Issuu

To you? Find out In this Edition! these and more 2.99 your

questions to ask 15

who is she?! Bestfriend!

Love Puppy

MEET THE TEAM

BEHIND THIS EDITION

Editors-in-Chief

Jiashuo (Moon) Liu

Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar

Writers

Ashima Yadav

Jiashuo (Moon) Liu

Krystal Ma

Maya Alvarez Castellanos

Micaela Arauz

Serena Herrera

Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar

Taylor Dodd

Victor Delgado

Cover Design

Taylor Dodd

Victor Delgado

Graphic Design

Brissia Matus

Micaela Arauz

Serena Herrera

Suzette Hernandez

Taylor Dodd

Photographers

Ashima Yadav

Cati Cruz

Spanish Translation

Brissia Matus

Hannah Estrada

Advisor

Mr. Tadesse

Link: https://tinyurl com/spanishfeb

Link: https://thelawlegalpad com Instagram: @thelawlegalpad

CALENDAR

Compiled By: Krystal Ma

February

February:

20-22nd Skills USA Competition 24th Law Volleyball Game 27-28th Mock Trial & Moot Court Youth and Government Competition

March

March: 1-2nd Mock Trial & Moot Court Youth and Government Competition

5th SAT, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 7th End of 9 weeks

7-8th Mock Trial State Bar State Competition

8-16th Spring Break 15-17th TMSCA Competition

EDITOR’S NOTE

Oh, mine faithful Legal Pad readers, Tis to thee we devote yet another Edition for which we are the creators, So linger on the beautiful cover.

‘T reflects the present day filled with The swelling of hearts in loving delight. To lonely souls that whisper “love’s a myth,” Thou shalt find in thyself a peaceful light.

Practice the self-care we so emphasize, Learn how love is best expressed to ye. For failed relationships, let out thy cries, In deep questions may thine friendships be free!

Prithee, indulge in all our writers’ words, Play the games with the time today affords.

An Editor’s Note Sonnet by Jiashuo (Moon) Liu

3/7: STUDENT ICE CREAM SOCIAL:

The PTSA is looking for parent volunteers to assist with our Student Give Back “Ice Cream Social” Event on Friday, March 7th from 10 am to 1 pm We appreciate any time you can give!

Here is a link to sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F48A8AE2FABF4C25-54910216-student

3/18: NEXT PTSA GENERAL MEETING:

March 18th at 6 pm in the Towview Library Come join us as we review ongoing and past projects and discuss upcoming opportunities to support the students and teachers/staff and Law Magnet community

SINGING THROUGH SINGING THROUGH THE PAIN: THE PAIN:

MUSICFORYOUR MUSICFORYOUR HHEARTBREAK EARTBREAK

By: Taylor Dodd By: Taylor Dodd

Heartbreak isn’t fun It’s quite literally in the name; your heart gets broken and you ’ ve gotta fix it. What better to play fixerupper on your heart than some music? Music truly heals and there’s music for every mood Happy? Meghan Trainor Sad? Billie Eilish. Mad? Lana Del Rey. Heartbroken? Let’s find out.

Heartbreak in my eyes has 6 stages: Denial, Breakdown, Anger, Rebound (If you ’ re feeling spicy), Reflection, and, obviously, Moving On

The breakup hasn t fully sunk in There has to be some sort of misunderstanding You’re trying to convince yourself that it’s not really over. Songs in this stage will emphasize your desperation and disbelief.

“Thinkin Bout You” Frank Ocean

“Back to December” Taylor Swift “Somebody Else” The 1975 “Hardest to Love” The Weeknd “Jealous” Labrinth

“Too Good at Goodbyes” Sam Smith

“When I Was Your Man” Bruno Mars

“If the World Was Ending” JP Saxe & Julia Michaels

Suddenly, everything reminds you of them

Your feelings hit you like a truck and now you ’ re drowning in sorrow. What could you have done to keep them? You replay every memory and you ’ re probably sobbing. This is the peak of sadness and the songs reflect that

“Someone Like You” Adele “Liability” Lorde “Drew Barrymore” SZA

“All I Want” Olivia Rodrigo “Call Out My Name” The Weeknd

“The One That Got Away” Katy Perry “Burn” Phillipa Soo “Heather” Conan Gray

Frustration is at its peak and you ’ re mad at everyone possible Who do they think they are???

You’re not only mad at them, you ’ re mad at yourself Who do I think I am?????? These songs are full of rage and self-empowerment.

“Nights Like This” Kehlani

“Before He Cheats” Carrie Underwood

“You Oughta Know” Alanis Morissette

“Irreplaceable” Beyoncé

“Bust Your Windows” Jazmine Sullivan

“Pray You Catch Me” Beyoncé

“Take a Bow” Rihanna

“Forget You” CeeLo Green

Distractions. You need to go out, talk to new people, or just fake it till you make it The opps can’t see that you ’ re still a mess These songs are the epitome of fun and maybe even flirtatious

“Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” Ariana Grande “Toxic” Britney Spears

“Super Bass” Nicki Minaj

“No Scrubs” TLC

“Milkshake” Kelis

“Truth Hurts” Lizzo

“Best Thing I Never Had” Beyoncé

“Maneater” Nelly Furtado

You’re like, not as sad, not much crying either. You’re understanding why it happened or had to happen. You gained clarity, even though it still stings a bit. These songs reflect your own reflection

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” Elton John

“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” John Mayer

“Ex-Factor” Lauryn Hill

“Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” Arctic Monkeys

“Idontwannabeyouanymore” Billie Eilish

“Tears Dry on Their Own” Amy Winehouse

“Landslide” Fleetwood Mac

“Me & My Dog” boygenius

Peace at last. You’re done mourning this heartbreak and you might even be feeling grateful or laughing at yourself while looking back You exude confidence and freedom and so do these songs

“thank u, next” Ariana Grande

“Survivor” Destiny’s Child

“Good as Hell” Lizzo

“Shake It Off” Taylor Swift

“No Tears Left to Cry” Ariana Grande

“Stronger” Kanye West

“Since U Been Gone” Kelly Clarkson

“Break My Soul” Beyoncé

THE URGENCY THE URGENCY THE URGENCY

OF CLIMATE OF CLIMATE OF CLIMATE ACTION ACTION ACTION

By: Maya Alvarez Castellanos

In the last year, there has been an alarming number of extreme weather events From snowfall in the Florida panhandle to deadly hurricanes in Asheville, North Carolina, and wildfires in Los Angeles, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore. These phenomena are becoming more frequent and serve as constant reminders that our planet is in need of action

THE CLIMATE REALITY

Over the last few years, climate change has become a harsh reality

TIME TO ACT

Average global temperatures have increased by 1.2℃ since the late 19th century making the last eight years the warmest on record. Sea levels are rising, glaciers are melting and heat waves are becoming longer and deadlier. These changes are not temporary, they are the direct result of decades of greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity

The consequences are devastating. Coastal cities are grappling with flooding, and droughts are threatening food supplies across the globe Places that were once considered safe from natural disasters are now experiencing the effects of our lifestyles. From earthquakes in Texas to tornados in San Francisco, we are seeing the effects of climate change in real time.

Currently, there are several policies in place that aim to address climate change, though they are not enough. The Paris Agreement is a global effort where nearly 200 countries have committed to limiting global warming to below 2°C by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. On a local level, many states have passed laws promoting clean energy and energy efficiency like California, Texas, New York, and so many more While policies like these are a step in the right direction, they need to be strengthened and enforced to make a real impact.

Understanding the severity of climate change is the first step but it's not enough to just stop there As residents of this planet, we must be part of the solution. The easiest way to help mitigate the effects of climate change is through your own home Small changes in how we live, like conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices can make significant impacts when done collectively. However, the real power lies in advocating for systemic change

Our political leaders must feel the urgency of climate change. As the next generation, we must advocate for our planet so that we too can raise families of our own This means pushing for laws that reduce carbon emissions, protecting natural habitats and forestry, and investing in renewable energy sources The key to solving climate change is through the ballot box Climate change isn't a problem for tomorrow; it's a reality we must face today.

TURNED

TINDER FAIL TURNED MURDER

By: Krystal Ma

Aubrey Trail during trial

BaileyBoswell duringtrial

Sydney Loofe

Photo

Cati Cruz

"Should I swipe left or should swipe right?"

That’s the primary thought th crosses the mind of the aver Tinder user. In today’s digita age, people increasingly turn dating apps to meet new people. Tinder, a popular ap for connecting singles, make easy for individuals to flirt an arrange dates Most bachelo and bachelorettes on the app don’t stop to wonder if the connection they make on this app could lead to their untimely death

Bailey Boswell was not alone in this horrifying crime. Her boyfriend, Aubrey Trail, a 51year-old man with a disturbing criminal past, was the mastermind behind Sydney’s murder

Surveillance footage revealed that just hours before Sydney’s date, Boswell and Trail purchased saws, drop cloths, and bleach items that suggested a chilling premeditation. Trail would later claim that Sydney’s death was part of a sex cult initiation, but investigators dismissed these statements as manipulative lies Instead, evidence pointed to a calculated and senseless killing, with Tinder being the tool used to lure Sydney into a deadly trap.

During this month of love, engagement on dating apps skyrockets as everyone scrambles to find a Valentine. Valentine's Day is traditionally a time for love, connection, and celebration However, for one particular family, it serves as a painful reminder of lives lost and mysteries unsolved.

Sydney Loofe, a 24-year-old from Lincoln, Nebraska, was just looking for a connection when she matched with a woman named Bailey Boswell on Tinder in November 2017. Excited for their date, she shared a Snapchat post with the caption, “Ready for my date.”

But Sydney never came home

In 2021, Aubrey Trail was sentenced to death for his role in Sydney Loofe’s murder Boswell, who played a critical part in bringing Sydney to Trail, received a life sentence. While their convictions provided some closure, nothing could erase the pain and horror endured by Sydney’s loved ones

Sydney Loofe’s case is just one of many instances where Tinder has been linked to violent crimes The rise of online dating has made it easier than ever to connect, but it has also created new dangers that users must be mindful of.

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, but it should also be a reminder to prioritize safety in the search for connection Sydney Loofe’s story is a tragic example of what can happen when a simple right swipe leads down a deadly path.

LoveYourselfFirst: A SELF-CARE GUIDE

By: Ashima Yadav

On a day filled with flowers, chocolate, and ideals of our perfect rom-com relationship, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by societal expectations When you ' re walking down the halls and every corner you turn reveals yet ANOTHER couple holding hands, exchanging gifts, and laughing together (wake up and break up, am I right…), it's quite natural to experience a suffocating FOMO. What's essential to realize is that Valentine's Day isn't about relationship status; it's about love, whether it's platonic, familial, or even self-love Media frequently tries to depict teenage love as short-lived sparks, tearful nights, and never-ending games of “to text or not to text.” In reality, even as overdramatic teenagers, we are capable of so many other forms of love. We are loving children, siblings, friends, and students, and we express that love in countless ways The saddest part is that we will never know exactly how much we are loved, and in our efforts to give forth love, we often forget to include ourselves. This year, whether you have a valentine or not, make sure to prioritize yourself as well.

INDULGE IN YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT SHOW OR MOVIE

When people constantly surround you, you may feel overstimulated and need some time to recharge your social battery Turning to your television may be a pleasant way to enjoy some time alone with yourself and your favorite piece of media We all have that one show or movie that never gets old, no matter how many times we watch it. For me, it's The Princess Bride, a classic full of romance, comedy, and adventure. Revisiting these heartwarming films can bring back the memories you ' ve subconsciously stowed away in the nooks and crannies of your mind Sometimes you forget the innocent pleasure of watching your favorite Disney movie that's long forgotten, buried under the stress of teenage life.

SPEND TIME WITH CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Sometimes it feels as though you live at school and merely visit home, which is a disappointing thought in the long run. With the limited time you have, try to spend it with people you truly care about and wish to make memories with. A great way to do this is to plan a Valentine's event like Galentine's! There are so many fun things to do on themed nights like this, including baking sweet treats, making cheesy heart-shaped pizzas, or just making Valentine's cards or signs to show someone you care

PRACTICE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY

all have a personal ing your mind to vely processing al for your overall

health, although its also g d passively watch TV. Sometimes our brains also like to be challenged in nt ways. Having a mentally stimulating hobby is just as important as a physically stimulating one; your brain is a muscle just like any other in your body and constantly needs to be ercised to grow.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR BODY

A great way to care for your body is through physical activities, perhaps going to the gym, running, biking, or playing a sport. Our bodies are the vessels in which we sail through our entire lives We owe it to ourselves to take care of them. Another way we can take care of our bodies is through nutritious eating Now, you may find yourself indulging in one too many heart-shaped chocolate boxes. Although sweet treats are fine in moderation, it's important to maintain a balance with nourishing meals. You might also enjoy putting aside time for external self-care, whether it’s skincare, hair care, or anything else that leaves you feeling confident inside and out.

The confidence we gain from working on and taking care of ourselves is what fosters self-love. The way in which we see ourselves affects every aspect of our lives. Here's to seeing ourselves in a more confident light and gifting ourselves the love we deserve this Valentine's Day

Curling up with your favorite book and a warm drink is a perfect way to relax

Photo by Ashima Yadav

WHEN LOVE GOES SOUTH: A HIGH SCHOOL ANTHOLOGY UP BREAK

By: Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar & Victor Delgado

Date Love Break-Up Rin

Repeat. Another Valentin has passed, and chocola prices are at an all-time low (thank you). Without either of us authors havin a Valentine, we couldn’t but wonder is teenage love everything it’s cracked up to be? We wanted The Legal Pad to be a place where, somehow, heartbreak feels good. So, in an attempt to make our cold bitterness taste just a little bit sweeter and to show you that teenage love isn’t all story highlights and matching profile pictures we interviewed the Law Magnet’s own students and teachers to hear their craziest breakup stories After all, every story, no matter how good, has to end somewhere

Note: These stories are based in facts, but students have been given anonymised names in order to protect their identity

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

“My ex-boyfriend, Tighler the Eater, came up to me totally blindsided me, by the way and said, ‘I’m going to jail ’ I was like, ‘How long are you going for?’ And he told me around 2-3 years. ” At first, Zoe Bald Eagle was skeptical. Questions raced through her mind: How does he know he’s going to jail if he hasn’t been arrested? What did he even do to get locked up? But in the moment, she accepted Tighler the Eater’s tale at face value.

Heartbroken for weeks, Zoe Bald Eagle tried to move on She would send letters to the local penitentiary every day trying to free her man

Until one day, while grabbing elotes at the paletero after school, she saw Tighler the Eater casually driving by with another girl “Wow,” she said, “I felt so stupid Love is stupid ”

LOVE KNOWS BORDERS

This tale comes from one of the elder members of our community, who claims it took place in the scorching spring of 1973, along the Texas-Mexico border.

Jane Gloriana Villanueva shares a wild story: “Rogelio De La Vega, my first true teenage love, left me at the border! He said we were going to El Paso for two days and promised he’d one day build me a dream house in Ysleta He drove this slick black Beetle, and I really thought he was boutta treat me nice ” Me too, girl, me too

Everything started off fine until the car broke down. “He pulled over, the engine was smoking, and my mascara was running it was a whole mess ” Jane says Rogelio told her walk to the nea station to get so jumpstart the ca it.

And then he never came back. Jane waited, but as the hours dragged on, she realized he wasn’t returning. So, she took the car herself and made her way “Eventually, I moved legally and built my life without him,” she says with a knowing smile

NO LIMBS LOST

Kantmiss got a call from her then-boyfriend, Cannonball Guy' s mother, telling her he was in the hospital after being attacked “I was so worried, so I rushed to check on the person I thought was the love of my life,” says Kantmiss. When she arrived, she saw that Cannonball Guy had been cut up pretty badly For a brief moment, she worried she had gotten involved with someone in the mafia.

She asked him what had happened, and he said, “Some crazy witch messed me up ” Kantmiss was worried about Cannonball Guy’ s safety, but she couldn’t ignore the fact that a girl had beaten him up so badly.

After returning home, Kantmiss started receiving threatening messages from that “ crazy witch.” It turns out, Cannonball Guy had a second girlfriend and that second girlfriend wanted to mess Kantmiss up too She broke up with him and swore off love “forever ”

So, you thought love was everything like the movies? Don’t ever judge a book by its cover

“The sun was sta down, and I was scared, but I mean, I wasn’t boutta walk for who knows how long in heels.”

Love, The Explained: Love Languages

By: Micaela Arauz

Gary Chapman, a Baptist Pastor with a PhD in adult education, published The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment in 1992. The book has sold over 20 million copies, popularizing his theory that people express and experience love in different ways. Chapman’s book revolves around the idea that people with different personalities have different ways they like to show and receive love. Whether it is physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, or receiving gifts, Chapman argues that knowing and understanding your loved ones ’ primary love language will allow you to “identify the root of your conflicts, connect more profoundly, and truly begin to grow closer.” Whether through physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, or receiving gifts, Chapman argues that understanding your loved ones ' primary love language can help you resolve conflicts, form deeper connections, and strengthen relationships."

In order to strengthen bonds with others (and yourself!) Let's dive deeper into each love language.

Words of Affirmation

If you or your loved one feels the most loved and appreciated when receiving verbal praise and affection, then Words of Affirmation may be your/their primary love language. Spoken and written kind words make this person feel valued and they prefer verbal reassurance opposed to any other form of endearment

To express your affections try:

Writing notes and letters

Saying “I love you ” Complimenting their actions and appearance

Physical Touch

Someone that has Physical Touch as their primary love language feels the most loved through physical affection. This person feels connected through things as simple as hand holding, hugs, and cuddling. Oftentimes, if your loved one ends up mindlessly touching you like resting their hand on your knee or playing with your hair, it’s a sign that their primary love language may be physical touch

To express your affections try:

Rubbing their shoulders when they’re stressed Holding their hand when you ’ re out and about Resting your head on their shoulder

hand Photo by Ashima Yadav

Acts of Service

“Actions speak louder than words”. For people with Acts of Service as their primary love language, this is especially true. Going out of one ’ s way to do something that this person needs or appreciates demonstrates care and support for them Doing little things for your loved one may not seem like a big deal, but if this is their love language, it makes the biggest difference.

To express your affections try:

Doing chores for them

Offer to complete tasks for them

Cook their favorite meal

Receiving Gifts

If Receiving Gifts is your primary love language

This love language is not about receiving expensive or materialistic gifts It’s about thoughtfulness the time and effort spent picking out a meaningful gift conveys love and care.

To express your affections try:

Bringing them their favorite flowers

Handmade gifts

Surprise them with something they have been wanting for a while

Quality Time

People who have this as their primary love language feel more loved when they are spending time with you and have your undivided attention. They enjoy spending valuable time together with no distractions

Uninterrupted conversation and one on one time is critical

To express your affections try:

Planning dates/hang outs

Active listening

Going for walks together

In his book, Gary Chapman writes, “If we speak only our primary language and encounter someone else who speaks only his or her primary language, which is different from ours, our communication will be limited.” By recognizing and learning about your partner’s love language, you will become more fluent in it, making it easier to strengthen your relationship with them. Eventually, you'll be able to "speak" their love language as easily as your own.

A card or a gift is a great way to show affection

Photo by Cati Cruz

Spending quality time reading your favorite book together forges a path to a stronger connection. Photo by Ashima Yadav

Va with ou e for us through thick and thin, filling our lives with joy, laughter, support, and understanding So take the time to appreciate the memories you ’ ve made and treasure the moments to come with these questions:

When did you start feeling like you could tell me anything? 1.

How have I changed your perspective on life? 2.

What’s one thing you ’ ve learned about yourself through our friendship?

What’s a memory we ’ ve shared that you wish you could relive?

How do you think we ’ ve changed each other for the better?

What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about me?

What’s something I introduced you to that’s become part of your life?

Is there a side of me that you wish I’d show more often?

What’s something you thought I’d judge you for but didn’t?

What personal growth or positive changes have you noticed in me since we first met?

If you could bottle up one memory of us to keep forever, what would it be?

LP GAMES

By: Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar

WORDLE

Guess the hidden word in 6 tries

After your enter a valid 4-letter word, the color of the tiles will change Green: A letter in the guessed word is correct and in the correct position. Yellow: A letter in the guessed word is correct but in the wrong position. Gray: The letter is not part of the word