Legal Pad
Editors-in-Chief
Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Writers
Adriana Bautista
Brissia Matus
Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
Krystal Ma
December January
Maya Alvarez Castellanos
Micaela Arauz
Serena Herrera
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Taylor Dodd
Cover Design
Victor Delgado
Graphic Design
Hannah Estrada
Micaela Arauz
Serena Herrera
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Taylor Dodd
Spanish Translation
Brissia Matus
Hannah Estrada
Advisor
Mr. Tadesse
Maya Alvarez, Elijah Yow, Nelly Mujica, Milan, Karen Corpeño, Suzette Hernandez, Manuel Martinez, Darling Lagos, Penelope Gray, Regina Ramos, Keyla Bustos, Camila Antón Vásquez, Natalie De La Rosa, Antoinette Reilly, Kimberly Hernández Lazo, Gisselle Sauceda, Ayleen Valadez, Krystal Ma, and Taylor Dodd for sending in your baby pictures for the cover
Link: https://tinyurl.com/LPNovSpanish
CALENDAR
Compiled
By:
Krystal Ma & Serena Herrera
December:
2nd Christmas Tree Ornament Placement (12th)
5th Geometry Review Night (9th)
7th Debate Winter
Championship & Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2024 (Senior Event)
10th Biology Review Night (9th)
12th Link Crew Winter Wonderland (9-12th)
13-14th Law Magnet TFA Tournament
14th SkillsUSA In-House Competition, Galleria Ice Skating (12th) & Law Magnet
Angel Tree Carnival*
17th-20th ACPs
21-31st Winter Break
January
January: 1st-6th Winter Break
20th MLK Day
25th Mock Trial Dallas Bar Regionals Prelims
27th Link Crew Study Café
30th Mock Trial Dallas Bar Regionals Quarters
*The Annual Law Magnet Angel Tree Carnival at Botello Elementary is from 8:30 a m - 12:00 p m We have 15 foster children and 32 Botello students in need of adoption (gifts) Adoption is from 8:30 - 9:05 a m in Mrs Rojas’s room until Nov 22, with gifts due by Dec. 2. Community service hours available for adopting a child or volunteering. For details, contact Mrs Rojas at (214) 382-7896
EDITOR’S NOTE
High school is a strange, transitional period of our lives. It’s a time when we are expected to take initiative in our learning, develop leadership in our community, and make life-changing decisions about our future, all while still needing to ask for permission to use the restroom So, are we young adults, or are we children? While we navigate both identities simultaneously, we may sometimes find ourselves feeling lost
In those moments, we should embrace our inner child and find comfort in the things we know and love. As teenagers, we are often concerned with appearing “cool” and avoiding “childish” things. But who decides where to draw that line? If you want to rewind and unwind by watching an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants or playing a game of Angry Bird, I say go for it!
In this edition of the Legal Pad, our team takes you down memory lane with articles explaining the science behind nostalgia (“Between Science and Nostalgia: The Story of Our First Memories”), detailing the childhood phobias of our very own Law Magnet students (“Behind the Fear: the Hidden Struggles of Law Magnet Students”), and showing you a display of our senior’s first day of school outfits (“Dressed 2 Impress”). Not to mention our cover collage, which highlights you, our dear readers, and your favorite childhood memories during the holiday seasons
As you enjoy this edition, take some time to look within What childhood experiences shaped who you are today? What parts of your younger self still live inside you? May the answers to these questions bring you joy and inspire you to stay true to yourself as you grow. Don’t get so caught up with fearing about how much further you have to go that you forget to take pride in how far you ’ ve come
With reminiscence, Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
P.S. If you can’t get enough of Legal Pad content in just four magazine editions, please check out our website at thelawlegalpad.com for exclusive weekly articles, as well as our Instagram and Tiktok @thelawlegalpad for the most creative videos ever!
Z A M B R A N O MR.
A LEGAL KALEIDOSCOPE
By: Adriana Bautista
Mr Zambrano, known to students as Mr Z, has had a career whose trajectory can only be described as a winding, twisted path, often diverging into unexpected places. His diverse job titles may insinuate that he is several different people, but they are all simply part of his expansive resume: economist, law clerk at the Texas Supreme Court, attorney specializing in civil litigation, adjunct professor at SMU Law School, legal writer, AP Human Geography teacher, and now, the newest addition to the Law Magnet faculty
A LAWYER FROM THE START
Mr. Zambrano spent his high school years in Midland as a debater and a participant in a program called Teen Court, where teenage prosecutors and defenders try to get the greatest or lowest community service hours for a teen client. Though his path
initially led into business and technology, he eventually returned to the original plan “I dusted off my plans [of becoming a lawyer], and the [Law School Admission Test (LSAT)] is an essential first step to getting into law school There was a chance to take this exam, and so I said, ”eh, let’s take it and see what happens,” he recalls. After taking the LSAT in 1997, he received an offer to attend SMU Law School, where he would later become an adjunct professor
While teaching graduate students, Mr. Zambrano felt he was not making the impact on his students’ lives that he wanted to. “There’s another path I could’ve taken, where I could’ve become a law professor, and I was a law professor for 4 or 5 years, but I didn't want to teach graduate students anymore. I wanted to teach where I felt it made the maximum possible difference in
helping students write and speak well, and for me, that was high school,” he muses
THE LAW MAGNET’S MISSION
Emphasizing the ability to write, speak, and ultimately think well is a vital element of his teaching, and he believes that any student has the capacity to absorb these skills, particularly at the Law Magnet “We can take someone that may not feel like they’re the strongest writer in the world, somebody that feels awkward when they speak, and by the time they finish learning at this school, they become brilliant writers and thinkers and speakers who are proud of the things they've accomplished. That’s what it’s about for me bringing them through to the ultimate conclusion,” he declares.
Mr. Zambrano alongside his wife
Students quickly learned that Mr Zambrano’s class would be more writing-intensive than they were accustomed to. “Teaching how you create a good, solid piece of writing helps the brain develop in a way that strengthens the way that people think and approach problems So, when you teach effective writing, you ’ re also training the brain in general, and when somebody becomes a really strong writer, they also become a really strong thinker ”
DRESSED FOR THE COURTROOM AND CLASSROOM
His clothing choices reflect decades of practicing law and following the formal styles expected in the courtroom “I’m a real business-casual person, and I’m probably a touch too businessy in my business-casual. I’m used to the sports jacket and the slacks and the collared shirt, maybe because that’s what I wore when I was a lawyer for several years That’s probably my go-to, sports jacket, business-casual kind of look.”
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When asked about his first impression of the Law Magnet’s students, he expressed admiration for their commitment to participating in what they enjoy. “I’m so impressed with the students here, and just the willingness to learn new things and become better writers and thinkers and speakers. This is a magnet school, so by design it attracts students that want to dedicate themselves to academics, and it shows It's a really, really strong group of kids ”
FINDING YOUR WAY WITHOUT DIRECTIONS
According to Mr Zambrano, the most important part of choosing a career path is understanding what one truly enjoys. He acknowledges that students are not always afforded this luxury, but he maintains that it is important for deciding what career to pursue.
“The key is to find what sparks you. Don't be afraid to figure out what that is, and explore it Jump in with two feet and explore whatever you ' re really interested in. Sometimes it’s hard to find what sparks you, because you learn so many things in school and you don’t really get to talk to yourself and think, what really motivates me? What drives you? What makes you passionate?
A LEGACY IN THE MAKING
Mr. Zambrano is a teacher who wants to leave a memorable impact on students. His teaching reflects an ardent desire to think deeply in ways that feel challenging in the moment but prove to be infinitely rewarding Through thought-provoking lessons and a genuine interest in connecting with his students, Mr. Zambrano has quickly proven himself to be a teacher worth remembering
“I’m a huge Star Wars fan. I could watch Empire Strikes Back a billion times and still enjoy it. The moment I saw it in theaters I was like, oh, this is the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
– Mr. Zambrano about his favorite film
Mr. Zambrano alongside his family
THE ART
Natalie Ortiz Emily Munoz Student Highlight BALANCE OF &
By: Krystal Ma and Brissia Matus
In the fast-paced world of high school, two students exemplify the balance between academics and extracurricular activities: Natalie Ortiz, a diligent sophomore with a passion for music, and Emily, a hardworking junior in the mock trial program. Both have carved their paths through adversity and have valuable insights to share
MUSIC AND TIME MANAGEMENT
Natalie Ortiz is a sophomore known for her impressive ability to juggle a demanding academic workload alongside numerous extracurricular activities. As a freshman, Ortiz dove headfirst into a wide-range of extracurriculars like varsity choir, lacrosse, and the Future Leaders Program (FLP) This enthusiasm for her interests has honed her extraordinary time management skills. She advises, “When partaking in multiple extracurriculars, try to avoid overlapping; but if they do, it’s your responsibility to communicate that with your sponsor, ” asserting the importance of communication when committing to numerous extracurriculars
Extracurriculars are not the only worrisome things for Ortiz. As a student, she is also responsible for upkeeping her grades For Ortiz, academic perf i foundational t believes that “ only bring limi opportunities.
However, Orti schedule soon To combat thi developed he which she cal stress,” empha importance of skills as a form relaxation Ov has learned to videos, and pl activities that her unwind bu her deep love
Her commitme has taken her the 9th & 10th Choir in Dallas, performed for the Council Of Greater Schools, and is currently running for a position in the prestigious Pop A Cappella Choir, “No Strings Attached ” Ortiz’s passion is palpable, illustrating that while maintaining balance is challenging, it is certainly achievable with dedication.
“Beforeanything, you’realwaysa student;your gradesalways comefirst.” -NatalieOrtiz
Natalie and other Choir students at Dallas Baptist University
Emily at a swim meet
Natalie having fun with her friends at Fall Fling
Natalie playing lacrosse with her team.
Emily at Fall Fling
FROM REGRET TO RESILIENCE
Emily Munoz, a junior, has her own story of transformation As a freshman, Munoz struggled to find her place at the Law Magnet and now regrets not engaging with any clubs during that time. “I made a huge mistake by not seeking guidance,” she reflects. However, by her sophomore year, Munoz had turned things around She immersed herself in math club, mock trial, and the swim team at her home school. In mock trial, she serves as the secretary of the team. In her role, she manages attendance and grade checks while supporting novice members “It’s rewarding to help others find their footing,” she shares On the swim team, Munoz feels she is more than just a competitor. For her, swimming is not just a sport but also a vital source of stress relief
Outside of school, Munoz is fascinated with aquariums; to her, they offer a calming retreat, allowing her to disconnect and recharge. “Aquarism isn’t a hobby I can simply put aside,” she adds, highlighting the importance of
nurturing personal interests amidst a busy schedule. Munoz attributes a significant part of her success to her family's unconditional support. She expresses deep gratitude for her parents’ efforts, noting that her mom rearranged her work schedule and her dad adjusted his hours to accommodate her activities. “Their sacrifices have shown me what dedication looks like,” she reflects
Something we all need to hear is that “Crying is okay! Mental breaks are important.” While she emphasizes that academics should take precedence, she also stresses the necessity of prioritizing mental health Her journey illustrates that even if everything doesn’t work out immediately, resilience and balance are vital in growing and managing the demands of high school.
Both Ortiz and Munoz exemplify the complex balance between academics and extracurricular commitments.
Through their distinct approaches and experiences, they highlight the importance of time management, the value of family support, and the necessity of mental well-being As we navigate the challenges of high school, their stories remind us that with determination and the right mindset, it is possible to find harmony in a hectic world.
i“Swimming smyescape whereIcan relaxand socialize.”
-EmilyMunoz
Emily Munoz and her team moments before they took first place at the 2024 Mock
Whisp in the CAMPFIR
By: Micaela Arauz
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, a campfire sets the perfect ambiance to warm up with your friends So, get some s ' mores and blankets, gather your friends and family around a campfire, and tell them some of these campfire stories.
YELLOW RIBBON
Johnny had grown up with Jane; she was his next-door neighbor ever since they were kids. Throughout those years, Jane had always worn a vibrant ribbon around her neck As they grew up and entered high school, Johnny would ask Jane, “Why do you wear that ribbon around your neck every day?” She would respond, “I can’t tell you now; maybe later.” As they dated and eventually married, he never learned the ribbon's secret On their wedding day, Jane was wearing a beautiful white dress and, of course, her yellow ribbon. Years later, Jane fell seriously ill. Watching her slip away, Johnny seized his last chance “Why do you always wear that yellow ribbon, Jane?” She chuckled softly “Okay, Johnny, you can untie it now. ” His hands trembled as he reached for the knot, untying the ribbon around Jane’s neck, and her head fell off.
THE MAN WITH A HOOK FOR A HAND
One morning, a girl heard reports of a serial killer who had replaced his hand with a hook in her town while getting ready for a date Ignoring the news, she focused on perfecting her winged eyeliner Hours later, the girl sat in her boyfriend's car at a drive-in movie, cuddling as they watched a film.
Suddenly, the car shook and she heard a thump on the passenger side of the car The girl recalled the serial killer who supposedly lurked nearby. The atmosphere felt far less romantic now.
“What’s wrong?” her boyfriend asked
“Didn’t you hear that?” she replied, “I want to go home,” she said, but her boyfriend insisted she was being paranoid
They lingered for a bit longer, but she couldn’t shake the eerie feeling, so they headed back home Frustrated, he remained in the car, refusing to say goodbye
As she turned to slam the door, her heart dropped There, hanging from the car door’s handle, was a bloody hook.
DOG LICK
When I was younger, my parents left me and my dog Lily home alone while they went on a work trip. I wasn’t afraid; I knew that even in my pitchdark room, Lily would reassure me by licking my hand from under the bed
As I tried to sleep, a heavy storm rolled in Frightened by the thunder, I could hear Lily whimpering I petted her, and she licked my hand. Later that night, I was jolted awake by a dripping sound. Assuming it was a roof leak, I dismissed it, and when Lily barked, I petted her again In the morning, my mom frantically barged into my room “Lily is missing!” she insisted I didn’t believe her. I went to the bathroom to splash my face, but as I reached for the sink, I noticed a red spot on the faucet I looked in the mirror, and the words “Humans can lick too,” stared back at me, written in fresh blood
MILK BOTTLES
closer, he heard muffled crying
coming from a coffin He opened it and immediately discovered that the young woman lay dead She was holding a weeping baby in her arms, with two milk bottles placed by its side.
IN THE SPIRIT OF SPOOKY CAMPFIRE STORIES, HERE IS A S’MOOKIES RECIPE TO SHARE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES.
Ingredients (Serving size - 8):
2 bowls
1 baking pan
Sheet of parchment paper
Mixer and whisk
Butter
Brown and white sugar
Vanilla extract
Eggs
Flour
Baking soda
Salt
Chocolate chips
Hershey’s chunks
Graham crackers
Marshmallows
1.
2.
In a bowl, add 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of white sugar
Mix the ingredients together with a mixer or by hand
3.
Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 2 eggs
Whisk until smooth 4.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
In a separate bowl, add 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt
Mix ingredients together
Add a little bit of flour to the wet mixture and mix (repeat until everything is combined)
After the dough is mixed, add 1 cup of chocolate chips and some Hershey’s chunk
Once the cookie dough is ready, line your pan with parchment paper
Place 8 pieces of graham crackers on the pan
Add a Hershey and a marshmallow on top of the graham cracker
Take large scoops of dough and place over the graham crackers
Shape cookie dough over the graham crackers (make sure to press down on the dough so it doesn’t separate)
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350 F 14
THE RIGHT DREAM
By: Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an immigration program that former P id t Ob i t d d
A RECENT HISTORY OF DACA RULINGS (2ND) FIFTH CIRCUIT COURT HEARING
the states to sue in the first place and represented the voices of the 600,000 Dreamers whose lives would be impacted if DACA was outlawed. At the time of this writing, it has only been a week since the hearing, so the court has not issued further updates or rulings yet
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE?
Many predict that the Court of Appeals will rule in favor of the states since it has done so in the past If that prediction comes true,
the case will be further appealed to the Supreme Court, and DACA renewals will be suspended in the meantime. That means that over 18,000 jobs would be lost per month in the next two years to come, according to FWD us, a bipartisan political organization that advocates for immigration reform. Clearly, we can see that this will not only be to the detriment of the Dreamers themselves, but also communities nationwide But this isn’t just about jobs This is about the uncertainty that immigrants will feel about their future. This is about the constant fear that their
families will be split apart by deportation at any moment. This is about how the lives that immigrants have built in this country, oftentimes the only life they know, would be in jeopardy
On a more personal note, I am aware that a large part of our student body (and even our school faculty) comes from immigrant families and backgrounds. If you or your family depend on DACA for protection, I understand that it might seem hopeless that your fate is being decided by courts far out of your control. But we don’t know the rulings yet, and until we do, dare to hope and dare to self-advocate!
BETWEEN SCIENCE & NOSTALGIA The Story of Our First Memories
By: Taylor Dodd
I may not remember much of my life before the age of 5, but I do remember the sweet sound of the ice cream truck cruising down my street, looking for folks to refresh with a treat on sticky summer days I also remember the exact smell of the daycare I attended when I was 3-4 a distinct childish and woody smell that overwhelmed my senses even 5 years afterward when we’d pick my younger sister up. You also may remember a random childhood event in great detail without knowing exactly why. It’s so strange that science tells us that we start forming lasting memories around age 4, but some of our first memories are from before that ‘Childhood amnesia’ is the term used by scientists to describe this phenomena. Although the exact culprit is undetermined, there are a couple of suspects that research points to
NEW EXPERIENCES
Some researchers say that the amount of new encounters that happen as we grow up may force earlier ones to the side In one study, children up to age 3 could recall crucial events that happened to them within the year prior This went on until the age of 7 when the children began remembering up to 72% of the events they could recall as a 3-year-old. By 8 or 9, most of them could only call to mind 35% of their experiences described at age 3.
BABY MEMORY
Related to new experiences, baby memories are formed differently than adults’. Children accumulate more linear memories that fit into a timeline starting at age 7. Furthermore, remembering events and categorizing them might be causing ‘retrievalinduced forgetting,’ which could cause teens and adults to cut out their earliest memories as they attempt to recollect the specifics of another event.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE HIPPOCAMPUS
omplex, yet n is that the the region ponsible for es isn’t fully ct, scientists t developed pocampus is the central ses auditory part of our limbic system, regulating our smells, emotions, autonomic behaviors (such as breathing, sweating, ect.), and memories.
This being said, it’s important to cherish our first memories. Here are a few students’ first memories:
SANIYALEE,12TH
“I was like three years old, and I went to daycare They pulled one of those kitty pools out by their little playground outside and we were all playing in it, and then this ice cream truck pulled by, so we all got a bunch of free popsicles ”
MORGAN (RUE) LONG, 12TH
“I remember when I was seven, my mom was opening her dental practice. And when she was opening it, my younger brother ran into the street and I saved him from getting run over by a car. ”
JORGE INIGUEZ, 10TH
“I was like three or four years old, and for the apartment we lived in at the time, the fire escape was kind of the entrance to our door. I remember one night it was raining, and all I remember is my mom carrying me. I was extremely calm throughout the whole thunderstorm I just remember her carrying me and putting me onto my bed, and I was just watching TV. It’s my comfort memory, my happy place. “
EMILYBARRON, 12TH
“I was at my grandma's old house and I was running around in the grass Then I pushed my brother into the rocks. I was like five or six "
Jorge (3) posing in front of a fountain for a photo at William B. Dean M.D. Park
Emily (4) embracing her baby brother (3) at their grandmother’s house
Rue (7) posing with their younger brother (5) in front of their childhood home
Saniya (3) posing for a photo at a family member’s house
DRESSED IMPRESS
By: Jiashuo (Moon) Liu and Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
2!
‘Twas the night before the first day of school, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The backpacks were hung on the chair with care, In hopes that tomorrow we would brave the day with flair.
Parody of “A Visit from St Nicholas” By Clement
Clarke Moore
Let’s think back to our very first day of school Before packing our bags or brushing our teeth, we ran to our closets to assemble the perfect outfit. We made sure that our socks match our shirts, and pants match our shoes not too colorful, not too tame. What we thought was cool, is now very lame. So, let’s take a look at our soon-to-be graduating seniors’ first day fits because not too long ago, 125 of them had their last first day of high school.
Abigail Meza in her first day of school outfit looking snazzy
Adeline Casarez overlooking a pond of water in her last first day outfit
Mariel Martinez in her stunning first day of school outfit
Hugo Solis and Victoria Ledezma in their first day of school outfits, looking cute
Mason Klein in his first day of school outfit
Unfortunately for its users, TikTok has become something other than a platform to “inspire creativity and bring joy,” as its website proclaims For some, it has evolved into a breeding ground for misinformation and hatred. A social media user could be in search of an ideal clean, thin, healthy, gorgeous and they set out to attain it They forgo a dietician and personal trainer and turn to the instantly accessible app TikTok, hunting for the tools to shape themselves into the era ’ s muse. They commonly find content depicting meager caloric intake, misinformation about exercise, weight tracking, and more disordered behavior Instead of veering away, users often internalize these messages, succumbing to a relentless cycle of extremity.
TIKTOK CONTENT IS A VESSEL FOR NEGATIVITY
TikTok’s main appeal is its short slideshows and videos. On thinidealizing niches of the app, they are used to depict a creator’s daily food consumption, typically rounding out to a suspiciously low amount of calories The most disturbing issue, however, is the easy access to this rhetoric. Even
users with no history of engaging with negative body image content on TikTok have reported encountering content that encouraged these ideas The prevalence of negative body image content is not only concerning due to its impact on self esteem; it is especially so when it manifests as creators who make false claims about exercise and their bodies
MISINFORMATION DISGUISED AS ASSISTANCE
On TikTok, viewers do not always find factual, unbiased, or wellresearched information about health, delivered by credentialed professionals in health and wellness fields There is no affirmation that health is not a body type. Instead, they encounter short videos that send a blunt message: thinness is health. Creators frequently use their body as credentials, claiming that a single workout or diet plan gave them the lean physique they are flexing on camera. However, studies show that while body shape can be impacted by regulated caloric intake and exercise, it is largely determined by genetic composition This information is available with a simple Internet search, yet content
creators omit that fact from their videos in an attempt at selling the idea that their workout regimen or diet plan, which users pay for or routinely watch, will conjure a body to yearn for In fact, a paper by researchers Marisa Minadeo and Lizzy Pope analyzed TikTok posts under the hashtag “nutrition,” which had 1.1 billion views in total. They found that 47% of videos under this hashtag provided nutritional advice, and out of these videos, only 1.3% were posted by registered dieticians, highlighting the lack of professional information that is distributed on TikTok. Again, a breeding ground for misinformation
PAINFUL ADMIRATION
Content that idealizes thinness is often commented on by aspirational users A content analysis by Macy Hung found that, out of 80 posts that idolized thin or muscular bodies, 73 75% of comments involved selfcomparison between the commenter and creator, and 75% correlated to weight-loss One commonality among these comments was a focus on weight and appearance, and various comments had thousands of likes, implying that thousands of people related to the commenters’
despair at their collectively “inadequate” bodies.
ON TRYING TO EMBODY THE MUSE
Much of my own summer was occupied with entering muse status. I queried the TikTok search bar for pilates routines, what-Ieat-in-a-day’s, Victoria’s Secret model workouts, methods of becoming the ideal Some videos were helpful guides for achieving a balanced lifestyle, while others read as diary entries, written discreetly and away from the prying eyes of loved ones At first, searches for meal inspiration yielded unconcerning results: people of diverse sizes ate three meals a day with snacks sprinkled throughout. Some fitness influencers tracked calories and admitted that they maintained a caloric deficit, which is the practice of consuming less calories than one burns; still, their choices allowed for a healthy consumption. A few scrolls, however, revealed a cluster of content known as “thinspiration,” or content that perpetuates an ideal image of thinness This content is often digitally modified to accentuate the intended features, a way in which it’s used to push harmful messages that a specific body type will bring the creator and viewer joy
THE BODY AS A BLUEPRINT
that the creator was following. It was a blueprint for fading into the background, which may be the goal for these arbiters of weightloss As it happens, those who project negative body image onto others are victims themselves: they too have admired thin bodies, analyzed their own features, and resolved to become the images they’ve romanticized
THEPLAGUEON BODYIMAGE
Though TikTok is not the sole cause of negative body image
among social media users, it has undoubtedly contributed to the issue. 25% of TikTok’s user base is between 10 and 19 years old, an age range during which the brain is still developing and ideas are easily absorbed Users can massreport this content and post their own videos about their love for food and themselves, but it will persist By consuming harmful rhetoric that is easily found in the app, users are exposed to guidelines and a blueprint on how to whittle down until they are invisible, both to the outside world and their own insecurities.
Continually, users documented the restricted amount of food they consumed in a day. They supplied viewers with low-calorie snacks to consume when the mind and stomach asked for more than the morning’s black coffee I tiptoed onto a few accounts, only to find the creators’ weights documented in their account biographies. Several videos contained backdrops of slim thighs, protruding collarbones, flat stomachs, and other guidelines
BEHIND THE FEAR
The
Hidden Struggles
By: Micaela Arauz
of
Law Magnet Students
Many students at the Law Magnet struggle with phobias that shape their daily lives From the fear of heights to a fear of frogs, this article highlights the challenges these students face as they navigate their fears
EMETOPHOBIA
Emetophobia is an extreme fear of vomiting. Andrea Calderon Orellana, a junior, is troubled by this phobia. “I hate throwing up; it's awful!” she said As a child, Andrea once indulged in too many candies and became very nauseous “I had to hold myself from throwing up because if I didn’t, I would have a freakout ” About two years ago, Andrea suffered from food poisoning “I was sick and nauseous all day, but I physically couldn’t throw up ” Andrea’s fear isn’t just limited to when she falls ill “My mom gets sick pretty often, and when she throws up it makes me want to rip my skin off,” Andrea said. She wishes more people understood that she really can’t control her extreme fear
NYCTOPHOBIA
“I’ve had a night-light since I was around five years old,” said Emma Molester, a freshman. She has nyctophobia, an extreme fear of the dark “After a few years, my parents told me that I should be able to sleep with the lights off,” she said However, Emma refused to sleep in complete darkness “I used to have a lamp that I would keep on every night, but my dad would always come into my room to turn it off ” Despite this, Emma continues to sleep with her LED lights on
OPHIDIOPHOBIA
Kelsey Pujol, a sophomore, still remembers the moment she realized she had ophidiophobia, an overwhelming fear of snakes “When I was seven, I was watching National Geographic and suddenly saw a snake eat a live animal whole!” Now, she can’t even look at a photo of a snake, much less a live one. “If I see a snake, or even just the skin after a snake sheds, I run. ” Occasionally, Kelsey avoids taking walks outside to prevent any possible triggers for her phobia Despite the serious impacts of her phobia on her life, she still faces ridicule from others. Kelsey said, “Sometimes when I tell people, they laugh and think I’m joking, but my fear isn’t funny ”
RANIDAPHOBIA
Texas is home to over 30 different species of frogs, which is bad news for Jiovanni Alardin, a junior, who has ranidaphobia “I never liked frogs,” he says. “In second grade, I was riding my bike, and a frog jumped out from the grass! I was terrified.” Jiovanni can handle looking at cartoon pictures of frogs and certain photos, but videos are where he draws the line. “Frogs are so weird; I can’t stand listening to the slimy noises they make.” His most recent encounter with a frog happened in his driveway “When I saw that frog as I arrived home, I did everything I could to stay away from it,” he said. Jiovanni’s unconventional fear has led to some teasing. “I wish people would stop telling me that frogs aren’t going to do anything to me. ”
“I can’t control my fear!”
-
Jiovanni Alardin
In 2019, the Law Magnet Mock Trial team made its first trip to nationals, finishing in 2nd place. They didn't compete in 2020 for reasons that remain undisclosed; however, they returned in 2021, clinching 3rd place at nationals and Sritanvi Bulusu winning a Best Witness award. The following year, a team composed largely of sophomores and even one freshman made history by winning the national championship, with Naudia Terry earning the coveted Best Advocate award In 2023, the team reached another milestone: for the first time ever, two Law Magnet teams qualified for nationals, advanced to the national round, and composed mainly of sophomores emerged as co-champions Not only that,
two witnesses from those teams were awarded the National Best Witness award. While their hopes for a “three-peat” fell short last year, they sent two judges to nationals
The Law Magnet Mock Trial team is eager to build on its impressive legacy this season, starting with the Judicial Youth and Government District Competition that took place on November 9, 2024 As the largest delegation, with 17 mock trial teams, the Law Magnet team gathered at Duncanville High School from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. After four intense rounds, countless references to Drake lyrics, and fresh puns inspired by the AIgenerated case “Nutty Negligence” (take a moment to guess what that case involved),
the team clinched the district championship in trial court. They also had five teams and four judges qualify for the district court state competition, all of which are now in the running to compete at nationals
“At first, I thought we hadn’t made the cut when everyone else was being announced. I turned to my co-counsel Emily with a puzzled look, thinking we didn't make the cut. But all of a sudden, 1st place was announced, and I heard my team's name called up. My team bursted with excitement as we knew the long nights had paid off.”
– Fouzan Yousuf, Captain of the 1st Place Team
Shoutouttothefollowingstudentsfor theiroutstandingperformancesatthe districtcompetition—besuretocheer themonastheyheadtostatein February!
DistrictCourt:
Team1:CarlaSerrano,EmilyMunoz, MicaelaArauz,SerenaHerrera,and FouzanYousuf(DistrictChampions!)
Team5:AlondraRodriguez,CatiCruz, FatimaAbregoEscandon,KarenCorpeño, PaigeWright,CashMesler,andLeighton Watson(2nd)
Team4:AshimaYadav,ElianaMichael, IyaMcCormick,NatalieDeLaRosa,Erick Paz,andJulianRendon(4th)
Team9:KariaMackfield,Emma(Rose) Rojas,LizzethOsorioGarcia,Milan (Jordan)Shelton,Ni'KoriyaBrown,Jorge Iniguez,Jung-hwaTutt,andWillieRay (8th)
Team2:KrystalMa,SuzetteHernandez, JuanCantarero,JuanRojas,Marco Hernandez,andMarcosPrieto(10th)
Team3:EllaMarlowe,GisselleSauceda, HarlemGilbert,AdityaPeri,Homero Lozano,andMarioGuzman
Judges:
AbygailVargas(1st)
BrandonPlascencia(4th)
NeilBhate(5th) ElizabethBell(6th) AnayaMartinez(7th)
MediaDelegate:EmilyRamirez(3rd)
CountyCourt:
Team10:KelseyPujol,MeganBhate, ReeseCoffee,XochitlGarcia,andJaxon Ryder
Team11:JaynaKush,RevahCherukuru, TonalyolotlAguinaga,AnuragMittal, KranthiPeri,andManavAmipara Team14:BethanyRamos,CaesarFlores, JoshuaStoker,JuanTovar,andJulianVela Team15:AllysonHenderson,Deanna Pedroza,IsmaelleTchinda,Penelope Gray,andNaseemMuhammad Team16:CamilaAntonVasquez,Isabella Lobo,LuciaPhelps,MiraRussell,Paola Montalvo,SimoneDetzel,TarahjiNorvell, andTeyaWordofa
Judges: MorganVanArsdall AlexTran
“Winning 1st place as a judge was rewarding because I've had bad judges before, and I wanted to ensure that all 8 teams got a fair judge. I've placed last before, and I've also placed 3rd at districts as part of a team. I'm happy that our teams were able to celebrate their wins and learn from their losses.
Being the president of our delegation was more of a marathon. While prepping for districts, I had to track 110 students and their progress. There were times when freshmen called me at 11 PM for support.”
– Abygail Vargas, 1st Place Judge and Youth & Government President
By: Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
After a nearly three-year hiatus, the Law Magnet Moot Court team is back and they’re ready to make history once again With a legacy of national championships in 2019, 2021, and 2022, they are now gearing up for another shot at greatness in 2024. This remarkable comeback is all thanks to the unwavering dedication of Mr Zambrano and two passionate Law Magnet juniors, Julissa Jaimes and Liliana Villa, who took it upon themselves to resurrect the team
Determined to live up to the program ' s storied reputation, they have already set their sights high for the upcoming season Alongside their Mock Trial counterparts, the Moot Court team made a strong debut at the Judicial Youth and Government District Competition on November 9, 2024, at Duncanville High School Despite having less than a month to prepare, they sent three teams and two judges, all of whom showcased exceptional skill, earning themselves a spot in
the highly competitive state competition.
Their rapid success is a testament to the hard work and resilience of everyone involved
A huge shout-out to the following students for their hard work and dedication to the team! If you see them in the hallways, be sure to cheer them on and wish them the best of luck as they continue their journey to success:
Angel Diaz (Justice)
Ossiel Faz (Justice)
Destiny Aguilar and Alani Reyes (Attorneys)
Julissa Jaimes and Liliana Villa (Attorneys)
Gabriella Soto and Valeria Gonzalez (Attorneys)
“I’m really proud of everyone for placing considering we had 3 or 4 weeks to prepare, and I can’t wait to see how we do at state!!” – Angel Diaz
“I am unbelievably proud of all the hardwork the team has poured into this competition! I can’t wait for us to grow and win more.”
– Madeline Lunzer
Iamsoproudforeveryone thatcompetedindistrictfor makingittostate. Consideringtheshorttimewe hadtoprepareandthefact thatthisissomeofourfirst experienceswithMootCourt, ithasbeenanincredible learningjourney.We've gottensomuchdone,butwe allknowthere'ssomuch morewecanmaster.Thisis justthebeginning,andIam excitedtoseewhatwewill accomplishinthefuture!
–JulissaJaimes
“It is amazing what our club did with the amount of time we had. It is a testament to the students’ hard work and dedication. I am excited to see what the future holds for these competitors and the club as a whole.”
– Coach Zambrano
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KEEP UP WITH LEGAL PAD VIDEOS
LP GAMES
By: Sukhmani Nijjar
WORDLE
Guess the hidden word in 6 tries
After your enter a valid 5-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
MINICROSSWORD
Thursday, July 4, 2024
By Christina Iverson
CONNECTIONS
Make four groups of four! Select four items and tap 'Submit' to check if your guess is correct.
Category Example: EXTRACURRICULARS → CHESS, LINK CREW, MOCK TRIAL, MODEL UN
Each puzzle has exactly one solution. Watch out for words that seem to belong to multiple categories!
CLUES: Across
1. Fireworks show exclamations
5 Italy's shape
6 Girl Scout cookie flavor often mistaken for a tasty indian snack
7 Like a proverbial "nest" once the kids go to college
8. Fireworks show exclamations Down
1 President who wrote the memoir A Promised Land
2 That little extra something
3 Sounds from an owl
4. "Don't go!"
6. "From to shining "
