04th May2012

Standout of the Issue: Matt Rajca

 

By Sophie Swenson

A butcher, a baker, a software engineer. For many high schoolers, the thought of a career is very fleeting- not many sixteen-year-olds can say with certainty what they want to be when they grow up. But for Matt Rajca, Div. 254, it is a different story.

As a child, Rajca dreamed of becoming a pilot, but soon realized that following this ambition was a bit unrealistic.

“You wouldn’t just fly airplanes for fun,” said Rajca, “[But] it’s completely possible to create the next Facebook from the comfort of my own apartment.”

Rajca quickly discovered another passion of his, which has grown into much more than just a hobby.

Last year, Rajca was named the fourth best teenage computer science engineer in the world by Google. Not only that, but he has created software that is used by people all over the world, and sold multiple iPhone applications to the Apple’s app store.

Rajca’s fondness of building sparked his interest in software engineering. By the age of 12, Rajca had already finished his first computer science project: a fully featured web browser. By June of 2011, Rajca was selected among some of the top young computer science engineers to go on a four day; all expenses paid trip to California, and receive a private tour led through Google’s headquarters.

Google judged its contestants based on how many points each competitor earned. Throughout the competition, contestants completed software projects which earned them points. Points were earned based on how many projects were completed, and how difficult these projects were. The more projects a contestant completed, the more points they earned. More points were given to more difficult projects.

Since Google has been rated the best employer in the country, anyone visiting its headquarters would have been excited to see how the happiest employees in the job market are treated. Apart from the free vending machines, ice cream stations, and bicycles employees can pick up and ride around at Google’s headquarters, Rajca also took his own private trip to Apple’s headquarters.

“Apple is more of my company,” said Rajca, “[Mac computers] enable you to do stuff you couldn’t before.”

Although Rajca is grateful for the title given to him by Google, he also appreciates the opportunities that Apple has given him by creating the first personal computer. Without Apple’s contribution to the technological world, Rajca believes that computers would still be used by just scientists in laboratories, as opposed to regular people who are interested in technology. Believe it or not, before his experience with computers reached a whole new level, Rajca used to be just another regular Mac user. As his interest grew, Rajca taught himself how to maneuver through software by brainstorming projects he wanted to work on, and then learning all that needed to be known along the way.

As a software engineer, Rajca spends much of his time working on his own endeavors, but has been hired by different companies as well. Within the last year, Rajca was hired to update a graphics editor called Pixen, which allows Macintosh users to create and edit digital art (also known as pixel art). Not only does he add to the software, but Rajca also manages the Pixen website, as well as its Twitter account.

Apart from his work with Pixen, Rajca worked with another company, which created a file sharing application for the iPhone. According to Rajca, file sharing allows users to publish data on the internet for others to see, like a virtual flash drive or “a folder in the cloud.” Eventually, Rajca got bored with file sharing, and moved on to more exciting enterprises.

“I quit [working for other people] after two months- file sharing isn’t that interesting,” said Rajca, who prefers to stick to his own projects.

Recently, Rajca has been working with a technology called Kinect, which is connected to a camera, hooked up to an Xbox. A player stands in front of the camera and moves around as the camera captures what the player is doing by detecting the movements of the player’s joints by using skeletal tracking data. By copying the player’s movement, Kinect technology transfers the actions of the players, and mimics them using the avatar in the game.

“I always try to look at what’s out there, and try to see the next best thing in technology,” said Rajca.

Like any other user, Rajca bought his Kinect at the store, and programmed it so that it ran just like it would for a regular Xbox. By playing with the Kinect, Rajca learns more about its skeletal tracking data so that he could find a more meaningful use for the Kinect, as opposed to just using it for entertainment.

Rajca imagines that the Kinect will be used for healthcare, physical therapy, and practicing instruments instead of using it to play Just Dance, or another Xbox game. Already, a physical therapist in the United Kingdom has seen Rajca’s work with the Kinect and is interested in using it to benefit her patients.

One of Rajca’s favorite aspects of being a software engineer is that millions of people from all over the world are able to view and use his creations. Most of the people who use Rajca’s projects come from Apple’s App Store to which Rajca has added two applications. Because of Rajca’s fascination with music, as well as technology, the first application he created was a digital metronome.

“I always liked music, so I decided to combine my interest in music with technology,” said Rajca, who claims that his was the first metronome application that could be used on an iPhone out of the hundreds that are currently available.

Apart from the metronome app, Rajca published a second application called “Gazette,” which allows users to read articles and other information that is constantly updated through the application. Rajca has since removed both applications from the Apple store, but has not stopped creating his own personal applications which he does not plan on selling.

“When you’re the only developer on a software product, you find yourself spending as much time responding to feedback, debugging, writing catchy product descriptions, designing graphics…You just don’t have a whole support/marketing/quality assurance department taking care of all that for you,” said Rajca, “I had to choose between moving forth with new projects or supporting older ones.”

One application Rajca has created mimics the first 1976 Apple computer and its programs, and another allows Rajca to rotate virtual wind turbines on his iPad’s screen by blowing into a microphone.

Since application publishers receive 70% of the profits made from their creations, Rajca has stowed away more than enough money to help him get through future projects. In fact, when Rajca decided he wanted to add to the Apple App Store’s applications, he had to pay a $100 fee in order to get the rights to publish his products. Rajca told himself that if he were to make his $100 back in profits from his applications, all his hard work would be paid off. Looking back, it seems silly that somebody with Rajca’s success would be concerned about making back a profit of only $100, seeing as he made more than 10x that amount within the first 20 days of his applications release.

As Rajca works on more advanced projects, he makes sure he has the latest Apple equipment to make designing and engineering for the future possible. Over the years, Rajca has owned three iPads, four iPhones, four iMacs, and an Apple TV.

“Some people call me crazy,” said Rajca, “but for me [owning the latest Apple equipment] is an investment.”

Rajca’s fascination with Apple doesn’t stop there.

Apart from owning and using all of Apple’s products to further his projects, Rajca considers Steve Jobs, the creator and CEO of Apple computers, to be the most influential person when it comes to his work and life ethic.

“[Steve Jobs] doesn’t expect anything less than insanely great,” said Rajca, “I like technology, but I could never be a CEO.”

Like Steve Jobs, Rajca is always looking forward. As for the future, Rajca hopes to enroll in a computer science program for college, gaining experience through internships along the way, and eventually earning himself a career with Apple. After a few years with Apple, Rajca plans on returning to his own personal projects at home. Rajca envisions a program on the iPad that would show sheet music, and turn the pages for the musician as he plays his instrument. Although this is just one of the many possibilities that he has for his future, Matt Rajca intends to always keep looking forward.

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04th May2012

Is ditching class ever justified?

By Erik Brito

Ditching. It can be the last minute decision to take a second lunch period or the carefully constructed plan to skip a whole day of school.

“While I think ditching is wrong,” said Sean Demagiba, Div. 271. “I think that sometimes we do it because we have to.”

Demagiba goes on to explain about times where a person’s body and mind need a break or two “be free.”

Tomek Tutka, Div. 555, warns not to “do it excessively,” since getting an education is important. But for him there are days where he wants to “forget everything, and just chill.”

While teachers understand this sentiment, few advocate taking time for yourself during a school day.

“Everyone should take part in self care,” said Mr. Hoof, a guidance counselor. “But there is definitely a way to do that without taking a day of from school.”

He went on to explain the value of alternative methods for relaxing, such as reading a book, working out, going shopping, or just sitting down and enjoying a tv show.

“It’s not always easy, but [you can] find the time in the hours outside of eight to three,” he said.

Still, even Hoof admits staying home from school occasionally when he was in high school.

“I would be like, Hey ma, I don’t feel great. I could go to school today, but I want to stay home,” he said.

Hoof was quick to point out, however, he was never in danger of failing any classes and he always worked hard to catch up in his school work after missing a day.

Unlike Mr. Hoof, when Dr. LoBosco attended high school she made sure she was in school every day. She even claims to have become angry with her mother for letting her sleep in.

“I would ask her, ‘Why didn’t you wake me?” said Dr. LoBosco. “She would say ‘Well you look so tired, I though I’d let you sleep.’ I loved school, and, let’s face it, what would you do when you stay home?”

Assistant Principal Ms. Rice is also on the idea that students should never ditch.

“Kids need to be here everyday, in order to learn,” Rice said. “When I was a teacher if a kid ever cut my class it was an insult to me.”

Rice said students should follow their teachers’ example. Teachers do not have the option of ditching a period. If the teacher is there then so should the student.

“I don’t believe that a student choosing to cut is the teachers fault,” she said. “ I don’t believe that’s a reflection on the teacher, that’s a choice that a kid makes.”

“I think those kids don’t really care about school in general and that their parents never really enforced education as something important in life.” said an anonymous source.

“Sometimes I think that teachers and administration make too much of a big deal and do not give us the freedom a ‘college prep’ school should,” said Iaona Cornea, Div. 252.

Jupiter Angulo, Div. 263 says that he does not have a need for skipping classes or school days. His parents encourage him to attend school unless of a severe illness.

This year he is taking six AP classes and even so he finds no reason to ditch.

“I guess I’m overwhelmed but I’m not going to take a day,” said Angulo. His reason: for 11 years of his academic life Angulo has not miss a day of school.

“It does mean a lot to me after all this time,” said Angulo.

“I mean every once in a while [you can ditch],” said Alex Rodriguez, Div. 257. “But I think if you ditch for no reason than you are not smart.”

 

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04th May2012

Pranks do not always end in laughter

By Jessica Morales

Many people enjoy playing pranks or practical jokes on each other. But, the question is: when does a prank get out of hand?

Tina Somic, Div. 368, is one student that has fallen a victim to a practical joke that may have gone too far. As Somic was waiting for the Western bus after school, a boy she didn’t recognize ran past and slapped her butt. Her first reaction was ‘weird’, but then she realized there was an unidentifiable sticky substance all over her pants.

“I was extremely mad and couldn’t believe that someone would do that to someone they don’t even know,” Somic said.

Immediately after she felt the stickiness on her pants she tried to catch the boy, who was now accompanied by another male. In her rage she tried to identify the pranksters.

“I asked people if anyone knew who it was because I wanted to tell the school. Those were one of my favorite pairs of jeans,” Somic said.

After cooling down, Somic realized it really didn’t matter anymore. She was able to get the sticky stuff off her pants, and never dealt with them again.

Somic is not the only student that has experienced a prank that has gone too far. Joey Blatz, Div. 365, broke his tibia and fibula, shattered his ankle, and cracked the growth plate in his right leg due to a practical joke gone wrong.

Last year on June 1, Blatz thought it would be funny to draw on his friends arm with a sharpie and try to make a quick getaway. They would always do little pranks to each other such as, pushing each other or trip one another in the hallway. Usually the pranks never escalated very far, but this time was much different.

“He went into a rage and started to chase me, but as I was getting away I slipped and fell down the stairs,” Blatz said.

As Blatz plummeted down a flight of stairs he knew that his life was about to change. As he lay there his wide-eyed friend joked, “good thing I didn’t push you.” Blatz chuckled, but the situation at hand wasn’t quite as funny to him.

All he could think was, “What was I thinking? I just ruined my whole summer,” said Blatz.

He lay there for 45 minutes before the paramedics came. They couldn’t tell him what was exactly wrong until he got to the hospital and his parents were present. The pain was so excruciating that his doctors compared it to childbirth.

His right leg will always be a little shorter than his left because of the accident. On June 2, he had surgery on his leg. Originally they were supposed to pin it, but it was so bad that the doctors had to put a drum screw in his ankle.

“My ankle looked like it had a baseball inside it! I couldn’t believe it was really that bad,” Blatz said.

He had a cast for six weeks and could not play football for nine months.

“I was most upset that I couldn’t do anything my whole summer except sit inside and hear about all the fun my friends were having,” Blatz said.

Another student that was part of a prank gone wrong is Dylan Smith, Div. 372. Smith thought it would be funny to put eye drops in his teachers water when she left the room, not expecting to get caught.

“When she got back everyone tried hard not to laugh, but it was too hard,” Smith said.

The next day at school he heard his teacher was out sick. Smith still thought his prank was pretty funny until he was called down to the principal’s office.

“I knew I was going to be in a lot of trouble, but didn’t know how much,” Smith said.

Smith was punished for the act and says his relationship with his teacher has changed since the incident.

Many people pull pranks for fun, and don’t think about the consequences. These students have experienced the bad side of a practical joke.

Some jokes send people into hilarious crying hysterics, but others just straight to tears.

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04th May2012

Bilingual students help parents with language barriers

By Gabrielle Onyema

No matter how you say it, the fact still stands: there are communication issues between Lane students and their parents.

America is a hub of diversity due to immigration. Sometimes new places can lead to new problems. Parents from different countries may not be as proficient in English as their children are. When parents are not as knowledgeable at their new country’s language, their children step in to help.

“Both me and my parents are from Bosnia,” said Haris Heto, Div. 450.

It did not take long for language barriers to spring up soon after Heto and his family moved to America.

“When we first came, my older sister had to translate everything in the airport and talk to all the people. My parents weren’t good at English,” Heto said.

Translating for bilingual parents can range from small coversations, to big transactions.

“When I was younger my mom used to take me to the doctor’s with her to translate. If my parents saw something they liked on TV and wanted to buy [it], I’d speak for them over the phone,” Heto said.

Helping parents understand a new language can be tough for some and not for others. Different kids have different feelings on their parents’ dependancy on them.

“It was kind of annoying,” said Peter Jelonek, Div. 453. His parents hail from Poland and are fluent in their native language. English does not come as easily.

“My mom was a substitute teacher, but she said things wrong and her grammar was off. It bothered me and she used to get annoyed too,” Jelonek said.

Heto and Jelonek have this in common.

“They were constantly asking for help with things,” Heto said.

Juan Uribe from Div. 450 didn’t feel the same way. He was born in Colombia.

“I didn’t mind helping my mom with everyday things like conversations. She liked it when I helped her out,” Uribe said.

There are some unique situations among the young translators.

“My mom is deaf,” said Sirena Olivan, Div. 468. Olivan can communicate through sign language fluently. She has been helping her mother communicate for years.

“I remember when I was young, when she’d want to order at restaraunts I would have to help her. I wasn’t good at sign language then,” Olivan said.

“If she didn’t use me, people would have to write stuff out with her. It’s easier just to translate,” Olivan said.

The parents of the Lane students do not appear to show any negative emotions in response to their children’s help.

“They’re usually thankful,” Heto said.

“My mom appreciates it. I feel like I’d do a better job translating if it’s appreciated and not expected,” Olivan said.

These Lane students speak from past experiences in their younger days. Jelonek feels that as time went on, his parents needed his help less as they learned to navigate through their new American surroundings.

“Now they speak a lot better, and they’ve got more English [speaking] friends to help them,” Jelonek said.

While parents are typically the support system for their children, when it comes to language, sometimes the children step up and take the lead for their parents.

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