Loma Linda Academy Mirror '09-'10 I5

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i ion Features M SS impossible ... NOT!

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very year, select teachers accompany students on trips to take part in helping others in different locations. It has become routine that our school goes on these trips and most students have come to expect a mission trip to happen at least once while they attend here. What most students don’t realize is how much work, planning, funding, and clearance is required in order for anything to get off the ground.

Many times these trips are planned to span across a week long-break, normally spring break. Those who don’t go wonder why their peers are willing to spend their break abroad helping people they don’t know. Having missed previous chances to go on a mission trip before was enough motivation for David Bowen (12) to attend this year’s trip to Portugal. Another student, Kevin Weathers (12), who has attended previous mission trips, stated that he enjoyed experiencing the different cultures and meeting new people.

Mission trips are seen as chances for a getaway, a break from school, a way to just have a vacation. In actuality, the work that people take part in on mission trips is quite draining. On this year’s mission trip to Portugal, those who went took part in various jobs; such as, clearing a site for a church and taking part in a health expo.

Participants describe their part in the health expo as interesting and informative. Activities included giving health lectures and numerous tests of the body.

One of which was a smoker test that Michael Browning (12) and Weathers were in charge of. “It was shocking to find that at least 70% of the participants were light smokers and the rest were moderate to

heavy smokers,” said Browning (12). Others describe their experience with their booths as tiring and exhausting. As was the case with Andrew Brooks (12) and his booth that gave massages, “We gave over 100 massages a day!”

Being able to go out into a different country has its easy goings and uphill battles. One of which is fighting the pre-conceptions the natives possess with the knowledge of your arrival. Counteracting these pre-conceptions is what the goal of every trip is. “The assumption that the people there had of us coming in was that we were just wealthy and lazy, but we worked so hard they were very impressed,” said Robert Skoretz (Admin).

By choosing to go on a mission trip, you are expected to go out of where you feel comfortable and be put among the people. Luxuries such as a comfortable bed, hot showers, and clean, running, drinking water are some of the things that a person will find themselves giving up by choosing to go on a mission trip. “Don’t take your hot showers for granted,” said Rhys Williams (12).

So why do students find themselves volunteering to go on these trips when they endure at least a week of just the basics? Most students say it’s the distance they go, the people they meet, the cultures they experience. “The experience you get from being out and helping is something you can’t get from just, like, picking up trash on a beach, there’s something more in a mission trip,” said Natalie Cadavid (12).

—Justin J. Massey

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What Goes Up, Must Come Down Tony Hernandez, pg 6 Locked In or Locked Out Kristoffer Malapira, pg 8 Ready to Rumble Kelsey Hebard, pg 10 Got Bank?

Bryan Anamuro, pg 15

Editor Charnay Jones Photo Editor Reem Blaik Reporters

Sponsor

Feature

Bryan Anamuro Branden Lai-Lau Kristoffer Malapira Justin Massey Lorelei Sinco Kelsey Hebard Shane Quitania Tony Hernandez

Mission Impossible...NOT Justin Massey, pg 3

Worldly Education Lorelei Sinco, pg 12

Danelle Taylor

Publisher Bob Dennis principal Printer Loma Linda University Printing Services

Loma Linda Academy Seventh-day Adventist School 10656 Anderson St. Loma Linda, CA 92354 mirror@lla.org

Cu l t u re

Address

Mission Trip Collage Reem Blaik, pg 2 Small Talk Shane Quitania, pg 4 Watt Usage Charnay Jones, pg 14 Changin’ Tires Shane Quitania, pg 16 Briefs Shane Quitania, pg 18 Talent Show Collage Reem Blaik, pg 23 Junior Senior Banquet Collage Reem Blaik, pg 24

T h e Mirror is printed on 100% recycled paper.

T h e Mirror staff welcomes signed letters to the the editor. All unaccredited photos and illustrations by Reem Blaik

Culture Small Small Small small Small Small Small talk talk talk talk

Talk

talk talk talk talk

If you were given 3 wishes, what would you wish for?

“I’d wish for a car, an unlimited amount of mango juice, and I’d wish to be in an Indian movie.”

Danny Uppala (11) What do you like to do during your free time?

“Rap battle underground in the streets.”

If you were given three wishes, what would you wish for?

“To read peoples’ mind, for my parents to understand stuff that I’m going through, [and] for Chloe Kono to come back.”

If you could be the star in any movie, who would be your leading man and why?

“Johnny Depp because he’s hot and he’s like a really good actor and the way he moves and his facial expressions.”

What is your favorite store to shop at?

“Forever 21”

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

“Durian ice cream...it tastes bad, it doesn’t even taste like food.”

What is your best pick-up line?

“If you’re on the McDonald’s menu, you’d be the Mc-beautiful.”

Kanilea Smith (9) What do you like to do during your free time?

“Myspace and Facebook”

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Goes What

ith the lasting residues of the economic downturn, a lower enrollment for the upcoming school year may cause a few financial problems for Loma Linda Academy. Because the school’s finances are vitally dependent on sufficiently-filled school enrollment, added focus is placed on encouraging interest amongst families in the community to pursue an education at LLA. The financial downturn has brought a once bustling, fast-paced economy tumbling down to a bitter standstill.

Beyond the midst of the turmoil and stress of the monetary chaos that has been inflicted upon numerous households, many Americans have also been stripped of the peace of mind he or she has become accustomed to -- including, of course, the students and parents of those attending LLA. LLA has also been affected by the recent economic recession, which has recently evoked a bit of concern over how education at LLA may be affected.

In order to keep operations smooth and running, student enrollment must be kept up in order to alleviate financial strain. To help aid in the financial process the administration tallies up a round estimate of predicted total student enrollment for the following school year, in order to map out a rough scope of finances. When determining an approximate number of students the biggest indicator that helps gauge how student enrollment may be affected is the size of the gradu-

ating eighth grade class.

By comparing amount the of students in the eighth-grade class with the total size of the senior class graduating from LLA, one can assess fluctuations in total high school enrollment that he or she can expect to see for the following year. This year the size of the eighth-grade class is thirty-five students less than the senior class soon to leave LLA. This suggests that the high school student body may be composed of somewhat fewer students for the upcoming school-year than what students and faculty are normally accustomed to. Albert Brooks, business manager at LLA, has said, “We might see some drop, but hopefully nothing extensive.�

In order to compensate for these sudden losses in student enrollment, as well as for losses of any sort, a preliminary budget process is conducted during the spring months in order to begin an accurate asessment of financial stability for the following year. During this time the amount of students in both the eighth grade and senior classes are analyzed so necessary courses of action can be thoroughly planned and prepared for ahead of time. In addition, recruitment methods at Market Night and Open House night at LLA are implemented to bring in prospective students, as well as to allow families to get a closer, in-depth look at the types of opportunities available at LLA. There has been an ongoing concern over how the recent recession, coupled

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with fewer students attending LLA, may ultimately affect education and overall student morale on campus. “Morale will go down because of limited selection,” says Peter Dinh (12), who shares similar concerns with many students over the future status and condition of classes and programs offered at LLA. Other students also voice concern that any more economic troubles leading to suspension of classes will only deal another devastating blow to an already sullen student body from previous class cuts. Alex Bradley (12), who agrees with this sentiment, commented, “Student morale will go down; it’s already been sinking.”

However, there is no way to know for certain how conditions at LLA will be affected until the fall of the coming school year when students return to campus.

After all information is carefully analyzed, the school budget is thoroughly reviewed and, if necessary, limited to include only absolutely essential items.

Brooks favors taking a more conserva-

Down

tive approach with the school budget, allowing classes and activities to be limited or placed on halt only in the most dire of situations. Then as a final resort in the financial planning process, salaries are the last factor to limit in order to compensate for a smaller total student enrollment.

However, even as a last resort, situations can often call for such drastic measures to be taken. In such cases the students as well as the teachers are deeply affected by this type of loss. No matter the outcome of events that unfold, we can always be sure that the school has the students’ best interest in mind when the welfare of the student education is at stake. However, only time will tell what will occur if LLA faces lower enrollment.

—Tony Hernandez

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LOCKED In A

t the beginning of this year, students of Loma Linda Academy (LLA) had seen and heard construction of the newest security measures taken up by the school. Students were surprised to see the new intercom system at the parking lot entrance of the school, accompanied by an industrial grade, wrought iron gate that replaced the chain link fence previously surrounding both the high school and jr. high campuses. As another installation is completed, students cannot help but ask, “How will this make a significant difference in our school?”

The reasons for security are primarily because of growing concerns from faculty and staff, and the school board, says Mark Holm, campus pastor.

Many students see this concern, and are glad for the response to it. Larry Ong (11) says, “The school tries its hardest to make this place as safe as possible.”

On the other hand, students believe that the new measures for the sake of security are exaggerated and unnecessary. Mary Ellen Carrigan (12) responds, “If someone would really want to break into [LLA], a few feet of gate wouldn’t be that much of an obstacle.”

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Out?

Paul Frivold (9) adds, “The school is doing way too much. It should’ve been left as it was before.”

Many ideas are being swirled around as to how we could protect our school.

Some ideas students suggested were a full-time security guard, backpack holding areas, and adding more video cameras in the parking lot as well as inside the school to. Looking at each option to see what is best for our school is a long and complicated process. “There is a fine line between making our school seem like a prison, and looking as a place for higher education,” says Mark Brettnacher, director of plant services.

“And sometimes it is hard to see that line. And as we see more crime happening around us, our tendency is to be more fearful of it, and want to prevent anything of that nature to happen.”

Another reason that LLA chose to upgrade the security measures is the issue of theft. It is a sad reality that many students have had items stolen during their schooling at LLA. Most of these items consist of iPods, calculators, sunglasses, and even musical instruments.

One of the worst things about getting valuables stolen is the feeling afterward.

Amanda Santa Maria (10) was one of

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“There are still a lot of questions to ask, and a lot of variables to figure out.” the victims of theft. “My iPod was stolen last year, and it was never found.

I felt very sad and angry, because it was stolen while I was on campus.” The talks of security are still far from over.

The staff have to juggle with the issue of security for the three campuses, as well as two major building projects: the junior high gymnasium and the new high school administration building.

The final plan is a major overhaul that will take a lot of time and effort.

Holm said, “At this point, our system is not completely perfect. And until construction is completed, there are still a lot of questions to ask, and a lot of variables to figure out. It is a work in progress.” As the plan progresses, Brettnacher, sees only the best for LLA. “We all realize that there is always room for improvement. But we have a good group of people, and we are starting on a better track. So going forward, we have a good future ahead of us. And as long as we are here, we will do the best we can to make LLA a better place.”

The Anti-Theft Cheat Sheet 1. Keep YOUR stuff on YOU. 2. Don’t bring expensive things to school.

3. Treat the school as a public setting.

4. ‘Keep an eye on your most prized.’

5. Don’t depend on others, depend on yourself!

—Kristoffer Malapira

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very time the earth shakes unexpectedly in Southern California, Loma Linda Academy (LLA) students’ safety and preparedness is questioned.

With all the earthquakes, major and minor, that have been happen ing all over the world, including the very recent 7.2 in Baja California, Mexico , it is difficult not to wonder when a huge shake will occur in California.

The largest earthquake ever recorded is a 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale.

It was in 1960 in Chile, a little sou th of the recent 8.8 earthquake, acco rding to Dr. Morgan Page, seismologist at the California Institute of Techno logy, in a phone interview. Earthquakes are spontaneous and it is never known for sure when one will occur, which can seem quite nerve-racking. Page assu res, “We can’t predict them but we can predict the probability.” California’s “big one” is likely to happen within the next thirty years which may or may not give us some time to prepare.

Students have attempted to guess the number of earthquakes that have happened in 2010 and most guesses are in the thousands similar to Katy Fos ter’s (12) 2,972 and Omar Gaona’s (11 ) enthusiastic 20,011. The actual amo unt of earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 and above that have happened this year as of March, is 631. Of course that number does not include the man y

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smaller earthquakes with magnitudes of 4 and lower that are recorded, which is around 1,700. The average total amount of detectable earthquakes that occur each year around the world is about 500,000, said Page. The earth shakes so often in Southern California it should be a given that residents are all properly prepared, but unfortunately not everyone is.

The first thoughts a person has when the ground beneath their feet surprises them with a tremble can be unexpected. Foster, who enjoys earthquakes, immediately thinks, “Cool!”

Those who are not accustomed to earthquakes may question what the abrupt quaking is, like Katie Berridge (10), “Is this an earthquake?”

Others may be more caught off guard and therefore a bit fearful, “Ahhhh! An earthquake!” is how Dalton Blanco (9) reacts. Thoughts resembling these are not exactly the defensive attitude that would possibly save someone during an earthquake. Even though a person does not think about it right away, they should still know how to protect themselves when in this

Scope “Don’t be afraid to nag a little, situation. sometimes you have to in orPage suggests using the der to make sure everyone ld” “Drop, Cover, and Ho is safe,” says Page. method. Drop to the LLA students like floor, hold on to/ Blan co and Berridge get under something are plan ning to buy sturdy, and cover eart hqu ake preparedyourself with your ness kits and learn hands or a pillow if more about what they you are in bed. She also need to do during a notes that running to a quak e in order to secure not doorway or outside are thei r safet y. enpot good options and are Gao na and a is Fost e er are taking a more ther ause bec tially more dangerous non chal ant appr hitor oach on by, “buying a ng falli better chance of items helm et” and “not the wea ing ring dur d high heels.” ting you. A man was kille As show n by the ause deva bec stati ake on in hqu Baja California eart Hai ti, Janu ary was 12, and Chi ce le, den Febr resi uary 27, he ran from his Baja California, April 4, and Southern struck by a car, according to Qinghai, China, April 13, earthquakes CNN.com. can be deadly and catastrophic. It is y read be to s Some way extr eme ly important to know what to p kee are: e tim ahead of do to prot ect yourself and how to be of pair a and t a flashligh prep ared . by es sho old or slippers Log on to earthquake.usgs.gov or ocyour bed and in your car, redc ross.com for more information on no are e ther make sure eart hqu akes and how to make a disaster ve abo or r nea breakables prep ared ness kit. r you ask and your bed, preis ily fam r parents if you pared for such a natural disaster.

act F m ndo

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—Kelsey Hebard

A seiche (pronounced SAYSH) is what happens in the swimming pools of Californians during and after an earthquake. It is “an internal wave oscillating in a body of water” or, in other words, it is the sloshing of the water in your swimming pool, or any body of water, caused by the ground shaking in an earthquake. It may continue for a few moments or hours, long after the generating force is gone. A seiche can also be caused by wind or tides.

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EDUCATION G

W O R L D L Y

irls’ hair can be no longer than their shoulder.

Boys’ hair must not cover their ears. Never be late.

Keep the uniform clean and wear it properly. Memorize all your lessons and study ahead of time. Be prepared to participate in class and answer questions correctly.

And above all, respect your elders.

These are some of the requirements a student who has studied overseas has learned to follow each day at school. Wake up early and go to school around seven o’clock in the morning until five or six o’clock at night. After school, attend more in-depth tutoring and lessons, sometimes until eleven o’clock at night.

Go to sleep and be ready to start all over again the next morning. Consid-

ering that this is a normal schedule that four of our international students, who grew up overseas in the countries of Thailand, Taiwan and Korea, are used to following on a regular basis, coming to America to attend high school is a different (and somewhat easier) experience.

According to Pam Tiyakun (10), who first came to Loma Linda Academy from her native Thailand in the second semester of eighth grade, “[Coming to school here] is still hard, but there is more freedom.”

Tiyakun enjoys the fact that at LLA, aside from the daily classes and lessons, there are more opportunities to socialize and be active within the school, such as banquets and class games. One reason why Tiyakun chose to come to America for her education was to learn the English language, where she can actually use it in her daily conversations with the friends she has made here.

However, it seems to be that the main reason why any student would choose to come to America for their education is because it is still considered to be the “Land of Opportunity.”

Victor Wang (9) was born in Brazil but grew up in Taiwan. After attending school there, he, in the footsteps of his three older sisters, came to America to continue his education in seventh grade. Although Wang lives with his sister who attends La Sierra University, he mentions that seeing his entire family on a daily basis is a luxury that has to be given up. “I see [my parents]

Features probably every three to four months.”

Though some may consider that interval a long stretch of time, Wang is content and even considers their visits “pretty often”.

For a student to go overseas to study is no easy task. Not only do they have to get used to a different teaching style of formal education, learn about the new culture and adjust with the new environment, but they must also go through a more complex application process. Patty Day, who is the registrar at LLA, must first go over each overseas student’s record from their previous school and decide whether or not their previous education meets the requirements to graduate from high school.

Once she decides that their education is substantial and the student’s application to LLA has been accepted, the student must then take an English proficiency exam, known as the TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language, stating that his or her skills in the language are strong enough for them to be “successful here on campus”. Once a few other government forms have been filled out and approved, the student can begin their education in America.

After an international student has finished high school here in America, like any other student, the next level of education they will have to consider is college and whether or not they want to stay here or go back home. “High school is very hard in Korea, but once you’re in college, it’s usually easier,” says Jaewoo Bae (12).

Gigi Wantaniyakul (11) says she would like to stay here for college but go out-of-state so that she can see even more of America.

Just as students come here for education, some American students leave their homes to study abroad as well. Abby Galazkowski is in her first year at a medical university in Krakow, Poland. After graduating from high school she immediately went overseas and says she doesn’t regret the decision at all. “Live in Europe while getting an education that can still be credited back home in America?

Of course I jumped at the opportunity.”

The chance at education is a luxury that unfortunately, many people cannot afford and many more take for granted. These students, however, prove that the determination to learn not only increases one’s knowledge but also takes you to far places in life.

—Lorelei Sinco

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Culture Gre e

Cell Phone Charger 0.26 W

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Coffee Maker 1.14 W Printer 1.26 W

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on

e w Yello

Zone

Appliances drain several watts of energy when they’re idle. This chart is the estimated watt usage of common appliances when they are idle.

UNPLUG appliances when you aren’t using them to save energy especially when you’re on vacation.

Microwave 3.08 W

CD Player 5.04 W

Laptop 15.77 W

Red Z o ne

Cable Box 43.46 W

Design inspired by Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine.

Got Bank?

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s the year is coming to a close, many Loma Linda Academy (LLA) seniors have received their acceptance letters and are deciding which college they will attend, with tuition many times being a deciding factor.

In the Univeristy of California school system, prices have gone up. According to The LA Times, around four months ago, all the UC Universities decided to raise undergraduate tuition cost by 32%, starting fall of 2010. These raises were enacted because of California’s recent budget cuts in the area of education.

The increase angered many people and protests were led out at many UC campuses.

Former Alumnus (‘09) Kristie Avila explains that on UC Santa Barbara’s campus they have cut classes and that forces other class sizes to get bigger. “It becomes a real pain because the class sizes are already big and by cutting classes it gets harder to get into the classes you want to.”

Jason Abdul-Karim (12) plans on going to either University of California San Diego or Pacific Union College.

He is going to get a local job since his parents will help with half of the tuition.

“I’m going to try to get a local job to help pay and I’m going to have to take out extra loans because my parents are already helping me as much as they can,” says Abdul-Karim. Many LLA students who would go to UC schools might just end up going to Seventh-day Adventist schools just because the total cost is almost the same.

“For LLA Students, since the prices

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are nearer to each other, some parents may decide that their students should go to SDA schools for the smaller class sizes and Christian environment,” says LLA guidance counselor, Lauren Hattendorf.

This could also cause an increase in students at private colleges, not just SDA colleges. Some students are finding it harder to reach college. Victoria Lowe (12) says she was thinking of going to University of California Santa Barbara but now she is not sure because of the tuition raises. “I will have to take out more loans and it becomes harder for my family because my older brother is currently at University of California Riverside.”

It is a harder choice for a lot of other students like Abdul-Karim.

“I thought it was an easy choice to go to UC but now I am having second thoughts. I am considering Pacific Union College and maybe even Walla Walla University.”

Even though it is getting harder for most students, there are still ways to help with costs. Fastweb.com and scholarships.com are online search engines that find scholarships just for you and provide all the information needed to apply. Even though the future seems bleak, there is still hope.

Lowe says, “I trust that God will provide and with a lot of hard work, I know that I can get over the obstacles ahead of me.”

—Bryan Anamuro

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Culture

Changin’ 1. Adjust parking brake and use a car jack to raise the wheel

2. Loosen lug nuts

3. Place jack stand underneath sturdy frame to keep car from falling

4. Remove all lug nuts using a wrench

5. Remove tire

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Tires 6. Replace with a new tire and secure with lug nuts

7. Raise car with jack to remove jack stand

8. Remove jack stand

9. Once jack stand is out, stand to the side when lowering the car to avoid injuries

10. Double check the security of the tire by tightening the lug nuts

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Culture briefs briefs briefs

Briefs

Dr. Bob Dennis received a double bypass surgery on March 15, 2010. He is currently in good condition and is expected to be back at school in the beginning of May. The Drama team is preparing for a production called, “The Life” based off of the book of Mark. The play will be held in Franz Hall on Friday, May 21, 2010 and Sunday, May 23, 2010.

Awards were given at the Junior/Senior Banquet: Miles Pretorius and Reem Blaik were voted Duke and Dutches, Rhys Williams and Ester Estanque were voted King and Queen, and Matthew Kimblefor Best Mask.

The winners for this year’s talent show are Chicken Adobo in 1st place, Jonathin Mamora and Edelyn Kumendong in 2nd place, and DNA Master coming in 3rd place. The audiences’ choice award went to Jonathin Mamora and Edelyn Kumendong.

briefs briefs briefs

On March 17, 2010, the Class of 2010 celebrated “2010 more hours til’ graduation.” The day was filled with class spirit and bonding.

NHS is holding their annual blood drive on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 from 8:00am1:00pm. Students must be 16 years or older to donate.

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