Desert Illustrated Oct. 2019 Issue

DESERT ILLUSTRATED October 2019 Edition GRAPEVINE The band that outshined the talent show ALL ABOUT KATHERINE ROJAS

Learn the mind and upcoming of the student body president SOCIAL MEDIA VS. BODY STANDARDS

The generation ideals that lead teen girls to believe they aren't beautiful

Table of Contents 4-5: A LETTER TO MY PAST SELF 6-7: SAFETY SHINES A NEW LIGHT 8-9: FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME 10-11: STRUMMING THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS 12-13: PATH TO PRESIDENCY 14-15: RUNNING THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE 16-17: MOM OR DAD? WHY DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE? 18: A GUIDE TO A PERFECT HOCO 20: HALLOWEEN AS A TEENAGER: A GUIDE 21: COMING OF AGE MOVIES 2 2 - 2 3 : P U S H I T T O T1H E L I M I T 24-25: LESS AND LESS LICENSES 26-27: SOCIAL MEDIA VS BODY STANDARDS 28-29: THE UNIQUENESS OF BEING ASIAN 30: MUST BE THE SEASON OF THE WITCH 31: STUDENT SUBMISSION 32: TEENS TRICK OR TREATING PROS AND CONS 33: ITS OKAY TO PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE 34: MORE STUDENTS BIGGER CROWD 36-37: SELF DOUBT: THE ULTIMATE ENEMY

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EDITOR IN CHIEF: ABBEY STEINMAN

Staff

EDITORS: CHRISTIAN MANRIQUEZ MELISSA PARSONS EVELYN GARCIA PODCAST DIRECTOR: TIFFANY PUGH SOCIAL MEDIA REP: CHASITY PESCADO

ALIAH ALVAREZ ALLEN TAYLOR ANGELICA ALVAREZ ANN-YA YSABELLE CUNANAN ARIANA LEUER BYRON RAYMUNDO ELI CALANDRA ELIZABETH BOREK FELIX LY JAZMYNE RAYNE COMPEHOS JULIAN ROMO KYLE MUNA LEILANI BERNARDO MADISON SANT MCKENNA BISHOP STAESHA TADEO-CORPUZ

A letter to my past self

By: Evelyn Garcia

Dear past self, If you’re reading this, you’re a freshman at a new school and know absolutely no one. I know you’re worried that you won’t have anyone to hang out with and you’re upset that you have to start all over. I can tell you not to worry because as time passes you’ll meet a group of great people who will become some of your best friends that you’ll make lifelong memories with. I wish I could say that you will get to graduate with all the many friends you make at Spring Valley, but unfortunately, that is not the case. These life long memories can either leave you happy or teach you a rough lesson that bites. As confusing as high school already is, hopefully I could sort some things out.

Your freshman year goes by far too quick when you want to experience new things, meet new people, and well, mature. Forming your friend group makes freshman year worth while. This particular group of friends will bring you so many joyful memories that even in your senior year you‘ll look back at them and smile. This group of friends makes you feel more comfortable at a new school and they are big part of what makes this first year of high school so great. Towards the end of the year you start planning your 15th birthday party which is one of the greatest memories that you’ll have for life.

Your sophomore year will go by in a flash and seems almost uneventful.

You’ll meet a girl who is one of the best people you’ll meet in your life and grow to be closer. Throughout this year you realize that schoolwork becomes harder, you discover what subjects your good at and the ones you’re not so good at. It is this year you found that you are absolutely terrible at geometry, and if we are being honest, math in general. I also hate to say you never get any better at it either.

Besides schoolwork getting more difficult there are some people who get harder to deal with. I want to warn you about drama because at the end of the day it won’t mean anything to you in a month so don’t overthink it.

Going through the motions is a good tactic to go by, but expect some things to be harder to get past.

This will also be the year where you start having a really hard time dealing with anxiety. The summer after sophomore year you go through some tough stuff. During the time it takes for you to heal from those tragic events, you realize how much your friends and family truly support you.

That summer was full of change not only to your overall life style but you begin to fill in your shoes. You begin to become you.

This whole situation does become the reason you start of junior year at a new school. Moving schools was refreshing but at the same time a very nerve racking transition. It feels for a moment like you are back in freshman year lost, not knowing anyone but after a few weeks you learn your way around and make new friends. I will warn that junior year is definitely your most difficult and stressful year yet. You get overwhelmed but you will make it through the year.

Before you know it time will fly by and you’ll be a senior. I can’t tell you much about senior year yet but I have a feeling it's going to be a good year and I’m going to make the best of it. Also you need to stop procrastinating on your big projects, it has been three years it never worked out before and it probably never will. You have no idea how much better things get so keep your head held high and make the most out of every opportunity.

ALIAH ALVAREZ

SAFETY SHINES A NEW LIGHT Most students were surprised when they walked in the school without knowing the new principal, Dr. Jennifer Boeddeker. However, very quickly they learned about her safety-first focus for this school.

Dr. Boeddecker, seeing the size and scope of the student body, immediately realized how vulnerable the school is to potential violence, and wanted to create new policies such as: I.D badges, a new tardy policy, and a stricter dress code to make sure Desert Oasis is as safe as it can be.

Safety is nothing new for Dr. Boedekker, who before coming to D.O. and prior to entering into the world of education, was a police officer for 10 years. Dr. Boeddeker worked as a vulnerable victims police officer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“When I was a police officer many years ago, I worked in a very small police department and so when I was pregnant they assigned me to be a school police officer. I fell in love with being around highschool kids and all that kind of stuff, so that’s when I decided that I wanted to move on to education after my daughter was born.”

Contrary to some people's opinion, being a police officer is not an easy job. It takes hard work and dedication to do what you have to do, but what some people don’t see is that there’s some similarities (as well as the obvious differences) between education and law enforcement.

“I think that police officers have a very commanding presence. It’s the natural piece of the job, a lot of people will tell you that I seem kind of scary, but I think that it’s a presence you learn as a police officer.” says Dr. Boedeker, “but the bigger, more helpful piece is that you learn to talk to people regardless of their emotional states, so when people are agitated you know how to talk to them. When they’re upset you know how to talk to them, or even happy, and the biggest thing is you have to pull them around to your side, so I think learning how to talk to people is talking to people regardless of their emotional state.” says Dr. Boeddeker.

One of the biggest things that Dr. Boeddeker has added to our school for major safety reasons are the I.D badges. Everyone has different opinions on them about how dumb they are, that they are not necessary, but little do they know that it’s what’s keeping our school more safe than it was before.

“It’s almost a life skill at this point, because you will notice that your teachers are required to wear them too. If you go to Google, you have to wear them at Google so they know you belong there, you watch people in movies that sign in and out of their job, and even if you’re a mechanic working on a car you’ll notice that they have name tags and all that kind of stuff, so you know it is a life skill and that you will always and forever have to be able to identify yourself as being where you’re supposed to be.” says Dr. Boeddeker.

Without I.D badges you wouldn’t be able to identify who is supposed to be on school grounds. It’s great for our safety and shows just how much our principal cares for the students here.

“I think that being able to identify who is supposed to be on your campus and who isn’t when you have almost 3,400 students and over 200 people in staff is important, especially as a new principal who doesn’t know anyone. Our campus is very open and you don’t necessarily have to walk in the main office, for the most part you will see a campus monitor who is generally posted up out there.” says Dr. Boeddeker.

Everyone has a life outside of school and Dr. Boedekker is no different.

Some people feel like maybe the school knows a little to much about us and our lives, so why don’t we get to know our new principal and a little bit and about her life.

“I like to travel, float in my swimming pool, and spend time with my daughter.

I like hot yoga, I read a lot, and I love to watch scary movies.” says Dr. Boeddeker, who was very much into sports and was the athletic type growing as a kid. “I grew up playing basketball and volleyball, and I actually went to college on a volleyball scholarship which was pretty cool.”

Dr. Boeddeker did attend some colleges after highschool.

She graduated from The Booming of Metropolis of Morgan Town with two master degrees, and eventually earned a PHD from UNLV.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME Jazmyne Compehos Concussion movie changes moms view of sons career in football.

Usually movies about sports try to motivate their audience to continue persevering, to never give up and to continue fighting for the love of the game no matter the obstacles. However, for Janorris Sejour, or more specifically his mother, Raquel Byrd, that was not the case. Janorris started to play football at age 8, but his last year playing was his 8th grade year because of his mom's experience with the movie "Concussion."

“I didn’t want him to play football anymore because football is a dangerous sport. I do not want to see my child get hurt or have a bad migraine during the game after a hit.

The movie 'Concussion' is what made me realize how dangerous it can be,” Raquel stated.

However, Janorris Sejour picked up a new talent, and put his efforts into basketball.

Throughout his high school career he played Varsity Basketball for Desert Oasis, and although he was playing basketball, his heart and desire was still into football. Janorris is a senior in highschool, and he decided for his last year he wanted to go back to the game he loves, football.

“I told my step dad (Michael Byrd) that I wanted to play for my last year, because I knew that if I told my mom, she wouldn’t have let me,” Janorris confessed. Michael Byrd helped by convincing Raquel into letting Janorris play, she wasn't very ecstatic about it, but all she shuddered was, “I just want him to have fun and live out his high school dreams without getting injured.”

Under the circumstances of his mother, he took it. Janorris practices every week day after school from 1:30 pm to 6, including Saturdays. In between those times, he has weight training and field work. He is a first string wide receiver, and mentions “My role models are my family members like my uncle and especially my dad. All they do is coach and play, they rose with the same people as they grew up, that’s who taught me how to play.” He decided to put all of his attention into football, and hopefully get a full-ride scholarship. He prefers to go to any college, but if he would have to choose, “I’d have to choose UNLV, University of Florida, or Oklahoma,” who he already has connections with. With the support of his mom, she explains “I really don’t focus on scholarships for sports. I know he is capable of receiving an academic scholarship. Janorris is very smart and I want him to have as many opportunities to go to college.”

Despite all of the time, work, and dedication put into football, there are some negative aspects to the game. “I get irritated sometimes because I miss out on a lot with family and friends, don't have time to have fun, and im always tired and exhausted. Sometimes I don’t do homework because some days are really tiring. Most of the time I don’t do it at night and do them in the morning in my open periods,” Janorris noted, “One way that I get through things is the motivation from my coaches and teammates.” Janorris’s coach, Brandon Stott, always says, “No matter who it is, there is always a school that wants a player who really wants to play football,” Jannoris expressed, “Coach’s quote makes me strive to the best of my abilities, even if I fail, it makes me push harder.”

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Strumming their way to success

Michael Podolsky

Paul Eaken

By Abbey Steinman

Breathe in and breathe out. You can do this.

You’ve practiced these pieces since the first day of school. Why are these lights so bright all of a

days practicing the repertoire for an hour or two,” Podolsky stated.

When Podolsky and Eakens performed,

sudden? Will the judges even acknowledge my

they embraced their confidence playing the

skills? Oh boy. .. Just remember to hit the A sharp in

songs that they received before hand. Though the

measure 30. Let's do this.

guitarist

These were the thoughts that drifted upon juniors Michael Podolsky and Paul Eaken when auditioning for CCSD Honor Guitar. Both students

were frightened of the sight reading portion as it was the most challenging part of the audition. “(Everyone) Had the same mindset. We

passed the audition as it’s known to be one of the

were all worried for that part of the audition

most difficult ensembles to get in the district. By

because you don't get to practice in advance and

pursuing their passion, the two players were able to

you play it right in front of them. I was more

succeed their audition through endless hours of

confident about the audition music because I

practicing the rigorous repertoire.

obviously had time to practice it beforehand,”

In the guitar world, the ability to audition for and make honor guitar represents the guitarist high level playing capability. Both students had to study four audition pieces over a months span and had to sight read two new pieces.These six piece displays the players strength to achieve playing in time, contrasting dynamics, and sight reading on the spot.

Podolsky is fourth chair and Eakens is eighth out of all members; however, Podolsky is second chair and Eakens is fifth excluding national guitar members. Both guitarists will represent Desert Oasis amogst other schools like Carando, Legacy, Las Vegas Academy, etc..

“I’ve been playing guitar for eight years and I wanted to take guitar to the next level and see what I can achieve. I stayed after school for about 3 or 4

Eakens stated.

Honor Guitar holds several practices throughout September to October in preparation for their concerts on November 2nd and December 12th. The program allows students to excel their classical guitar skills.

“I hope to not only become a better musician but also a better performer like all great guitarists. I’m also excited about learning to read (music) better, gaining more repertoire and getting more comfortable with the instrument,” Eakens gladly expressed.

As for Podolosky, "Hopefully it's a stepping stone to take state or national honor guitar next year."

Path to presidency By: Arianna Leuer Katherine Rojas just did not stumble

Being involved in something so time

into office. The current student body

consuming and school oriented, the

president

be

stuco members have to build a close

involved in school council at the age

bond with one another. Just like any

of six.

found

inspiration

to

As she followed her older

brother into school and watched him setup the school events, she knew the path to follow.

“When

I

team, family, years. fall

got

to

highschool

I

got

stuco

in

ends

up

becoming

acting

closer

as

over

a

the

It’s one reason why members love

with

being

part

of

the

council and stay a part of it through

They are very set on a certain mindset

their high school career.

and it can be frustrating; whereas, my

involved with stuco and then followed his

same

steps.

I

was,

class president, last year I was student body vice president, and this year I’m student body president,” said Rojas, “It

was

him

otherwise

who

I

got

really

brother just understands and helps me

sophomore

me

into

wouldn’t

it, be

“My brother showed me what it is and

through things because he knows I can’t

the stuco Family as well as everything

do everything by myself.”

they do for the school. For this and for a lot of things he’s definitely my role model.”

Now that it is her time to shine in the

her older brother, who inspires her,

presidency position, Rojas has a lot in

but he is also her biggest supporter.

store for the school year.

It

takes

a

lot

commitment

of

to

hard

work

continue

and

being

student council, so having someone

of

help you along the way really boosts

just

everything;

other

executive

motivation.

supporter

I was student body vice president, I

what she does and all the stress she

was in charge of assemblies, but this

can be put under; whereas, her parents

year

don’t.

assemblies;

I’m

charge

of

overlooking

it

just

because

such he

a

her

specific thing. For example, last year

in

been

Katherine,

brother

not

has

For

positions are usually in charge of a

I’m

activities

so can

many put

a

extralot

of

it’s

important

to

know

what

you

can

personally handle and how to organize your time to fit everything in such a packed schedule

in

“As student body president it’s more

your

in

pressure on one student, which is why Not only does Katherine look up to

whereas,

involved

curricular

involved with stuco.”

overlooking

Being

huge

understands

“Overtime I’ve learned how to do this.

It’s

gotten

easier

because

ever

since

freshman year I’ve been busy. I did all three sports, stuco, and had good grades.

I still struggle with it, but it’s just time management, like learning my schedule and knowing the times that I have to do stuff and prioritizing a lot.”

and

overlooking every aspect as well as

“My biggest supporter definitely has

trying to make sure everything goes

to be my brother, just overall, he has a

It

well. I also help influence ideas and

very big impact on me. My parents

skills and tactics to stay on track as well

then bigger things like talking with

support

really

as to form connections with people to

the principal about new suggestions

understand everything I do because

help you because one can only take on

we want to enforce.

I basically serve

they have such a different mentality.

so much.

as a connection between the council

They’re not from here, they’re from

and

South Columbia, so they don’t know

administration

everywhere.”

to

input

ideas

me,

but

they

don’t

what the high school life is like.

becomes

critical

to

pick

up

useful

“I’ve

really

learned

to

ask

help “Some other struggles I had was at times I

for

because sophomore year I suffered a lot. would

student

most beneficial things of Katherine’s

Asking right,

for

and

important

time help,

in

a

big

delegating

knowing

what’s

compared

to

position. and school. I would make sure my council my

time had everything instead of focusing on how

urgent

what’s

and

not

is

key.”

When for

I need this and I need to do this for my future.

That’s something I’ve learned to

value and have come to realize that taking Katherine

student

usually

isn’t

council

you

can

doing

or

find

her her

something academics,

engaging

in

sports. She’s already busy as can be, but somehow she manages to find time to be a

before

in

council turned out to be one of the

first

people

involved

myself,

my

other

being

I felt like I had to do everything and it especially when it comes to the council was

put

Overall

three

season

athlete.

These

include

basketball, cross country, and track. It is

Not

only

has

she

had

a

busy,

yet

successful high school career, but the council has brought her a great road to

it one by one helps a lot to focus.”

success to follow for the future.

It may be hard to keep your eyes set on long

term

important

goals, to

set

but

that’s

short

term

why goals

it’s to

remember what you’re working for. This way you can mark your progress as you

important for her to utilize this time as a go. Otherwise it can be really easy to want way to take a break from her studies and to give it all up.

“I really don’t like to admit it, especially “Sports, definitely, is one of my outlets, because no one’s asked me this before, but I really love there

have

“I like being behind and putting things together

definitely

been

some

nights

for

involved

people.

with

a

Since

variety

of

I’m things

so I

know a lot of people with different opinions. like

release some of the built up stress.

especially with running.

youth.

That’s one of the things I

because

I

have

all

of

these

different opinions and can take their voices to events. In the future I want to be a doctor.

I want to go to college

basketball because when I step into the where I’m just sitting at my desk ready to

and then go into the Air Force as a

gym and start practice, all I’m thinking quit, questioning why I did this to myself.

Military doctor or nurse to serve my

about is basketball.

I reflected on this There have been times when I wish I could

one day after practice and realized this is something I need because right now I’m thinking about all of the things I have to do after school and stuff like that, but when playing basketball, my mind just goes blank, so it’s really nice to have that as an outlet to have breaks from school.”

quit everything I do and be a normal high schooler who goes home at one for once, does all of their homework and be able to sleep eight hours. But when I reflect on it the next day I realize I do this because I want

to

get

somewhere

and

reach

my

ultimate goal.”

“I definitely have faced a

While all of these activities can be fun and exciting to be a part of, sometimes

lot of challenges and I’ve

the amount of pressure to keep everything together has gotten the best of Katherine;

learned from all of it.”

however, giving up on her passion has never

been

the

answer.

Instead

she There have been times when Katherine has

reflects on why she stays involved and thought

about

quitting

everything

remembers that in the end it’s all worth it extracurricular she does, but sooner than to her.

“I

later

she

remembers,

quitting

is

not

an

option and that doing all of this is for the definitely

have

faced

a

lot

of better,

preparing

her

for

a

successful

challenges and I’ve learned from all of future. it.

A lot of the times I couldn’t find

motivation. I had this big dream of going to this particular college, being student body president, and doing all of these things, but it was so overwhelming I just wouldn’t be motivated, especially in my underclassmen

years.

I

was

really

struggling to find that, but I found it more towards my junior year, and obviously now because it’s so close.”

Not only is Katherine set on going to one of the prestigious schools in California, but she also hopes to start the next chapter of

her

attend

life

there.

University

Katherine of

dreams

California

to

(USC).

Although she has a lot to look forward to in her near future, it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get there.

country. After service, I want to work at a hospital in Los Angeles because I just love California.”

Mom or Dad? Why Do I Have To Choose?

Question and Answer

The struggles of growing up with divorced parents while being a teenager.

While some teenagers like Aileen who don't nescessarly mind living with divcorced parents and hopping between houses, there are others wishing they were in a similar situation. The student interviewed has been wishing for a while now she lived a reality similar to Aileen.

Q: What is your family situation? Do you have any siblings?

A: “Ok, so basically, I have an older sister, she’s nineteen. When I was younger I lived with just my mom and never knew my dad. My sister was with my dad, but she didn’t really live with him very much either.

My dad’s an alcoholic and he was a drug addict for a really long time so that’s why he wasn’t really in our lives. I met him when I was ten years old.”

By Mckenna Bishop

In two minutes, the time it takes for a couple to recite their wedding vows, there are 9 divorces. In two hours, the

divorce,” Rodrigo stated.

Although she didn’t really understand,

length of an average romantic comedy,

the divorce was still upsetting for Aileen as

there are more than 500 divorces. There

she couldn’t see her mom as much. She

is a divorce every 13 seconds in

lives with her dad now, going back and

America. However, during those same

forth between houses every weekend.

time periods, another problem sprouts at

Living with this routine for so long,

hand.

Rodrigo says it doesn’t really have much

Divorce not only tears apart a

it can have serious consequences if there are children involved.

This poses multiple questions: What is it like for the child

of an impact on her life now

"It gets lonesome sometmes."

relationship with ones spouse, but

Q: What is your relationship with your parents?

A: “My dad and I have a really difficult relationship. We've grown a friendship, but still manage to argue a lot. We also don't get that much along because he's strict.

I was only five when they got their

of divorced parents? Is it something that impacts their life for years to come?

What is it like as a teenager? Sophomore, Aileen Rodrigo, can answer these questions as she’s been living with divorced parents for ten years.

“I didn’t really know what was

"[Going between houses] It’s fun.

Sometimes when I get bored, and I can just go to the other house. It always

one ot the other. At my dad's

we always have a lot of fast food because my dad can’t cook... obviously.

At my moms, she has all these snacks.

It’s different living at each house,” expressed Rodrigo.

For Rodrigo , her mom’s house is very different. At her mom’s, she has

happening at the time. All I really knew

younger siblings. This gives her more

was that my mom and dad weren’t

responsibilities like watching and taking

together anymore. Obviously, I was sad.

care of her younger siblings. Her dad’s

is polar opposite as it’s “more chill”. It’s

Dealing with school work, extra-

rather a more calm environment and she

curricular activities, and two homes

has her own room.

can be a lot for someone to deal with,

"Surprisingly, I actually have a closer especially teenagers, and being a relationship with my mom even though I teenager with divorced parents is not live with my dad. I mostly have my

uncommon at Desert Oasis. Many

mom’s personality, humor, style. When

students live with a situation similar

I'm with my mom, we get to hangout and to Rodrigo ’s as they’re growing up. build our bond. My dad is usually at work Rodrigo says she knows “a handful” all the time, so we don’t get that same

of people whose parents have

chance,” Rodrigo stated.

divorced.

Rodrigo has mixed feelings about the independence she has at her dad’s house.

On one hand, she likes it because she can get work done and it’s nice to have peaceful surroundings. On the other, she misses her siblings when she’s away.

Rodrigo is more than glad to have independence at her dad's house, but she begins to feel lonely without them.

Though Rodrigo enjoys living in two seperate houses, it does irritate her sometimes when she doesn’t want to go to a specific house. She struggles having to go from one place to another when school activities are occurring. Rodrigo has to sacrifice her school life in order to fit her home life.

“I’ve missed choir events because I’m at my mom’s babysitting my younger siblings. It’s not really where I live. It’s mostly when I’m at my mom’s I miss a couple things. Usually the stuff I have to do for choir is after school, so sometimes it's not a big problem. It’s just a small inconvenience that takes a little time to solve.”

Many students here at Desert Oasis can probably relate to Rodrigo as Nevada’s divorce rate is the highest in the nation sitting at 5.6%. For students at D.O., their family problems may affect their ability to engage with school activities and events.

“My advice to people going through a parents divorce now is to never blame yourself and know your parents still love you."

Q: You wish your parents were divorced, why?

A: “For the most part, yeah. It's come to terms that they're "toxic" for one another.

The whole backstory is hectic, so to summarize, they're both not willing to let each other go. My dad reached seven years of sobriety; however, my mom took that away when she went to go buy him a drink. You could only imagine how upset I was..."

Q: How does your relationship with your family affect other aspects of your life (school/work)?

A: “If I'm going to be honest, I've practically dealt with this my whole life. It all feels normal to me. When certain things happen, it doesn't have a drastic affect on me. I usually end up having a bad attitude if I'm going through something. I just have a hard time understanding, trusting people, and acknowledging what's going on."

Q: How long have you disliked your parents?

A: “Well, I would probably say about three years. Of course, when I was younger I didn't get the big picture. Though once I started getting to the age where things aren't so hard to follow, I understood everything for the most part. My sister would have to explain it to me, and I'd have no choice but it accept the facts."

U N D E R

T H E

Sea

Homecoming Dance: 10/19 7-10 PM

Kickball: 10/15 & 10/17 4-6 PM

Movie Night 10/16 6:30-8 PM

Assembly 10/18

Tail Gate 10/18 4-6 PM

Parade & Football Game 10/18 7 PM

Hoco t c e f a per o t e uid G A

Homecoming is approaching fast. It’s the time of the season to acknowledge the school coming together once again. It’s the first dance of the year and regardless if you are a freshman or senior, you definitely don’t want to miss out. To make homecoming more memorable and miraculous follow this guide.

in e t a p i k c i e t e r Pa co W Ho

By Aliah Alvarez

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Movies

COMING OF AGE Christian Manriquez

THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND "In a funk," Joel Barish impulsively calls in sick to work and takes a train to a cold, lonely beach. It's there he sees Clementine, a free spirit whose hair changes as frequently as her mood. Despite their wildly opposite personalities, the two click instantly. What neither of them remember, and what friends are quick to remind them, is that they've already dated once before. The two fell in and out of love, once upon a time, but had their minds erased of the memory to avoid heartbreak.

With their past two year relationship erased from their minds, both are left with a sense of emptiness. While, yes, the erased memories took away the heartbreak, it also took away their identities as well. With these particular experiences missing, it was hard for either of them to grow as people.

GOOD WILL HUNTING

Will Hunting: the seemingly normal, if not troublesome, college aged boy turned discovered mathematical genius. Written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, this story is one of faith, love, and trust. Will’s growth from a mistrustful boy who used his high-level intelligence to win college bar fights to someone who learns how to move on from his past, and even manages to fall in love is almost inspirational of sorts.

PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Starting his freshman year as a kid too quiet for his own good wasn’t easy for Charlie. When he goes to a football game and meets two of the greatest friends he’ll probably ever make, things start looking up for him. His year is radically changed, navigating new uncharted territories of drugs, sexuality, and most importantly, friendship.

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@DESERT.ILLUSTRATED ON IG

Push it to the limit

By Kyle Muna

Athletes all face the same problems: mental and

Players begin to get more competitive when playing

physical setbacks. Sports are all “high risk, high

for high school as they all strive to be a better athlete for

reward.” For example, there’s big money but also

their desired college. Maxey’s hard work over the years

possible life changing injuries. As well as the amount of

has opened the doors to various opportunities. He was

time being invested can all be extremely overwhelming.

invited to a Notre Dame camp and USC invitational

Athletes can be mentally consumed as they have close to

camp where he talked to multiple coaches such as Nick

no time for themselves dealing with long difficult

Rolovich, a coach for the University of Hawaii who was

practices, homework, and life home.

interested in his playing style.

Senior Brian Vierra-Gonzalez joined the football

Though, while he was offered with these once in a

team later in the season as a result of an unfortunate

lifetime opportunities, Maxey was faced with tough

confrontation with his coach over the summer. However,

decisions. This ultimately resulted in him quitting due to

Gonzalez quickly bounced back from a rough start. He

the tough coaching and other personal obligations.

pushed his way through to earn a starting spot on the D-

Trajan Dinkel, junior, a two sport athlete, dedicates

line. For instance, he’s always encouraging others to use

his time playing track and field as well as playing

his plays as fuel to push themselves. Another big factor

football. After just one year playing in youth football,

that playing football brings to the table is that it helps a

Dinkel immediately fell in love with not only the sport,

lot with stress.

but the adrenaline rush it gives.

Football is one of the very few sports that you are

Dinkel is only in his third year of playing both

legally allowed to hit someone. That alone is enough for

sports. He’s been able to manage his time well leading

some players, specifically males, to release their built up

him to become an exceptional athlete. Dinkel was a

energy as they aren’t very good at expressing feelings.

starter his freshman and sophomore year. As of now,

As mentioned before, Gonzalez joined the team late. It

he’s a key bounce player or someone who fills in where

was due to a bad confrontation with a coach over the

needed.

summer, yet, he also managed to have a major impact on the defensive side of the ball.

Dominic Maxey, junior, is in his fifth year playing

“At times, the sport gets rough with negative teammates who can bring down your mindset, or even opinions of others can either be used as fuel to drive

the sport and is now in his second year of varsity. For

you- or the fuel to start the fire that’s burning you down.

Maxey, it’s all about being the best at his craft. He

Except, that’s the bright side of the sport. It’s a great

strives to not only be the best middle linebacker on the

way to cope with stress and anger. Not only that, but it

team, but he pushes himself to be ranked nationally.

physically and mentally strengthens you, pushing to and

Within the game, there are major changes in both the

past your limits, it teaches you how to get pushed down

intensity and pace as players work their way up to senior

and get right back up. It shows you that you’re stronger

year. Maxey led the team in total tackles both his

than you previously thought,” Dinkel expressed.

freshman and sophomore seasons and was even 3rd in the state for his grade both years.

"It’s said that you lose your passion through coaches, but I feel as if you never really had the passion in the first place. Biggest advice from me is that you need to seek out something that you’re willing to go through the disagreements and arguments.

At the end you need to find something that is worth fighting for rather than just quitting and giving up" - Coach Cody Smith

LESS LESS AND AND LESS LESS LICENSES LICENSES

WRITTEN BY: ANGELICA AlVAREZ

Addison Waite, 12

Freedom, so close yet so far away...

Getting your license is a sweet taste of freedom that comes with age. Once you are sixteen you are able to get your license. It’s an important coming of age milestone for teens, but throughout the years teens have lost interest in wanting to actually get their license. A license is important to have, being that our cities are built on the idea that the car is the most popular transportation because it’s so unbelievably convenient. Many kids at Desert Oasis have or at least attempted to get their licenses, however the process has become hard and stressful.

“I have tried to go get my license just a few weeks ago, unfortunately there were complications on my scheduled test day so I wasn’t able to get my license, but I did renew my permit. The process of getting your license is annoying, with all the documents and things you need to find. Not having a license is annoying but I’ll get it soon so I just gotta hang on.” -Anonymous Making time for your test isn’t a tedious task. Since most of our world is easily acceptable through our phones, DMVs have actually made it easier for you by being able to make appointments online. Time can be seen as a detrimental factor in the balance between school and getting your license. Some students are in no rush to get their license as expressed by a student who preferred to remain anonymous below,

THE REALITY OF DRIVING: Teens are 10 times more likely to be in a fatal car accident than adults.

A third of few crashes occur at an intersection.

Teens ages 15-20 with no driving education cause 91% of teen driver accidents.

53% of teen driver crashes occur on a Friday, Saturday,or Sunday.

Speed was a factor in 31% of US teen driver fatalities.

In the Eyes of a Student "I don't have my license because I haven't had the time. But I am trying to get it within the next month. Driving with a license is important, but im okay with not having one right now but sooner or later I’m going to need one so I can go to the places I want without having to ask for someone to take me. -Anonymous

Some students try to find a loophole in the system, and take the risk by driving unlicensed. Students are not aware of how serious of an issue it is to drive without a license. Fees can range go up to $1,000: not a fun number.

“Driving without a license can be a big fee.

It can also lead to jail time depending on the situation. There has been multiple crashes, with students and even parents trying to be slick. We just ask for everyone to follow the rules of the road.” expressed

by Miller.

For senior, Grace Diponio, it was drilled in her head that having a license is very important and a big responsibility, allowing her to get from place to place without needing someone. Even though she was excited to get on the road she never forgot about the dangers.

Remember when driving that it’s not all fun and games... It’s something that can take someone’s life. Getting educated about the road is one of the smartest things you can do, it’s one step closer to becoming an adult, and getting the freedom for which some teens crave.

“You are driving a weapon, it can take life, and it’s a pretty scary thing.” Grace expressed.

Through Ms. Miller's perspective Ms. Miller, the assistant principal of Desert Oasis, is the only one that can sign your DMV attendance paper that allows you to take the test for your permit. In the state of Nevada, you need to be in school 90% of the time.

Before you can take the test that would soon lead to getting your license, you need to go through Ms. Miller first.

“If your attendance slips we can deny it or take it away, but sometimes we do work with the student. We tell the student okay, if you can go three weeks without missing school we will give it to you.”

Miller explained. On average 17% of students that apply for a permit get denied.

SOCIAL MEDIA VS BODY STANDARDS WRITTEN BY MADISON SANT

CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT Advertisers use the celebrity endorsement tatic to promote toxic diets.

KYLIE JENNER & ASHLEY TISDALE DISPLAY THIS TACTIC AS PICTURED BELOW.

While more than 54% of teens spend too much time on their cellphones and endlessly scroll through their social media pages multiple times a day, they begin to idolize having a flat tummy and an hourglass figure.

Within today's age, the teenage generation heavily craves upon the likes of social media. Through unrealistic dieting ads and social media influencers, young girls develop insecurity problems and the impression that they aren’t beautiful.

With the new body standard, it’s not abnormal to be so insecure and having low self-esteem. Today, 80% of eighth-grade girls say they are on diets. Seven million girls and women have eating disorders, compared with 1 million boys and men. Ten percent report onset depression at 10 years or younger; 33 percent ages 11 to 15. Twenty percent college-aged women in America are bulimic. These statistics shouldn’t be this high, however it is the world we live in today that contributes to this unhealthy behavior.

Being in highschool is the ultimate peak for students to be easily persuaded by Instagram posts. The main type of advertising used for dieting tea is celebrity endorsement. Celebrity endorsement ads are a form of brand or advertising campaign that involves a well known person using their fame to help promote a product or service.

Influencers today constantly post ads about “dieting” gummies or tea.

Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Tana Mongeau, work with companies that create these unhealthy ways to lose weight. Unrealistic diets include, weight loss pills, only eating two meals a day, and cutting out most of the food groups from your diet. Those ads can create toxic behavior throughout our young girls & teach them that you don’t need to eat healthier or workout to look the way they do.

Teens aspire to be like their favorite ‘famous’ accounts in order to deem themselves as a social media “star.”They give off the impression that if you want your body to look good, do it the unhealthy way. Girls and boys follow these accounts and look up to them because of their lifestyle. Teens aspire to be as successful and attractive like these influencers because most of us don’t live the life they do. Celebrities are always getting new things done to their body, it makes it hard to believe that everybody is perfect.

#LOVEANYBODY LOEYLANE

Our world today gives no effort to the idea of ‘“loving your body.” So many retail stores have plus size clothing now, but not enough. Stores like Brandy

“When I was younger I used to move a lot. I had to

Melville, Victoria’s Secret, PacSun, Urban Outfitters, etc

enroll in so many schools and was constantly getting

have small sizes and no plus size section. Victoria’s

picked on. I started to become insecure at a very young

Secret chief marketing officer Ed Razek, who also takes

age. When I finally moved to Vegas I found good friends

part in the model casting gave an interview with Vogue

who made me feel good about myself. Every photo I

explaining why they don’t cast plus size models.

posted on social media, they never failed to let me know how beautiful I am until I started to really believe

“I think we address the way the market is shifting on a

it.” said Christen Capistrano,12th.

constant basis. If you’re asking if we’ve considered putting a transgender model in the show or looked at

On the positive side, there are so many great aspects of

putting a plus-size model in the show, we have. We

social media. More plus size models are popping up all

invented the plus-size model show in what was our

over instagram and helping to spread the message of

sister division, Lane Bryant. Lane Bryant still sells plus-

loving your body. Models like LoeyLane and Lizzo help

size lingerie, but it sells a specific range, just like every

young girls grow the confidence to love themselves and

specialty retailer in the world sells a range of clothing.

believe that everyone is beautiful. Loey Lane has a

As do we. We market to who we sell to, and we don’t

whole campaign called #LoveAnyBody. This campaign

market to the whole world,” Razek proudly expresses.

also has skincare products like stretch mark cream, stretch mark serum, anti-chafe stick, and anti-chafe

Another well known brand also had a scandal regarding

ointment.

the sensitive topic. Forever 21 put dieting bars into every plus size order. After it was blown up all over

“Growing up I never worshipped any of those

social media, the company put out a statement,

influencers because none of them were my type; however, I started to look up to Lizzo. She is all about

"From time to time, Forever 21 surprises our customers

body positivity & loving yourself. Lizzo is such a great

with free test products from third parties in their e-

influence for young insecure girls. She really helped me

commerce orders," the company said. "The freebie

start to love my body.” said Christen Capistrano,12th.

items in question were included in all online orders, across all sizes and categories, for a limited time and

As our world changes every day, the body standard

have since been removed. This was an oversight on our

continues to change with it. This new body standard

part and we sincerely apologize for any offense this

forms from the digital world inside our phones: social

may have caused to our customers, as this was not our

media. Our generation has come to idolize the small

intention in any way."

waist and hourglass figure through many posts being plastered around the internet. What people don’t

The emphasis on the newly-adopted body standard in

realize, is that these posts have influence. Toxic

our world today is outrageous. Many girls become

behaviors and diets can be seen in adolescent girls

insecure at such a young age. However, it is best t

contributing to a low self esteem. Body positivity is

believe in yourself first rather than others.

something that should be normalized. Everyone comes in all shapes and sizes, making everyone unique in their own way.

THE UNIQUENESS OF BEING ASIAN Staesha Tadeo-Corpuz

THE MEANS OF BEING FILIPINO Despite the fact that Sophomore Wesley Areola-Tadeo was born and raised in Hawaii around the Polynesian culture, there is never a day that goes by where he doesn’t appreciate being pinoy.

Standing out and being unique is a feeling that could never compare to anything else.

“It’s a great feeling...I’m proud of it, mostly because as Filipinos, we work very hard and give all of our effort into something.” Areola said.

According to him, not only is the productive side of their culture amazing, but there are many other aspects to solidify its greatness. One of which being the food dishes that they cook and eat, whether it’s a party dish or just a regular homemade dinner.

“My favorite Filipino food is Pork Adobo. It’s basically pork that is fried with a special kind of soy sauce mixed with salt and pepper. There are many more dishes, Pancit and Pork Guisantes, which has peas and tomato sauce in it but the Pork Adobo dish is, hands down, the best.” He said.

To match the tasty dishes, dessert is also a delicious part of the culture. Areola lists the tastiest filipino desserts that come to mind.

“The name of the dessert that I love is Halo-halo. The ingredients to this includes a combination of many things like ube, pieces of coconut, and fruit. I also love to eat Putos which is like a rice cake.”

Areola said.

Along with those extraordinary parts of the culture, he speaks of music and movies that are to die for.

Although he doesn’t understaind or speak the languages like his parents and grandparents do, it never refrains him from watching films or listening to music.

As a matter of fact, he says it’s a good way to appreciate the culture and to learn more about it everyday.

“My favorite Filipino actor is Daniel Padilla, he’s basically my twin because I’ve been told we look alike.

I love all the movies that he’s in. The best movie that he’s in is ‘She’s Dating the Gangster.’” He said.

Just as the movies are, Filipino music is one of a kind. With his experience of learning the meanings of the songs, it holds such a humorous feeling to it.

“Otso otso is a famous song that is usually played at parties.” Areola said. “I grew up hearing that and watching everyone dance to it. The funny thing about the dance is that it’s like a twerk but not exactly.”

Although being Filipino is awesome, there are a few downsides about it. Sometimes it’s about stereotypes or home life, other times it could be about how people really don’t know or understand the culture.

“A stereotype that I dislike about Filipinos is that we all eat dogs because I would never eat a dog.” He said.

Areola also said that sometimes home life isn’t all that good either. It could involve a great deal of being yelled at, having many expectations, and really strict parents.

Having people not know anything about the Filipino culture upsets him. It’s the same as people not knowing the struggle of being identified as Asian and/ or Pacific Islander, sometimes it just gets confusing for him as well.

Wesley said that the positive feeling of his culture outshines the small amount of downsides there is. It never fails to ignite the happiness on the inside of being one of a kind.

A BRIEF HISTORY As you walk around the Desert Oasis campus, take a look and grasp the different races and cultures you see roaming the school. It’s quite fascinating. There are various races that make up our school, Asians being one of the more prominent ones.

In fact, sometimes students fail to realize the different types of Asian cultures there are that walk these halls. There are Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and Filipinos. To learn more and even be able to obtain the knowledge of the lesser known Asians, like Taiwanese, is such a great experience. Without a doubt, the history of this race and all of the ethnicities that come along with it, is absolutely fascinating.

As a matter of fact, the history of the Filipinos is such a captivating story to learn about. Although it may be shocking, the story involves Spain, dating back all the way to 1521.

Magellan, an explorer for Spain, “discovered” the islands. After more expeditions from Spain, the islands were named Las Filipinas for King Phillip II. From there, the Philippines was ruled by the Spanish and had to follow the laws that were made in Spain. Later in time around 1898, the US fought Spain and in doing so, acquired the Philippines. Under the control of the US, the Philippine Islands did not officially get their independence until 1946.

Apart from the Filipino culture, the antiquity of the Taiwanese culture is also very appealing.

Taiwanese people were ultimately taught more about Chinese culture in the future. The Chinese were rulers in the islands of Penghu that is located in the Taiwan Strait.

As time goes on, the Portuguese eventually sailed through the Taiwan Strait and called the island “Beautiful Island” but they didn’t lay claim on it. It was only then in 1622 when the Dutch arrived in the Penghu Islands and ingrained their presence there.

Subsequently, the Spanish came and forced seize upon the island in the year 1626. Their habitation ended sixteen years later when the Dutch drove them out, and with the help of the aboriginals, they also stopped the rebellions by the Chinese. Taiwan was now known as a Dutch Colony. Once again, it didn’t last long as the Chinese came back and removed the Dutch from the island.

The story doesn’t end here, because Taiwan was relinquished to the Japanese for awhile.

Taiwan was once again put back into China’s control and became the Republic of China in 1945.

BEING TAIWANESE: SOMETHING

TO

TAKE

IN

PRIDE

Staesha Tadeo-Corpuz

Being special means being Taiwanese to Senior Sera Bee. Taiwanese is a beautiful culture that exists East of Asia on an island named Taiwan.

Bee gushed on and on about the Taiwanese culture. From various aspects of her ethnicity, one thing that she really loves are the holidays that they celebrate.

“A holiday we celebrate is Autumn Festival, where we eat moon cake for lunar appreciation.” Bee said, “We also celebrate Chinese New Years, where we receive a red envelope full of money during a huge family dinner.”

Aside from the holidays, Bee also loves the Taiwanese food.

“My all time favorite dish is called Zongzi. It’s basically pork and rice wrapped in tea leaves and steamed. It’s so good.” She said.

The culture was so engrossing to talk about, which is why Bee shared more of her favorite things about Taiwan. She compared being an American in America versus being a Taiwanese in Taiwan.

“Taiwan has more narrow streets, super tight parking spots, and everything is mostly walking distance. I also like how Taiwan is cheaper than the US. As a country, we are more pro-democracy and we love our independence.” Bee explained.

As the scenery is different, so are the religions and languages spoken. Their religion is what one wouldn’t really think of when they hear the word Taiwanese.

The religion there is mostly buddhism and there are buddhist temples everywhere. The languages spoken differ from one another because of what they grew up with in Taiwan.

“The main languages spoken in Taiwan are Taiwanese, Mandarin, and English.

Taiwanese is actually not a written language.” She said.

It should be noted that, Taiwan was ruled by and a part of China for awhile, which is one of the reasons as to why a lot of them speak Mandarin.

“Taiwan used to be with China but the country fought for its independence. But, the Taiwanese people hardly like being known as Chinese.” Bee said.

Not only does Taiwan being a part of China affect the languages that Bee speaks, it changes her life and the way that she feels.

“People are surprised to find out about me being Taiwanese, since they don’t know much about it.” She said. To Senior Sera Bee, it isn’t fair that people don’t know much about her culture, but she does love it and take pride in it anyways.

MUST BE THE SEASON OF THE WITCH...

October is here, meaning the Halloween spirit is in the air. These top 13 movies will not only make you burst out in extreme laughter, but will send shivers down your spine!

13 Movies to Watch in October

WRITTEN BY MCKENNA BISHOP

13. CORALINE (2009) Rating: PG The first Tim Burton film to be featured on this list is Coraline. It’s the movie that scared everyone when they were younger. It’s about a girl who’s unhappy with her life and sick of her parents. She wishes she had a better life, but this wish comes true and it is not at all what she expected. It’s creepy and has some really pretty scenes.

12. THE CRAFT (1996) Rating: PG-13 The Craft is about a teenage girl who moves to Los Angeles. She has telekinetic powers which interests three other girls at her school who want to be witches. When one of their rituals is successful they get power crazy. It’s a good movie that’s perfect for Halloween.

11. HALLOWEENTOWN (1998) Rating: G Halloweentown is a classic Disney movie to watch for the start of October. It follows a teenage girl from a family of witches and their fight against evil. It takes place on Halloween which will get everyone excited for the month of October, making it good to watch on the first.

10. THE SHINING (1980) Rating: R The Shining, based off of Stephen King’s book, is often considered one of the most terrifying films of all time. It’s pretty disturbing. It’s a movie that doesn’t have fifteen jump scares in the first five minutes, but it’s really creepy and the suspense builds over the course of the movie. It’s about a man who is a hotel’s caretaker, so him and his family stay at the hotel during the winter which is the off season. However while there bad things start to happen. It’s a great movie to watch for Halloween.

9. A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984) Rating: R The classic, 1984 horror film, A Nightmare on Elm Street is a fantastic movie to watch around Halloween. It is about teenagers who are haunted by someone who attempts to kill them in their dreams. However if they die in their dreams, they die in real life. It is a pretty scary movie just going off of the concept, and it is great to create a scary mood for Halloween.

8. CORPSE BRIDE (2005) Rating: PG Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is a great movie and it’s perfect to watch for Halloween. It’s a gothic romance about a guy who is dragged to the world of the dead when practicing his wedding vows. While there he meets Emily who wants to marry him. Only he’s already marrying Victoria who he likes. It’s a really cute movie to watch for Halloween.

7. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990) Rating: PG-13 Starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, Edward Scissorhands is a movie about a guy who was created in a lab; however, the scientist who created him died before he could finish his work on him. This left him with scissors for hands. It doesn’t sound good, but it is. It’s like a modern version of frankenstein.

6. PRACTICAL MAGIC (1998) Rating: PG-13 Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic is about two sisters from a family of witches. It’s based on the book Practical Magic, and even though it came out twenty years ago, it's still holds up as a great movie to watch for Halloween.

5. CHRISTINE (1983) Rating: R Based on Stephen King’s book, Christine is about a killer car who protects her owner from bullies at his school. It has some pretty cool scenes and tense moments. It is horrifying, but it’s kind of scary. It’s fun to watch in October preparing for Halloween.

4. CASPER (1995) Rating: PG The movie Casper is about Casper the friendly ghost. He’s just a nice little ghost who’s haunting a house up in Maine when he sees James Harvey, a therapist, on television and falls in love with his daughter Kat. The movie is not the best movie ever made, but it’s still fun to watch around Hallowee. .3. IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN (1966) Rating: G This classic cartoon is key to the Halloween spirit. Everyone’s seen it, but it still remains a classic that many people every year. It takes place on Halloween, making it perfect for the month of October. It’s about the Peanuts kids on Halloween 2. NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984) Rating: PG The next Tim Burton film featured on this list is Beetlejuice. Again, not really a scary movie, but it’s still great to watch around Halloween. It is about a dead couple who will go to great lengths to get their house back from the living people who bought it.

1.THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) Rating: R The Silence of the Lambs is the only horror movie in history to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, and it deserves it.

The Silence of the Lambs is a fantastic movie. It’s scary and suspenseful. It features interesting characters. It is about a young student at the FBI training academy, Clarice Starling, and a serial killer/cannibal. She interviews about his crimes for insight on a case, and in exchange she tells him things about herself. It’s scary, interesting, and has a great ending. It’s perfect to watch for a scary mood in October.

Honorable Mentions: MONSTER HOUSE (2006) THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) CHILDREN OF THE CORN (1984) CREEPSHOW (1982) PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (2009) THE CONJURING (2013) FRIGHT NIGHT (1985) PARANORMAN (2012) CHILD PLAY (1988) CARRIE (1976) SCREAM (1996) THE SIXTH SENSE (1999) THE ADDAMS FAMILY (1991) THE MONSTER SQUAD (1987) SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999) THE CROW (1994) HOCUS POCUS (1993) HALLOWEEN (1978)

THE FINAL YARD BY: COURTNEY ZITZMANN

Three boys, seemingly already friends, approached Duncan, who looked particularly lonely on his own, and the blonde of the group, Cameron then proceeded to take him under his wing. Duncan became best friends with another boy in the group named Kevin, and to tie it up neatly, their resident Disney and theatre nerd, Roman was the last of the quartet. They called themselves the pack.

Duncan made the team, as well as the rest of the pack, and then formed a bond stronger than the frame of the Empire State Building. Their strong friendship caused massive wins for their team, and throughout Duncan’s high school career, they would continue to play for four years.

As Duncan grew older and closer and closer to college, he felt intimidated and scared. He was practically relying on football at this point, since his smarts weren’t getting him anywhere. He tried his absolute best when it came to school, but with the limited time he had and him not being able to catch on as fast as others severely hindered him.

DRAWING BY: COURTNEY ZITZMANN

Duncan Smith knew high school was much more different than middle school, but he certainly wasn’t expecting this. As soon as he entered his high school, it was clear as day that he was in for a wild four years.

Bright eyed and determined to find a place in the school, he looked for what sports were starting out this year. He was never the brightest academically, but he sure did try his best. He passes, but only barely. His real calling was for sure football. It took any frustrations of the day and put it to good use, and luckily for him, tryouts were on Thursday.

It didn’t take him long to adjust to the day to day life of running from class to class in a panic, having lunch in a cafeteria that constantly smelled of slightly sour chicken, and the hours of homework he got just from two classes.

The one thing he now was constantly looking forward to was the tryouts.

Come Thursday, and Duncan was fully prepared to take on the team and show them what he was made of. He played in middle school on a team that wasn’t his schools, gaining training from there, so he already had an advantage.

The only thing he wasn't preparing on doing was making the closest friends he'd ever have in his entire life.

On top of all that, Cameron, the now unspoken leader of the group turned out to be more like Regina George then a safe place to go and talk to.

Since he didn’t really bother to make any other close friends though, he had to stay in the pack, with a seemingly just as miserable Kevin and Roman, for which one was complacent and the other was an imitation.

That wide eyed and hopeful child was now an exhausted teen, just waiting for the chance to find a way to graduate.

Repeating the same day over and over again with football not exciting him anymore, he needed to step up his game in college football now, for that’ll surely be more exciting.

He applied for a scholarship to many different colleges, praying that one would take him, and when graduation day came rolling in, he was able to take his diploma alongside the pack, and make a name for himself.

Shortly after he left high school, him, and along with the pack got accepted into the same college together all on football scholarships, so now hopefully he knew he could help himself improve in life now, and as well as all his friends. High school was rough, but he hasn’t even set foot in college yet.

Teens Trick-or-treating

Pros

Free candy

Cons

Big groups

Teens mostly go in large groups which can make it more difficult for kids to walk around and get their candy

It is always nice to get some free candy for any age

Creative Costumes Teens get to dress up and show their creativity through their costumes

provacative costumes Teens costumes aren't always child friendly

It´s kids time for fun

Takes them back

little kids really enjoy going out Halloween and having teens out taking away their candy and fun makes them sad.

It reminds teens of times when they were younger

Lasting memories So many more memories can be made with every halloween that passes

Irritated parrents Teenagers can sometimes be very disrespectful and annoying

It's okay to put down your phone by: Arianna Leuer

Just this morning I noticed that the sky was clear enough to

At this point I have come to realize that I wish I was

see the mountains, I noticed that it was a shade more blue

growing up in a generation that did not have so much

with a hint of grey, and it seemed to show more gloom than

reliance on technology or social media to communicate

yesterday. I also noticed that as I looked around all I saw

with each other. People now-a-days form better

were a bunch of strangers standing by each other.

friendships with people on the internet than face to face. I feel that this generation has lost the ability and knowledge

Standing in circles, seeming to be huddled over their

of how to communicate in person.

phones, all that they could have possibly noticed were the shoes their so called friends could have been wearing, or

I think it’s safe to say, we can all be easily distracted by

who just posted a new picture on Instagram, or the fun

our phones, even if we do not mean to be; however, what’s

people seemed to have at the concert last night advertised

important is to realize just how often we have the urge to

on their snapchat story. Was it really that fun if you took the time to post the whole thing on your story to show

pick it up. From here we can improve on being in the moment.

people who don’t even care?

Instead of looking at your phone first thing in the morning, The point is, how different would it be if we were not constantly distracted by our phones, how different would it be if we were not constantly looking down? Sometimes I

try stretching or opening the blinds and looking outside.

Maybe even start a journal and jot down some thoughts like goals you have before starting your day.

feel like this generation talks to each other more on FaceTime and instant messaging than in actual person.

I heard someone say this once and it was something along the lines of questioning why your phone would be the first

Our communication and the way we interact with each other has definitely been affected by technology. I think we are so consumed by our phones, we do not take enough time to absorb what is around us, we tend to overlook the small things in life. As a result it has caused us to take for granted what we are surrounded by.

Do not get me wrong, technology is one of the greatest advances we currently have. It helps us function more efficiently and aids us in the process of doing just about anything. Even though, there are times when something can not be completed or even started without some form of technology, we have formed such a fixed mindset on the reliance of technology to be there and do everything for us.

It seems with all the advancements in technology and the wide-spread of social media has overwhelmed our society into constantly being disconnected with what and who’s around us. In other words, this reliance we have formed on social media is consuming our generation.

thing you look at. Take Instagram as an example, opening up the app first thing when you wake up would be like inviting all of those people in your room at six a.m. I do not think anyone would choose to do that, so why look at the phone and have them as the first thing you let into your mind?

What good is it doing you if you are so concerned with what is going on in other people’s lives that you aren’t even focusing on what’s going on in yours?

More Students, Bigger Crowd WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH BOREK Overcrowding occurs when the number of students enrolled is larger than the number of students the school is supposed to accommodate. D.O has a total of 861 freshman, 802 sophomores, 791 juniors, and 760 seniors. That is a total of 3,214 students. Overcrowding is an understatement when it comes to how crowded Desert Oasis .

Salena Reynolds is a freshman at D.O. She also just moved to Vegas over the summer from Michigan, and is getting a feel of the Las Vegas high school. High School and Middle School is a whole different level of crowds. Having a large crowd can be really stressful for all the freshman at D.O because they aren’t used to how overwhelming it is, and all the people.

“It’s very irritating because I didn’t want my first high school experience in a new city to be so stressful” said Salena, “it’s overwhelming when I can hardly walk the halls because I feel like I can't step somewhere without bumping into someone.”

Kaitlyn Osborne is a senior at D.O. And she knows about students stopping, standing, walking slow and talking to friends during passing period. That makes it harder for students to get to class, and makes students more and more mad.

“My freshman year traffic compared to this years traffic was way less compared to this year. Kids could get to class on time.” said Kaitlyn Desert Oasis is one of the most known high schools in Las Vegas with the most students. Every kid at D.O has thought about what they would change to minimize the massive crowd. The numbers have gone up every year, how many more kids can we fit?

ish n a Sp e r lo g Exp eakin Sp es! i r t n Cou

Non Spe Spa akin nish g Club ! the Cult Learn ure!

Try Different Foods and Craft!

h s i n a p S Club!

Meetings Every Other Thursday In Room 1005 Next Meeting: October 10th

SELF DOUBT: THE ULTIMATE ENEMY

By Abbey Steinman

If I’m going to be honest, I truly don’t know where to begin other than the fact I’m probably one of the biggest self doubters there is known to be. It never occurs to me that I lead myself to my own downfall. I constantly compare myself to others when it comes to pretty much everything, or I just have no faith in myself completely whatsoever.

When it comes to self doubting, I’m the queen.

I’m the ultimate master mind when it comes to it. I play it off like no other. It’s gotten to the point to where it’s in my daily routine. Somehow, there’s always something in the back of my mind.

Personally, I always put restrictions on myself.

Now, that might not make any sense, so let me clear that up. I tend to think there’s this unwritten rule that I have to follow. I don’t know where I got this from, but this “rule” has been with me for as long as I can remember.

This “rule” thing isn’t something that’s word for word or set in stone. I’m not even sure what this supposed rule is, but my vicious brain decided to craft this horrendous concern! I wasn’t even aware of my own self doubting. It took me practically my whole adolescence to even consider myself doubt all because my best friend brought it up to me not too long ago. She’d constantly tell me- actually, wait… she still does- that I take nothing into consideration, that I’d take it as a pitiful joke.

I never really believed what people would say to me. Personally, I don’t think I have trust issues because I'm very open person… with a loud voice… and I quite don’t really care who knows what unless I feel as if nobody needs to know. Anyhow, people would constantly compliment me and tell me this and that and I’d laugh and shrug it off afterwards. I find it quite hard to see what other people see in me.

If anything, I consider myself none other than the lousy piece of bread that's at the end of the loaf.

You know, the slice that everyone likes to neglect.

For the most part, I don’t loathe (or loaf if you

And behold, here I am presenting you this wild

know what I mean) myself, but I rather just lack the

mess of an editorial. Sure, I still doubt myself

self confidence. I have my times where I know I’m

ninnety-nine percent of the time (the outcome of this

able to release my carefree and jaunty spirit, but

editorial is apart of that percent), but hey, I’m

then there's times where I wish I could hide behind

learning to feel comfortable on this ride of train

the clearance rack at Target and forget reality.

wreck thoughts. Though I might not have a madlike

One thing I lacked confidence in was writing

brain that can come up with ideas as quick as a snap,

for my english and research essays for AP Seminar.

or be able to embrace myself, I do know one thing

In simple terms, they were hit or miss... mostly a

for sure. I can and will overcome this monstrosity…

miss. Don't get me wrong, I'm an essay enthusiast.

eventually.

The days I felt the grove of my essays were the

Okay. So, it might take a while to have complete

days I felt most accomplish. Other days where I

faith in myself, but I want to see what others see in

was stubborn and restricted myself to my limits led

me. I want to not be afraid of the void that pulls me

my essays to fall in complete agony! Once I’d turn

back from my curiosity. I want to overcome this

in my paper, I could already guess my score based

giant mess that's followed me down the yellow brick

on what I sadly brought to the table.

road. By coming to terms of my lack of self dignity,

When I sat back down, I would have the face of

I can only grow from here. I have the ability to push

one being charged guilty all because of how I

myself to strive and do better. Self doubt, I’m

structured the essay. The mess would derived from

coming for you.

my tone when, well, it didn’t sound like me; however, I did nothing about it all because I knew I couldn't save it within that moment. I would ponder and ponder who wrote what better than me and put myself down for it. It’s natural to compare yourself amongst others, but I did it constantly. I fixed a hole for myself. I would begin to think I didn't know my way around words and that my writing was just sloppy over all.

This was what I’d like to believe what skyrocketed myself doubt. In seminar when we would have peer readings for our research essays, I was highly self conscious of what my peers would have to say. Yes, the criticism was indeed need, but holy smokes I would be on the verge of biting my nails and have my apologies set due to my lack of sophisticated syntax and diction. I felt ridiculously sorry for the person was stuck with me and my lack of confidence all because I didn’t think of a word like “unctuous” at first thought.