Loma Linda Academy Mirror '06-'07 I3

The

Loma Linda Academy

Mirror

Vol. 74.3 Winter 06/07

The Mirror

Front Cover Design & Photo Illustration: Christine Akamine

Faces

08 From History to Herstory

Nikki Tolentino

10 Technical Drama

Stephanie Dominguez

14 Growing Up at LLA

Laurel Hansen

Pauline Roman (10) and Justin Powell (11)

17 From the Archives: Student X Casey Harris 20 Big Things Come in Small Packages

Kristianne Ocampo

04 SDA?

Melissa Loera

Locality

12

It’s Not Something to Mock

Zoe Thompson

16

Restaurant Review: Maria’s Cafe

Darin West

21

What’s Built in Mexico, Stays in Mexico

Kristie Avila

Leftovers

06 New Year’s Resolutions

Kristianne Ocampo

13 Briefs

Zoe Thompson

18

Darin West

Gallery

Page Index

Volume: 74 Issue 3

Back Cover Design & Photo: Christine Akamine

Photo Works

Christine Akamine 02

Collage

07

SA Christmas Banquet Collage

The Mirror Staff Editor: Zoe Thompson Assistant Editor: Darin West Photo Editor: Christine Akamine Reporters:

Kristie Avila Stephanie Dominguez Laurel Hansen Melissa Loera Kristianne Ocampo Nikki Tolentino

Sponsor: Danelle Taylor Publisher: Brent Baldwin E-mail: Mirror@lla.org

All pages individually designed by authors All uncredited photos by Christine Akamine

S

eventhome everal

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It was the first day of my first year of high school. My freshman year at a new prestigious school meant a lot to me, even if I did feel as if I had abandoned my friends for a fresh start. I had twisted emotions — excitement, anxiety and doubt.

I knew only one thing about Loma Linda Academy (LLA), I would get a fantastic education. After speaking with my parents about my transfer they finally mentioned more details about LLA. “You’re going to an SDA school,” they said.

“SDA? Is that a disease?” I responded.

I have gone to public schools all my life, except for the fifth grade when I attended a Catholic school.

At my previous schools it felt at the time as if nothing bad really

ay etached ifferences

happened there. Sure there would be a fight almost every month, some kids would sniff “candy,” or maybe instead of water in their water bottles a student would replace it with vodka. That was just what some students did; I

“SDA? Is that a disease?” did not have a problem with it as long as I did not get involved. I thought all schools dealt with these problems. That is, until I came to LLA. The first day of school was awkward for me. It felt as though everyone was smiling all the time so I was amazed that everyone’s cheeks were not in agony. Every person I met on the first day of school did not show one bit of

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attitude or arrogance. It did not have the typical move out of the way or I’ll jump you hallways.

Nor did LLA have the traditional hot dog and pepperoni pizza lunches. Though I knew about vegetarianism I was unaware that a big piece of the school’s population were vegetarians.

I was oblivious to the fact that I had a religion class, so when I got there I was a bit startled when “Bancarz” asked us to take out our Bibles. A Bible? The only Bible I owned was in Spanish and from my Grandma in Mexico. It was weird to think it was an actual school supply. I never was the religious type, but after a while I realized God is a big part of LLA. I was born a Catholic and I barely found out what SDA stood for last

Volume: 74 Issue 3

I explained that I do believe in God, yet I did not believe I was educated enough or ready to simply pick my religion. They understood and respected that it was my decision and I needed to take my time. I still have my faith towards God and it keeps

“It was weird to think it [the Bible] was an actual school supply.” me happy and helps me balance things out with my life. This leads me to the greatest difference between Christian and public schools: faith.

Though not all public schools are this way, when it comes to religion it seems to be left at home. God is not spoken of and I never could tell who was religious and who was not. Though it is a requirement to take religion classes and go to chapel at LLA, I do not see students complaining.

There were times at public school where I felt threatened, which is not the type of feeling you want in a learning environment. At LLA the first time in my life, I can say I have never seen so many positive attitudes at an actual school. Whether or not it is faith that keeps the school so optimistic, I am sure it makes a huge contribution.

LLA not only has helped me academically, but somehow it has managed to have an effect on my life. My outlook on people, religion, and life has grown to be a more open one.

I have more respect for people and their beliefs. If someone is Jewish, Muslim, SDA, or Catholic, though different religions, faith seems to tie them all together. No matter what religion I choose I know that God will give me time, and that’s all I ask for.

—Melissa Loera

year.

Yet I can now say religion has changed me. Instead of feeling forced to believe in God I now know that it is a serious decision, which I can decide when I am ready. Religion class taught me about different beliefs and religions and made me decide that I do believe in God, but I do not feel as though I have an official religion yet. Around October this year I tried to explain my new religious beliefs to my parents. They were outraged. By not attending church and not calling myself a Catholic, my parents felt as if I brought shame to them. As Catholic parents they felt it was their duty to help me religiously. By not practicing Catholicism it made them seem as if they were not fulfilling their duties, which made my mother believe she sinned. I then felt as if I was excommunicated and had disgraced my family. My parents agreed to more listen closely and

To dunk the basketball into the rim.

–Phillip Reynolds (9) To be eight inches taller and look like an actual sophomore.

–Jason Patel (10) To be normal like all the cool kids.

–Michelle Michaels (9)

To be a better Christian.

–Christian Rucibwa (12)

To be a model.

–Bonnie Chin (11) I have no goals. I’m useless. Haha.

–Daniel Castro (9)

To finish my shoe collection and reach my 100th mark.

–Nikki Rubio (12) To read the entire Old Testament.

–Victoria Lowe (9) To not get caught ridin’ dirty.

–Austin Davies (11) To grow a mustache and a goatee.

–Albert James Perez (10) To be serious.

–Michael Nwosu (12) To walk in the sunshine and be happy and beautiful.

(Inspired by Bonnie Chin)

To have a New Year’s Resolution.

—Paula Hernandez (10) To make a backside 360o over a forty foot jump.

–Michael McGinnis (12) To meet Pharrell.

–Christine Ho (12)

To not break a leg.

–Daniel Perez (9)

pictures and page by Kristianne Ocampo–

–Kelsi Weathers (11)

NEW YEAR’S rez-uh-loo-shuh n S

Christmas Banquet 2006 On the evening of December 3rd, 2006, Loma Linda Academy high school students attended the Student Association Christmas Banquet at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach. This year’s banquet theme was A Vintage Christmas Holiday. Guests were entertained by Comedy Sportz and enjoyed a gourmet three-course meal. –Christine Akamine

Volume: 74 Issue 3

from history

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reparation for a date can be very complex and difficult to initiate. But think about the guys who go through all the stress preparing to ask that one special girl out. Questions begin to wander through a guy’s mind such as, “How do I ask her?”, “What are people going to think?” or “Is she even going to say yes?”

We see the majority of these situations happening to a guy.

However, what if the scenario was switched and a girl did the asking?

Pauline Roman (10) did exactly that. She took the initiative by asking Justin Powell (11) out to the Student Association (S.A.) Christmas Banquet. Her reason for doing this was because Powell had asked last year and she wanted to be the one to do the asking this year.

to herstory

Roman said, “I can be oldfashioned sometimes, but truthfully, I really don’t think it matters. I know for guys it could be nervewracking. To me, there’s no right or wrong way. A girl asking a boy is

“A girl asking a boy is just as cute as a boy asking a girl.”

just as cute as a boy asking a girl.”

Powell said, “I was shocked and amazed and extremely happy she put so much thought into asking me to the banquet. It made me feel like a million bucks.”

Philip Imperio (12) said, “I’d feel loved if a girl were to ask me out.”

Along with Roman, Stephanie

Lao (11) asked Travis Gause (11) to the S.A. Christmas Banquet during chemistry class.

Lao thinks that it does not matter who initiates the asking and said, “I think more guys ask girls out because they [guys] don’t want to seem like losers. Although, I do think that girls are more creative when it comes to asking someone out on a date,” Lao (11) explained.

Gause said, “I thought it was sincerely cute. I was also scared because everyone was staring at me. The embarrassing part was that everyone thought I had said ‘no’ when they didn’t hear me when I said ‘yes’ so they kept telling me to say ‘yes’ when I already did. Overall, I thought it was cute.”

Some girls never got the opportunity to do the asking, so

“It’s a guy thing to do. We’re the ones that should step up to the plate and be the ones to ask.” guy out they gave their input.

E’lanna Dugaduga (11) said, “What if the guy doesn’t ask and I want him to go [with me]? I’d ask him myself.”

Darcie Moningka (10) said, “I think it’d be a great experience to see what guys go through when asking a girl out.”

On the other hand, some people believe that guys are responsible for asking the girl out on a date.

Shane Quitania (9) said, “I think guys should do the asking. It helps me see if they actually like me.”

Steven Pettigrew (10) said, “It’s a guy thing to do. We’re the ones that should step up to the plate and be the ones to ask.”

Stephanie Moningka (10) said, “A guy asking a girl out on a date is like a confirmation for a girl to see if he really does like her.”

“I prefer to do the asking because Volume: 74 Issue 3

it makes me feel right inside; more like a man,” Dhal Bert Trasporte (11) said.

TO: JON DOE FROM: SUZY Q. Will you go out with me? [ ] YES [ ] NO - check one please... =) Megan Lang (10) said, “I think it’s weird for a girl to ask because it’s not the old-fashioned way. I believe the guy is supposed to be in control when asking the girl out.”

From a teacher point of view, Pastor Calvert, Loma Linda Academy marriage and family

teacher said, “I prefer a guy asking a girl because I think guys have an ever deteriorating knowledge of romance, so it’s good for them to practice romancing and ask.

Although, I also think it’s fun and exciting when a girl asks as well.”

Overall, whether it may be a guy or a girl, students say that there is no right or wrong way and agree that it is mainly the thought that counts.

—Nikki Tolentino

T

his year at Loma Linda Academy (LLA), two new classes began.

LLA religion teachers Ted Bancarz and Jason Calvert both work to contribute to LLA weekly chapels.

Bancarz teaches the tech ministry class and Calvert teaches the drama class.

Essentially, in the tech ministry class, students learn about different categories of lights, sound, and all the technical activities that happen during chapel. The course is one semester long; students gain knowledge in different tech strategies and how to recover from their mistakes. “You definitely have

The drama class shows talent for the camera.

Technical Drama to be dedicated. What we’re learning now, in the tech ministry, is really what professionals are doing and using. But if we learn about these things, we can pretty much go out into the world and run most likely anything that has to do with lights and sound,” said Chad Manalo (11).

Bancarz said, “Each student has a different job every week [for chapel], so they’re always rotating and doing different things. At the same time, they’re doing outside of school projects [dealing with technology] in their churches.”

“We usually plan on Thursdays what we’re going to do for chapels and try to coordinate with the ministry directors to see if they have something special such as a

The tech ministry poses for the camera.

drama performance or anything like that. But other than that, we go over lights and actual voltages of different appliances that we use on stage,” said Eddie Luchembe (11).

What makes the tech ministry so fun for Manalo is that “there is a whole lot of behind the scenes work.

I just love playing with the tech stuff. I think the whole fun of it is accomplishing a good chapel.”

Scott Rogers (11) takes pleasure in the fact that the class is more hands on and that the students are able to learn about technology when they would not be able to in other classes.

Rogers also enjoys the fact that “they

directly contribute to the school and chapel.”

“We feel like we’re a family and we can communicate with each other,” said Luchembe. “I think I’ve learned a lot.”

The tech ministry is “really not an easy class, especially for those who don’t know anything about technology,” said Manalo.

At chapel, students have to get to work and recover from their faults.

“We try and learn from our mistakes, although this is, for most of us, the first time we ever tried working with technical stuff. But, if we don’t learn from our mistakes, there’s no way we can advance,” concluded Luchembe.

Alongside the tech ministry is the drama class, providing LLA chapels with thought-provoking skits. “What we do through our dramas is for the Lord,” said Kimber Werner (11).

“It’s the only class on campus where you can come and basically play,” Christina Jobe (12) said.

“The whole atmosphere of the Volume: 74 Issue 3

class is fun because everybody gets out of their shell and can just be themselves,” said Danny Skoretz (11). He also added, “Not a single day goes by where a funny moment hasn’t happened during class.

Whether it’s someone’s performance in one of our games, or somebody totally messes up, it’s an atmosphere where you can mess up and still have fun.”

“We play crazy games so people can be more comfortable around each other and to be able to break out of their shells,” said Amanda Evans (12).

Cristina Buckwalter (12) laughed and said, “We’re intensely crazy sometimes because people really let loose.”

Even though the drama class includes games, it also comes with a lot of hard work and a great deal of effort.

“I think performing a skit can sometimes be a little scary and hard because you don’t know if you’re

going to remember your lines and you’re not sure if the people in the audience are going to get it,” said Werner.

“It’s kind of nerve-wracking because you have an audience of 500 people watching you, and you are afraid of messing up,” said Jobe.

Some drama students thought differently. “When you’re on stage, you’re in your own world and you don’t really notice the other people off stage,” said Buckwalter.

Jake Oxley (11) said, “It’s not scary or hard; it’s exciting to get a rush because everyone is watching you. Once you hear people clap, you feel good. Performing is fun because you feel as though you accomplished something and it makes people laugh.”

—Stephanie Dominguez

11

T

he Loma Linda Academy (LLA) mock trial team won the first four competitions in the high school mock trial competition against Rancho Cucamonga High School, Chaffee High School, Upland High School, and Rialto High School, respectively. The team even qualified for the semifinals; however, they will not be able to participate because the rest of the competitions are scheduled for Saturdays. The team petitioned for the competitions to be moved, but was not successful. Even so, the students involved still felt the payoff. Christina Jobe (12) described her most glorious moment, “I did my opening statement against Upland and it went really well. Afterwards one of the scoring attorneys told me it was the best she’s ever heard from a high school mock trial team.”

Sam Udvardi (10) said, “I learned a lot. I’m not really considering being a lawyer, but I know that the skills I learned will help me somewhere in life.”

Winning all four competitions was extraordinary because this was the team’s first year in existence.

When asked if the team exceeded her expectations, Jobe said, “This was our first year. I thought we’d do alright, but we’ve won everything!”

LLA’s 18 member team practiced twice a week for two hours on

The LLA 2006-2007 Mock Trial Team

Monday and Wednesday afternoons, as well as some long Sundays.

At the beginning of the year, the LLA mock trial team was given a case to practice along with twentysix other schools in the area. This team was actually split up into two smaller teams: the defense

and the prosecution. During the competitions, either the defense or the prosecution from LLA would argue their case against the opposite team from a different school. There was one judge for each case as well as two scoring attorneys, but all three people scored the teams.

Steve Laing, LLA’s government and history teacher, was the teacher coach and Marion Gamundoy was the head attorney coach; several other lawyers also volunteered their time to help the team. Although the mock trial team did not occupy a class period, the students involved still received elective credit. Tryouts for next year’s team will be held next spring, and Laing said that anyone who would like to join is welcome and to look for more information next year.

—Zoe Thompson assisted by Kristie Avila

It’s Not Something to Mock

JoAnn Lorenz, a former 4th grade teacher who taught at the Elementary for 27 years, passed away on Sept. 22, 2006. Her memorial service was held on Nov. 17, 2006.

Jerr y Davis, a key member in fund-raising for the building of the Elementary school and namesake of the Elementary library, died on Nov. 25. His memorial service was held at the University Church on Dec. 2.

Maggie Brown, the 8th grade science teacher, won the Thick and Sexy Top Model Competition on the Tyra Banks Show. Modeled after the popular show “America’s Next Top Model,” this contest was exclusively for plus-size models.

Brown’s win included a one-year contract with New York modeling agency Wilhelmina, a $1,000 shopping spree at Lane Bryant, and a six-page spread in the new magazine Bombshell. She said her motivation was, “to represent that beauty can come in all sizes. I struggled with weight all through Jr. High. I want to be a good example for my students, and show them that it doesn’t matter what size you are or what you look like.”

Volume: 74 Issue 3

The SA Outreach Party was held on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in Franz Hall.

The approximately 60 students who participated brought gifts for about 30 children, most of whom were part of the EXCELL program.

On Nov. 26, both girls soccer teams, some of the boys soccer teams, and some parents went to the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA to watch the CONCACAF Gold Cup. CONCACAF stands for the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football and is a division of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. The LLA teams were honored by being chosen to walk out the professional teams: Mexico, USA, Jamaica, and Canada. The US team won their game which means they also won a spot in the 2008 FIFA World Cup in China.

The soccer teams are collecting teddy bears to take to the Children’s Hospital.

They will be accepting the bears throughout the year. Please bring them to Mr. Sandiford.

Two of LLA’s seniors, Jonathan Uniat and Zoe Thompson, were chosen as Presidential Scholars by California State University, San Bernardino. This award honored the top 1% of the graduating class of 2007 in San Bernardino County. They will each receive a $20,000 scholarship if they choose to attend CSUSB.

Marriages & Engagements

Todd Jarrard, class of ‘00 and son of LLA teacher Warren Jarrard, was married to Alissa Ahrens (‘02) on Nov. 19.

Stacy Herrmann (‘02), daughter of former LLA principal Doug Herrmann, was married to Scott Knight on Dec. 17.

Jonathan Linthicum (‘94), son of Jay Linthicum, LLA’s TIE teacher, was married to Summer Bockmann on Dec. 18.

Lemar Sandiford (‘00), former coach at LLA and son of LLA English teacher Andy Sandiford, is engaged to Chaltu Blum.

Jo Pretorius (‘02) is engaged to Will Everett, also class of ‘02.

B R I E F S 13

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s seniors look forward to the end of high school, many look back to the beginning of their education.

Most have had the experience of switching to a new school and the struggle to fit in and find friends.

However, for 42 of the 127 students in the upcoming graduating class, the stress and excitement of starting over at a different school is unknown.

These students, who have been at Loma Linda Academy for twelve or thirteen years, reminisce about how it has felt to grow up in such a society.

“I remember high school looked huge! It was scary when we walked across [the courtyard] and there was a flood of huge people walking by [returning to the high school from Chan]; I felt like a midget! They were as tall as Jonathan Uniat and trees!” said Kelsi Nicholas Pittenger in McCoy (12).

LL Elementary.

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gr

ng

UP at LLA

Andrew Hoff (12) shared, “I never looked that far ahead. In first grade I remember looking up at the fifth graders and thinking, ‘Wow, they’re so big!’ And then in fifth grade it was junior high. It wasn’t until then that I actually looked up at high school. Now that I’m a senior and I’m not very tall I look at the freshmen and say, ‘Why are they so big?’”

As most students know, starting any school can be very stressful, no matter what age or what grade. Hoff went on to say, “On the first day of [first grade in] school I was worried when it came to lunch because I didn’t really know what to do. I saw

some kids out on the field playing soccer, so I ran there and picked up the ball. Everyone yelled at me because it was soccer.”

Nick Pittenger (12) said, “I made my first friend at school in first grade. It was Jonathan [Uniat].” To this day they are still best friends.

Krista Mattison (12) shared, “I remember when I walked in the door [in first grade] I was the tallest student. Everyone was shorter than me, which felt odd.”

“Most things we remember as elementary students fall under the category of humor, which is why I think of a time when I was in second grade,” said Jonathan Uniat (12). “Our teacher gave us a multiplication worksheet and there was one small problem. I Jonathan Uniat didn’t know how (12) and Nicholas to multiply. So I Pittenger (12) in LL glanced over at Academy.

Volume: 74 Issue 3

said. “They were all tomboys.”

Though tomboys at that age, many girls outgrew the phase, and other phases. Mattison shared that she was sort of a bully in elementary, a “bad” kid. “I didn’t listen and I talked back to teachers. I got my name on the board every day and got in trouble all the time.”

Hoff described himself as being a “goody-goody.” He said, “The first time I got sent to the principal’s office I was practically crying. I was so scared!”

However, the one thing many seniors miss the most is recess.

There were fun and games such as Jellybean Peanut Day, where activities were rewarded with peanuts and jellybeans, as well

as the giant red tomato and the scooters in P.E. class. Things are much different now.

Change has also affected the class of 2007 as a whole. Austin remarked, “Everything happened after we left. The year we left elementary they got the new Big Toy. The building of the bathrooms weren’t finished until after junior high graduation. And now construction [is happening] on the new science lab building the year we’re leaving high school.”

Yet though it seems the class has missed out on these things, these 42 students have still been given the experience of growing up at Loma Linda Academy, as has everyone who attends, even if just for a year. “I’ve gone to this school [LLA] for 12 years not only for the good academics, but also because our Creator is the most important thing,” said Dustin Baumbach (12). That is the real experience of growing up at LLA.

15

—Laurel Hansen

The 12 and 13 year students

Photo: Diane Bradley

Kelsi [McCoy] and saw her paper and... wrote down what I saw. That was pretty funny.

People now wouldn’t expect me to cheat.”

Scary things can also be memorable.

Averil Austin (12) said, “Somebody brought in their two huge dogs for show-and-tell and I was terrified!” Even now, she is still frightened of large dogs.

When thinking of mental growth, first crushes and the “circle-dot” method of getting rid of opposite gender cooties comes to mind. McCoy shared, “I didn’t really like boys. They were just boys.”

Many, though, were unfazed by their different peers.

“I had a lot of Andrew Hoff (12) friends that were in the high school girls,” Pittenger courtyard.

Andrew Hoff in elementary school.

T

he restaurant choices around Loma Linda Academy (LLA) can seem overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to Mexican food. Maria’s Cafe is quite different from other places that serve Mexican food, such as Taco Bell.

Crunch Wrap Supremes, gorditas and other gimmicks are not on the menu. No, Maria’s only serves authentic Mexican food.

Maria’s Cafe offers a wide variety of items ranging from soups and taco salads to its huge burritos; it even serves breakfast until noon.

Mexican cuisine usually includes a lot of meat, but it offers a burrito that gives vegetarians something a little different than beans, rice and cheese. The veggie burrito, which features chunks of potato, is one of David Stone’s, favorite items on the menu. Stone, an LLA English teacher, has been going to Maria’s for over five years and loves

the potato chunks inside. He says the chunks are “cooked to a perfect consistency” and is very pleased with the absence of zucchini.

While everything at Maria’s is very good, for meat eaters I suggest either the chimichangas or the carne asada burritos. Chimichangas are normal burritos that are deep fried, and though it may not be one of the healthiest things, it is certainly one of the best tasting. They come filled with either grilled chicken or shredded beef, and can be ordered with a side of beans and rice. The chimichangas are good, but be sure to try the carne asada burritos. They come with beans and rice inside or they can be ordered with just the meat. Wet and dry styles are both available; wet style having the sauce poured over the outside of the burrito. The wet style will cost an extra dollar, but it is definitely worth it.

Although the restaurant is small, the size does not affect the quality of the

food or the amount for that matter.

Maria’s gives generous portions, so it is an ideal restaurant for the cost minded person. Located on East Washington Street in Colton, it is only about a ten minute drive from LLA. Despite the short drive, it is best to go there on days when time is not an issue. It can get crowded, especially in the middle of the week around the lunchtime hour. A good way to avoid the midday rush is to phone ahead at (909) 825-1763.

Maria’s accepts phone orders and can usually have it ready close to the time you arrive. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

Maria’s offers an authentic Mexican experience in everything from the awesome food to the friendly staff. If you are tired of those fake Mexican places, then look no further than Maria’s for the cure.

—Darin West

Restaurant Review: Maria’s Cafe

Volume: 74 Issue 3

17

This cartoon was drawn by Casey Harris (‘04) and is from the November 2003 issue of the Mirror. It offers a prediction of what Loma Linda Academy might be like in the year 2006.

A r c h i v e s

t h e

F r o m

Gallery

Krista Mattison (12)

The

photograph

Alyssa Golay (10) photograph

Alyssa Moreno (10) drawing

Christine Akamine (12) runner-up cover

The Runaway Refrigerator Some dude called to ask me if my refrigerator was running; I told him yeah, and what he then said was truly stunning.

He said, “Go chase it; you let it get away.”

I thought to myself, “There’s no flipping way.”

Then I looked over in the corner; the fridge could not be found.

It had taken off and was running laps around the town.

I called my mama; we chased it in the car.

It gave us an evil grin; it was truly bazaar!

“Goodbye, fridge. Goodbye, goodbye,” I yelled out the window as it passed us by.

I was so hungry I wanted to die, But I yelled out the window, “Goodbye, goodbye.”

The fridge started tilting as it careened up the hill, That was when it happened— the fridge took a spill.

It fell down that canyon and splattered below; The milk went everywhere.

Then we watched it explode.

by Christie Stilson “Goodbye, fridge. Goodbye, goodbye,” I yelled out the window as it flew by.

I was so hungry I wanted to die, But I whispered quietly, “Goodbye, goodbye!”

I went back and sat in the empty corner where The fridge used to sit when it was beautiful and square.

My mama said, “We gotta go to the store.

That fridge ain’t gunna leave us no more.”

We bought a new fridge and nailed it to the floor.

The

Volume: 74 Issue 3

Gallery 19

BIG things come in n average, a new-born baby takes its first breath seven pounds heavy. On March 23, 1991, Matthew Frias (10) took his first breath one pound, three ounces light. Frias was premature by three months and was tiny enough to “fit in the palm of my dad’s single hand,” he said.

Until the age of three, Frias was on a medical roller coaster ride and had mandatory visits to the hospital for checkups. The baby boy was diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which caused his “undeveloped lungs.” According to Frias, because of his unstable health, he “was in an incubator for almost three months, was sedated for a full week, and wore an oxygen mask for two years.”

Now, Frias is well and all his organs are functioning as they should be, but because of him being so

packages

petite, questions arouse about the “abnormality”, or assumptions are concluded that he is a 5th-grader roaming on the high school campus on his way to the band room.

“It hurts when people don’t see me as ‘normal,’ and I get a little disappointed. Everyday, people see a smile on my face, but sometimes, they don’t see what’s going on inside.”

Frias is deeply passionate about his first love—the ukulele. According to him, “When Jake Shimabukuro plays, his fingers fly! Someday, I’ll be as good him.”

When Frias saw home videos of himself wearing the oxygen mask, he thought to himself, “Wow, I shouldn’t be here, but God has something planned for me for keeping me alive this long. He told me that it is not my time yet and I thank him everyday [for saving my life].”

–Kristianne Ocampo

O

SMALL

What’s Built In Mexico...

B

right and early on November 15, students from Loma Linda Academy (LLA) began to load for LLA’s Mexico mission trip. They filled a small trailer with their most precious belongings and necessities; items such as candy, water bladders, and manual toothbrushes in place of electric ones. Their mission during the six days: build three houses for impoverished families.

At 9:50 am, an armada of five LLA vans left campus and the 41 students began their adventure.

For the first time in LLA history, the school teamed up for this trip with fellow Seventh-day Adventist schools: Escondido Adventist Academy, La Sierra Academy, Calexico Mission School, Volume: 74 Issue 3

Redlands Adventist Academy, and Mesa Grande Academy. All the participants met at Tecate, Mexico and began to set up camp in the desert.

Students were quickly put to work. After four days, they became professionals at sawing wood, building frames, applying stucco, as well as hammering thumbs.

Christian Rucibwa (12) said, “I hammered boards together while obeying Franco’s [Andrade] (10) orders.” In the end, three houses, each with two rooms and a window, were built.

Returning from a hard day of

work to an evening at camp was an experience in itself. Tents had been hard to put up and even when they were finally up, the wind would blow them back down again, which often shattered the tent poles.

However, the wind wasn’t the only element tipping tents over. Ricky Baroi (12) described a prank he and his tent mates underwent, “When we came back from work, our tent was tipped over, upside down, and all the stakes were in a neat pile. If the wind did that, [then] that was some crazy wind!”

When in need of completing an operation one or two, port-apotties were located about 100 yards away from the campground to protect campers from the potent fumes. The bathroom conditions soon became a common source

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“I think I actually gained weight on this trip!” of complaint. Mike Nwosu (12) said, “[The port-a-potties] were hot and sticky and when you were finally done there was such a large storage container that it took ten seconds to hear a splash.”

But not all experiences were unpleasant at their new housing.

To Ryan Gil (9) the food quality was more than satisfactory. “I think I actually gained weight on this trip!

I had so many servings [that] I had to ask other people to go get more for me.”

Others were not as impressed.

Michael Browning (9) said, “[The food] was vegetarian, and my taste buds don’t approve of Wham.”

Sabbath was a medley of fun events. Nwosu and Bonnie Chin (11) performed skits before LLA

and Escondido students left to visit a local boys’ orphanage. At the orphanage, students were paired up with a little boy, with whom they spent time playing with stickers and, of course, soccer balls. During their visit, all the students had to take their buddy to go see the dentist and some of the boys had to have their teeth pulled, like Anthony Yeo’s (11) child who had three teeth pulled because they were decayed.

Later, students from all the schools met at a small school and socialized by playing volleyball and boom-chicka-boom-boom, an imitating game. Afterwards, they were treated to authentic Mexican food and “la jícara de la vida,” a hot chocolate and cinnamon

drink, which was prepared by local residents.

This year, the Mexico mission trip was not just about building homes for impoverished families. It was about learning to work together with students from other schools in an effort to alter another person’s life for the better. As Krista Mattison (12) put it, “That family got a house, which compared to my home [isn’t] much, but to them it’s a new life.”

Mission Accomplished.

–Kristie Avila

Tecate Houses Under Construction

Collage and Photos by Kristie Avila Volume: 74 Issue 3

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