June 2011 Rocklin High Flash by Rocklin High School Student Media

Flash Contents

May Contents

4: 6: 8: 10: 12: 14: 16: 19: 22: 24: 25: 26:

Thank Heaven for 7/11: Jasmeen Rana spends her time working at 7-Eleven.

Stormin’ Mormon: “I made the decision to become Mormon because it felt right for me.”

RHS Around the World: “My favorite thing about Greece was the countless monuments I visited in Athens.”

If you are what you eat, I’m doomed: “In two yers I will not remember what I ate for dinner, whether it was omnivorous or vegetarian.”

Music, It is more powerful than we think: “Music acts like our best friend”

Artists Exposed: Rocklin High artists are put in the spotlight.

Another’s Shoes: “Never judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.”

Memories: Some of the Class of 2011’s favorite memories.

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Foreign Exchange: Share your world. Hosting a foreign exchange student can be a culturally enriching experience.

The Best of Rocklin: Rocklin High students voted the best spots to hang out and have fun.

Columns: “Believe it or not, no other person on Earth has the same world as you.”

Post-it Secrets: Rocklin High School students share their secrets.

cover art by Holly Peterson

MAY 2011

Letter from the Editor

It’s your world Six billion: The approximate number of people on the Earth at this exact moment, each has a story in the making that will not be repeated again. As cliché as the saying is, it really would be a boring world if everyone were the same. Thankfully, everyone’s not. Although we are as unique as our fingerprints, our identity goes beyond that of our genetic and chemical make-up. We are owners of individual voices, thoughts, and ideas. As teenagers, we are told we “are in our own world”. Your world may revolve around your passion for painting, your vegetarian diet, your beliefs, or simply the playlist on your iPod. Your world isn’t exactly his world or her world and because of this diversity, the world is a much more interesting place. Although we are all different, our worlds really aren’t as different as we’d like to believe. For this reason, it is critical to not only be respectful of everyone, but willingly embrace those differences because together, all of our worlds blend into the one actual world. Because we are each unique to the world, we all can employ our talents and abilities to enrich the lives of those around us for the most complete world possible. Between the places you go and the people you meet, chances are you’re going to have to work with people who are different than you if you haven’t already. And if you’re lucky and accepting, you may have opportunities to make more friends. Cultivating an open mind is critical, especially in a world that is constantly changing and seeking creative solutions to everyday problems. Open-minded people lead overall more satisfying, rewarding, and optimistic lives than narrow-minded individuals. Through an open-mind, they acquire abilities to be better problem-solvers and critical thinkers. They also endure less stress, as they adapt easier to change. Being open-minded is as simple as trying a new food or listening to a new song. Imagine a puzzle. Just as it is complete when none of the pieces are missing, the world is most complete when we have a spectrum of people and voices. So take an adventure this summer: walk in someone else’s shoes and step into their world. After all, diversity is the rhythm of today and the beat of tomorrow. by Amanda Calzada, Editor-in-Chief MAY 2011

A DAY WITHOUT SHOES The percentage of Rocklin High students who participated in Tom’s “A day without shoes” on April 5 for at least part of the day.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL The percentage of Rocklin students who visited another country last summer. 44.7 percent traveled out of state.

9.7

BELIEFS The percentage of students who believe the world is going to end in 2012. 78.5 percent of students believe in karma.

33 57

friendship day The percentage of Friendship Day attendees who said they made friends at the event.

CHOPSTICKS The percentage of students who can use chopsticks.

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It’s your world: work for it

Thank heaven for Jasmeen Rana embraces the family industry

ithin their high school years, students begin to wander into the realm of the adult world, taking up jobs and earning wages. As the line between childhood and maturity begins to blur, more responsibilities weigh down on teens. Most students apply to a wide variety of places before being accepted. However, Jasmeen Rana, a junior, was inducted into the family business of owning and running 7-Eleven gas stations. Her family owns four 7-Eleven’s as well as a Quizno’s restaurant in the greater Sacramento area. Jasmeen works four days a week from 4 to 8. She balances this work schedule with schoolwork in all her classes two of which are AP. Jasmeen has expressed that having such a busy work schedule can get quite annoying. “Sometimes I’m stressed out about my schoolwork at work. I get home at like eight o’clock and then I still have to do my homework,” said Rana. Working at 7-Eleven is a way for Jasmeen to become more in touch with her Indian culture. Many of her relatives own 7-Elevens as well. Jasmeen talked of how at one 7-Eleven party, there were all proud 7-Eleven owning Indian people except for one guy, who left promptly after the party started. “Although I thoroughly enjoy becoming one with my heritage, sometimes the rich culture presented in my work environment becomes too much to handle,” said Rana. Indians in America own chain stores such as 7-Eleven because they do not want to work for anyone, as it is part of their culture to be independent. Jasmeen expressed that her family takes pride in their business and work, and fully realizes 7-Eleven’s importance in society. Jasmeen’s father, a firm 7-Eleven believer, said, “I hate the mall, without 7-Eleven, the mall wouldn’t even be running.” Jasmeen’s responsibilities within her job include doing paperwork, working at the cash register, helping customers, and tending to the running of the store. She is well-versed in all of the inner workings of 7-Eleven and is capable of doing everything in the store. This transcends into a heightened sense of responsibility by Jasmeen as she is expected by her family to uphold the standards of 7-Eleven.

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Jasmeen has recently come into a position of more accountability within the family business. Jasmeen’s father and brother will be on a trip to India for a few weeks at the end of this school year, leaving Jasmeen to singlehandedly manage three of the 7-Eleven gas stations, including one in Marysville. Holding a job at a young age has influenced Jasmeen’s decisions for her future. She has been surrounded by the 7-Eleven atmosphere ever since she was a young tyke, and sees its presence in her future as well. “I’m considering owning 7-Eleven’s on the side, but I want to be a pharmacist,” said Rana. Jasmeen hopes to attend University of the Pacific or UC Davis in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a pharmacist. 7-Eleven will remain a part of her life, as she plans to continue working at 7-Eleven if she goes to UC Davis. Working in a public setting, Jasmeen encounters a variety of customers. One particularly interesting character, known to his fans and himself as ‘Brotha Lynch’ comes in nearly everyday to buy various things from 7-Eleven. He is a self-promoted rapper who has a number of songs on iTunes. Jasmeen listened to one of his songs and found that Brotha Lynch is the self-proclaimed inventor of “horror rap” and enjoys singing songs about killing babies. Jasmeen sometimes comes across less than agreeable customers as well, including one pregnant woman who was particularly fond of directing profanities at 7-Eleven employees in defense of her illegal gas filling. She was confronted for attempting to put gas into a water bottle instead of the designated red containers. It is a part of the job that Jasmeen must deal with. On the whole, working at 7-Eleven tends to be a positive experience for Jasmeen. Friends of Jasmeen often come into the store to talk, enjoy a Slurpee, and take pictures. Jasmeen occasionally sees some of her teachers as well. “7-Eleven is the best because we accept all customers with open arms, and we firmly believe that the customer is ‘always’ right,” said Rana. The world of Jasmeen Rana is one filled with family, responsibility, and opportunity as she makes her mark on 7-Eleven, the longest chain store in the world. by Yasmine Bouzid MAY 2011

“Without 7-Eleven, the mall wouldn’t even be running”

The number of Slurpee flavors 7-Eleven sells worldwide.

4 40,900

Number of new 7-Elevens that open daily.

The number of outlets 7-Eleven has worldwide, with Subway in second at 35,000 stores. The number of Slurpees consumed each month.

13,000,000

Number of donuts 7-Eleven sells each year.60,000,000

1927

The year 7- Eleven first opened its doors with the store hours being 7am to 11pm. Right: “7-Eleven sells everything imaginable.

My TI-84 has 7-Eleven batteries,” said Jasmeen.

Left: Famous rapper, Brotha Lynch.

Bottom left: Rana filling the back refrigerator in 30 degree F temperature. Bottom right: Jasmeen and friends celebrating Slurpees.

MAY 2011

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 05

It’s your world: believe it

Stormin’ Mormon The journey of Presley Salazar becoming a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

ormonism is one of the fastest growing religions around I just seem happier." in America with 14 million members and a steady Though Mormonism is a branch of the Christian faith, stream of new converts each year. It has seen an Mormons believe that Jesus and God are completely increasing popularity over the last ten years and has different people, whereas regular Christians believe become a new mainstream religion in the U.S. At Rocklin that they are more or less the same person. This, for the High School, we have a handful of people that follow the most part, is one of the only major differences between Mormon faith, including, sophomore, Presley Salazar. the two religions. They both use the Bible, both Old and Presley has been a New Testaments. However, member of the Mormon Mormons also use the Book of Church for a little over a Mormon, which is an account of year. the beginnings of the religion, "I made the decision to the Doctrine and Covenants, a become a Mormon because book that outlines basic church it felt right for me. After I talked doctrine followed by a series to some missionaries and of revelations, and the Pearl of went to a church I knew that it Great Price, another account would be the right decision." of the founding of the religion. Most of the time family has The Mormon faith has a role in deciding what religion received a bad rap over the to be in. years since its creation is often "My parents gave me a associated with polygamy and choice like they gave my strict rules about how to live older sister when she was life. However, polygamy was a able to choose whether or not practice that was suspended to be baptized and she didn’t by the LDS church in the early want to, but my whole family 1900’s. converted with me last year," Presley says, "I really haven’t says Salazar. had to give up anything, just This is pretty common coffee and tea. They don’t because Mormonism is a force you to do it. It’s just very family oriented religion, recommended mainly because where people have strong they can become addicting to connections with the other Presley at the ranch with her brother some people, and it’s not really generations and extended family. But, Presley made the good for you." decision on her own and is very happy with it. Despite the small sacrifices she says, “In the future, I "It just fit my lifestyle. It has made me a better person definitely plan on keeping my faith throughout my life and with better morals. It gave me something to strive for. I to do my absolute best to follow the [Mormon] beliefs as just felt like that was where I was supposed to be, and all best I can.” by Anthony Roberts

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MAY 2011

“I knew it would be the right decision.”

“Judaism affects me as a teenager because people see me differently and sterotype me.” -Danny Olker, 10

“Being Muslim affects me as a teenager because I fast during school and I do that for 30 days once a year. It makes it hard to keep up without food.” -Mahmoud Eid, 10

“Being Baha’i no one really has the same religion as me, so it’s hard to relate to people.” -Danny Walker, 10

“Being Christian is fantastic because you see life through another perspective. You feel love, unending grace, and complete freedom, and I am able to show that to other people.” -Sam Hall, 10

“Being Catholic and leading a youth group each Sunday helps me make good decisons at school and home.” -Ally Corsetti, 10

“People look at me differently because they’re not really educated [about being sikh], but it doesn’t really affect the way people treat me.” -Kainaat Bajwa, 11 “I am Buddhist. As a teenager it has allowed me to believe in something at an early age, and it has allowed me to set what my basic life morals are.” - Michael Tran, 12

“Being a Hindu helps me to relax during times of severe stress.” -Niraj Amakanti, 12

Photo Credit: Olivia Murray and Franchesca Awwad

MAY 2011

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 07

It’s your world: see it

Greece “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” -St. Augustine

hroughout our lives we are exposed to the ancient tales of Greek philosophy. We hear stories about how this god fell in love with a goddess who is married to another god and thus, is jealous of the first god. These so-called Greek “dramas” all taught us, at one age or another, about a moral explaining love, adventure, and even greed. These Greek tales we constantly hear about, were our first exposure to the tiny little islands across the way. It was our first look at the nation among waters. Our first chance to learn about the birthplace of knowledge. No, it’s not John Travolta’s musical Grease, it’s Greece. When one thinks Greece, they picture the white buildings with the blue doors and rooves overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. One imagines Greek god and goddesses. And, to no surprise, the mind begins to replay the musical “Mamma Mia” over and over again as they see the cast singing on the beaches of the Greek island of Skiathio. But, Greece is more than that. Its history is intertwined and runs deep through the modern Greek society of today. The food, the people, and the scenery is overwhelming with all kinds of Greek culture that has hints of past generations. Try a Greek salad and get a taste of Ancient Greece, hear a Greek speaking and learn about the language that once dominated Europe, and see the beauties of the Mediterranean Sea and learn about the Greek trade that ruled the seas. Rachel Towne, a freshman, knows first hand of Greek culture having lived there with her family for three years. Towne, only five at the time, was immersed in the Greek culture. Her family was located to Athens, Greece for her father’s work. At its height, Athens was the most powerful cultural center of the ancient world. It was the center where Plato and Aristotle came to discuss radical ideas that would change human way of thinking forever. It was the

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birthplace of democracy. Today, it still remains a symbol of the ancient world with some of its monumental buildings still intact. Towne and her family enjoyed constantly visiting these sites with her family. “My favorite thing about living in Greece was the countless monuments I visited in Athens,” says Towne. Everyday, she would catch a glimpse of one Greek ruin to another Greek ruin and see the architectural superiority these people had. While living in Athens, Towne attended a separate school for English-speaking people known as the American Community School. Despite her separate schooling, Towne still had daily interactions with other Greek speaking people. “I remember seeing a lot of old people in Greece. The people there seemed relaxed and it was definitely a friendly atmosphere,” says Towne. The people of Greece are known for their kindness and good-nature. If people are ever found wandering the streets of Greece, they simply need to knock on a door and they are bound to let them in. The people are nice, the monuments are pretty, but what truly defines a country is the quality of their food. Greek cuisines are dominated with cheese, fish and olives. Towne ssaid one of her favorite dishes was a fried cheese wrapped in pita bread known as, saganaki. Besides this, many Greek dishes are also influenced by their location near the Mediterranean Sea. Usually, the Greek people would combine the elements of Mediterranean cuisine and other types of vegetables in a bowl of soup such as Fava. Their most popular dish is quite simple though. Bread and a little olive oil. Eaten at any time of the day, bread and olive and oil is a Greek staple food. So, here was a little glimpse of Greece, free of charge. The people, the history, and the food sounds quite enticing, doesn’t it? by Michelle Tran, Sports Editor MAY 2011

“My favorite thing about living in Greece was the monuments”

RHS around the world

“Well its really different from the US for being so close. There are a lot more brick buildings and people there are nice.”

“The beaches are a lot nicer. Where I’m from it rained in the summer and because it was in the southern hemisphere, it was summer in December. The wildlife was also a lot different.”

~Morgan LaBelle

~Leandro Praseli

“Japan was really fun, they have insane water parks! I got to make a lot of new friends from their high school and my family is amazing.”

“New York City was an amazing experience and it was great to be able to share it with my best friend. The shopping and food was great and the views were breathtaking.” ~Savannah Schwenning with Molly O’Flarety

“I went to Yellowstone with friends and my family. I got to go to Old Faithful and camped out for two weeks. It was snowing there in the middle of summer. I packed for hot weather not cold.”

~Jenny Clark

“I went to Australia and it was a blast! Overall it was just an awesome experience.” ~Taylor Dorey

~Amanda DiSandro

MAY 2011

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 09

It’s your world: savor it

If you are what you eat,

I’m doomed. I’ve been an ova-pescatarian for a year now. That’s a fancy term for someone who eats only fish and eggs, no other meats; in other words, a faux vegetarian. Luckily, I haven’t turned into a mermaid or a bird yet, so I should be safe. My dietary restrictions started on April 12, 2010. Ms. Padilla’s class. 8th period. It was the end of the disgusting Fast Food unit, and she was planning to show us a movie. It was “Meet your Meat”, a documentary on the appalling state of affairs in the meat producing plants. Images of chickens crammed into cages like feather balls rather than animals, dying cows, and pigs being beaten to death, flashed across the screen and burned themselves into my prefrontal cortex .I was directly responsible for the deaths of millions of cute fuzzy animals. By eating meat, I was supporting these atrocities, supporting a corrupt meat industry. I haven’t eaten meat since that day. I literally went cold turkey. I don’t feel like I need to incite others to give up their cow, but I don’t want to support the meat industry. It desperately needs reform. The main focus of the major meat corporations seems to be to get profit, without care for the actual animals being consumed. The meat industry’s extreme abuse of animals can be compared to the abuse of humans in sweatshops. These animals that we are eating never saw the light of day, nor the freedom of the wild. They grow for one reason; to get big enough to eat. And once they reach that deadly age, they are hacked apart for consumption, often times still alive. They are not treated like living beings; rather objects for use. The meat producing plants are often called “factory farms”. This name explains the whole method of the meat industry; to raise animals on a efficient, cheap, and impersonal farm, similar to that of corrupt factories during the Industrial Revolution. There are laws in place to stop animal abuse. You can get fined up to $1000 and put in jail for 6 months for dumping an animal on the side of the road. But where is the law when it comes to the meat industry, where cows are brutally beaten to death? Where animals live in cramped cages and live only to be eaten? So, I’m not telling you to stop eating your burgers and

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steaks. But I encourage you to look at where your meat is coming from. A simple choice to switch from any meat to free-range and organic can be all it takes. The only way to stop these corporations is to show them that people care about their actions, that people don’t approve. We’ve been ignoring until recently; vegetarian diets only really appeared in culture less than a decade ago. But why should we keep sweeping it under the rug? Beyond the controversy surrounding Meat v. Veggies, I get a lot of flack for the health advantages and disadvantages by forgoing meat. I’ve been asked many times “Don’t you have a protein deficiency?” No. Humans actually only need 10% of their diet to have protein. Compare that to the fat percentage, 30%. Obviously, we don’t need as much protein as we think. I am also asked, “Well, don’t you have vitamin deficiencies?” I get more vitamins with my fruits and vegetables than I would with meat. I’m not tired, and I’m not sick. Instead of meat, I have found myself eating more tofu and seeds. I also e n j o y vegetable soups and pastas,which taste just as good, if not better, than their meat counterparts. I stopped eating meat last year because I was disgusted with myself for my ignorance. Now, I don’t eat meat because it’s a part of my life. I know I don’t support the meat industry, and I will do what I can to support the efforts against it. If all it takes is not eating a steak, or refusing a turkey sandwich, then I will gladly continue. In two years, I will not remember what I ate for dinner, whether it was omnivorous or vegetarian. But I will remember giving up meat to save a

life..

by Amanda Wong, Sports Editor may 2011

“Vegetarian or non-vegetarian dinner today?”

Meat.

If you eat it, the word probably just brought into your mind an image of a delicious steak on the dinner table, a hamburger at McDonald’s, or the ham sandwich you might have in your backpack at this moment. If you are a vegetarian,you are probably thinking of horrible methods of

animal slaughter and abuse,

or, on the extreme end, the horrible methods of slaughter and abuse you would like to apply to me for my enjoying of said ham sandwiches. (“I’m packin’ heat watch it!” - my fellow columnist). But there are a lot of good reasons to eat meat, and a lot of good reasons to not give it up. Ever since I was biologically capable of eating meat, I have been doing so. Although for health and safety reasons I try to keep down my

consumption of beef and pork, I love a good

McChicken or a pepperoni pizza. On the more healthy side, fish and grilled chicken also feature heavily in my diet. It’s true that there can be some health benefits to vegetarianism. But there’s a lot of good that

can come out of moderate lean meat consumption.

Proteins, for example, are important for good health, and the easiest way to get them is from animals. It is possible to get your needed proteins from vegetables, but its much harder to get all of the essential amino acids from plants than from animals. Fish, meanwhile, has some important benefits of its own, like omega-3 fatty acids. (Despite what the name would imply, those are key to heart health). There are some obvious pitfalls. Any freshman who’s MAY 2011

been through Adv. Language Arts, and Fast Food Nation, knows that certain meats are often fattening, and come with a risk of contamination by deadly bacteria. And certain medical conditions prohibit meat eating. Yes, one needs to be cautious when eating meat. However, going

vegetarian because of those risks is like not exercising because you might trip and die while running. But health, of course, is not the reason

that many people choose to eschew flesh consumption. A good portion of vegetarians believe that, either for religious or ethical reasons, meat is intolerable on a moral level. I probably can’t change your moral views with a newspaper column, and if I could change your religion, everybody would have been worshipping me ever since the first print issue I worked on came out in September. But I can offer up some ideas to help your thoughts along. Many people avoid meat because of animal cruelty. Witnessing the horror of the meat mass production process is enough to make one hurl. Who wouldn’t want to put a stop to pigs scalded alive and calves being confined to small spaces? I agree that these practices should be stopped immediately. Unfortunately for these animal rights “activists”,

abstinence from meat is not the answer.

Eliminating the meat industry by boycotting it would only hurt the economy and cause lost jobs. What is needed is better legislation and better regulation. A well thought out social and political campaign, not radical posters and mindless boycotts, will end the cruelty. In the mean time, non-vegetarians can find meat that is made without cruelty (and is safe from microbes, too). Even in an obscure suburb like Rocklin, it is possible to find organic, grassfed beef, free range chicken, and even organic goat meat

(very delicious, by the way).

Some vegetarians right now are probably thinking something along the lines of “Very well, but it’s a sin to kill an animal at all!”. Well, doesn’t the process of, say, making bread, require mercilessly killing wheat plants? I’m not saying that we should treat animal’s like plants, but they should not be given the same right to not being killed that we humans have. So, right now, you are either happy that there is someone else defending meat, or thoroughly disgusted with me. That’s alright. Just try to think about this column the next time you’re on an international flight and the flight attendant is asking

“Vegetarian today?”.

non-vegetarian

dinner

by Rahul Verma

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It’s your world: listen

It is more powerful than we think

MUSIC

usic is a universal endowment. It’s a beautiful harmony that interacts with our souls and gives a helping hand to our everyday lives. Whether we’re feeling uptight, happy, angry, melancholy, or mellow, music is always there to lift our spirits up and act as an antidote to the stresses of life. As teenagers, music acts like our best friend. It’s chocolate for the soul. We are constantly surrounded by and listening to it. Although everyone has a different flavor, the resulting mood has the same effect. Happiness. If something could be so sweet and helpful, why does Rocklin High School not allow students to listen to iPods on campus? There are many elements and emotions that music could help us cope with outside of school and within school. According to Dr. Mike Miller, cardiologist at the University of Maryland, music is a wonderful de-stressor. He found this information out from a series of events. He started his research on the effects of happiness on our hearts. Laughter, he discovered, opened up the blood vessels and allowed easier blood flow, thus resulting in his curiosity about how music affects the heart. By listening or playing music, it helps us de-stress. Miller set up the same experiment he had with the laughter study. Using high-tech imaging, he measured blood vessel size as people listened to music. The results revealed that when people listen to music, the inner lining of blood vessel relaxed, opened up, and produced chemicals that are protective to the heart. However, when listening to music that they did not enjoy, Miller noticed that the blood vessels actually closed up. That’s exactly what stress does to the body. Long-term stress over time can cause the blood vessels to stiffen. Constricted vessels can cause many problems later on in life, such as heart attack and stroke. It

Will Johnson and David Leung perform at the VAPA assembly. Photo by: Kacy Wilson

also can suppress the immune system, increase infertility and impotence, speed the aging process and even rewire the brain, leaving people more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, music can counter the effects of stress. Doctor Miller says, “It gives us an overall feeling of good, well-being. A sense of euphoria in some cases.” So the question still remains: if music has been proven to be good for our health, why do they not allow it in schools? Most of the students we interviewed said that music helps them focus and feel happy.

What’s your favorite type of music?

281 students surveyed

Hip-hop/rap Country Pop 12 / The Flash/rhsflash@gmail.com

25.3%

Rock

10.7%

11%

R&B

3.9%

15.3%

Indie

6% may 2011

“Music acts like our best friend”

Rachel Brown listens to her iPod in class Photo by: Kacy Wilson

“Music is an escape. It helps you express yourself. Not only that, but I think being able to play an instrument is one of the greatest talents to have, because, while in the moment, music takes over the mind and soul,” says Bailey Walatka, a sophomore at RHS.

Maggie Herlocker, a junior who enjoys writing music, also commented, “I write about whatever life throws at me. It helps me cope with life.” Students rely on music to ease into bliss and help them get through the day. Whether its a good or bad day, music is there to fill our lives with consonance. Senior Jake Asaro believes that, although music can connect with your mood, it could also distract you from class. “Choral music is the ultimate form of music for me, as it combines poetry and notes to create ‘super music’. However, moods can change depending on the piece or arrangement and lyrics can directly effect people if they can relate.Listening to music in class may change the student’s focus from classwork to only the music itself.” Asaro has a logical viewpoint for the subject and makes valid arguments. Perhaps, even though music is the mother-ship of emotions, it could possibly distract students from class. However, there are plenty of students who focus better when listening to music while doing schoolwork. It just depends on the student as an individual. Nevertheless, teachers should experiment with the idea of allowing ipods. As shown by Dr. Miller’s research, it helps de-stress people and that could only lead to better health for the students. Talk to your teacher today; open their ears to the sound of music.

by Ashley Brown

How does music help you with your life?

“It motivates me and keep me entertained while I’m cleaning, driving, working out, or just dancing around my room for fun.” - Karman Sodhi, 11 “It helps me get through long projects or homework assignments, bad moods, or arguments.” - Delaney Cummings, 10 “It make me happy.” - Lauren Fessenden, 9

“Music is the soundtrack of my life; anything that goes on in my life, there is a song that sings the things I can’t say.” - Charisse Palaad, 10 MAY 2011

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 13

It’s your world: create

ablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” In a day where the arts are considered nonessential in public education and are often the first to go when budget cuts occur, this problem is increasing across the country. Approximately 48 percent of California’s public schools have cut back or eliminate art and music classes. Yet, at Rocklin High the visual arts department is thriving, and constantly encouraging the preservation of the artist in every student. Students such as Lane McGeehee, a junior, and Caroline Kilby, a senior in AP Studio Art, have both been interested in art for as long as they can remember and have been able to expand their talents at RHS. “Rocklin High has a great art program. There are so many different varieties [of art] that I’ve been introduced to thanks to Mrs. Hayes...” said Kilby. Students have done projects including surrealism, watercolor, mask-making, sketching, scratch-boarding, and acrylic and oil painting.Art classes are designed to push, without stifling, students. “In art class, we’re introduced to a lot of new medias and techniques. Mrs. Hayes will present us with something new

and challenge us to try and do it. Other than that, art class is usually very free and casual.” says McGeehee. Both students find release in their art; McGeehee describes it, with a smile, as being “fun and colorful.” Kilby considers art as an interesting way to express herself. “I also get a huge feeling of accomplishment when I finish my work, because I can always look back on it and think, ‘Hey, I did that,’” she said. Both ar tists intend to continue their ar t in the future. McGeehee hopes to sell it on the side of her career. “Unfortunately it doesn’t pay enough money to be an artist and live in California,” she Clockwise, top left: Caroline Kilby, Lane McGehee, Chaiz said. Tuimoloau, Lindsay Myers However, Kilby is going on to study art in college and wants to become a cartoonist. Typically, art classes outside of high school aren’t free. Some people struggle their entire lives because they feel unable to express themselves; the whole point of art is to explore the self and learn and grow, and students at RHS who choose to take art have the opportunity to explore a whole new world to expand their creativity. by Hannah Vahldick

$1 OFF KID’S SIzE YOGURT

8 Daily Flavors, friendly service, cleanliness

2351 Sunset Blvd #155 Rocklin, CA 95765 (916) 624-888

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May 2011

“Art class is usually very free and casual.” - Lane McGeehee, 11 Lane McGehee

Nicole Hutak

Jared Clark

Ceramics

Sam Arcediano Veronika Svanyuta

Hayley Mackanin

Jessica Skalet Caroline Kilby

Zach Hazell

May 2011

Reported by Erika Strickler

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It’s your world: step into it

“NEVER JUDGE A MAN UNTIL YOU’VE WALKED TWO MOONS IN HIS MOCCASINS”

“If someone were to walk a mile in

my shoes, they would find that life is

my shoes, they would probably notice

crazy and nothing ever seems to go as

the attention [my sister and I] get,

planned, but at the end of the day it is

because I always feel weird when I go

fun.”

somewhere without her and I don’t get

Coming from a family of nine, junior Megan Deaver is never lonely. Her

any attention.” Alison Meagher tends to turn heads

family consists of six girls and one boy

when she is with her sister because

ranging from six to twenty-two years old.

many probably think they are seeing

“It definitely makes life very hectic

double. Alison and her identical twin An-

and busy, and sometimes I need space

drea take the confusion as just another

from all the people,” said Deaver.

day as a twin.

With all the craziness, there comes

Not only do they share similar looks,

some downsides of having a large

but also similar interests. Some include

family.

dance, musical theatre, and painting.

“I used to have to share a room, which was awful, the bathroom gets crowded at times, I have to share pretty

Yet, Meagher doesn’t let herself become too dependent on her sister. “I know that I always need to be my

much anything I own with my younger

individual self and not become depen-

sisters, being the middle child in a big

dent on Andrea. We are not dependent

family you sometimes get lost in the

on each other because having each

bunch, and attention is hard to come

other is part of who we are,” said

by,” she said.

Meagher. On the other hand, the two

But in the end, Deaver feels that along with love, she will always have a large support system surrounding her. “I always have someone to hang out

do have trouble keeping from being competitive with one another. “We always know that competition comes with being a twin, and we cannot

with when I don’t want to hang out with

help but compare ourselves to each

friends, and I am loved by eight people

other. This is partly because we get

other than friends,” said Deaver.

compared by almost everyone, they

by Elisabeth Hartman

16 / The Flash/rhsflash@gmail.com

cannot help it either,” she said. by Elisabeth Hartman

“If someone were to walk a mile in my shoes, they would probably be surprised that my life is so similar to theirs.” Sophomore Suzie Bigley was adopted from Vietnam at just 22 months old, by a couple who realized the amount of unwanted children in the world and wanted to do something useful with their retirement. “People think being adopted affects the relationship between the parent and the child, but it doesn’t. My parents hold me to high standards just like any other parents,” said Bigley. So, what is it that makes a parent a parent? Is it purely biological, encoded in your DNA, or is it something different? “A parent is someone who has the ability to unconditionally love and nurture a child to become the best that they can be,” said Bigley. Suzie’s parents are more than willing to answer any questions she may have about the adoption. She even knows who her biological mother and sister are, and hopes to visit them in the next year or two. “I’m just like the average American teenager. I was blessed with the family that chose me and I couldn’t ask for a better one,” said Bigley. by Holly Petersen

MAY 2011

“Every day I get to enjoy the sun, and just appreciate life and live it to the fullest.” “If someone were to take a walk in my

Harrell has not let only having one hand

shoes, I think it would be very difficult for

get in the way of anything, like sports for

them. Especially if I untied all my shoes. Plus,

instance, as he plays on both the football

I think they would have a new respect for their

and baseball teams at school. Out of the two,

hand.”

baseball proves to be the bigger challenge.

Freshman Chad Harrell was born with only

“It took me like two years to just catch

one hand, making everyday tasks more dif-

and throw with my right hand and I just flip

ficult for him. Things like cutting paper, tying

[my glove] off and throw it,” said Harrell. “I’ve

his shoes, and buttoning his shirt can be a

been playing baseball forever so I’ve gotten

challenge.

the hang of it.”

With practice, Harrell doesn’t have any

Harrell has gained a new perspective from

troubles anymore, but says it was a difficult

only having one hand, and also has a greater

process to learn how to do these everyday

respect for people with disabilities.He has

tasks. Thanks to his easy-going personality,

also gotten more attention.

he doesn’t get frustrated with himself and isn’t afraid to joke about the challenges.

“Now everyone knows me just because of my hand,” said Harrell.

by Elisabeth Hartman

“But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.”

-Pocahontas

“If people were to walk a mile in my shoes, they would realize that even every day tasks are hard, just to walk around with a backpack

enjoy the sun, and just appreciate life and live it to the fullest,” said Nunn. When faced with a terminal disease, or

is difficult. They would be able to feel what I

any other crisis, it is easy to project the blame

feel every morning, and how my body feels

and anger onto God or another higher being.

sometimes, and how I have to just power

Instead, Nunn looked to God for guidance in

through it every single day.”

his struggle.

When junior Nik Nunn began to experience

“I’ve always been Christian, and I’ve always

some seemingly innocent headaches in Janu-

looked to Him, but never as much as I did in

ary of 2008, his nurse recommended he get his

those couple years of my life. I feel that he re-

brain scanned to be safe. On January 8, 2008,

ally did help me through, and he really did cure

Nunn was diagnosed with cancer, changing his

me,” said Nunn.

life forever.

Nunn continues his faith, and continues to

“I remember when my step-father told me

not submit to the disease. He assists in coach-

I had been diagnosed. In that moment, I was

ing the varsity baseball team, and even hopes

sure I was going to die,” said Nunn.

to play next year.

However, after battling cancer for two years,

“People should realize that bad things can

Nunn is cancer-free at last. He will officially be

happen to good people, and you never know

declared clear in 2013.

what tomorrow is going to bring. Everyone

“I’ve taken a lot from this experience. I’ve

should spend more time with their loved ones

become more mature than most my peers, and

and friends, because you never really know,”

I have learned to value life. Every day I get to

said Nunn.

by Holly Peterson

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 17

It’s our world: prove it

The Death of Evil?

he American mindset has been one of fear since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Since that date, the world has been launched into an international war on terror, a concept that is ambiguous at best, as the only definable enemies are perpetrators of terror. In such an unclear conflict, definable victories are difficult to pinpoint. However, the publicizing of the death of Osama bin Laden, on May 2, 2011, is undoubtedly a step towards a safer world. Resounding waves of happiness disseminated across the media and social networking circuits. In his excitement to share the news of the death, Geraldo Rivera, of Fox News, accidently said “Obama is dead,” making himself fodder for the late night comedians. Stephen Colbert, host of the Colbert Report, reflected upon the strangeness of celebrating a person’s death, an action normally taboo, when he said on his show, “I’m as giddy as a schoolgirl who just shot bin Laden in the eye. I hope I am never again this happy over someone’s death.” Even President Obama’s address, announcing the death of bin Laden, generated conversation. In another day and age, the speech, in which Obama said, “justice has been done,” may have gained significant attention by itself. Today, however, more young people seem to be talking about Obama’s “swag” when he was walking down the hallway afterwards than the actual content of his speech. Countless Facebook statuses and Tweets celebrated the death of America’s most feared enemy. Neil Brinkerhoff, a junior, posted “My Facebook will be exploding in the next few minutes because of all the Osama bin Laden statuses.” Junior Nona Bhatia commented back that the College-

Board should “cancel AP tests and give everyone 5s in celebration!” And yet, doubt lingered. Thousands of people have “liked” various pages on facebook that purport a variant of the idea “Osama is not dead”. In the case of Adolf Hitler’s death in 1945, people were not entirely certain that the mastermind behind such inhumane acts could really be dead. One General Infantryman said, in a 1945 interview with a United States Military publication during World War 2, “now they say Hitler is dead. Maybe he is.” The reluctance of the United States government to release photographs of a dead bin Laden, as well as the murky circumstances of his burial at sea, have caued a lingering doubt to taint the accomplishment of stopping an architect of evil. One survey responder said, “HE ISN’T DEAD,” articulating the doubts that are plaguing a nation. As the actions of people such as Hitler and bin Laden seem so huge, terrible, and inhuman, it is difficult to accept that such wickedness can die with a single person. Americans have come to see bin Laden as the face of a faceless enemy. The war is not over. Terrorism still exists. But the man who catalyzed the largest attack on American soil in the nation’s history and awoke all of us to the evils that humans are capable of can no longer harm anyone. Ten years ago, a piece of our childhood was taken from us. With the death of bin Laden, we are one step closer to taking back our world. by Brit Husmann

Rocklin responds to Osama bin Laden’s death: Shannon Peiffer, 11:

“Success!”

Maddie Lowell, 10:

“I felt like our country was safer.” Taylor Hedblad, 10:

Right: Popular reaction to President Obama’s address on bin Laden’s death, as portrayed by junior Zach Martinez

“Relief.”

Nikki Sanchez, 11:

“I felt really happy because he was the reason that my dad had to go to war.” 18 / The Flash/rhsflash@gmail.com

Illustration by Zach Martinez

MAY 2011

“Instead of only focusing on what is ahead, let’s look at what happened throughout the journey.”

Remember the times...

The class of 2011 is quickly approaching graduation and the end is near. However, instead of only focusing on what is ahead, let’s look at what happened throughout the journey. From spirit weeks and rallies, AP courses and cramming for tests, to sports games and dances, we have had many memorable experiences. As Henry David Thoreau once said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” With that in mind, here’s a look at some favorite high school experiences. by Christian Young

What is your favorite high school memory? “Six Flags was really fun! The best part was being with my friends and winning a giant Pikachu!” - Kathy Hong “I got to spend Senior Ball with my girlfriend! It was even better than Homecoming with her, since I directly assisted in Senior Ball’s planning.” - Andre Mota “Disneyland trip. For sure.” - Will Johnson

“Definitely my last football game dance performance this year. Football performances are amazing and it felt unreal that it was my last time dancing with all the girls.” - Elise Valentini “Watching Cody Elder make bird whistles and death growls the whole time during Mr. Thunder rehearsals.” - Aaron Lopez

Teachers look back “On the last day of a summer student exchange program through my high school (Nevada Union) to Göttingen, Germany, I participated in an event which hallmarked my high school experience. I happened to be one of an estimated 350,000 people to attend Roger Waters’ historic “The Wall” concert, which was held on the soil between the Berlin Wall (torn down just 8 months prior) and Hitler’s Führerbunker. The concert was put on to support The Memorial Fund for Disaster Relief, which is a living memorial to all the people who had lost their lives in war in the last 100 years. To a Junior in high school, the concert, the setting, and the story told within “The Wall,” revealed my American ethnocentrism and helped me truly understand and appreciate the history centered around the time and events of World War II, Nazi Germany, and the Holocaust from a natural and unbiased prospective.” - Eric Sturgeon “Many of my favorite high school experiences took place in athletics. Probably my favorite occurred when we were trailing a key league rival in football with less than a minute MAY 2011

to play, and over 50 yards to go for the winning score. I was the quarterback, and I passed the ball to my brother on a crossing pattern. I still remember the sight of him catching the ball and breaking tackles on the way to the end zone. It was cool to share that moment with my brother, and the “Hardy to Hardy for the Win” headline in the paper was neat to see.” - Mark Hardy

“As a sophomore I really liked this guy named RJ. My friends and I called him “star-J” because he was a great athlete, really smart and I thought he was the cutest guy ever. Keep in mind that this was complete worship from afar. He was a year older, and even though he was a high jumper, we rarely talked. I had his schedule memorized and I really liked this purple and gray shirt he used to wear. Like I said, hopeless… One morning I arrived to school and my entire locker was COVERED with little gold stars. Not only that, my friend had written a small “J” in the middle of each one. All hope of anonymity was gone.” - Tara McCullough

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 19

Tribute dance show May12-14

DANCE

show

1] Carly Moran balances on her right foot in her perfornmance. 2] Jason Hughes twirls his partner in their performance. 3] Kylie Barnhart, Puala Filon, Andrea Meagher, Elyse Rowen, Jackie Summers, Spencer Peterson, Jordan Lopez, Stacy Yap Diangco, Caitlyn Hall, Elise Valentini, and Clarissa Hernandez pose at the end of their performance.

1] Liesl Shirhall, Jack Asaro, and Jackie Armstrong move to the music of their dance. 2] Veronica Svanyuta, Elise Valentini, Anna Ellis, Kylie Barnhart lean on each other in their performance.

Photos by Kara Stone, Devina Tjhia Design by Ally Wille

20/ The Flash/rhsflash@gmail.com

MAY 2011

“Collectively, we as a school make difference”

hen most of us think of humanitarians, we think of the people listed next to this article. People who have devoted their entire lives or a lot of money to a certain cause. If that is what it takes to be a humanitarian it is safe to say not all of us can be one. Being a well-known Tucker Gandy escorts a child around humanitarian reThunder Galleria to pick out presents for her quires a huge time family. Charisse Palaad and Sam Hall help with CSF’s clean up day to help beautify our commitment and a school. Brandon Horvath participates in Relarge sum of monlay for Life to help those affected by cancer. ey. However it is still important to understand how students like us can still do small things to help those less fortunate. Every hour a student spends volunteering at Origin, every (Red)™ product a student buys, and every community service project a student gets involved in makes an impact on our world. Rocklin High School has sixteen clubs and organizations on campus with numerous students dedicated to supporting a cause. Interact Club, Global Awareness, Hero Club, Key Club, S Club, and Multicultural Club all have member that are dedicated to helping others. All of these clubs either have

MAY 2011

Oskar ScHindler Che GUevera MahatMa Ghandi DalAi Lama Harriet TubmaN Albert SchweItzer Martin LuTher King Jr. Kofi Annan FloRence Nightengale ElIe Wiesel EvA Peron NelsoN Mandela done fundraisers or do projects to help our community and our world. Collectively, we as a school make difference. Sometimes if everyone does a little bit of work it can be more affective than one person doing a lot of work. If everyone helps out a little bit it also encourages others to get involved because people see how doing a little bit ofwork can help. by Shilpa Amalkanti, Administrative Editor

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 21

It’s your world: connect

c’est la vie

française

Share worlds this summer: host a foreign exchange student, make a life long friend “What is that called?” he asked in his crisp French accent. “Sidewalk,” I said. “Ohh, sidewalk,” he repeated slowly, savoring the word. There was no experience quite comparable to that of exchanging languages while walking down the streets of Hollywood in the summer with someone from a different world. Likewise, there is no experience comparable to that of having a foreign exchange student. Last summer, I had the opportunity to host a foreign exchange student through American Discovery Foreign Exchange program and experience a real cultural connection in my own house. My student was Robin, a seventeen-yearold youth from a southern region of France called Savoie, who studied scientific subjects. His command of English was so strong, he could express his every thought clearly. All of the cultural projects I had done in my foreign language projects did not even reveal half the culture he brouht into my family’s home. Originally, I didn’t think participation in American Discovery was something my parents would consider. I vaguely remember scribbling my name down on the sheet along with my phone number and passing the paper to the next person. Mrs. Marilyn Brown had come in to present information about hosting a foreign exchange student through a program called American Discovery. She said that if you couldn’t go to Europe that summer, she could bring Europe to you. She was right. The entire responsibility was not bad at all: the students stay for three weeks, they arrive with their own spending money, and they are to abide by house rules during their stay. They just want to be integrated into an American household for three weeks to experience our

22 / The Flash/rhsflash@gmail.com

culture and improve their English. As a foreign language enthusiast, hosting a foreign exchange student was the ultimate reward. And even those who aren’t foreign language enthusiasts, like my friends, relished the adventures shared “between the ‘Ricans’ and French”, as Robin would put it. I strongly reccomend encouraging your friends to host a student. At the last minute, I talked one of my best friends, Alex Harlan, into hosting a foreign exchange student. It made for unforgettable adventures for the both of us, as we often went out as a group. From Six Flags to San Francisco to Sunsplash, American Discovery also plans trips for the students and invites the families to attend the trips as well. Plus, if the students felt like they were forgetting their French, they had an automatic friend. Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of the students’ stay was hearing them tell me and my friends how much they loved California and the promising future it offers. The majority of the students had already selected univerisities in the state to attend after finishing their years at the lycée (high school). Even though Robin and the other French students’ stay was only three weeks, the entire experience is continous. I talk to the students on Facebook on a regular basis and plan to visit them someday. In the meantime, I am looking foward to sharing worlds again with Robin, as he is returning this summer. Those interested in hosting a student can contact Mrs. Marilyn Brown at mlgbrown@yahoo.com or (916) 3158451 or visit americandiscovery.net Dates for the French are July 10-30, July 30-August 19 (with a tour of California). Dates for Spanish students are June 30-July 24th (with classes). by Amanda Calzada, Editor-in-Chief MAY 2011

~Tsakopoulos Library, Sacramento~Saturday, May 7~

SENIOR BALL

1] Jill Wirt, Jen Davis, Taylor Shell, Raffy Maniego, Gorgie Lyle, Kat Perakis, Kyla Bruice, Cassie Aceves, Sarah Tormey, Garrett Watkins, Alexis Brucell, Tucker Gandy, Mitchell Condell, Jen Schmidt, Devin Mitchell, Marissa Byers, and Amparo Mifune look up to the camera. 2] Kyla Bruice, Cassie Aceves, and Kat Perakis pose for the camera. 3] Janis Chung and Jessica Christian smile for the camera.

1] Jackie Summers and the rest of her senior class look around at their surroundings. 2] Anna Roberts, Rachel Spaulding, and Joey Haug wait around till they get in. 3] Nicole Hutak and Emily Williams pose for the camera. 4] Janis Chung smiles as she talks to her friends. 5] Paulette Mattar and Austin Miller wait in the hall.

MAY 2011

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 23

It’s you world: enjoy it

TheBest of Rocklin

Summer 2011

With the summer of 2011 quickly approaching, days of freedom and nights of fun are highly anticipated. Vacations are planned, seniors look forward to college, juniors prepare for their final year of high school, sophomores yearn to be upperclassmen, and freshmen celebrate the conclusion of their first year. What about the time being spent in Rocklin in between school years? Do not despair; Rocklin High students voted to determine the best spots to hang out and have fun. By Danielle Huddlestun, Co-Editor in Chief

Yogurt

1) Topselite

Movie Theater

t t for ho ing trea h s s r e o r f v e a r fl of eet is a sw large selection fun int r u g o Y a sa ps offer ent cones. It is n. ays. To c o d o 9 r n 9 e r g m te din r af sum gs, inclu x on a summe in p p to and to rela e place expensiv

Shopping

1) Blue Oaks 2) Unit ed

rt D 2) Yogu poon 3) Big S

Artist 3) Centu ry

Blue O way to aks Theater in Rocklin go chec ko is a clos a $5.50 eb early bir ut the lastest movies. y and convenie d specia weeken n l. “It se d. The ems lik They even fea t cle said Am e we’re ture elia Low an up after so packed many p ell, Blu ever eo e Oaks employ ple is horrifyin y ee and R g HS senio ,” r.

1) Forever 21

2) Target

3) Nordstrom

Walking into Forever 21 is an exciting experience. Racks of affordable clothes are everywhere. Whether in the mood for a new necklace or summer dress, Forever 21 has endless options.

Restaur ant 1) BJ’s

2) Red Robin 3) In N Out

Craving a slice o place to f pizza go. An or a piz ookie? afforda choices ble, loc BJ’s is from sa al resta the lad to b urant, it urgers. offers

24/ The Flash/rhsflash@gmail.com

ot p S y d Stu

ucks 1) Starb

ry 2) Libra in 3) Orig

dy oup stu hold gr to nd a n e ll v e dy ha e sm h coffe uiet stu q ic r a e is h T ks alone. Starbuc st read bience. ju m r a o e s th n io to s s d e s s ad g drink refreshin

Design and Reporting by Danielle Huddlestun

MAY 2011

It is one thing to say, “I’ve been there,” and another to be able to say, “I’ve lived there.”

c o l u It’s your world. And believe it or not, no other person on Earth has the same world as you. m n No two people share the same exact perspective. Consider the fact that you are the only one that sees things the way you do. It’s an interesting thought to entertain. Each of us interprets the world in a unique way, because our point of view is determined by our experiences. Not only do our experiences shift our perspective, but our perspective affects the way we experience things. It affects the way we see the world, how we interact with others, and the decisions we make. It’s important for high school students to take advantage of their youth. Many RHS students complain about being bored and stuck in Rocklin. Just because we live in the suburbs doesn’t mean we can’t enrich our lives and expand our outlook while we’re still young.

Don’t allow yourself to be sheltered. Don’t accept everything you hear as fact. Open your mind to new ideas and ask questions about the world around you. This often requires you to step out of your comfort zone, but don’t be afraid to be a free thinker. Take advantage of this summer to broaden your horizons: try something new, learn a new skill, meet new people, volunteer, get outdoors, travel the world... the possibilities are infinite. If you’re looking for ideas on how to expand your outlook, flip through this month’s issue of the Flash. From vegetarians to artists to Mormons, this issue is filled with Rocklin High students who make the effort to broaden their perspective. By Alie Onea, Copy Editor

Global Perspective

Column

It’s your world. Go out and explore.

Someday, I hope everyone finds the chance or is given the opportunity to leave the confinement of our sometimes “too comfortable” town of Rocklin and see the world. With advances in transportation, communication, the increasing popularity of social networking sites, and the internet at our fingertips, the world seems to have grown smaller. Our generation is more connected to the world than ever, but there is still a huge gap in the understanding and acceptance of what is really out there. The viewpoints, values, lifestyles, and struggles of the people across the globe are largely distinct from our own. I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled out of California and out of the country several times in order to explore different parts of the world with my family and my friend Alie (the editor featured above). Whether it was to visit my extended family in Italy, or just to experience the places we read about in our history text books, these events in my life have definitely altered the way I think and the way I see things. I feel more connected to the world, and I continue to feel drawn back in order to see more of what is out there. Some may feel they will never have the time or money to get out and travel, but here is an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of: study abroad. MAY 2011

While high school prepares us for college, and college prepares us for the “real” world, many universities and community colleges offer extensive study abroad programs that are both convenient and easily accessible for college students of varying financial standings. Scholarships and financial aid are readily available to give students equal opportunities to see the world. For example, the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has specially designed study abroad courses specific to the country, duration of time, and/or major of choice that not only allow students to graduate on time, but also provide students with a new global way of thinking. Six continents. 35 countries. Limitless opportunities. It is one thing to say, “I’ve been there,” and another to be able to say, “I’ve lived there.” To live somewhere is to understand people of diverse cultures, tongue, political views, and morals. It forces us to adapt to new surroundings and lifestyles. It sets us up to accept change and helps us reach new levels of maturity. We are the future, and in order for us to prosper, we must become global thinkers. The world has a lot to offer and we must soak up as much as we can.

By Natalie Pinna, Managing Editor

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 25

Post-it Secret I find stray dogs and keep them in my garage until I’m hungry. Then I eat them.

I like cold soup.

I lick my fingers when photo chemicals are on them. I pretend that I have wings.

I still have a crush on the person I hate. Why are we going to the same college?

I found Waldo!

I fall in love with every upperclassman I see.

ignorance really is bliss!

wake up!

I keep trying to run away from myself because this isn’t the life I want.

I’m afraid I’m pregnant.

I’m afraid of ladybugs.

I’m scared of my best friend’s girlfriend. I like food.

I’ve been told I’m schizophrenic and I have short-term memory loss. I wish I lived on my own island I have a I want to embrace pet I have a the real me, but I’m I feel left out. unicorn! pathetic crush. afraid my parents I wish I was won’t accept it. I’m afraid of carrots. a senior so They remind me of I’m not as amazing as I could just everyone thinks i am. get out of this oompa loompa fingers. place. I hate cantaloupe. I secretly love playing basketball and I wish I would i really don’t know who I like turtles. have tried out for the school team. bin laden is. I’ve gone Prince Harry is the cutest I’m still scared of the dark. out with the little ginger I’ve ever seen. same girl 3 times. and she wants to go out a 4th time.

My inner nerd is secretly ecstatic when someone says, “May the fourth be with you” on Star Wars Day. Jedis unite!

why do you like me?!

Quill and Scroll honors our 2011 graduates

Your 2011 yearbook staff

Juliet Bennett

thanks the students and staff of Rocklin for being such amazing yearbook, and for selling out our yearbook for the third straight year. You make the moments, we record them

Safa Casim Amanda Calzada Nicole Hutak Brenna O’Neill Sydney Ware

26 / The Flash/rhsflash@gmail.com

MAY 2011

Illustration by Kacy Wilson MAY 2011

rhsflash@gmail.com / The Flash / 27

FINAL PAGE

Class of 2012 Honor Guard Elisabeth Hartman

Thunder Galleria Board of Directors, Link Leader, MASH Tutor, Newspaper Editor, Peer Tutoring, CSF “When life gives you a thousand reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.”

Leandro Praseli

Key Club, S Club, CSF, Thunder Mentoring, Varsity Tennis, Track “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it.”

Angela Bassal

Thunder Galleria Board of Directors, CSF, All-State Choir, Varsity Tennis “Don’t aim for success. If you want it, just do what you love, believe in it, and it will come naturally.”

Bret Fessenden

S Club, S.M.O.S.S., Interact Club, Varsity Baseball, Cross Country, Key Club, Science Olympiad, ASB, Outdoor Adventure Club, Pokemon League Club, CSF “Our greatest glory is never falling, but rising every time we fall.”

Clarissa Hernandez

CSF, Key Club, Interact Club, Culinary Club,S Club, Multicultural Club, Global Awareness, Cross Country, Track “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Ryan McCormick

Track, Cross Country, CSF, Key Club “A man has to live with himself so he ought to have good company.”

Jackie Graber

ASB Activities Commissioner “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privelege, opportunity, and responsibility to give back by becoming more.”

Ravi Sharma

Cross Country, Varsity Tennis, Key Club Cabinet member “You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.” 28 / The Flash/rhsflash@gmailcom

Brought to you by ASB student recognition team

flash Editorial Board:

Amanda Calzada Editor-in-Chief Danielle Huddlestun Co-Editor-in-Chief, Media Natalie Pinna Managing Editor Shilpa Amalkanti Administrative Editor Elisabeth Hartman Co-Web Editor Holly Petersen Co-Web Editor Alie Onea Copy Editor Emily Brooks Design Editor Franchesca Awwad, Devin Moss, Michelle Tran, Amanda Wong Sports Editors Casey Nichols Adviser

Staff Writers: Lily Atkinson, Kiersten Austefjord, Yasmine Bouzid, Ashley Brown, Leslie Howell, Britlyn Husmann, Alisha McGoldrick, Olivia Murray, Keely O’Brien, Alicia Phillips, Anthony Roberts, Kara Stone, Hannah Vahldick, Rahul Verma, Christian Young The Flash is a public forum produced by students for students in an attempt to inform and entertain its audience. Journalism students have the final authority for any content found in this publication. The Flash Staff encourages letters regarding content to constitute a constructive avenue for student opinion. Letters should be directed to the newspaper’s email, rhsflash@gmail.com. Rocklin High School 5301 Victory Lane Rocklin, CA 95765 916-632-7498 http://rhs.rocklin.k12.ca.us/

March 2011