Know (I
wondering how to get older boys girl I’m crushing on has a super creamy. Know)” By John Lennon
know how awkward and uneasy it
Sydney: Listen to the Taiwan- Michael: Sleep.
to date me, seeing as how I’m bet- weird obsession with The Cheetah makes you feel. Where’s their em-
ese band Mayday. Kirtana: Go to Walnut Grill for
ter than all the boys in my grade. Girls, and I’m not into that, but I pathy? Keep sneaking around and Jessica: Sleep more than 2 vegan/vegetarian food even if you
Help me please! am into her. Any suggestions? playing Wii Sports, you troubled in- hours per night otherwise you’ll aren’t vegan or vegetarian.
There are two things on my This question is too offensive quirer. Never let your parents look pass out and fall down your stair- Serena: Listen to “Aftergold”
mind after seeing this ridiculous for me to answer. Literally, how out for you again. case. !_! by Big Wild!
question. My darling, older boys DARE you not be “into” my slay Max: Listen to the Irish band Ms. Hammond: Read Shrill by
have no interest in younger girls. mama queens, The Cheetah Girls. Occasionally, when I’m at my High Kings. Lindy West.
You see, just as younger girls lust I HOPE that the girl you are “into” significant other’s house, I se- Kavya: Watch Adam Ruins Ev- Mr. Brusie: Listen to “Yours”
after older boys, the boys lust af- never hears about this, but if she cretly eat all his Clif Bars. Then, I erything and Last Week Tonight. by the band Now, Now.
ter older girls. That, my princess, gets vision like Raven-Symone, she go back and hide all the wrappers
is why nobody ever seems to find already knows and will never re- somewhere in the pantry because I
love. Everyone in our school is into ciprocate the love you have for her. don’t want him to see them all in
someone who’s older and out of You seem like a confused individu- the trash can (it’s usually about 4
their league! Now, that is not neces- al, not up to date with the beauty, wrappers every time) His mother
sarily a bad thing… charm, and passion that old Disney has just noticed all the old wrap-
movies lend us these days. Come pers and is now yelling at my him
My boyfriend talks to all my back to me when you learn to ap- as I hide in the bathroom because
other friends, but ignores me. preciate the icons. I sentence you it’s so awkward. Do I admit to my
How do I make him actually talk to an uninterrupted Cheetah Girls evil doing?
to me, and look at me for once? binge session. Your evil doing isn’t hiding all
My little sugarblossom, hang on the wrappers back in the pantry;
tight, because do I have an answer Is it okay that my Mom and it’s simply that you took your sig-
for you! This question seems com- Dad still like to meet the person nificant other’s Clif Bars in the first
plex, but actually has a very simple I’m dating? place! Never have I ever had such
answer: costumes. Woof. Meeow. Ah, the classic dilemma teenag- a dishonest and sneaky baboon
Chirp. Ribbit. Dress up like one of ers get their pantaloons in a twist asking for help! You practically de-
these animals, and surely your boy- over. It is absolutely not okay for stroyed my trust in you with a five-
friend will never lose sight of you them to meet your significant other. line question, but that is besides the
again. A cat costume would be my AT ALL! Follow my plan: 1) wait point. More importantly, out of all
personal favorite: it’s eye-catching, until the lights go out, 2) unlock the snacks in the world, you chose
yet mysterious, with a hint of spice your side door, 3) sneak your signif- CLIF BARS as your go-to snack to
and flair. It will leave your boy- icant other past your parents, who steal. So, my silly little goon, I have
friend with his eyes locked on you. are watching TV in the living room, a question for you: why that snack?
Little sugarblossom, the problem and 4) bring them to your basement, Oh, how the tables have turned!
may not be your boyfriend: it may where you can finally engage in a May those Clif Bars forever rest in
be you. Perhaps you will find confi- heated game of Wii Sports. If your the bottomless pit that is your stom-
dence with your new kitty costume. parents ever ask what the scream- ach.
 Off Topic
Page 12 The Spectrum November 2017

Multiple Forms of Resilience By annabella Chen

Cartoonist

The Treacherous Search for Bigfoot: Completed?

real? Likely. We hit the Boxborough In reference to endangered spe- odd branches in a lean-to fashion. pitched the tent in a yard and not
By matt Fleming backwoods to befriend the sas- cies, the Massachusetts neo-puritan- Retracing our steps to our tent in the forest to craft a compelling
Spectrum Staff quatch himself. ical regime that is Mass.gov; states was more complex than antici- narrative of our adventures with
The team arrived at 4:30 pm that it is illegal “to harass, harm, pur- pated. Boxborough Conservation Bigfoot without putting ourselves
For readers who may have just on Friday, October 6th. Divided sue, hunt, shoot, hound, kill, trap, Trust, we love you, but the trail in danger.
left an Amish compound in Lan- among two backpacks, our supplies capture, collect, process, disrupt the maps need to be clearer. With the Independent, local journalists
caster County, Pennsylvania, Big- included one film camera, two bags nesting, breeding, feeding or migra- sun setting and coyotes on the like us are true heroes, dedicated
foot—otherwise known by his stage of Cool Ranch Doritos, a box of tory activity or attempt to engage in prowl, returning to the tent became to unearthing the truth no matter
name, Sasquatch or Yeti—is the fac- matches to light the oily Doritos if any such conduct, or to assist such a matter of life and death. the personal cost. Still, we were
tual lore of a tall forest creature that necessary, two water bottles, two conduct.” With these rules in mind, After a half hour or so of walk- dismayed to have not seen the
prowls North America. According flashlights, and one tent pitched on we set off on our search. ing, our strategy was to follow the factual creature we unanimously
to a recent study, approximately a front lawn. Equipped with our Deeper in the forest, we started trails that led to light. Though cer- anticipated to befriend. The 1987
25% of four randomly- selected survival skills and confidence, the seeing traces of something one tainly a sure-fire way to discover classic Harry and the Hendersons, the
ABRHS students acknowledge the team embarked on a journey rival- could only describe as big foot- civilization, we could not be cer- most acclaimed sasquatch film of
existence of Bigfoot. Is Bigfoot ing that of Lewis and Clark. prints. They were size 12, to be tain that the area we found would the late 20th century, had made us
exact, which hasn’t existed since be our campsite. But it was the only hopeful.
the Lincoln Assassination. Rest in way. In retrospect, Bigfoot was never
peace, Abe. From the swampland, we stum- meant to be found. He lives an elu-
Further away from civilization bled into someone’s yard that Fri- sive life, shrouded in mystery. He
and deeper into the heart of Box- day, October 6th. To whomever this chooses to live in isolation. Though
borough, these clues led to concrete yard belongs, our deepest apolo- Bigfoot’s existence is supported by
evidence. With dusk fast approach- gies. We were, however, thrilled to all forms of conventional science,
ing and mac and cheese balls in the have found humanity; we needed to his genetic identity may be the most
oven, it was critical to find Bigfoot get home to those mac and cheese fascinating aspect of what makes
and retrace our steps. Though Big- balls. Only one issue prevailed: we up sasquatch culture. I am thus de-
foot himself was elsewhere at that had entered a neighborhood far lighted to announce the launch of a
time, we did discover his home, from our beginning location. new subsection of academia devot-
hidden off the beaten paths. Ac- So, like the lost children we ed to the behaviorisms and habits
An artistic rendition of Bigfoot. cording to the EPA, sasquatches were, we phoned a friend to re- of Bigfoot himself. Welcome to the
ONLINE SOURCE survive in shelters constructed with quest a quick lift across town. We era of sasquatch psychology.

Tips for the End of the World knowing that Wall Street will also go tough questions: which sibling do I
The Slipper Stunt proached the slippers, I took a deep
By sriJa nagireddy up in flames when the time comes. like better, and have I really forgiven By siena brOlin
breath. Calling on my fifth and sixth
Spectrum Staff Don’t have the cash to invest? Simply Linda for spilling her juice on me in Spectrum Staff grade acting experience, I turned to
“borrow” money from your parents third grade? These tragic decisions
Given the number of recent glob- As soon as Matt Fleming, fellow Matt with a serious look on my face.
without their knowledge. What they are necessary to ensure that you have
al catastrophes, the world must be Off Topic writer, announced his in- Tapping his arm frantically, I whis-
don’t know can’t hurt them! enough juice boxes in your bunker to
ending. There are so many different tention to go Bigfoot hunting in the pered, “What’s that?” and pointed to
Tip #2: If you cannot afford your keep everyone important alive.
causes of a potential apocalypse that own high-end bunker, make one Tip #4: Obsessively decorate woods of Boxborough, I knew what the slippers lying menacingly on the
it’s almost impossible to list them yourself in your basement. You can your bunker to distract from your I had to do. Volunteering to go hunt- forest floor. Matt turned to me with
all. The world has witnessed count- find instructions online, (a search overwhelming remorse for abandon- ing with him, I planned to plant Big- wide eyes, and I had to turn away to
less natural disasters in the past few for “DIY apocalypse bunkers” led ing nearly everyone you know to in- foot slippers in the woods and trick hide my laughter as we moved clos-
months, all thanks to climate change! to some great results on Pinterest), variable doom. Sparkles never hurt Matt into believing that Bigfoot is er to inspect the situation. Clearly
We may soon see even more damag- or simply improvise. For furnishings, anyone! real and in Boxborough. My work recognizing that they were slippers
ing ones. The apocalypse could also sneak family furniture down to the Tip #5: Move into your bunker. was certainly cut out for me. You see, and not real animal feet, Matt was
result from the amicable relations basement when no one is looking. within the next few weeks. Its whole I—not Matt—am the token gullible still reveling in the belief that some-
between North Korea and the United When your parents inevitably notice purpose is survival––you won’t do person among our friends. However, body had coincidentally left Bigfoot
States. Be wary of a declaration of the couch is missing, deflect blame to much surviving if you’re outside dur- I remained hopeful, because Matt slippers in these woods on the same
war or a test of a hydrogen bomb and your dog. It’s foolproof. If you worry ing the apocalypse! Once you move believes in everything from ghosts night that we would be searching for
a chance of nuclear armageddon! At about boredom, fill a bookcase with in, refuse to leave its safety, no mat- to conspiracy theories and because I the Sasquatch himself. After a few
this rate, it wouldn’t even be a sur- overdue library books. Remember, ter what. Stay resolute. Your parents conveniently already owned a pair of minutes, I couldn’t take it anymore. I
prise if the Yellowstone caldera sud- vengeful librarians are insignificant might not approve of you skipping Bigfoot slippers. burst into laughter and explained my
denly erupted. It’s time to explore the when the world is ending! Stock school, but when have they ever ap- One fateful Friday, I began my genius trickery to an amused Matt.
ways to survive. your bunker with the essential food proved of you? And who wants to journey to the wooded trail at the “It was me,” I explained to Matt as
Tip #1: Get rich. While not the groups: cheese, bread (it’s a staple in study when the world is ending? end of my street, bearing a backpack he rocked with laughter. “I put them
most practical tip, getting wealthy Oprah’s bunker), Halloween candy, Tip #6: Ignore those who call containing the slippers. I found a tree here. I’m writing an article about it.
affords you a much better chance of meat, and juice boxes (they contain you crazy; there will be many. under which to arrange the slippers Everyone knew except for you.” The
survival. Billionaires can watch the one whole serving of fruit). Tip #7: An additional note: The so that it looked like Bigfoot was Bigfoot gang continued to chuckle as
world burn from their state of the art Tip #3: Make the hard choices. bunker you made will fail in 99% of hiding there. After some final adjust- we walked off into the sunset. Little
doomsday bunkers. To achieve this in There are only so many resources you Doomsday scenarios. In all honesty, ments, my work was done. Now, all did we know that we would get com-
the time left, we suggest investing in can pack in your pathetic excuse for your bunker couldn’t survive mild that was left was the execution. pletely lost and wouldn’t be able to
unknown startups with suspiciously a bunker. Therefore, you must be se- winds, much less the apocalypse. So retrieve the slippers until the light of
Later that night, the Bigfoot
inflated claims. If you don’t back lective when choosing people to join live life while you still can and drop hunting gang set out. As we ap- day returned.
the next Facebook, you can rest easy you in the New Age. Ask yourself the out of school!