The
The Northstar:
Northstar: Fall
Fall State
State Edition
Edition -- November
November 2013
2013
The Northern California Junior State of America Newspaper
Cabcon Gone Wrong
Turn the Page for Details
Inside this issue:
Cabcon Gone Wrong | Page 2
The Assembly | Page 2
Following the Norm’ | Page 3
Educating the Masses | Pages 4-7
The Journey to $8K | Page 7
Putin Slams the Closet Shut | Page 8
Minimum Wage Raised to $10 | Page 8
Wanted Dead Not Alive | Page 9
The Misconceptions of Religion | Page 10
All Is Not Lost | Page 11
Corgis, Hockey, and Build-a-Bear | Page 12
Not Like the Movies | Page 12
Do We Stress Too Much? | Page 14
Life After Graduation | Page 15
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
CabCon Gone Wrong
Confirmations Result in Redo
Nina Dabit | Northstar Editor-in-Chief
with them, and voted to officialNorthgate High School again
ly confirm them into their positions.”
“Congratulations, with a vote of 8-0,
you have been confirmed in your
position.” Going into a cabinet confirmations, everyone hopes, and usually
expects, to hear these words leave
the Lieutenant Governor’s mouth.
However, while the day is certainly
nervewracking, the occurrence of a
rejection is rare.
However, such was not the
case this year. Lieutenant Governor
Akshaya Natarajan described the
situation. “The Senate rejected three
members of cabinet, the Membership
Services Coordinator, because they
felt she was underqualified, and two
CIA Agents. But, those two agents
were rejected on the terms of behavior
and demeanor during the confirmation
process, and the Governor and Speaker believed that those weren’t strong
enough grounds to reject someone on
alone. So, they requested that they be
brought in so that the Senate could
hear the two agents’ side of the story
with an explanation. After hearing it,
the Senate went through the confirmation process again with them, and
voted to officially confirm them into
their positions.”
Now, do they regret their decisions? The confirmation process is
very complicated and, being arguably
the most important job of the Senate,
is taken very seriously. “I entirely
stand by the decisions we as a Senate
made in choosing not to confirm specific people. We had logical reasons
that just weren’t articulated correctly
to the Governor and those who we
didn’t confirm...once everything was
talked out and Senate explained our
reasons to Josh, we understood that it
would be in everyone’s best interest
to go through with another interview
process to see if our initial reactions
were correct and just. Once we explained our reasons for not initially
confirming them, it became clear to us
that we had misjudged, admitted we
were wrong, and voted to reconfirm.
I’m incredibly proud of how all parties involved handled the situation. It
just goes to show how important communication is,” President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Anyu Silverman,
explained.
Of course, confirmations have
traditionally been a very closed-door
process. Especially for first-time cabi-
net members,
expectations of
what’s actually
behind that mysterious door vary. Is
it a scary board of individuals geared
to scoop your eyes out and destroy
your hopes and dreams? Or are they
their normal, fun-loving selves, ready
to joke around with you? The process
can be nerve-wracking and it while it
can definitely be helpful to be quickwitted, a person should be able to
expect the sorts of questions that will
be asked of them. Think of it like a
job interview. They need to know who
you are and why you’re qualified, and
what you’re going to do with the state.
Even so, confirmations are short, and
a person has very little time to prove
themselves, especially as an agent or
coordinator, who are involved in mass
department confirmations. “I wish we
had more time to meet with each individual person and talk through their
goals and such in relation to JSA,”
Silverman remarked.
So what is the lesson from this
whole fiasco? Take the confirmation
process seriously. Know why you’re
there. In the end, almost everyone
gets confirmed. After all, the Big
Three chose their cabinet for a reason,
and you wouldn’t bet on them being
wrong, would you?
What Does the Assembly Actually Do?
How Assembly Works and Why It Matters
Michelle Timm | Speaker of the Assembly
Castro Valley High School
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So, at some point during Fall State,
you might ask yourself, what’s this assembly
thing I keep hearing about? Good question,
random conventioner! While the assembly
is one of the most important parts of JSA,
(though I may be a little biased) it seems like
so few people actually know what it does.
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
The assembly is essentially a
it to assembly. And, while only asmeeting that takes place at every con- sembly representatives have a vote at
vention in which we debate “planks.” assembly, any conventioner can come
“Planks” is a fancy word for real life and watch the debates, so you can still
resolutions, and in the assembly, they be there. Or, if your chapter hasn’t chohave to be related to youth in some
sen a representative already, you can
way. For example, a plank may be
be your chapter’s assembly representa“Teacher tenure should be abolished” tive! This means that not only are you
or something of that sort. There’s a spe- in charge of attending meetings at each
cial format in which planks are written, convention, but you also are the liaibut that’s not too exciting, so I won’t son between the state fundraising and
get into that.
activism departments and your chapter,
So how does the assembly in- which basically translates to you being
volve you, random conventioner? Well a super important person to the funcyou see, anyone can submit planks to tioning of JSA.
the assembly! So, if you have a topic Alright, so after a plank passes,
that you’d really like to see debated,
what happens? Well, it joins the offiyou can contact me or your chapter’s cial Northern California JSA Platform,
assembly representative about bringing which means we then officially support
the issue. From here, we can go into
our activism department and try to
advocate those issues. So nothing that
happens at assembly simply stops there.
The reason that assembly really matters
is that the planks that pass become an
official part of our platform, which is a
reflection of the general opinion of the
state to the public. It creates some incredible opportunities for activism and
getting involved with new topics that
we wouldn’t have approached without
the assembly.
So, if after reading this, you
want to check out the assembly, please,
come join us on our magical journey to
find out where NorCal JSA stands on
various youth issues. You won’t regret
it; we promise.
Following The Norm’ Isn’t Being Informed
Teens too Quick To Jump On Political Bandwagons
Juhie Desai | Northstar Reporter
San Mateo High School
Don’t get me wrong; I am more than
thrilled with the fact that an era of
social activism is re-emerging with
today’s generation. Whether it’s
through a heated twitter debate or in a
political club like JSA, I never fail to
see students engaging in thought-provoking conversations on controversial
issues. Lack of interest is not where the
problem lies. My concern is with the
potential ignorance that can stem from
the socialization of politics.
If you ask the average “politically informed” teenager what they believe is society’s most pressing conflict
today, they will most likely answer
with gay rights or abortion. I want to
make it clear that it’s not the teenager’s
response that is of concern, rather it is
how this teenager has come up with
this response that is problematic.
Among youth, the internet has
become the dominant form of commu-
nication, therefore influencing the way
teenagers perceive politics. There are
certain issues that “trend” more often
on twitter and receive more coverage
on cable networks, and these are the
issues that teenagers hear about. For
those of you who question the influence
media has on politics, consider studies
have shown that more and more Republican youth are starting to advocate
for liberal social ideals, such as gay
marriage.
“I think teenagers rush to Identify with a party based on their beliefs
on social issues, and as a result ignore
other critical issues that don’t get media
attention.
For instance,I have met a ton of people
who identify with the Democratic
Party solely because of the issue of
gay marriage”, says Vicky Mesquita,
an expansion agent from San Mateo
High. Because partisan politics are so
3
over-emphasized by the media, teens
tend to become close-minded, failing to
acknowledge other issues.
Once again, I am in no way
trying to downplay the importance
of our country’s social agenda, which
holds it’s own significance. That being
said, teenagers need to stop focusing
on what’s popular and focus on what’s
important instead. We must not let the
mass media dominate our own personal
belief systems. I certainly hope the
level of passion and interest teenagers
have demonstrated in bettering our society lasts, but I would have a lot more
confidence in our future with a wellinformed electorate.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Do your research. Maybe even try
watching C-Span instead of CNN. Most
importantly, don’t be a political bandwagoner.
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
Educating the masses: New Year Kicks off
As JSA rolls in the national theme of education for this 2013-2014 year, it’s only appropriate that it recieve its fair share of recognition. From college to the Taliban to
standardized testing, the subject is arguably the most influential of our day, and NorCal is here to show it.
so you thought you had a bright future
College Admissions officers think otherwise
Lindsey Klein | Northstar Reporter
Benicia High School
Come winter of this year,
boards of faculty sitting in their uncomfortable mahogany chairs across the
country will converge to decide your
fate and its link to their prestigious
university. No matter which meeting you walk into, according to these
brilliant individuals, their university
is simply the best; therefore, they will
only accept the best. With acceptance
rates dwindling across the nation as
the pool of deserving students across
the world grows, it has become more
and more of an incredible feat to even
be accepted into college. After speaking to no college admissions officers,
I have compiled a list of helpful hints
for underclassmen on how to get into
college (because let’s face it seniors, if
you haven’t been a member of at least
six clubs for two years, the admissions
officers will simply turn their narcissistic noses up at you and your measly
attempt at community service, you
slacker).
One of the first things college
application officers will look at are
your grades and test scores, to make
sure that you are academically qualified
4
to attend their school; they had better
be good. The definition of “good” is
not a 4.0. They see these every day.
Back in your admissions officer’s day
that probably about what SHE wrote
on her transcript but now is a different
time. Harvard will chortle at anything
below a 5.0 in their pile. The more
weighted classes the better! Remember, you are competing not only with
the other kids in your school, state, and
country but also with other kids from
foreign nations like China where an
A- is grounds for family dishonor if not
disownment. So stop procrastinating
and start embracing your inner fearfully
pressured third world student. Also,
be prepared to shell out thousands of
dollars for your SAT prep class. As admissions officers have realized, Daddy
can buy most test scores with enough
studying and preparation. If you didn’t
perform perfectly in a certain four
hours on a cold Saturday morning, then
you obviously aren’t the right candidate
for their esteemed school.
Extracurriculars are another
very important aspect of your application. Admissions officers see thousands
of Key Club and Chess Club members
but they are looking for that something
“extra special.” You better hope that
your parents have been exploiting you
for their own unfulfilled childhood
dreams by forcing you to take mandolin
or tennis lessons since you were three.
Colleges don’t just want a “jack of all
trades” but rather someone who has a
more focused, specific interest. The fact
that you were Villager #3 in the school
play and on the debate team won’t matter as much to them as the starlet who
graced Broadway with her presence
and now wants to take a break for her
education. Start young, but if it’s too
late for you then at least go home and
sit your baby brothers and sisters down
with a cello and force them to become
the next Yo Yo Ma. Now that will get
them into college! Whatever it may be,
make sure you exploit—whoops exemplify—your fame-worthy quality so the
highly qualified holders of your future
will invite you to their school for fame
recognition when you are an alumni.
Seriously, if they can’t brag about you
later then why would they want you
there in the first place?
College should be a shining
beacon of hope and success in your future, as long as they know that you will
be a shining star in their future as well.
If not, then get out of the admissions
pile before you truly embarrass yourself and start looking into community
college. You could still have a prosperous future, maybe.
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
California Gets to the Core of Education
Common Core Set To Reform American Education
Enya Kuo | Northstar Reporter
Irvington High School
This fall, at least 45 states across the
United States, including California,
are set to implement the new Common Core State Standards. These new
educational standards would unify
the educational expectations in each
state, increase the competence of
American students in today’s college
and work environment, and provide
for “fewer, clearer, and higher” standards, says the Common Core State
Standards Initiative.
At the front of this state-led effort
to revolutionize America education
are two groups: the Council of Chief
State School Officers (CCSSO) and
the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA
Center), who contend that American
students need “a clear and consistent
framework to prepare [them] for college and the workforce.”
Much opposition, however, has come
from both ends of the political spectrum. Some conservatives, including
Tea Party members, argue that Common Core is forcing the nation’s students to conform and that the federal
government is taking over local education. Some leftists call Common Core
“corporate reforms” and maintain that
standardized testing should be abandoned all together.
As Common Core starts rolling in this
year, the new state educational standards would transform the mathematics
and English language arts curriculums
in K-12 schools.
For mathematics, Common Core will
teach fewer topics but train students to
have deeper knowledge in each topic.
In the K-5 grades, students are to have
a solid foundation in “number core,”
which is knowledge of and skill in putting together and taking apart numbers.
In middle school, students will learn
geometry, algebra, probability, and statistics to prepare them for high school,
which will emphasize mathematical
modeling to solve real life mathematical problems.
In the English language arts subject, the
new standards aim to prepare students
for understanding real-world information. Reading materials will concentrate
on informational texts such as U.S.
historical documents, and students will
be expected to read a wide variety of
sic and contemporary literature. How-
our English and math classes for now,
and there will be a greater emphasis on
reading and writing in both subjects.
Teachers may start to require that students not only calculate but also explain in complete sentences the answer
to a math problem. Students can also
start expecting more nonfiction than
fiction texts in their English class. Next
year, new standardized testing, taken
on computers and reflecting the international benchmark, will replace STAR
classic and contemporary literature.
testing.
However, Common Core does not
The initiative still has many
provide teachers with reading lists,
obstacles—including the resources to
only sample texts to allow teachers to train new Common Core teachers—to
choose their own materials. In addition, overcome, but critics and supporters
students will write with logical argu- alike have been calling the new Comments and reason beginning in elemen- mon Core State Standards one of the
tary school, and classroom activities biggest education reforms of the cenwill focus on one-on-one and small- tury.
group discussion. Common Core also
integrates technology into education by
requiring and expanding on keyboarding and technology skills. Students also
will no longer need to learn cursive.
What does this mean for us students? The new standards affect only
5
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
Schools Geared Towards the Future
Technology Integrated into Classrooms
Sheidy Hernandez | Northstar Reporter
Pinole Valley High School
students ready to take advantage of the
In elementary school I can re- nay-sayers who find it distracting beavailable
resources. Yet we are falling
call sitting in front of a ‘98 Macintosh. cause of misuse, there are things, such
Learning to type I had to memorize the as restrictions, you can set. The issue behind in incorporating its use. Other
letters on a keyboard and with practice isn’t the technology, it’s how it accom- countries have already understood
I was typing at a swift 14 words per
modates the students needs and applies technology’s impact such as Singapore,
Finland, and Switzerland, Taiwan,
minute. Years later, I find myself in
them to the curriculum. The benefits
front of a Kuno tablet in Calculus class; outweigh whatever possible deterrence South Korea, and Japan. Technology
this is the most recent encounter I have it can create. When used in an appropri- use in a classroom has shown to be
more effective in engaging students as
had with technology in education. Sure, ate manner, technology provides the
there are times where you are expected students with an individualized learn- well as increasing technical skills. The
ing experience that they have personal use of technology is not neglected on
to create a power point and fiddle
with a USB flash drive. But, not every control over. It is the teacher’s role to purpose but, because we have yet to
classroom has 24 hour access to a tablet control and monitor what the students determine if we can afford it. School
districts, such as my own, are test
or laptop. Why not? This situation may are looking at, but also to allow the
piloting what the effects are of having
not apply to everyone, but it seems now students to explore their learning at
more than ever, technology is becom- their own pace. Once this resource is technology in a classroom. There is
ming a necessary factor for a student’s used, teachers can help cater to those no argument except that it is time for
classrooms to start looking towards the
personal needs by providing the best
education.
Skepticism about having tech- experience for everyone. Sheryl Nuss- future, and make use of what is availbaum-Beach, a 20-year educator from able. We are always in contact with
nology in a classroom has people
technology in our daily lives and it
wondering: is there any benefit or does classroom teacher to university instructor and digital learning consultant does not seem like we will be stopping
it just create a distraction? Teachers,
stated, “Teachers will not be replaced anytime soon. California’s Silicon Valwho are resilient to technology use,
ley is known its concentration of highbelieve it is another interference. They by technology, but teachers who do
not use technology will be replaced by technology industries, but most schools
struggle against students using their
in that area will not have resources of
smart-phones in class, as well as ensure those who do.”
It seems like an ideal situation, technology available to them.
they are not misusing the bountiful in- Technology is constant and
formation available online. To all those where you have a room full of engaged thriving. It is time for our education to
nay-sayers who find it distracting besimulate in progress.
cause of misuse, there are things, such
as restrictions, you can set. The issue
isn’t the technology, it’s how it accommodates
the students
needs and Advocates
applies
Malala
Yousafzai
Education after Being Shot
them to the curriculum. The benefits
And You Thought You had a Rough Day
Juhie Desai | Northstar Reporter
San Mateo High School
Malala Yousafzai. If you aren’t you know what I mean when I say we
familiar with this name, I really suggest get caught up in our academic struggles
and personal battles. Don’t get me
you look it up. Why? Malala is quite
possibly the most impactful, inspiring, wrong, we have no shortage of hardcourageous youth our generation has ships and issues. But, have many of us
truly known what bravery is? I for one
seen.
As teenagers of the first world, have not, and Malala Yousafzai showed
6
showed me what it meant to be brave.
News broke of the young Pakistani activist when she was brutally
shot by a Taliban gunman while returning home in her hometown of Mingora,
Pakistan a little over a year ago.This
young victim had been an education
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
There is an endless list of
Although Malala and her family
reasons for why the whole world has are still under constant threats by the
come to love, admire, and appreciate Taliban, she will always continue to
Malala Yousafzai. Most notably, how- spread her message around the world.
ever, the entire world has finally been For those of you who believe Malala
is simply a poster child for the Westactivist and blogger for BBC since the exposed to the immense power and
value of education. Instead of crying
ern World, mark my words, she WILL
tender age of 11. Malala’s incredibly
influential work immediately captured about an AP Government test, remind change the face of education. She
yourself of Malala’s words:”One child, doesn’t need a Nobel Prize or recognithe entire world’s attention, as she
one teacher, one pen, and one book can tion to inspire people, because quite
had accomplished so much at such a
young age. However, it wasn’t her ac- change the world”. If a young girl from frankly, she’s been an inspiration from
the the moment she spoke one word.
complishments that genuinely struck a Pakistan can seek to change the way
chord with the public, but her shocking people perceive women’s rights in her Thank you, Malala Yousafzai. Thank
reaction to her violent encounter. Mala- country, the least we can do is appreci- you for not only changing our perspectives, but for changing our lives.
la neither wished to retaliate nor fight ate the fact that we are educated and
back against the Taliban, the perpetra- make the attempt to be half the people
tors of her and her family’s misery. In she is by simply expressing gratitude
fact, she went on to state that she even and giving back to the underprivwished “the sons and daughters of the eledged whenever we can. It doesn’t
Taliban” receive the education they
take a political leader to make a differdeserve.
ence, and Malala has shown us that.
The Journey to $8k
Norcal Fundraising Triumphs as best in the nation
Katrina Relos | Director of State Fundraising
how there are some motivated students $8,000. JSA as a whole shattered the
San Mateo High School
who just cannot generate the funds
matching funds to the point where it
Northern California is famous needed to attend these life-changing
for a lot of its state departments: Exconventions, followed by our state’s
pansion, Chapter Affairs, Activism
StayClassy fundraising page.
etc. However, fundraising, a relatively Those small $5-$50 donations here and
new department, was not one of those there brought a new list of potential
departments many people put as their donors. My close donors shared my
first choice during cabinet applications. page with their friends and family, and
There are so many untapped
soon I was getting even more small
schools in Northern California that
donations. With the help of my mother,
have the same eager-to-learn students I started meeting with much larger
that JSA has, but do not have the funds donors, who donated anywhere from
needed to attend the amazing conven- $250+.
tions. Taking on this position, I knew As the September match came to a
NorCal needed to tackle this key issue close, I started sharing the fundraising
head on in order to bring in more del- website using social media. Surprisegates to JSA.
ingly, that caught many people’s eye
Making that first ask can be
and NorCal received a total of $5,300
nerve wrecking, even my first ask made by midnight of October 1, 2013. The
my stomach turn with fear of rejecgovernment may have shut down, but
tion. To get over this fear, my first step NorCal StayClassy will continue to
was to send out a mass email to all my rise.
close friends and family. In this email I On October 3rd, 2013, Northexplained how wonderful JSA is and ern California officially made about
7
did not have the funds to match every
single StayClassy page.
The next step for State Fundraising is to expand the State Fundraising team. The tactic of other state
fundraising teams is a group of strong
fundraisers. While Northern California
is still the number one fundraising state
in the nation, to retain our amazing
title, we need more people contributing
to the state StayClassy page. If you are
interested in being involved in StayClassy, please contact me at krelos@
nc.jsa.org. I’ll be there to guide you
from your first ask and beyond. Even
if the contribution is small, the more
fundraisers we have, the more we
money we can raise for JSA students.
The conventions are an amazing event for all JSAers. Money should
never be in obstacle for a student to experience the joy, intensity, and knowledge JSA conventions have to offer.
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
Corgis, Hockey, and Build-a-Bears, Oh my!
The Speaker of the Assembly is More than She Appears
Kimberly de Dios | Northstar Reporter
Pinole Valley High School
Michelle Timm: Speaker of the In addition to her many talAssembly. Besides fulfilling her duties ents, Michelle can online shop like it’s
as speaker, who is Michelle Timm re- nobody’s business. Her taste in fashally? She’s a triple threat. She can cook ion should not go unnoticed. She also
… cup noodles. She can speak … spo- loves the color mint and neon coral.
ken word. She can play … ice hockey. Who would have ever thought neon and
Do not get in her way, because she will coral could go together! But she absokill you with cuteness.
lutely loves corny pickup lines. If you
Not only can she cook, but she ever run into her, do not be afraid to tell
can eat. Although an aspiring vegetar- her one of her favorites. “Whenever I
ian, she cannot quite commit to the
see you, I go into anaerobic respiration
lifestyle. Michelle is unable to go cold because you take my breath away.” It
turkey. She has set the record of two
will never get old. Not only do you get
weeks!
to talk to the lovely Michelle Timm,
While she can eat, she can also but you also get to make her laugh in
speak volumes. Her writing matches
her natural state.
her love of speaking to her intended
So what are Michelle Timm’s
audiences. What else does she do to
dreams and aspirations? Besides wantburn off her excessive energy? Initially ing to travel the world like everyone
a figure skater, Michelle decided to set else, Michelle would love to work at
her sights on ice hockey. This almost Build-A-Bear Workshop. As she said,
sounds like the Disney Channel Origi- “It would be so cool!” She is stuck
nal Go Figure, except it stars Michelle between working to put a smile on
Timm. Go figure! After playing for
peoples’ faces through the power of a
eight years, it is safe to say that she
customized bear, and running a corgi
has some moves up her sleeves. She is farm. But what is her dying dream? “I
ahead of the pack!
‘ve always wanted to ride a horse into
the sunset. But I don’t own a horse nor
do I live near any open plains where
I could ride into the sunset.” She’s a
dreamer! Let’s hope Michelle prevents
this dream from dying!
This is Michelle Timm for you.
She is like anyone else: A girl with
hobbies, interests, and dreams. But
beyond her love for corgis and anything corny, she will always love her
department. “They’re all so amazing
and passionate and I’m really lucky to
have them all.” It is safe to say that the
speakers department is her other family.
Members of the Speaker’s Department
pray to the Speaker’s Department gods
before senate confirmations.
Minimum Wage Raised to $10 per hour
Businesses aren’t going anywhere
Adrian Napolitano | Northstar Reporter
Oakland Technical High School
In January 2016, California’s
minimum wage will become ten dollars an hour. Some people may gasp in
horror, but, according to the Huffington
Post, California has the highest poverty
rate in the nation at 23.5 percent. California is not a cheap place to live. For
Californians in big cities, rent prices
are skyrocketing and working families
are being pushed to the outer suburbs
or even other states. According to
ZipRealty, the prices of homes in Oakland have gone up by 76% in the last
year alone. Now, an extra two dollars
may not be a lot, but that is an extra
couple thousand dollars a year for families struggling to make ends meet. Less
people will be in poverty if they earn a
higher income, and they will not have
to rely on government programs, such
8
as food stamps. Thus, the federal
government will not have to spend as
much money on welfare-type programs
that proponents of big business hate.
The fact is that a significant portion
of people on food stamps are families
working for low wages. According to
the USDA, 28 percent of food stamp
recipients are workers.
Some people may say that the
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
new minimum wage will hurt big business and working families because
businesses will leave California. But
that is simply not true. Many of these
minimum-wage jobs are for fast food
chains that are raking in billions of
dollars in profits. They can lose some
surpluses in order to make sure that
mothers and fathers can feed their
children. California will have as many,
if not more, jobs. People will have a
higher income; therefore the economy
will grow. Also, cities that have implemented a higher wage have not experienced economic decline.
For example, San Francisco has one right now, more money in the pockets
of the highest minimum wages in the of low-income workers will give adstate at ten dollars and fifty-five cents ditional business to these mom-and-pop
an hour, but their unemployment rate enterprises.
is under six percent. Companies like Ultimately, the minimum wage
McDonald’s, Walmart, and Taco
is a very positive development on CalBell are not going to leave California ifornia’s horizons. Families will have
because of a puny minimum wage
more income, we will not lose jobs,
increase. California has a market of
and the economy will continue to grow.
over 30 million customers. The biggest On a side note, teenagers will make
losers in the minimum wage increase more money at their first jobs, which
would, in actuality, be mom-and-pop will help them avert the impending cost
enterprises. However, many of these of college. Support working families,
businesses already pay living wages. teenagers, and businesses by championAnd, even if they pay minimum wage ing the new minimum wage.
Wanted Dead Not Alive
Walmart Life Insurance makes Dead Employees Valuable
Lindsey Klein | Northstar Reporter
Benicia High School
With huge companies gaining
dominance in the market and smaller
businesses being run out of town, large
corporations are becoming more influential in the lives of the American
people. Americans are relying on these
companies by taking lower-level jobs
in these trying times.
One of these major companies
is the multinational firm, Wal-Mart.
While much criticism follows WalMart’s unethical policies in third world
countries, few consumers are aware
of certain questionable practices that
occur on their home soil. This company currently employs one percent
of America with paychecks averaging
slightly above minimum wage, yet
benefits are only offered to full-time
employees.
However, Wal-Mart still takes
a life insurance policy out for its
lower-level employees, referred to as
the Dead Peasant Policy. This policy
names Wal-Mart as the beneficiary of
these employees, mostly cashiers and
janitors. Upon an employee’s death, the
insurance is often sourced to an execu-
tives’ income as a bonus; meanwhile
the decedent’s family will receive nothing. In Texas, for example, a pregnant
woman lost her Wal-Mart-employed
husband and eight years later discovered the $102,000 insurance benefit
that Wal-Mart also received following
wage sum in a low-level job, a national
average of $11.75 per hour, is radically
less than the life insurance payout WalMart receives. No laws prior to 2006
required companies to reveal this insurance to covered employees, therefore
long-time employees can’t be sure if
they are included
in this policy.
With the recent
publication of
this practice,
Wal-Mart has
felt the pressure from angry
workers and
has recently
paid over $10.4
million to 380
families in compensation. With
Wal-Mart sitting
in the spotlight
on this issue
his death. She, along with many fami- now more than ever, they may need
lies nationwide, was disgusted by the to reconsider a policy that makes their
news that the company had benefited low-level employees more profitable
from her family’s loss. Ironically, the dead than alive.
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The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
The Misconceptions of Faith
Going Beyond the Stereotypes
Stetler Brown | Community Outreach Organizer
University High School
I have always been curious of
other’s beliefs, and how they compared to mine. Ever since I was young,
I had asked questions like, “Mommy
what is a Democrat?” Or even later on
“What is abortion?” or “what is gay
marriage?”. All these questions had to
have some sort of answer, some right or
wrong moral standard, something that
was black and white. As I went through
high school and started to get involved
in JSA, I learned there were more kinds
of beliefs than the red and blue ones;
there were green ones as well. I started
debating in JSA, and started to question my own beliefs, not whether as to
whether I was right or not, but whether
there could be some sort of way to
define others from my own. I soon
found out that religion was one of those
things that students could almost never
run away from, whether it would be to
defend their beliefs, or defend the lack
thereof. It soon got me thinking…
A little back story about me,
and where I am coming from:
I was raised in a Non-denominational Protestant church, from infant
to present. The amount of Sunday services I attended that were not my own
can be counted on one hand. I have
always accepted my beliefs, and always
had some sort of way to justify them.
I met my first atheist in high school.
Nothing comes as more of a culture
shock than plopping a homeschooled
junior higher into a charter school with
a bunch of intelligent minds. It was
there where I had to debate and stand
up for my beliefs. I met my first two
friends of the Islamic faith. Another
culture shock. I met my first LDS
(Mormon) friends. Another one. There
was this new world I was opened up to.
It got me thinking, “Why do my beliefs
matter if everyone else has something
else they have found faith in?”
I started researching different
faiths online. I started with the LDS
church,. I soon learned differences in
doctrine and beliefs than what I was
raised with. I started talking to my
Mormon friends to learn more. Eventually, I moved on to Islam, wanting to
learn why many people in the American culture seemed to have this prejudice towards them.
The world around us has undergone change since recent events in the
news. Since September 11th of 2001,
followers of the Islamic faith have been
under attack, and have been judged
because of a group of radical followers
decided to form together and execute
a series of attacks on American soil.
Security measures got tighter. If you
are Middle-Eastern country, it is highly
likely that you will be searched. If
you wear a hijab, you are often looked
down upon for not “blending with the
culture.” These prejudices may never
end, but as warranted as we may think
they are, are never right for any reason.
Most Muslims are very peaceful people, and sometimes migrate to America
for that very reason! Christianity has a changed a
lot since it first came to America.
10
Controverisal figures have made statements about gay marraige and abortion,
and even the LDS church has gotten
involved in the arguments. Christians
are often portrayed as bigots who hate
gays and all think gays should go to
hell. This stigma has personally stuck
with me, even though people almost
never let me explain my beliefs. Those
who stand for the Pro-life movement
are typically called people who “don’t
respect women’s rights” or are way too
overbearing. This is just the tip of the
iceberg. Christianity is one of the most
hated religions that exists right now.
You probably all know of or are multiple examples.
Here is where I come in.
We should all try to respect each other
and to each their beliefs. Even though
I associate myself as a Christian, it
doesn’t mean I hate gays, it doesn’t
mean I hate all Muslims and call them
un-American and call them terrorists.
I think every person has something to
believe in, whether it’s right or wrong
is up to them. But, I strongly encourage you to share, (respectfully) and
learn from each other! I have learned so
much from just asking simple questions
and not being judgmental! Some may
say religion should just be completely
absent from our culture, and, while
that may seem like a decent idea at the
time, may do away with the things that
make human beings unique. Religion
has played a part into what society has
become today, whether you believe it
has or not, with how it has influenced
the world around us.
Whatever your beliefs, I think
we can agree with this, ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Mark 12:31
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
All Is Not Lost
Hope For America’s Political Future
Calvin Chiu | EBR Mayor
Chinese Christian High School
A debt ceiling fiasco. A partial
government shutdown. A dysfunctional
and gridlocked Congress. With all these
issues facing America today, it is not
surprising that many see the United
States as a house divided and not a nation united. In such a time, it is easy to
lose hope in our government and our
nation. Despite all the discouraging
news from Washington, our political
future remains bright. But that bright
future can only be made possible if we
as a people change first.
Despite the political roller
coaster ride we have witnessed recently, the fact remains that our system of
government works and our people politically active. That idea of a government of the people, by the people, and
for the people still exists in America
today, and is embodied in our elected
officials and representatives. Herein
lies one of most the incredible things
about the United States: our focus on
civic engagement. Many Americans
today are actively involved in civic
engagement across the country. We
need to look no further than the volunteers who help out campaigns, knock
on doors, make phone calls, or organize
voter registration drives. Ulti-
ment work again. As a nation, we must
learn to put ability over party and action over rhetoric. Until we do all this,
we will not break this dreaded cycle
of lurching from one political crisis to
another.
So I’m sure you’re wondering why
I feel so optimistic about our future.
mately, that is the way we citizens will Sure, we have solutions to the probbe able to effect change--by the power lems, but where is my source of optiof the ballot. We should never deny the mism? If the recent government shutability of a handful of votes, or even a down has yielded any positive results,
single vote to change history. Five hun- it is the encouragement of more high
schoolers like us to take action and
dred votes in Florida determined the
outcome of the 2000 presidential elec- become involved in politics. This past
tion. Three hundred votes in Minnesota October, many of my friends suddenly
in 2008 determined the result of their become interested because they knew
senatorial race. If anything, our ability people who were affected, or they
to effect change through the people we themselves were hit by the shutdown.
elect is powerful. But we need to make We often forget that politics has a real
a greater effort to use that power. The impact on our ordinary everyday lives.
fact that only ten percent of Americans That realization may come at differapprove of Congress, yet ninety percent ent times for different people, but it
of the body is re-elected adds up to one does come. I’m optimistic because for
hundred percent facepalm. The people many of the people I know, it came
now rather than later. If even my most
should receive the government they
politically apathetic friends could bedeserve, and we deserve better.
come interested in getting involved, my
However, our dialogue must
hopes for the future are bright.
move away from one of dogmatic
ideology to one of understanding and I agree, our nation has its fair share of
openness. As voters, we must learn to issues to deal with, and solving them
vote for candidates based on ability and will be a long and difficult process. But
I also believe that we have the capacity
not party affiliation. As a nation, we
must make a common effort to bridge make the right decisions. Whether that
the divide between the right and left. change will come is dependent upon us,
As Bill Clinton famously said, “no one and in the words of Eisenhower, “neiis right all the time, and a broken clock ther a wise nor a brave man lies down
on the tracks of history to wait for the
is right twice a day.” We must begin
to realize that not one side has all the train of the future to run over him.”
answers to the problems America faces.
Political extremism is not exclusive to
one side of the political spectrum and
acknowledging that no one side is completely at fault for our political gridlock
is the first step in making our govern11
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
Putin Slams the Closet Shut
New “Anti-Gay Propaganda” Law Plagues Russia
Sheidy Hernandez | Northstar Reporter
Pinole Valley High School
In June, Russian President
with the Aim of Protecting Children
Vladimir Putin signed a law which
from Information that Promotes Nehas been coined as the “anti-gay pro- gation of Traditional Family Values”
paganda” law. There has been recent (also known as Federal Law 135) truly
uproar over the Russian law because it means. Federal Law 135 seems to be
bans the spread of “homosexual pro- self explanatory; it intends to prevent
paganda to minors.” It appears to be a propaganda of nontraditional sexual
reprehensible issue that is escalating in relations to minors, to “protect the chilforeign opposition. Even voicing out dren” and maintain traditional family
opinions in support of sexuality can
values, to say the least. In defense of
lead to persecution. LGBT activists
the law, homosexual propaganda may
find the law atrocious and many media provoke social-religious hatred and can
outlets have even compared Russia to undermine the security of Russia itself.
‘Nazi’ Germany because of this. It is If anyone violates Federal Law 135,
not uncommon for the media to exag- they will be expected to pay a fine acgerate or amplify disconcerting views, cording the the degree of their offense,
however in all the the rash crossfire, it or even be held in detention. Yet the
seems as though confusion is increas- government has prohibited Gay Pride
ing on what the law intends and what parades and even banned a Pride House
has been executed.
at the upcoming Olympics. In retro
So let us understand what “On spect, this law is just another example
Amendments to Article 5 of the Federal of close-minded offense and an excuse
Law On Protection of Children from to promote human right violations.
Information Harmful to their Health Looking back at the Russian
and Development and to Certain Legis government’s encounter with gay rights
lative Acts of the Russian Federation in the past, it does not seem like any-
12
thing out of the ordinary. Barely before the turn of the century Russia had
removed homosexuality as a mental
illness and, in the early 2000’s, there
were attempts to ban ‘homosexual acts’
in public. Yet for this recent law, there
has been an increase in outrage. Acceptance and support is being spread
about the LGBT lifestyle in general,
and this recent law takes a step back in
this advancement. It may not have been
accepted socially prior, but there is less
of a chance now that people in favor
of the law take children and national
security into account.
Whether you agree or disagree
with the intent of Federal Law 135,
there is no arguing its legal violations.
It violates the Russian constitution,
which guarantees freedom of expression. It also violates the European
Convention on Human Rights, which
Russia had signed and pledged to
uphold. We can only hope that one day
day, intolerance will not be so blatantly
unaware of its ignorance, so that we
will have no need for detrimental laws
in any society.
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
High School Isn’t Like the Movies
What did you expect from High School?
Enya Kuo | Northstar Reporter
Irvington High School
Whether it’s because of the books we read, the movies we watched, or the stories we heard, we all came
into high school in wonder of this new chapter of our lives. Sometimes the reality is as we anticipated;
other times, not so much. Read what your fellow JSAers thought high school would be like and what
they have to say about the realities of high school.
Umika Kumar
“I had expected prom to be a lot bigger. I wanted the fairy princess experience—the tiara, the cute date, the big
group of friends to go in a limo with.”
Harry Yoon
“I wanted to be a part of the winning team of the league in water polo…and be the star player of a high school
team in movies.”
Brad Davis
“Swirlies.”
Eugenia Yeo
“I always wished that I could find a club that I fit really well in, and I never really found that until now. Honestly,
I started JSA way too late and now it’s my second and last year, and I really want to make the most of it!”
David Xia Zhu
“I expected life in high school to be hard and stressful, but I was wrong. I realized that college wasn’t everything
and that I should do things because I want to do them, not because it’s ‘good for college.’”
Winnie Ouyang
“I wanted to meet the Plastics of our school and go Cady Heron on them.”
Calvin Chiu
“Just the idea of academic over-acheivement. That was never something I was able to attain, but I’m still hoping.”
Marcus Finley
“I always wished to have a really good, inspiring teacher.”
Emily Min
“I always wanted to have those indoor high schools with two stories and a huge cafeteria and stuff, basically what
you see in High School Musical.”
Alvin Lee
“I wish for that moment where someone fights you and every one of your friends comes in to defend you. And I
wish for that moment where you bump into a girl and you fall in love at first sight.”
Lynn Vu
“You walk into school and you see everyone by the lockers. The jocks and cheerleaders together making fun of
the nerds and giving them wedgies. Then you have the popular girls who are just plain mean and rich. Then the
hipsters who sit on the grass and smoke weed while the Bible club looks at them in disgust.”
Andre Yip
“I’ve always wanted an actual dance instead of loud blasting music with sweaty bodies everywhere. One that
would be enjoyable and fun, where you could actually dance with your partner instead of jumping up and down in
a mob of people.”
Emma Zhang
“In all honesty, I thought everyone would get a handsome Prince Charming to sweep us off our feet, and clearly,
that never happened.”
Thao Le
“I thought, ‘I’ll just get good grades, go to a good college, and become a doctor, or something...’ But when I began to notice all the events and activities around me, everything changed. When you stop doing what people tell
you to, and start thinking and doing for yourself, you open this whole new world of opportunity and empowerment”
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The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
Do we Stress too much?
Teens Faced with Overwhelming Workloads
Adrian Napolitano | Northstar Reporter
Oakland Technical High School
One Sunday I looked at my
grade report online and I saw that I
had three B’s. I was immediately terrified. I tried to put my mind at ease,
but it was all that I could think about.
Eventually, I realized that those grades
were not that big of a deal. After all,
this was only my first marking period
grade. The next day, I learned that two
of those grades were actually wrong.
There was no reason to be stressed out.
Reflecting on this situation, I realized
that we stress out way too much.
With school, clubs, and sports,
the average teen has barely any free
time. We inevitably stress out about
something. I have found that right when
I am done stressing about a subject;
a new stressful subject fills my mind.
As high schoolers, we are relentlessly
thinking about college; well, at least
most of us are. We are frequently worried about which college we will go to,
and adults regularly remind us that we
have to plan our lives. Our situations
are built to stress us. Taking life day
by day is increasingly hard, and if we
were to take a break from stress, people
would soon fill us with theirs. Stress has adverse health effects. According to Medical News
Today, stress is anything that poses
a challenge to a person’s well-being.
The most severe form of stress is what
is called the fight or flight response.
In this type of stress, the effects are
an increased heart rate, sweating, and
general alertness. This may be good
for a natural disaster or if our life is in
danger, but undergoing this response
frequently is detrimental to our health.
When we are stressed, our blood pressure and heart rate rise, and it becomes
harder to sleep. As previously mentioned,
our lives are full of work, and
sometimes the load seems unbearable. However, stress is a
problematic reaction. I will admit
that sometimes stress is unavoidable, but there are some ways that
you can reduce your stress. Try to
avoid procrastinating, take breaks
from schoolwork, and have a
relaxation ritual.
If you find yourself
stressed out, take a break from
schoolwork for at least a few
minutes and do something that
14
minutes and do something relaxes
you. I find that watching “Seinfeld” helps me relax and clear my
mind. Ultimately, stress is alright
in moderation but do not let it consume your life. Let’s all try to lead
less stressful lives.
The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
There’s Still Life After Graduation
Alumni Use Experience to Become Leaders After JSA
Kimberly de Dios | Northstar Reporter
Pinole Valley High School
The Junior State of America has
a lot to offer on a fundamental level;
but it doesn’t stop there. Be prepared
to be inspired by JSA. It is a once in
a life-time opportunity for youth to
collaborate, discuss and network with
other youths who are civically driven.
This organization empowers students to
test their limits and reach new heights.
There aren’t many clubs that can. So
let your mind be as open to its endless
opportunities like these individuals.
Coming to JSA with an open
mind is key; a burning passion for
politics comes later. Jessa Dee Carino,
a Pinole Valley High School delegate,
reluctantly joined JSA after other
delegates who were inspired by Spring
State 2012 recruited her. At that time,
she wasn’t very politically savvy but
still decided to give it a shot. In her
first debate she was shocked to see how
much fun her fellow peers were having,
and decided to participate as well. After
Fall State, she became proactive and
is now a Chapter Fundraising Coordinator! “I am proud to say that I am a
JSAer!” is all she could say.
If you don’t already know him,
then you need to get to know Kevin
Covarrubias, the current CVR/GCR
Expansion Diretor. Believe it or not,
Kevin was timid coming into JSA. Now he has become passionate about
heloing other high school students find
their own unique voice. As Kevin stat- goal is to educate the Asian American
ed, “JSA’s slogans ‘Be the people’ and community about what they can do to
‘Democracy is not a spectator sport’, promote greater equality. Recently, he
creates a sense of independence, citi- organized a photo campaign to focus
zenship, and most importantly states- on the aftermath of the recent winners
manship.” We, the students, call the
of Miss America, claiming that “ethnic
shots. JSA is the voice of the people,
background and the American identity
run by a team of high school students in are not mutually exclusive.”
pursuit of making their mark one step JSA has a profound effect on
at a time!
its delegates. As Crisha Carlos said,
JSAer Alum Aeriel Silva took “I realized skills I would not have had
away invaluable things after joining as otherwise.” JSA allowed her an opa senior. Your time within an organiza- portunity to realize her public speaktion does not define what it can do for ing and networking skills; which she
you. In order to explore her intellectual would not have otherwise learned
and creative limits, she decided to out coming from a small private school.
from performing on stage. She says
It convinced Crisha to change from
“JSA changed my entire outlook on
the medical field to the business field.
life. It propelled me into the fabulous She is currently a sophomore Business
forensics lifestyle.” During the 2012
Administration and Political Science
election year, Aeriel helped as a poll
double major at Dominican University
worker for the California June Prima- of California. Outside of academics
ries and November 2012 Presidential Crisha has become the Youth Chair of
Election. She rocked the vote! She
a local city council member candidate
has also been involved in Forensics
campaign. As the Youth Chair she has
Speech and Debate for the past two
made strides to reach out the youth of
years where she competed nationally. Vallejo by getting them registered to
Now a junior political science major at vote, having them meeting her candiUC Davis, Aeriel hopes to establish her date, and getting the youth to discusown political talk show some day.
sion issues that are important to them
For another JSA Alum Austin with candidates and other local leaders.
Long, he says that “JSA was one of
“JSA has greatly influenced my life bethe best parts of my whole high school cause it showed me a life I never would
experience.” JSA taught him that it is have imagined for myself.”
okay to have different opinions and to JSA is an opportunity that
share it! Debating is not about wininspires high schools students to exning, it’s about exchanging ideas.
plore a new side of themselves. It is a
Share your opinions, but more impor- culmination of individuals passionate to
tantly listen to what others have to say. get involved, from across the spectrum.
Together we all learn and evolve our
A JSAer is not a single type of person
way of thinking. As a junior at Yale
nor is JSA a club that is only geared
University, Austin Long stays active
towards specific individuals. These
as the Co-Chair of the Political Action stories are a testament to what JSA is:
and Education Committee in the Asian An organization that gives you the tools
American Student Alliance. Their
to become your own person.
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The Northstar: Fall State Edition - November 2013
Enjoy the Northstar?
Well you can write for it too! The Northstar is a
newspaper that is open to all JSA delegates. You need not
have prior journalism experience; I’m here to help. No idea
is a bad one! As you could hopefully see from this edition,
articles are about anything and everything. Wanna rant
about the government? Is there something going on locally
or in your chapter? We’re always open to new ideas, so email
me at [email protected] with your idea and I’ll get you
started!
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this edition of The
Northstar and that you’ve found the articles both enjoyable
and informative. I’d like to thank everyone that submitted
an article this publication and congratulate Reporters and
delegates alike on a fantastic job. I’m looking forward to an
extraordinary last year in JSA and I hope you all are too!
Make sure to check for weekly articles from The Northstar
on our new blog at www.states.jsa.org/norcal/blog!
Thank you for grabbing a copy of this convention’s
Northstar, and I wish you a fabulous Fall State. Happy
debating!
Nina Dabit
Northstar Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]
“We need statesmen...we do not need more highly
trained minds, but more highly trained hearts.”
-Prof Rogers
Note: All photographs and graphics belong to their respective owners. The creator, as well as the constituents, of The Northstar are a
part of a nonprofit organization and have in no way utilized these images for malicious or commerical intent.
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