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The Bird is the Word: Sophisticated Schoolyard Shenanigans

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Stuck Quarantining at Home? Take Up a Hobby.

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By Alyna Rei–Upper School Junior and Blog Correspondent

I’m not usually the person to try many hobbies or go outside the box. But, with quarantine and a couple of boring days stuck at home, I was able to conjure up a few new hobbies—some I jettisoned when we came out of quarantine; some I continue to this day.

Quarantine hobbies that were just too weird to continue . . .

Collecting Crystals and Stones – I was pretty enthusiastic about this hobby in 2021. I would collect cool-looking stones. It might have been a crystal that had some essential meaning, or just a cool-looking stone. I still have my crystals, but I just don’t collect them as much now. I’m not sure why I stopped collecting them, but I feel like this hobby is off and on for me. This is something I may come back to, depending on my karmic need.

Socializing – I’m not sure if this can be considered as a hobby. When I was around 12 or 13, I would really like to talk to people and meet new people. Now that I’m older,  I feel that having two-three friends is comfortable. I also hate the idea of having to talk to strangers. Through the years, I started to like the idea of being alone on a couple of occasions and having me time. The thought of socializing with people that I don’t know or being in a huge crowd of people gives me a little anxiety. Plus, now that we’re out of quarantine, I’m in the world more. It’s nurturing to embrace me time.

Quarantine hobbies that stayed with me . . .

Reading – Going back to liking the fact of being by myself, I have gotten into reading. I got this hobby from my mom who loves fictional books (same with me). I love to listen to calm music and read a book in my alone time. I am mostly into romance books. I thrive on rom coms and fictional romances.

Collecting Plants – I started this hobby at the age thirteen. I would always see little succulent plants and houseplants on the internet and  ask, ”Why would anyone want to have a plant in their room?” But, through the years, I started to love having plants in my room and loving the habit of watering them. I say this is a good hobby since it taught me how to care for a living object and have responsibility. My mom first gave me plants that you can’t kill. Once my mom saw that I can keep a plant alive, I started to collect plants that are trickier, but plants that I am really interested in. I usually prefer plants that require not a lot of sun.

* * *

I’m pretty content with the hobbies I do now. I’m not sure if I will come up with more since I don’t like to switch into different hobbies and things. But, I feel like hobbies will always keep me productive and intact.

Let’s Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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By Alyna Rei

In the month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, like most memorial months, began in Congress. House Joint Resolution 540, proposed by Rep. Frank Horton of New York in 1977, declared the first ten days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week (asianpacificheritage.gov). Senator Daniel Inouye presented Senate Joint Measure 72, a similar resolution, the same year (asianpacificheritage.gov). Because neither of these resolutions passed, Rep. Horton sponsored House Joint Resolution 1007 in June 1978 to “proclaim a week” during the first ten days in May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week” (asianpacificheritage.gov). On October 5, President Jimmy Carter signed this joint resolution (asianpacificheritage.gov).

Presidents issued annual proclamations honoring Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week over the next decade, until Congress approved Public Law in 1990, extending the celebration to a month. It was President George H.W. Bush who signed the bill extending Asian American Heritage Week to a month (apsva.us). Then, in 1992, Congress established a law designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month each year.

The month of May is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

There are many activities that you can do to celebrate this special month. But here are three of my favorites to do with a group of people or even by yourself (verywellfamily.com).

Book Clubs–Learning about Asian culture is best when you read from Asian authors. A few favorites are Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha, and way more.

Interactive maps--Interactive maps are a great icebreaker activity. The National Park Service hosts interactive opportunities to visit the “stories of ordinary and extraordinary Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders preserved in our nation’s parks, memorials, and historic sites” (nps.gov). And, teambuilders.com offers activities that highlight the different countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the ties we have to them.

Watching a movie–This one can be great for any family and for the people that want to learn about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you log onto your streaming sites, you’ll see several Asian-American/Pacific Islander movies and series recommended. Movies that I like are mostly Disney movies. These would include Turning Red, Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, Raya and The Last Dragon, and the short Bao.

Cats vs. Dogs

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An Op-Ed By Alyna Rei

A common question I hear a lot is “Do you prefer cats or dogs?” Both animals bring comfort to many people. It really does depend on the person if they prefer a cat or a dog. If you are into a calm, quiet, lazy animal, go with a cat (not saying all dogs aren’t calm). If you are into a more energetic, active, and happy animal, go with a dog. Cats will be in their own world and will come to you when they want to while a dog sticks by your side.

If I were to choose, I would choose dogs. For example, we have cat allergies in my house. So getting a cat would be torture. Another reason I choose dogs is because dogs help me stay responsible and active. Cats to me are more of an indoor pet, while a dog needs exercise. I have never seen someone “walk” their cat. 

I also just learned that cats can not be service animals. The only animal that can be a service animal is a dog. 

Below are my two golden retrievers, Lucy and Ethel. I’ve had them since I was in sixth grade. Both have taught me and my brother great responsibility: we feed them, clean the yard, and take them for walks.


Here are people’s opinions on this common question: Do you prefer dogs or cats?

“Dogs.  Cats are bendy and weird.”

Sienna Price (8th grade)

“Both. I don’t want to be biased.”

Abigail Horwitt (10th grade)

“Both. I’ve always had cats, but dogs have been a revelation in my life.”

Ms. Zachik (teacher)

“Dogs. I’m allergic to cats. Dogs have more personality.”

Lilah Nick (sophomore)

“I prefer dogs because I find them to be more fun companions than cats. I appreciate cats’ independence, but dogs tend to play more and engage more with humans. Plus, no scratches with dogs!”

Ms. Coffey (teacher)

“Dogs are cool? But so are cats? Cats are a lot more mellow while dogs are a lot more active? I like them both.”

Cole Robinson (sophomore)

“Dogs. Dogs are so much more playful. Dogs are also good for protection. It depends which type of dog you have, but dogs are better at protecting. I doubt a cat would attack an intruder. I personally like dogs better, but I’ve also never had a cat.”

Christina Lam (sophomore)

“I like cats because they’re small and friendly. They are also cute, and their purrs are sweet. Dogs are more dangerous than cats.”

Jocelynn Montoya (junior)

Let’s Talk About Sophie!

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Though it was very sad to say goodbye to our dear friend and fellow student Sophie Zhong last Thursday (she’s flying back to her family in Chong Qing), it is never too late to learn something new about someone cherished. Read on to learn about Sophie! For our ongoing Senior Profiles, Alyna Rei interviewed Sophie about her high school life and her future plans. Here’s Sophie in her own words!  

– How would you describe yourself?

I am a girl who loves life and cares about others. 

– Are you excited to graduate from PVS? Nervous? Scared?

I feel both excited and sad to graduate.

– What is your dream school?

My dream school is Princeton University, but I actually didn’t apply there. I plan to go there for a master’s degree.

– What are your plans for the future?

I want to start my own business and be a part-time freediving coach. 

– How was your high school experience?

I definitely had a wonderful experience in PVS. Although Covid-19 affects us a lot, I feel the kindness from my teachers and friends. The memories I made here are absolutely precious. 

Sophie Zhong, Class of ’22

– Do you have any favorite memories in high school?

Yes, I joined the golf team for my junior and senior year. I love it so much! I really enjoy practicing and having matches with teams from other schools. Also, I joined cross country for the first time in my life in my senior year. Mr. Winter and my teammates went to so many places to compete. I got one medal in my first three-mile race. 

– What are you most excited about in the future?

I am most excited to arrange my life in college and . . . achieve my dream. 

– Do you have a favorite subject?

Yes, it is PE.

– What are you planning on majoring in?

I am planning on majoring in business administration.

– What are your favorite hobbies?

I have lots of hobbies. I don’t know which one is my favorite, but I really enjoy horseback riding, golfing, and playing the piano.

– What are some great tips to get through a school day?

My tips are to always be positive and never give up. 

Have fun in the future Sophie! Wish you the best!

Book v. Book

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By Alyna Rei, thebirdonfire Book Critic

Today, I will compare two of my favorite books, both of which have changed my way of seeing romance: Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas and Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. Both of these books are popular for the younger adult group and the rom-com readers. Spoiler alert! If you are planning on reading these books, read a different article on thebirdonfire.

Spanish Love Deception~


Backstory-

The book starts off with our female character Lina (Catalina) Martin and her “enemy,” Aaron Blackford. Both co-workers vie for the same spot of team leader. Both work as engineers with high ranking jobs. Lina is struggling to find a date for her sister’s wedding. Aaron is willing to be her plus one, but Lina automatically declines due to them not getting along. They have no chemistry, she thinks. As we dive deeper into the story, Lina realizes she’s never really hated Aaron. Both fall in love and live happily ever after the end. 

Thoughts-

This book is easily one of my favorite books. I read specific scenes just to get the story back into my head. I love how Aaron has eyes for Lina and only Lina. The romantic gestures such as Aaron learning a new language for Lina and Aaron having his full attention on Lina make the plot way better.

The Love Hypothesis~

Backstory-

We meet  Olive, a Stanford PhD who studies Pancreatic Cancer. She has to convince herself that she’s over her crush; to prove it, she ends up kissing our main male character, Adam Carlsen. Adam Carlsen is a department professor. No student likes him due to his strict and manipulative teaching. Both end up having to fake date and convince people they are in love so that Olive can convince her friends that she’s over her crush and Adam can convince the department he’s not leaving for Harvard. They swear they won’t fall in love. It’s easy in the beginning, but fake dating can escalate. 

Thoughts- 

When I read this book, I read it in one day. It was pretty good. I appreciate how Olive is a strong independent woman and how she’s so determined to achieve her goals. I also enjoy Adam’s cold behavior with Olive’s bright personality because even though one character is cold and one character is very bright, there can be this sort of balance between the characters that make the story more interesting and attention grabbing–a little like Beauty and the Beast.

Comparing the two-

Let’s talk about the romantic scenes first. In Spanish Love Deception, we are shown Aaron’s affection towards Lina. We see how both people love each other deeply and nothing is awkward between them. For The Love Hypothesis, in my opinion, Adam is kind of awkward. It’s like he needs a lesson about loving someone. I see how Olive has to take the first step. Nothing is wrong with that, but it would be nice to see Adam show some affection. 

With these two books, I feel like it would be nice to see a point of view from the male’s side rather than just seeing a woman’s perspective. The reader needs to see how the male is feeling and what they truly feel. The book would be ten times better with a male’s point of view at some point.

I would like to see a book truly mean what it’s meant to be about. If I’m going to read an enemies-to-lovers book, the characters should be enemies that hate each other. Or, if I’m going to read friends to lovers, I would like to see two friends with no romantic connections and build on from there. We can see how in The Love Hypothesis, Adam and Olive go from strangers to friends to lovers. In Spanish Love Deception, it’s claimed that the pair are enemies and can’t stand each other. But, reading on, I see that the characters don’t feel true hatred towards each other. 

Which book do I like better?-

Both of these books have flaws, but every book has something to improve or has some sort of flaw. In my opinion, Aaron’s affection towards Lina just made the book a little better than Adam’s awkwardness in The Love Hypothesis. I love both books, but you would see me pick up Spanish Love Deception again before The Love Hypothesis.

The Book was Better–or Was It?

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This week, Alyna and Levi tackle the age-old question: Which is better, the book or the movie? I have recently crossed over from the movie side to the book side, making this an interesting article for me. Who knows, you might change your opinion, too. — Super Editor, Jesse Denyer

By Levi Kassinove, Movie Critic, and Alyna Rei, Book Critic

Levi: Look, I know that this sounds pretty cut and dry. Reading has been shown to make you a better writer and generally stimulates your brain in a healthy way. Movies strain your eyes yet simultaneously require less attention to get the point. But, guess what; I don’t care. Watching movies is so much better than reading a book. For starters, you can get the whole plot of a story in under two hours with a movie. If you were reading a book, it would take maybe a week. And besides, who wants to read “She slapped him across the face” when you can just watch the slap? It requires no imagination, and that’s the fun part! And, as far as the “the sequel is bad” phenomenon goes, that’s your own fault for watching a movie with a bad sequel. Lots of books have bad sequels, but you don’t hear me complaining. Here’s another thing: Would you rather rely on your own imagination and perspective to paint the picture of the story, or watch the actors’ and directors’ take on it? They can turn a book into something special with each individual actor adding their own spin to the characters. Do you want to have to stop and imagine “He sheepishly ordered his Chipotle” every single time the author tries to describe something? It’s much easier and faster to just watch an actor’s facial and verbal expressions. 

Alyna: If I were to choose, I would choose to read the book. Don’t get me wrong; I do like to watch movies, but since I love reading, I would choose to learn a story through words on a page. I would say though, if you have a short attention span and are a visual learner, maybe watch the movie. Don’t waste your time. But, if you prefer going through the extra time to learn more detail, I would definitely recommend reading the book. Books have a way of showing more details than movies and allowing the reader to envision so much more than can appear on a mere movie screen. 

Movies and books have a lot of differences. For example, consider your imagination. When you’re reading a book, the process lets you use your own imagination. It gives you a larger scope of what the writer is explaining–and beyond. Whereas in a movie, you’re not using as much of your imagination because it is already presented to you–dictated by the director, set designer, CGI, and the actors. The movie only takes the highlights of what the book represents. 

Okay, maybe the plot of the movie can almost be the same as the plot of a book. But what about the actors? The book can describe what the characters are like. What does their hair look like? What does their face look like? What do their features look like? I wouldn’t say this is the hardest part of making a movie, but I would say this is a challenge. Finding the right cast of characters is hard since the character would have to be very identical to the character in a book. If an actor can’t show or interpret what the writer is depicting in the book, that can ruin the whole meaning of the story.

The book is open to different perspectives. When you are reading a book, you are put into the character’s shoes, even if you are the narrator. You can see what the character is feeling and can switch from each character’s point of view. 

I don’t feel as content at the end of a movie than at the end of a book. With a movie, it ends there with you thinking about the plot that is already determined. With the book, you can think of the outcome or you can think further. I’m not sure if people do that with movies, but I do that with books. I think of what could have happened if one thing was different. 

If you do like watching movies, I’m not stopping you. But if you come at me with the excuse of saying “books are boring” or “books take a long time to read,” I say you are wrong. Not every book is boring, and it won’t take a long time to read if you were to read an actual interesting book.

Books Alyna thinks are far superior to their movie:

  • Easily, the Harry Potter series.
  • The Hunger Games
  • The Maze Runner–the book felt more real than the movie
  • To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

PVS on Books v. Movies

For me, reading is more of an immersive experience. The movie that I build in my mind while reading the writer’s words puts me more in the situation.

Ms. Coffey

Who is Percy Jackson? Did he write Fight Club? Or, was it Harry Potter?

Luke Sonderman

Why is Tom Hanks playing Da Vinci Code’s Robert Langdon? Langdon is supposed to be ‘Harrison Ford[-like] in Harris tweed.’ And, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher?! Reacher from the books is 6’5”. Tom Cruise is . . . not.

Ms. Zachik

Have You Celebrated a Woman Lately?

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By Alyna Rei

Throughout the month of March, we celebrate women: Malala, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Anne Frank, Amelia Earhart, and more. This month is Women’s History Month! Women’s History Month is a designated month that recognizes the important contributions women have made throughout history.

Before we celebrated a full month of women, the actual celebration only spread out a week. The “Women’s History Week” became a local celebration in 1978. The Education Task Force of Sonoma County selected the week of March 8th to go with International Women’s Day. This movement eventually spread through other communities. In 1980, a group of women and historians wanted national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s Week. Since then, every community has celebrated Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress passed public law and designated March as Women’s History Month. Between 1988 and 1994, Congress kept on requesting and authorizing March as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, each President has issued proclamations trying and succeeding to designate the month of March to represent Women’s History Month (womenshistory.org).

The Women History Month Alliance selects the yearly theme. This year, the theme for 2022 is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” This is a tribute to the work of caregivers and frontline workers during this pandemic. This would also be a recognition to all the women of various cultures who have provided healing and hope throughout the years (nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org).

womenshistorymonth.gov

The women that inspire me~

Many famous women inspire me, but I feel the most inspired by my family. My grandmother and my mother teach me new things everyday: how to water my plants, what to read, how to be grateful. Who are the women you celebrate?

Pick up your trash!

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Environmentalist Alyna Rei brings to our attention the harsh truth about littering. In this informative blog Alyna gives us insight into the big world of trash and how it affects the environment around us.  –  Editor Sienna Price

By Alyna Rei, Environmentalist

Littering is one of the many issues we have in the world that can easily be solved. The Coachella Valley is just one of the many cities in the world that is affected by littering. You don’t realize how much of an effect you have on the environment when you throw a cup out of the window, or if you drop food packaging on the ground. To decrease littering, we should educate the community as to how pervasive littering is and how it affects the planet. Here’s what I see when I drive to school in the morning.


What is littering? Why is it bad?

Littering is the improper disposing of products. Littering can happen intentionally or unintentionally, but both have environmental consequences (texasdisposal.com). 

The consequences can damage an animal’s life in their ecosystem. This can damage an animal’s ecosystems; when their shelter is full of trash it makes it harder for animals to settle in. On a more serious note, animals would mistake trash as food and digest the toxic material ending up killing some animals.  Littering can also cause water, soil, and air pollution. 

Often, litter is burned in open air and releases toxic gasses and matter into the atmosphere. Trash would usually be burned in a barrel. Some cities burn their trash since it’s the easiest way to get rid of trash. These toxins can enter people’s bodies and affect their health (health.ny.gov).

As littering increases, chemicals and other particles increase in the air. These chemicals aren’t healthy for the environment and can cause lots of problems. For example, one of the many particles of trash released into the ground would be cigarettes. Cigarettes have arsenic and formaldehyde that can make their way into the water and into soil. This would impact both humans and animals negatively (texasdisposal.com).

Why you should pick up your trash

The truth is, picking up trash is not everyone’s favorite thing to do. It’s not usually a favorite pastime for people. People are disgusted about picking up other people’s trash and have the thought that since it’s not their trash, it’s not their problem. That in itself is the problem; people believe that someone else will pick it up. Sure, you didn’t drop the litter, but it’s still your environment, shouldn’t you take care of it?

Here are some reasons why you should pick up your trash if you still need convincing:

  • It will protect wildlife. Most animals can mistake trash as food or as shelter materials. In fact, most animals are victims of littering everyday. Usually, trash can get into waterways and into the ocean. Animals can die from consuming trash that ends up in their ecosystem (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter).
  • It reduces the cost of cleanup. The United States spends a lot of money on just litter cleanup. We can reduce the costs by just picking up pieces of trash every day. Walk across the courtyard, and pick up trash.
  • Less spread of germs. Litter can contain many germs by just being on the street. With this, kids can pick these pieces up and then put their hands in their mouths. This would be a huge safety hazard for everyone. 
  • By picking up litter, you are showing pride in your community. You’re showing that you care about your environment and the Earth. 

Our school campus has been known to have pieces of trash lying around, and I always see teachers and staff picking up after students. This wouldn’t be a problem if students took the initiative to throw away their trash. Picking up litter can show that you care about the environment and the community. So, pick up your trash!!

Alyna’s Got a Book for You!

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Are you looking for a new book to read? Alyna Rei lends us her thoughts on the 2016 heartbreaker It Ends With Us. — Editor Lilah Nick

By Alyna Rei, Book Reviewer

I would never claim that I am a bookworm. I would say I love a novel with a purpose. I love to read books that can take me to another world. This is why I’m writing my first book review ever on the novel It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. This book was recommended by my mom. It has a very emotional plot change–the sense of it coming keeps you on your toes. Spoiler alert!!

The book starts off with Lily, a woman whose mother is abused by her husband. She meets Ryle, a neurosurgeon who shows a lot of interest in her the day they meet. Over time, they meet each other more frequently through Ryle’s sister, Alyssa. They soon end up falling deeply in love. While Ryle and Lily are dating, Lily reunites with Atlas, her first love. Ryle and Atlas hate each other from the start. They both seem to be jealous of each other. Ryle begins abusing Lily. When Lily finds out she’s pregnant, Ryle claims he will change, but–spoiler alert– he never does. She divorces from Ryle, and it “ends” there.

Now, I would never say this is a romance novel. Yes, there are romantic parts, but the plot is not about romance. Sorry to break it to you: this is not your ordinary romance novel. Lily did the right thing for herself and her daughter. Lily did not want her daughter to witness domestic abuse. Lily noticed that Ryle has his patterns of abuse, and she feels it’s best to end the relationship. Ryle is able to be in Emerson’s (the daughter’s) life. That’s what Lily wanted. Her daughter won’t experience what Lily experienced, and Lily breaks the cycle of abuse. The book doesn’t say if Lily and Atlas ever get together. All we know is that they stay good friends after their reunion.


Turns out, the book is based on the author’s life. This story was inspired by events in Colleen Hoover’s life. Hoover wants to do her mom’s story justice and show what her mom went through. 

There are two love interests in this book, but I wouldn’t say this is a love triangle. Lily falls in love with Atlas in her teen years. She then falls in love with Ryle in the present time. If you were to ask me, I’ve been Team Atlas since the beginning. 

Overall, I give this book a good 5 stars. There are no dragging scenes. There’s a great explanation to everything when needed, which makes the reading entertaining. This is a great story! You will not want to put the book down.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

No more dead plants!

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By Alyna Rei, Plant Specialist

Ever wonder how to keep your plants in perfect shape? Well, you’re about to learn how! My plants used to be either underwatered or overwatered, but now after learning Alyna’s tips and tricks, they are perfect and fresh. Here’s how to keep your plants green and healthy. – Editor Ani Madanyan

Taking care of your plants can be very easy, but it depends on the type of plant. There are many different methods to watering your plants. Here are my three favorites suggestions. 

My favorite method of watering plants is to get a container the size of your plant and put said plant in the container. Next, fill the container (NOT THE PLANT!) with room temperature water. Depending on the plant, you should always check how thirsty your plant can be. Check by lightly touching the soil. The soil should be dry to the touch before watering. This method is good for smaller plants so they don’t get overwatered. 

Alyna recommends letting your plant drink up from the bottom.

The second method for plant hydration would be using a spray bottle. This method is great for plants that don’t need a lot of water. First, fill the spray bottle with cool water, then spray the soil a couple of times. You should repeat this method when the soil runs dry. Remember: you can easily tell by just feeling the soil. WARNING! Do NOT spray just the leaves. That will kill the plant.

The last watering method is for outdoor plants. These plants won’t do well if you keep them indoors. You should have a garden hose around. Make sure the hose setting isn’t so intense that it tears the plant. First, water the roots of the plant. That is where the water is most needed. Next, water the leaves of the plant to make sure that the leaves are staying hydrated. 

There are some rules to keeping a happy plant. 

  • Rule number 1, do not drown the plant with too much water. This will make the leaves turn yellow.
  • Rule number 2, make sure your plant has enough sunlight. With the indoor plants, you should put the plant somewhere that has a little indirect sun. With the outdoor plants, make sure there is access to full sunlight.
  • The 3rd and final rule is to treat your plant with care! It’s better to start with easier plants like pothos, succulents, and jades. These plants are great for beginners because they don’t require a lot of work. 

Have fun watering these green friends. Don’t stress it; just treat them like an alive being, and you’ll be good!