LLA Mirror 2020-2021 Issue 8

Issue 8

Volume 81

23 April 2021

MIR|ROR

Loma Linda Academy News Reflecting on LLA since 1940

Table of

CONTENTS

03

Returning to School

10

Marking up the Minimum Wage

14

04 Briefs 05 Freshman Vespers 06 Sophomore Vespers 07 Junior Vespers 08 Senior Vespers 09 Senior Day 11 12 13

Vegan: How? Notes on Notes Workout Tips

Megan and Harry

16

May Birthdays 2

Returned to Campus Introduction

BY AIDEN VELEZ

The Loma Linda High school campus has been empty of students, until March 18th when the student body was cleared by the county to return to the high school grounds for the first day of in-person schooling since March 13, 2020. With this change many students arrived in-person, while some students have decided to remain online.

What’s New Many students are excited to return to in-person learning, but they are also adjusting to several changes. For starters, not only for students’ own protection, but for the protection of others, the school mandates that students must wear masks at all times besides lunch, for obvious reasons.

Another change would be that the drinking fountains have been shut down because of health precautions, instead there are water bottle refill stations to use for your reusable water bottles. Roadrunner marks or arrows that point in certain directions in the Student Service Building are used to safely direct students within the buildings. Also roadrunners markers are on benches to specify where people can sit during lunch. These are provided to make sure everyone is on the right path and not to cause disruptions.

In addition, the cafeteria menu has minimized the menu. Special orders are no longer available. Instead, meals are prepared before even setting foot through the cafeteria door.

The ten minute passing period that students are accustomed to from distance learning, has continued for in-person learning, instead of the five minutes that was in place before COVID. This time has been a benefit to students and teachers throughout the school week.

Student Views Haaziel Merodio (11) a junior at LLA is still learning abroad using the gift of technology to log on into his classes via Zoom. Merodio now lives in Florida Rebecca Mendoza (9) decided to come back on campus to finish off this school year. Though the transfer has been tiring, students like Mendoza can portray some of the in person advantages compared to online learning. She’s found it easier to learn in person compared to online along with the ability to ask questions once again. Asynchronous Wednesdays is another thing that no longer exists within the new campus schedule “I miss asynchronous Wednesdays and more time for homework.”

Eve Blanchard (9) who has made the jump back to in person learning has found that getting back on campus is a better learning experience compared to distance learning. Some experiences in person such as talking with students and getting some sunlight go hand and hand in a great school experience as well, even the little things like snacking in class can be missed by students just like Blanchard here. “I miss snacking during classes”

3

Briefs

On March 16th in Metro Atlanta, Robert Aaron Long a 21 year old adult male committed at least eight murders at three different spa locations. According to CNN, six of the known victims were asian women. Due to his fetishizations, Long saw spas as a temptation he wanted to eliminate, however officials say it is too soon to declare a motive.

New schedule: The new schedule implemented on Tuesday April 20th reduces passing periods from 10 to 5 minutes. Lunch is now 45 minutes and school ends at 2:25 and 3:20 with optionals.

Due to Semester Break, LLA High School Students will have no school on April

26, 2021.

On Friday, April 16, the Senior Class of 2021 had their Senior Dedication. Each student was able to bring 4 persons and each family’s social distance, some stayed home and watched on zoom.

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will be participating in MAP testing, which will help track their academic progress. This will take place in the morning on May 11, 2021, on campus. Seniors will have the day off from school, although some may have a non-formal school day regarding class night.

On March 16th in Metro Atlanta, Robert Aaron Long a 21 year old adult male committed at least eight murders at three different spa locations. According to CNN, six of the known victims were asian women. Due to his fetishizations, Long saw spas as a temptation he wanted to eliminate, however officials say it is too soon to declare a motive.

Editor-inChief Noah Hernandez

Copy Editor Funanya Ikechukwu

Reporter Allison Kim

Photo Editor/ Designer Melissa Gomez

Reporter Cody Regester

Designer Leilani Calixto

Reporter Aiden Velez

4

Reporter Abigail Inostroza

Sponsor Danelle Taylor Johnston

Publisher Iveth Valenzuela

Graphic Credits: pixabay.com

Freshmen Vespers

Photo credits: Anna Chang and Cody Regester

5

Sophomore Vespers

Photo credits: Soobin Jeon 6

Junior Vespers

Photo credits: Jordyn Wright 7

Senior Vespers

Photo credits: Melissa Gomez & Noah Hernandez

8

Senior Day

Photo credits: Leilani Calixto, Melissa Gomez & Noah Hernandez 9

Marking Up the Minimum Wage

BY FUNANYA IKECHUKWU

On March 10, 2021, the racial and gender gap. In the US, than $15 so families can support American Rescue Plan was 32 million workers, which is about themselves more.” passed in both the House and 21% of the US workforce, rely There may be some cons to the Senate and signed into law. on federal wages. People working raising the minimum wage to This 1.9 trillion stimulus deal during the year can increase their $15 dollars, according to cnbc. was supposed to help struggling salary by $3,300. This would allow com. Businesses, especially Americans and get the American many workers to increase their small businesses will have to economy on the right track. The income and increase their standard decrease their profits. Many small stimulus bill included an increase of living. It could also increase businesses are not making huge in unemployment benefits, a the buying power of workers and profits and paying these wages direct deposit of $1,400, as well as increase productivity of employees. could hurt their profits. Parents investments in infrastructure.

Marissa Armenta (11) said that could foot the bills for higher However, in one of the bill’s first she is barely making it through child care costs, making it more drafts, there was supposed to be with receiving $13 an hour this costly. This is due to the wage for an increase in the childcare workers federal wage from increasing making “I think it should be higher than $15 so $7.25 to $15. This it hard for mother, was shot down by a families can support themselves more.” specifically single group of Democrats mothers to foot the and Republicans.

Leslie Rodriguez (12) bill.

Many people say Raising the that this decision minimum wage will impact many wage earners pandemic. She is a restaurant could benefit the economy and negatively. employee and she said that she many wage earners. This wage Natalia Drachenberg (12), has issues with her job. If the increase could lift people out of a Kid’s U worker said that a minimum wage was increased she poverty and it could also spell minimum wage increase would could afford to do so much more more costs for business owners. allow her to save for her education. and get a job that she likes more, This wage increase could be a She said, “A lot of workers need than the one that she is working at solution to some problems, but this money to live off of, this now. can also have some negatives. This would benefit me to help pay Leslie Rodriguez (12) said, “I could place more stress on small for college, but I’m not the only would like it to pass. The only businesses to pay more to maintain minimum wage worker, and there thing is once it passes everything their workforce. are many others who will benefit else such as gas, food, or bill prices from a higher wage.” will most likely go up defeating the According to EPI.org, raising purpose. the wage would help to close the “I think it should be higher 10

Vegan: How?

BY NOAH HERNANDEZ

In recent years, the vegan lifestyle has been promoted, specifically for its health benefits. According to The Vegan Society, “Well-planned vegan diets follow healthy eating guidelines, and contain all the nutrients that our bodies need.”

However, this does not mean that being vegan is attainable for everybody. According to Nerd Wallet, most vegans either live alone or do not have children living with them. So while buying and eating for one would not be too expensive, the grocery bill would raise for families.

For their College English class, Allison Connelly (12), Shelly Trinidad (12), and Caroline Wagner (12) created the Instagram account, @spreadveg. They created this account to help spread awareness about veganism and its benefits. “We were inspired by a service learning project to share our passion and the plant based diet”

“America’s poor, have access to only non-vegan products” -Daily Collegian

Accessibility is a problem for many lower-class Americans. An article from the Daily Collegian highlighted this saying, “Most vegans have access to meat, dairy, eggs and so on...Others, namely America’s poor, have access to only non-vegan products.” The article elaborates stating that not everyone has access to a local variety of sustainable food, let alone sustainable vegan food.

Spreadveg acknowledged this issue and did suggest some fairly affordable options. They said, “Eating produce from your own garden, farmer’s market or local grocer does not have to be expensive. Getting your protein from legumes, such as nuts or beans, is more cost-effective than getting your protein is from meat, and is in itself a benefit of limiting meat in your diet.”

Going vegan is not the option for everyone, but for anyone interested, Spreadveg does have transitional steps that they advise people to follow. They recommend taking small steps to become vegan, and not just going in headfirst. They suggest starting out by including more of the vegan options that you already enjoy. Other options could be including a Meatless Monday into your weekly meal plans, or switching from cow’s milk to a dairy-free alternative.

11

Spreadveg recognizes that going vegan is not the easiest decision or path, but they stand by the health benefits. According to Spreadveg, going vegan has been shown to decrease one’s chances of getting heart disease, cancer, or becoming obese.

“Getting your protein from legumes, such as nuts or beans, is more costeffective than getting your protein is from meat” -Spreadveg Given the health benefits, going vegan should not be a painful process. Spreadveg says, “It [going vegan] should be a positive and gradual change. switching your diet to a vegan one is best when viewed as opening the door to new possibilities of food to enjoy!”

Notes on Notes

BY ABIGAIL INOSTROZA

As in-person schooling resume again in spring students realized that they need to take notes. In English, math, history, science, or any other class taking notes is a way of keeping track of what is being taught and a great way to study for tests and quizzes.

Anna Chang (9) said she, “can remember things more and I can always go back and look at them.”

Chang’s journaling notes helps improve her grade as it would help them learn things easier and as well become more attentive in class.

Larissa Calixto (10) said, “Writing notes by hand has helped me academically because it helps me memorize and really comprehend what it is that I am learning.”

Calixto’s biology notes help understand material much easier and much more efficiently when studying for a test or quiz.

Justin Cocos (11) said, “ I look at my notes and memorize or familiarize them like a book, so I don’t take too much time studying all over my lessons.” Coco’s tactics of memorizing, understanding, and familiarizing his math notes taken can help him academically improve overall. If students dedicate the time and hard work to learn terms, lessons, concepts, etc. whatever it may be that they need to learn for their specific class. Making notes also doesn’t mean they need to be bland and simple; if you really like art or being more decorative with different notes you can!

“Try to shorten the things that you write down” -Benjamin Chun (9)

Mia Manalo (10) said, “It’s very important I write things down as attention-grabbing for me as Notes can be really easy to make possible; which happens to be once knowing how to properly write making “pretty notes.” Manalo also notes so you yourself can study and said, “In my opinion, taking record read them and understand them. of key ideas in general, is beneficial Using different ways of taking notes for procrastinators.” can make your note-taking skills Benjamin Chun (9) said, “It will better and even more efficient. help to get you more organized for your classes and help you 12

study for quizzes and tests while ultimately helping you get a better grade.” Notes are great to help you academically, notes can be written in so many different ways, whether it be on paper or on a computer.

Dean Se (12) writes his notes on a computer instead of writing notes.

He said, “It helps implement the information into your brain before studying and helps it stick better.”

Taking notes can be exhausting sometimes with writing everything and making your notes pretty and aesthetically pleasing but once the notes are done and you can use them later to study. They are great to look back at and appreciate the work put into the different notes for different classes. Appreciation for your work is one of the best feelings you can have. As the school starts in person again, remember that notes are important to take in class and that notes can help with studying and doing better for our last few months of school left.

Photo Credit: Anna Chang and Justin Cocos

Workout Tips Being motivated to work out can be very tough, especially during the pandemic. However, it is important to stay fit and exercise often. Here are some fellow students and teachers who work out and have tips to share about staying motivated and working out.

Elyssa Isaia (11) works out five to six times a week for roughly one hour to an hour and a half. She trains with a personal trainer about three times a week and also weight lifts.

To stay motivated, Isaia goes with a partner. She said, “You hold each other accountable and push each other to succeed at your goals!” Her tips for working out are to stay consistent and push yourself because you are stronger than you think. She said, “To see real results and be the best version you can be, consistency is the way to go.”

William Kim (10) works out about four to five times a week for about two hours. He does basketball and a little weight training. His motivation is his friends who work out with him. Some tips he has are to make sure you have a proper diet and to stay consistent.

Sophia Ciaramello (12) works out six times a week for about an hour and a half. She goes to the gym and does weight training. To keep her motivated, she has a gym buddy who she usually goes with. They like to research and plan their workouts ahead of time to add to their routine and try it out. She says that it keeps her excited about going. She also recommends making a playlist while you work out. She said, “Listening to my favorite music really helps me stay

BY ALLISON KIM focused and get into a good headspace while working out.”

Chloe Becerra (9) works out four times a week for about thirty minutes.

She uses kettlebells or resistance bands depending on how hard of a workout she wants. She also does other different exercises depending on what muscle groups she wants to work out, or if she has an injury that she needs to work around.

two days of PHT (Peripheral Heart Training). However, as he’s gotten older, he realizes that it’s harder to hang onto muscle mass, so he does more bodybuilding type workouts.

Hall said, “I have a strong desire to live a long and productive life and I know a fitness lifestyle is the fountain of youth.” Using this as an inspiration, he is always motivated to work out.

Hall’s number one tip for working out is to be consistent. Make working out a habit and a part of your daily routine. His second tip is to take things slow from the start to prevent injuries. For example, always start with the lighter weights and then progress into the heavier weights as your body warms up. If it is more of a cardiovascular driven routine, then you should always start slow and build into your speed or intensity.

Overall, many students enjoy working out with their friends to stay motivated. It is also important to stay consistent and push yourself the right To stay motivated, she makes herself amount. You should also make sure look forward to it by playing music. to take the necessary precautions to Another way she stays motivated is prevent injuries and stay safe. These by switching the exercises up so she’s are just some tips on working out by always excited for the new experiences. some fellow students and teachers.

She recommends keeping the workout Good luck and have fun working out! interesting by trying out new exercises or doing it with a partner to keep you company.

Jon Hall (High School PE Coach) works out five to six days a week for about one to one and a half hours.

He does three types of workouts: One day of circuit training, two to three days of a split routine (also known as bodybuilding), and one to picture credit: pixabay.com

“I have a strong desire to live a long and productive life and I know a fitness lifestyle is the fountain of youth.”

- Jon Hall

13

Meghan and Harry On March 7, 2021, CBS aired Oprah with Meghan and Harry, this interview covered the two years the couple spent together within the royal family and is the first time they have spoken out since they left their roles with the royal family. Megan talked about her personal experiences with the institution. Prince Harry Charles Albert David, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex were married on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They now have a son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, and a daughter on the way.

BY LEILANI CALIXTO

of them. They don’t know the questions, no subject is off-limits and they will not be paid for the interview.

When Markle discovered she needed to curtsey to Queen Elizabeth II she expressed “I thought genuinely that’s what happens outside, that was part of the fanfare. I didn’t think that’s what happens inside.” She also said “that was really the first moment the penny dropped” Markle stated her turning point was when stories came out six or seven months after her wedding about her making Kate Middleton cry about flower-girl dresses. According to Markle, the opposite happened; she didn’t go into too much detail saying she’s At the beginning of the interview forgiven Middleton.

Oprah Winfrey states there was Later in the interview, Markle was no agreement between the three asked “Were you silent? Or were

“Were you silent? Or were you silenced?”

-Oprah Winfrey

14

you silenced?” Her response was “The latter.” She also mentioned that she was given a very clear directive to always say no comment.

She also says “the Queen has always been wonderful to me.”

When Markle was pregnant with Archie there were conversations with Harry about the possibility of how dark the child’s skin color could be, which has sent shock waves through the world.

“I felt bad for Meghan and Harry having to deal with all the racism and press.”

-Demi Guirgis(9)

Markle went into how the pictures taken of the royal family were nothing that it looks like, that this is a job and they need to put smiles on their faces. Markle

also explained that she felt she wasn’t being protected and she did have suicidal thoughts. When Markle expressed these feelings to Harry they went to the institution together and received no help.

Harry said, “My biggest concern was history repeating itself.” Which many have seemed to connect that to his late mother, Princess Diana.

They then decided to step down from their Senior roles of the royal family and move to Canada.

Harry then received news that security would be taken away from their home and they wouldn’t be working royals. The couple was then offered a Southern California with security by Tyler Perry. A few months later they moved into their own home in Santa Barbara, California where they now live.

Haley Boggs (11) said, “After th interview, I kept thinking about what they have gone through and how it has affected their life so much in so many different ways.”

“The royal family is not as glamorous as it seems.

-Summer Hodgkin (12) On March 9, 2021 Buckingham Palace on behalf of the Queen released a statement saying, “The

whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

Harry, Meghan, and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”

they’re going through, I think about the importance of family and I just pray that there is forgiveness and there is clarity and love and resolve at some point in time.”

“Thank you Meghan for your courage and “They’re celebrities, but leadership.”

-Beyoncé why?”

Beyonce put on her website -Kailee “Thank you Meghan for your courage and leadership. We are all Bilbao (11) strengthened and inspired by you.”

Hugh Jackman expressed on an On March 11, 2021, Prince Instagram video “Everyone needs William was the first to speak to see this,’ because it is such an publicly about the interview saying incredible example to never worry “No, I haven’t spoken to him yet, alone. I just want to say thank you, but I will do.”

Meghan. Thank you, Harry, for Demi Guirgis (9) stated, “I felt your courage.” bad for Meghan and Harry having Serena Williams, Gabrielle Union, to deal with all the racism and Andy Cohen, Billy Eichner, Matt press.”

James, and many more have given Summer Hodgkin (12) said, “I their opinion. feel the royal family can be really Harry and Markle are enjoying complicated. I saw how being in the the simple life, living in Santa royal family is not as glamorous as Barbara with their son Archie and it seems and that not everything is await their daughter, this interview shown behind closed doors.” has brought up past events and Kailee Bilbao (11) mentioned, will affect opinions about the “They’re celebrities, but why?” royal family. Mghan and Harry’s Some celebrities have given revelation showcases how the their opinion about the interview. public can never truly know what Michelle Obama said, “My hope happens behind closed door. is that, when I think about what 15

Picture Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

by Mark Jones

May Birthdays Raffaela Dias Shari Prieur Zoey Chonkich Henrique Barros Nicolo Moralde Sarah Pasaribu Isaiah Sledge Colin Bailey Ian Bermudez Annelise Rigsby Stephanie Lopez Javan Knowlton Allyson Manoharan Ethan Richards Trevor Samples Zadie Tsao Marc Domini Canosa Sophie Rai Jenaro Rodriquez Alessandro Desia Jasmine Tomlin Alexander Kim Jacob Saesim Evan Knecht

Graphics by: pixabay.com

16

1 1 3 4 8 8 14 16 16 16 18 19 19 19 20 21 22 22 24 26 26 29 30 31