2 0 1 3 5 G R A D S 2 0 5
Editors-in-Chief
Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Writers
Adriana Bautista
Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
Krystal Ma
Maya Alvarez Castellanos
Micaela Arauz
Serena Herrera Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Taylor Dodd
Cover Design
Taylor Dodd
Graphic Design
Hannah Estrada
Micaela Arauz
Serena Herrera Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Taylor Dodd
Spanish Translation
Brissia Matus
Hannah Estrada
Advisor
Mr. Tadesse
Link: https://tinyurl.com/MayLPSpanish
As we sat on the very comfortable couch in Mr. T’s room, we two editors-in-chief couldn’t help but wonder where’d all the time go? We’ve been involved in The Legal Pad since our junior year, and we ’ ve enjoyed it since its beginning, back when we were sophomores The Legal Pad has brought us so many cool memories, like when we got sued by Sony on April 1st last year (yes, that actually happened), or all the times our very own Amaad dressed up as a judge with a ridiculously silly wig only for Mr. T to yell at us and tell him that the wig was, and we quote, “ a stupid, stupid wig.”
Though there have been countless moments of blood, sweat, and tears poured into each and every edition sleepless nights fighting with Flipsnack/Issuu, passive-aggressive texts sent to and from the team there is a deep sense of pride in all that we ’ ve built together and a little sadness in leaving it
Even though we ’ re off to our bright futures, The Legal Pad will always hold a special place in our hearts. So think of this as our farewell gift to you, our readers, from all the seniors on The Legal Pad team. We hope you have fun reading, listening to our advice on how to survive classes at Townview, applying to college, or handling the big move away from home
Whatever it is, we hope you know how much we love The Legal Pad and we hope it only continues to grow and thrive after we ’ re gone.
With all our love, Jiashuo (Moon) Liu and Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
By: Jiashuo (Moon) Liu and Sukhmani (Sukhi) Nijjar
Here is your unofficial, unfiltered guide to surviving some of the most iconic classes at our school Sophomore and junior year are no joke they’re hands down the hardest. But we made it through, and not just by chance. As your valedictorian and salutatorian, we ’ ve faced the sleepless nights, confusing assignments, and
Pay close attention in class; she drops hints about what’s on the test
Use the test flashcards as review they will save you when studying for and taking tests.
Actually fill in the index and number the pages in your lab journal (Trying to figure out what goes on what page the night before a notebook check is impossible).
No, it’s not too simple, too easy But, at least it’s fun
relentless deadlines and still came out on top That said, there are so many things we wish we had known before diving in Below are the tips we wished someone had given us before the year started advice from students who have been there, done that, and somehow lived to tell the tale
Turn in assignments on time
That’s the most important thing, because it’s an automatic 70 the second it’s past the day and time listed on Google Classroom. Actively attempt the bellringer questions they’re AP style questions that are similar to what you’ll encounter in the unit tests and the actual AP test. Also, do the reviews because you can earn up to 10 points extra credit on tests and that’s a lifesaver
Follow instructions on labs carefully Labs are project grades so they’re weighted more, and it’s very easy to miss out on points even when you complete it fully. Go over the FRQ results from your tests and ask her about her grading if there’s any discrepancies she will give you your points back if she made a mistake.
He really values effort: participate in class and turn in homework packets consistently
Send him a Remind whenever you need a grade to be changed
Organize a binder well with all of the lessons and packets to be able to review them later
You don’t have to take notes because all the slideshows are uploaded to Google Classroom, but it’s recommended because writing it down helps with memorization
W/ MR. T
Stay focused and ask questions often this class is a rare opportunity to build a financially secure future, so take it seriously.
Take detailed, personalized notes and apply what you learn right away Mr T keeps the workload manageable, and the info is super useful (you’ll need it sooner than you think!).
Review your notecards on a weekly basis Nyugen rarely assigns homework that she collects, but definitely do the practice problems at the end of each lesson that’s how you familiarize yourself with all the formulas/problem types and review as well Take advantage of the tutoring sessions! Both teachers allow you to makeup and correct almost anything, whether it’s notecard quizzes, DOLs, or tests
` Don’t complain or think that calculus is too hard for you to learn or Ms. Morris will make you get in front of a mirror and repeat positive affirmations
The rumors are true: he’s a chill guy some might even say the chillest guy Be original and DO NOT USE AI!
Ask for feedback. He’ll give it, and it’ll help
Large project grades sometimes consist of notes and answering questions about books that you have to do independently over a long period of time. Do NOT procrastinate on it, try to do it immediately after reading a chapter, in the class time that he allots
A large part of the grades are weekly participation grades, which includes verbal participation in class and completion of the journal (poetry & vocabulary) entries Stay up to date on those, and if you miss one, make it up as soon as possible
Prepare yourself for some sass and roasting
Take an energy drink before class or make sure you are well rested, because curtains drawn over the windows + a warm room + Mr. Mikesell's smooth, warm voice reading you poems can be a recipe for the best inclass nap
Master the art of snapping You’ll need it after every “moment of beauty” (and yes, there will be many). If you ’ re in his Lang class, actually listen and take notes during his history lessons, they’ll help you for APUSH
Focus on the fundamentals and complete all your assignments. Actively participate in class engage with the material and show respect during lessons It’ll take you far
Don’t underestimate this class just because it’s considered an “ easy ” AP it will catch up with you. Mr DeLeon is truly a climate activist, and you will leave his class a more informed voter and global citizen Be sure to listen up and take notes.
Same as AP Biology, turn in assignments on time. That’s the most important thing, because it’s an automatic 70 the second it’s past the day and time listed on Google Classroom
Do the Heimler notes! They’re annoying, but they work. Do not wait until the last day to do them. Get familiar with the rubrics early, especially for LEQs and DBQs
Take actual practice tests, especially the writing portions
Don’t rote memorize dates and facts focus on historical thinking skill and developing connections
Do writing and MCQ practice on your own. Independent learning is a must for this class
Figure out your own notetaking system, or consider stealing note templates from friends who have Ms. Taylor
Embrace the antics and the energy. This will be the only class you have where you’ll have a teacher as enthusiastic as Roman Answer questions even if you ’ re unsure. He’d rather correct you than hear silence. Before tests, watch CrashCourse or Heimler videos to reinforce your understanding Leverage online resources whenever you can.
Watch Heimler’s History videos they’re lifesavers before tests!
Divide and conquer those packets (IYKYK) Don’t be greedy with the candy
Stay on top of the bullet journal, especially the monthly logs at the start of each month
Advocate for yourself when appropriate in a respectful manner (he respects when students do this)
Actually do the work. It’ll help you way more than you realize when you ’ re applying to college And don’t just do the assignments just for the grade; put thought into it so it actually helps you get a head start with essays and the college list
Don’t sit next to your friends, or you’ll get nothing done.
Pay attention to how to conduct a good quality research study at the beginning and actually try to apply that in your research design Otherwise, you’ll find it hard to gather participants, get useful data, or write a meaningful paper in general
Choose a topic that you think you can stay interested in for the entire school year, or you’ll genuinely start questioning your sanity Do NOT procrastinate. It’s so easy to fall behind because there’s a new section to write and a new research checkup every class/every week. It’s best to get your work done in class
By: Hannah Estrada
Once upon a time, there lived a senior class iconic, unhinged, and fye. The Class of 2025. Now, they’re off to new cities, dorm rooms, and 8 a.m. classes they think they’ll wake up for. Georgetown, Dartmouth, community colleges, state schools you name it, they’ll be there. But let’s be real… they still don’t know everything.
Before they go, we turned to their greatest cheerleaders: The Law Magnet Teachers. They’ve witnessed the endless crashouts, the impromptu singing, and the water-gun apocalypse. So, we asked them to reflect on their greatest memories and part ways with a word of wisdom because we all know they still need it
Q1: What is your fondest memory with the Law Magnet senior class?
Q2:What is your word of wisdom to the seniors before they embark on their college journey?
Ms. Lee
A1: “They were my first seminar class, and I got to learn alongside them. They helped me grow as a teacher, and it was truly an honor ”
A2: “First things first stay hydrated! You’d be surprised how much being dehydrated can mess with your head More importantly, stay true to yourself Don’t change just to please others. That doesn’t mean be selfish it means know who you are, and treat others the way you’d want to be treated.”
Mr. T
A1:“"This was the first class I had the joy of teaching financial literacy to an exciting experience! They helped create the school's first Legal Pad website, leaving a proud legacy for years to come. "
A2: “You all are a remarkable class and your many accomplishments speak for themselves. I’m proud of each of you. As you look ahead to your future goals, remember that who you become matters more than what you will achieve.”
Mr. Gonzalez
A1: “In my 26 years here, this is one of the deepest classes I’ve seen both in terms of quality and quantity. They’ve truly stood out.”
A2: "Start with 15 credit hours each semester so you have wiggle room to drop a class if needed And whatever you do, avoid 8 AM classes!”
Ms. Nguyen
A1: “The calculus party was a highlight seeing so many students come together to do calculus was fun and impressive. It was rewarding to see how hard this group worked to understand the material ”
A2: “Make sure you keep your priorities straight There will be a lot of distractions, but don't lose focus on what's important Everything in moderation especially when it comes to partying. Stay focused and keep your goals in sight.”
Mr. Jones
A1: “My favorite memories with this class was being part of the mock trial national championship team. Celebrating that huge accomplishment together especially going downtown to the district board meeting was such a proud and unforgettable moment ”
A2: “My biggest piece of advice is this: remember that you don’t know everything. You’ll always be learning. Embrace every opportunity, whether it seems good or bad, because each one teaches you something And no matter what, always work hard That mindset will carry you far ”
And now, it’s time to send our seniors off into the wild world of adulting. Sure, we have our doubts will they survive without their water guns, skipping school, or ChatGPT? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: we ’ re rooting for them as they chase their own happily ever after (hopefully with fewer crash outs)
By: Adriana Bautista
One saying is often used to capture the power of artistic meaning: a picture can speak a thousand words. That power is not limited to photography, of course television, film, illustration, and music are merely a few mediums through which humans find comfort, relatability, or aspiration. The Law Magnet’s seniors are reflecting on the past, and they’ve pulled from their bank of cultural taste to offer some pieces of media that helped them through their high school years, and which will help readers get through high school, too
This film about a final project to remember is bound to resonate with students who have felt unseen at any point in their lives Mental health is a powerful theme in the project, with resonant messages for viewers.
“I first watched Archie’s Final Project in sophomore year I was struggling in my personal and school life, and I've always been inclined to watch it when I’m feeling down,” said Mariel Martinez. “It felt relatable in certain ways but it's still unserious in moments and it
brought me a bit of joy and laughter when I wasn't feeling too great. It also made me reflect on my own feelings and it made me feel more appreciative for what I have ”
Southern California; cute girls with cute guys; dreamers and drama what more could a show about wealthy high-schoolers offer? The O.C. may sound like the epitome of distant dreams in the Californian west, but it offers more wisdom than one imagines One senior reflected on The O C ’ s unexpected lessons
“I relate to The O C because even though it’s in Orange County, California, where the characters are rich, they still have drama about friends and senior year, ” said Anaya Martinez “There’s an episode where Seth and his girlfriend are trying to go to the same college, but one of them doesn’t like it. It’s just so relatable and they have such a strong friend group
It reminds me that as long as you have good friends, that’s all that matters. And they talk about what it’s like to stop being friends with someone and finding new friends and changing yourself for the better I feel like all of that encapsulates what being in high school is about.”
“IT REMINDS ME THAT AS LONG AS YOU HAVE GOOD FRIENDS, THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS.”
This interpretation of the Superman story is more than another comic book adaptation. The show focuses on Clark Kent’s journey as a teenage superhero, navigating relationships, ancestral mysteries, and the emergence of responsibility in one ’ s life
One Law Magnet senior is hopelessly devoted to Clark Kent, and she wishes to conceal her identity because of this Still, she described the strange connection between Smallville and growing up. “One piece of media that has helped me is the TV show Smallville,” the lovebird said “That doesn’t really make sense because it doesn’t focus much on being a high-schooler, but it has taught me that there are many challenges that can come your way, and having a good group of friends makes you realize that no matter what comes your way, you can power through it.”
Photo by Cati Cruz
Naturally, no number of recommendations from departing high school seniors can perfectly capture the feeling of living in that period of time: high school The phrase alone holds a similar power to the word “California,” which represents freedom, or “New York,” which symbolizes adventure “High school” brings to mind youth, growing up,
nostalgia, love, heartbreak it is the enduring code for being confused where you are and often despising it, yet missing that feeling once it’s gone The aforementioned media may be rooted in fiction, but the stories they tell reflect the thoughts, hopes, fears, and lives of the high school students we walk amongst now
By: Ashima Yadav
As our beloved Legal Pad seniors depart from the place they've called home these past four years, they’d like to share a few bits and pieces of wisdom they’ve gained throughout high school
“Opportunity is luck meets preparation So prepare well, and don't just stress out about whether or not you will be lucky Take initiative, get out of your comfort zone, and learn to self-advocate.” Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
“Become comfortable with the uncomfortable.”
Amaad Garrett
“Make decisions that are beneficial to your future rather than how you feel now ”
Jordan Wesley
“ Be smart about your decisions, whether that’s academics or your social life at school Don’t fall into the wrong crowd or bad habits
Maintain that work ethic and stay focused on achieving your goals.” Hannah Estrada “Work hard, play hard. Always stay hard.”
Amaad Garrett
“Keep your head up, your bread up, and don’t let up ” Hannah Estrada
“[Something I struggle with is] probably stressing myself and others around me too much with my high expectations. Over the years, I've learned that it's been the people along the way that mattered all along Having people to lean on and being someone people can lean on probably matters more than any award or rank.” Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
“There will literally always be someone better off than you and worse off than you whether it's intelligence-wise, monetarily, connections
Taylor Dodd
“I advise students to avoid comparing their journey to others I think we subconsciously do this ourselves all the time without realizing it. This comparison only deters your path and is a waste of time ” Jordan Wesley
“Comparison really is the thief of joy”
Hannah Estrada
“Sometimes... the stress isn't worth it. Take the bad grade. I think going to tutoring and completing the corrections/retakes is, in some cases, better for your grade and even your comprehension of the tested subject ”
Jordan Wesley
“It is necessary to maintain balance between academics and mental health, social life, and sleep If anything costs you those three things, then it costs too much ” Jiashuo (Moon) Liu
“Simply ask questions Talk to teachers, peers, counselors whatever to lead a conversation I’m not a fan of small talk, but asking someone a question is a great way to open a conversation and form some type of relationship.” Jordan Wesley
“I really struggled with asking for help since I didn't really have to in elementary and middle, but I kinda just realized that everyone needed help at some point.”
Taylor Dodd
“Don’t be scared to ask for help, and don’t let other people ruin what you enjoy the most.”
Victoria Ledezma
“Don’t focus too much on trying to define who you are. Just be you, that’s enough.”
Madeline Lunzer
“Stay true to yourself, because at the end of the day, you only have yourself ”
Victoria Ledezma
“I had a lot of anxiety and confidence issues that often clouded my judgment and hindered me in a lot of aspects of my life. Honestly, it took a lot of therapy, self-love, and realizing nobody actually cares that much and it’s just high school ” Madeline Lunzer
“I struggled with getting out of my shell and finding my people, but through school events and just reminding myself to be true to who I am helped me navigate that hardship ”
Hannah Estrada
“Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of “school appropriate.” Elizabeth Bell
Although these are lessons our seniors have learned within the walls of the Law Magnet, they are not just applicable to high school These are lessons taught in the classroom of life, in which we remain students long after graduation. This advice doesn't grow old. It doesn’t age. It doesn't expire. It rings true today and will tomorrow, so carry it with you not only throughout your high school career but throughout your life.
By: Ashima Yadav
Below you’ll find a collage of Legal Pad senior members’ grievances that I have had the opportunity to compile into a poem about our school This comedic imitation is inspired by Kat Stratford’s well-known monologue from 10 Things I Hate About You.
I hate your jarring fluorescent lights And the way they strain my eyes. I hate the way your wifi works Or doesn’t most of the time I hate your sludge of cafeteria food
I hate your stinky stairwell fumes. I hate your crowded halls And your tiny windowless rooms. I hate when you make me shiver, Even more when you make me sweat
It’s either burning hot or freezing cold
The heck is up with that… I hate how you caught me by surprise, Even quicker, shooed me away
But mostly I hate the way I’ll miss you, Every year, Okay…every month, Really, every day.
By: Maya Alvarez Castellanos
There’s something surreal about looking at a place that used to feel like your whole world and realizing it no longer belongs to you, at least not in the way it once did I stumbled upon photos of my childhood home recently, completely remodeled and painted in colors that looked nothing like the ones I grew up with. The princess stickers I’d peeled off as a kid were gone, and so was the carpet on the stairs where my cousin fell asleep after a full day at Disneyland Seeing it so unfamiliar and so polished, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d lost a piece of myself. I always imagined buying my childhood home and moving back hoping it would freeze in time
Childhood homes have a way of imprinting themselves on us. They’re more than walls and a roof, they’re where you learned to walk, fought with your siblings, and grew up in ways you didn’t even notice at the time They hold memories in their corners and secrets in their cracks They’re safe havens and constant in a world that isn’t, until one day, they’re not.
As a senior in high school, I’ve been thinking about “home” a lot lately. For many of us, this is the year we leave, whether for college, work, or something else entirely Some of us might stay close, but most of us will go And even if we come back to visit, home won’t feel the same. We won’t be the same. When I found those photos of my childhood house, I realized that leaving isn’t just about packing up and moving on It’s about accepting that some places only exist the way we remember them I’ll never again smell my mom ’ s cooking as I walk up to the front door after a long day at school. I’ll never again hear the echo of my siblings’ laughter bouncing through the living room on Sunday nights as I try to do my homework I’ll become a visitor in the house that once saw me through it all I started asking some of the seniors how they felt about leaving home, and their answers made me realize how universal this feeling is
Adeline Casarez, who will be moving to Minnesota, told me that despite how overjoyed she is about living on her own, she thinks about how she will miss the once annoying train tracks. She gets nostalgic thinking that once she goes to college things will start to feel very foreign Adeline mentioned that she collects snow globes, so to keep a part of home with her, she will bring a Dallas-themed snow globe with her to college!
Katherine Tamez-Martinez, who will be moving to Ohio, mentioned that in order to stay connected to her roots in Dallas, she is staying in touch with the people who helped her grow the most She also said that she was most sad about leaving the historic Texas theater but she is ready to find its replacement in Cleveland to find a place where she can escape the world around her by relaxing and watching a movie
I also spoke to Ta’Ja Alcantar, who is moving to North Carolina. She said that when she thinks of "home," she sees her family and friends, and shared that one of her favorite recent memories was celebrating her 18th birthday surrounded by the people she loves. Ta’Ja said she will miss the sound of her nephew’s squeals the most, especially since he will be turning one shortly after she leaves Although she is both nervous and excited to be seventeen hours away from home, she plans to stay connected by bringing photos and items like her promise ring and her grandmother’s pearls to campus, and by flying home often to visit her family
What struck me the most was how bittersweet it all feels We worked so hard for this moment, the moment we get to spread our wings and make it in the real world We have spent the last 18 years of our lives knowing what comes next but now it's time for us to figure it out on our own. It’s bittersweet, this idea that the places that shaped us can’t stay frozen in time, but their impact is permanent Childhood homes, and the memories tied to them, are pieces of us we carry wherever we go. Even if the paint changes, the floors are replaced, or someone else’s laughter fills the rooms, the version of that house in your heart will always be yours As we take our first steps away from home this year, I hope we can all find comfort in knowing that the places that built us the houses, the neighborhoods, the people are still a part of us They might change, as will we, but those memories will always feel like home
By: Amaad Garrett
This edition of the Legal Pad marks the conclusion of our journey with our senior staff Since joining the team, they have each played a pivotal role in improving the quality and design of our magazine. Our videos have become more dynamic and engaging, and for the first time in our history, we ' ve launched an online news source for the Law Magnet through the Legal Pad website. Our seniors have achieved remarkable success during their time with us, leaving a lasting and positive influence on the Law Magnet community In honor of their departure, the Legal Pad team created and voted on fun superlatives for each of our 12 seniors that capture their character, reflect our team culture, and celebrate their journey. Each senior was also asked to give advice for the Law Magnet’s underclassman.
Most Likely to Start Their Own Publication:
Most Likely to Become a Youtuber:
Future School: University of Southern California
Hannah Estrada
Roles: Spanish Translator | Writer | Canva Editor
Future School: University of San Francisco
Moon Liu
Roles: Magazine Co-Team Lead | Canva Editor
Future School: Princeton University
Most Likely to Start a Journalism Revolution:
Amaad Garrett
Roles: Writer | Website Editor
Future School: Northwestern University
Best Eye for Aesthetic Posts:
Jacqueline Mier Y Concha
Role: Website Co-Team Lead
Future School: Boston College
Victoria Ledezma Role: Video Team
Future School: Prairie View A&M University
Victor Delgado
Roles: Website Co-Team Lead | Canva Editor Future School: University of Texas at Arlington
Most Likely to Make Canva Cry:
Most Likely to Finish Everything Before the Meeting Starts:
Sukhmani Nijjar
Roles: Magazine Co-Team Lead | Writer | Canva Editor | Magazine Editor Future School: Dartmouth College
Taylor Dodd
Roles: Writer | Website Editor | Canva Editor Future School: University of Texas at Arlington/Austin
Hardest Hitting Interviewer:
Jordan Wesley
Elizabeth Bell
Roles: Video Team Co-Team Lead Future School: University of Texas at Austin
Role: Video Team Co-Team Lead Future School: Spelman College
Roles: Writer | Video Team | Website Team Future School: Bryant University
By: Taylor Dodd
High school has this way of humbling you before you even get acclimated to the culture
One minute you ’ re trying to survive geometry, and then you ’ re living through the worst canon events. Unskippable. Unforgettable. Usually just awfully dramatic in the moment
Starting off strong in freshman year, I liked one of my best friends. That could’ve been a quiet, personal realization. But no…I told my friends. All of them. Not only that,I told him. At a quinceañera While dressed up, at someone else’s party venue, mid-slow song He said something like, “Oh ” and I just about died right there. You know what, though? I don’t regret it. But, I also don’t know who told me that was the right time to speak from the heart
We’re still friends, and it didn’t ruin anything, but it’s a memory that replays like a drama scene I didn’t k to direct
On top of that, one of my now closest friends told me (a little more recently) that he didn’t really like me back then. We shared four whole classes sophomore year, and he lowkey hated me I was loud and always doing too much to overcompensate for what I thought I lacked. I was trying so hard to be seen and liked that I didn’t realize I was wearing people out
Junior year notably the hardest year academically felt like running in tired emotional circles Somehow, I caught feelings for the same friend again I knew better, and I still did it. I read too far into conversations, convinced myself that every moment mattered. It didn’t, not like that, but even though I knew it wasn’t going to be reciprocated, part of me couldn’t fully let it go (until I did)
Th th t it ti hi
Sophomore year, I somehow ended up in a long-distance situationship with a guy who lived in New York and who, looking back, very blatantly and clearly did not like me I was overly thoughtful and much too hopeful. He was… present (in theory). The whole thing dragged on way longer than it should have, simply because I couldn’t admit it wasn’t working
Senior year has been a different beast. Between school, internship, college and scholarship applications, and everything else, I kept saying, “I got it,” even when I, in fact, didn’t have it I took on more than I could realistically manage, convinced I could do this, do that, do my normal things, and then some. Burnout didn’t even hit all at once, but it wasn’t slow, either I’d crash, then I’d burn, then I’d get back up and repeat it By the time I realized how far gone I was, I had about 50 commitments I didn’t know how to tackle.
Looking back, I’m not proud of every decision, but I do understand them Each moment changed something about the way I move and think; these moments weren’t random; they were necessary. Even the ones that still sting a little.
Whether I like it or not, these were (just some of) my actions, and they had their consequences. It took me almost all four years to truly take in every experience from high school and how they've made me who I am, but I will forever be proud of myself and thankful for everyone in my life As I start a new chapter in life, it’s so helpful to ground myself and think of all the times I made a mistake right alongside the times I made the perfect choice, because they all led me right here
At the end of the day, everybody has their slightly uncomfortable unforgettable moments. The message isn’t that these moments don’t matter, but quite the opposite No matter how strange or embarrassed you may feel in the moment, just know that we ’ re all still growing and we have the potential and opportunity to do great things.
TaylorandJackieattheseniorpicnic
By: Micaela Arauz
How is one supposed to sum up all their whole life experience in under 650 words? As Juniors, that question keeps luring over our heads since our senior year keeps getting closer and closer The personal statement is an essential part of a college application, but especially for first-gen students, it can be a difficult task So, instead of looking at a blank Google Doc for hours, here are some successful examples of personal statements from the Law Magnets' very own seniors
Manuel (Manny) Martinez will be attending New York University in the fall He centered his personal statement around music, culture, and identity
“Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember As a child, I would tie a rubber band to our toy box lid and pluck along the loose string, pretending to play a guitar. Then I would force my little brother to grab my mom ’ s pots and spoons to make a crude drum set, and we would just make noise for minutes on end I also remember annoying my parents by squawking like a parrot to them “I want to play rock ‘ n roll ” I didn’t know what rock and roll meant, but my developing brain associated live performances with the words “rock and roll And I knew that whatever rock and roll meant, I
wanted to be part of it. While I have come a long way from banging pots and pans, my love for music has remained constant Now, this passion for music has manifested in playing as a violinist in orchestras, quartets, and mariachi bands.”
Read the rest of his personal statement here:
https://tinyurl com/4jj4kysw
Alexandra Garcia matched with Wellesley College through Questbridge. In this part of her personal statement, she focused on identity, language, and her voice
“I felt as if the ground underneath me was rapidly shifting, my limited ability to speak English stealing the powerful voice I possessed. I felt the stares of my classmates penetrating through my skin The only thing that could be heard was my accelerating heartbeat and my futile attempts at conjuring words
As my teacher approached each student in the class, asking them a question to assess their English speaking ability, I felt her zero-in on me, “Alexandra, in a few words, I want you to describe your appearance ” Reflecting on my journey as an ESL learner, I have kept my teacher’s question in mind, trying my best to grasp the parts of my appearance that muster my voice and show who I am.
“Mi pelo está trenzado ” - My hair is woven into a braid ”
Read the rest of her personal statement here:
https://tinyurl.com/yc5azap5
Legal Pad member Maya Alvarez-Castellanos is deciding between attending the University of Southern California and Claremont Mckenna College this fall. Her personal statement (along with several other factors in her application) allowed her to choose between USC, Cornell University, UT Austin, and Claremont Mckenna
“Tienes que ser el cambio que quieres ver ” Be the change you want to see in the world, my mother emphasized to me growing up. I carry her words with me, echoing through every decision I make
For much of my childhood, I believed authority was an all-powerful force that should never be questioned In school, I was taught to obey authority and never challenge it. However, as I grew and became aware of social issues affecting my community, my perspective shifted I learned that the government uses taxpayer dollars to fund corporate subsidies rather than funding vital services like childcare, housing for the homeless, or police reform This discovery left me frustrated, and my anger fueled a deeper understanding that the issues many face are not due to their failings but stem from systematic policies that have disenfranchised minorities for centuries ”
Read the rest of this part of her personal statement here:
https://tinyurl com/bde3r7vm
By: Sukhmani Nijjar
Guess the hidden word in 6 tries
Each guess must be a valid 7-letter word (including a name), you cannot enter random letters Hit the enter button to submit the guess
After your submission, 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. Hint: It’s a plural
Link: https://tinyurl com/LastConnections
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
January 2025
By Paolo Pasco, Edited by Sam Ezersky
1 Charged particles
2 Roan who introduced herself as " your favorite artist's favorite artist" at her Coachella performance
3 Sabrina Carpenter title rhymed with "I guess so " in its chorus
4. Doubly hyphenated square dancing move
5 Sourdough starter containers
6 *The Masked Singer* judge Rita 7 *Abbott Elementary* or *English Teacher*
8 Is dressed in
9 Trees lining the National Mall
10. "Very , very mindful" (Joolz Lebron quote)
11 Maverick's rival-turned-friend, in the *Top Gun* series
12 Middling number of booms on the Costco Guys' "Boom Meter"
17 Sound unit named after Alexander Graham
18. Erase, as a visual memory
20 What's fed into a VHS player
23 Tropical kind of tree mentioned in a viral Kamala Harris quote
25 Theater chain that released a *Dune*-inspired popcorn bucket
26 "How It End?" (Taylor Swift song from *The Tortured Poets Department*)
28. One of seven honors presented to Taylor Swift by MTV in 2024
31 Send a Venmo to
32 "And guess I'm the fool / With arms out like an angel through the car sunroof" (*Good Luck, Babe!* lyric)
34 “Spare me the details!”
36 Animal that a "hot rodent man " resembles
38 Music festival headlined by Post Malone and Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2024
39 Low-quality, mind-numbing content, such as an AI-generated voice reading TikTok content over Subway Surfers gameplay
40 Prominent muscles for Stephen Nedoroscik, a k a "Pommel Horse Guy"
42. Diplomat who might meet in N.Y.C., for short
44 Pare down, as one ' s followers list
46 Complain
47 Nuts favored by P'Nut the squirrel, probably
48 "You got this, sis!"
50 Easy-listening radio format
51. Stockpile
53. Kind of switch with two positions
54 Vehicle that hits Regina George at the end of the song "I'd Rather Be Me," in the *Mean Girls* remake
56 100-meter event won by Noah Lyles at the Paris Olympics
57 "Ooh, one to the right" (lyric in Beyoncé's *Texas Hold 'Em*)
58. Helper: Abbr.
60 Prefix with pronoun, for xe/xim, ze/zir, etc
1.HowaStarbucksPinkDrinkistypically served
5 *"Challengers"*starO'Connor who shareshisnamewithawinerythatwent viralinearly2024
9.FanTikTokmontageofoneperson's mediaappearances,eg
13 Very,pretentiously
14 Operaticsolo
15 Skeevyguy
16.Takesabreakafterfeeling"eepy"
17 WhatCharliXCXsaid"goodbye forever"onSeptember2(thebeginning offall)
19 Sodaswithalimited-editionChill varietyintroducedin2024
21 Takein,ascontent
22 EngageinaSoulCycleclass
23 ScamssuchasWilly'sChocolate ExperienceinGlasgow
24."DietPepsi"singerAddison
25 Famedfablewriter
26 Personorderingasub?
27 Like2024,butnot2025
29 Sportsorg thatwilladdSanDiego FCin2025
30 Long,sprawlingstory,like*Shogun*
32 Adjust,aspantlegs
33 Anticoagulant'starget
35 Totallystan
37.Popgroupwhosememberswere honoredwithSwedishknighthoodin 2024
41 " bien"
43 Snitch(on)
45.Roundobject"pondered"bya wizard,inameme
46 Acquire
48 feeling(hunch)
49 Bonesthatrunparalleltoradii
51.Thisshape:(
52 Wordrepeatedbefore"forthehome team"in*TakeMeOuttotheBallGame*
54 Russianpancakes
55 PygmyhippoplayedbyBowenYang on*SaturdayNightLive*
57 Seedlessgrapegrownforraisins
59 Sukhmanihasinfinityofthese(orthe measureofhowcoolsomeoneis)
61 ComestoaTimothéeChalamet lookalikecontestdressedasTimothy Olyphant,say
62 IDssoughtbyphishers
63 LiketheJoker(briefly),in*Joker:Folie àDeux*
64.Lead-intoballforatabletopgame
65 Get-together,informally
66 Doterriblenumbers,asapost
67 AbolitionistLucretia
You’ re in for a wild ride <3
remember you when we get famous!
Thanks
Can’t believe it’s all over.
wig.
for all the memories. So proud of us. This chapter is closed, but the story is far from over. We’ve complained, laughed, stressed, and thrived..
We wish you all the best!! We’ll
Grad, u ate. HAGS
