The Matador 2013-14 September Issue

Opinions-

Focus-

“Critics ‘blur’ lines between vulgarity, expression” pg. 6

“How does poverty affect San Gabriel?” pg. 8-9

Matador

THE

Volume 59, Number 1

Features-

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

“Teen usage of molly, e-cigs increases” pg. 15

S a n G a b r i e l H i gh S c h o o l

801 Ramona St., San Gabriel, CA 91776

www.thematadorsghs.com

AUSD staff receives one-time 10 percent bonus M im i L a m a n d O s c a r M o l i n a Having $38 million in the reserve funds, the school board decided to provide teachers, staff, and administrators with a one-time 10 percent bonus, which totaled to $9 million for the entire district. The money had accumulated because the district wanted to have a backup plan in case Proposition 30 was not passed.

“We had kept our reserves high for a rainy day,” School Board President Jane C. Anderson said. “[Local Control Funding Formula] LCFF funding makes us have more secure funding.”

The school district’s employees had not received any pay increases for the past five years. In an ideal scenario, employees would have received a twopercent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) each year to account for inflation, but the uncertain budget at the time did not permit it. As a result, the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) thought it adequate to spend the reserves on employees for their sacrifice.

“We needed to spend down the reserves and felt our employees who rode out the financial uncertainty should be given a thank you,” Anderson said.

Despite being given a one-time 10-percent bonus to compensate for the past five years, the bonus did not exactly sum up to the salary employees would have had if they received a two-percent salary raise compounded each year.

Schools within the AUSD implemented several

methods to save money during the lean years, some prevalent at San Gabriel.

“We were creative in finding ways to save money,” Principal Jim Schofield said. “We printed less paper and tried to turn off our printers at the end of the day.”

The pay bonus has received both positive and negative feedback from those affected by it.

“We’re missing class sets [of textbooks],” freshman Kelly Ho said. “I heard it’s a law that we must have class sets for every school. It’s not fair for us.”

Despite some teachers being content with the raise, many also displayed a pro-student sentiment.

“The raise was bittersweet,” English teacher Scott Myers said. “I was very happy to find I was going to get a cost of living raise, [but] I would have liked to have seen at least a portion of the rumored to be nine million to be spent on students.”

Although the bonus seems to lean toward the employees only, the students have benefited in some ways as well, such as by having the opportunity to attend school for a full 180 days and being able to have more classes like the newly added Freshmen Leadership class.

“Everyone was happy to begin a new year with the prospect of a one-time bonus,” Anderson said. “[However,] we were criticized for not reducing class size, etc…things that need to be negotiated with employee groups.”

Freshman Anissa Tapia is remembered A n i s s a Ta p i a (center) had fun with her friends at Martha Baldwin E l e m e n t a r y, where she took guitar classes after school. Tapia was going to be a freshman at San Gabriel until she was overtaken by leukemia.

On Aug. 17, incoming freshman Anissa Tapia passed away due to leukemia. Tapia was 14 years old.

Tapia was born Dec. 27, 1998 to Pete and Janet Tapia. She was the oldest child of three daughters.

Tapia recently graduated from Martha Baldwin School, class of 2013, and had prepared to enter San Gabriel High School as an incoming freshman.

As a well rounded student, Tapia was an honors student at Baldwin School and played on the girls’ basketball team since the seventh grade. She also took advanced guitar classes and often expressed her love of playing the bass. During the summer of 2013, Tapia tried out for and was accepted into the San Gabriel High School girls’ JV tennis team. She played doubles with sophomore Anastasia Ramirez.

“We could have done so well together,” Ramirez said. “I was so happy when I found out she was my partner. She was always happy; she cheered me up when we were losing...I was devastated when I found out what happened...I will always remember

New AP Human Geography class allows freshmen to take AP courses Cassandr a Chen

Photo courtesy of Tatianna Garnett

A m y Ye e a n d A n g e l a F o n g

Photo courtesy of Quoc Tran

AUSD School Board President Jane C. Anderson signs a symbolic check, giving all district staff a one time 10 percent bonus while Roz Collier, teacher’s union president, looks on.

the times we played together.”

Tapia was a passionate and caring individual to all who knew her. She often volunteered during the summer at the local YMCA and loved working with the children there. At her funeral service, her father called her his “co-captain” after saying that she had been a great older sister to her two younger siblings, Mina, age 11, and Sarina, age 8.

Those who knew Tapia remember her as being passionate about music. She loved rock and heavy metal, and she listened to bands like A Perfect Circle, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Nirvana.

Tapia was also an avid fan of horror movies and TV shows.

“Music was a big part of her life. She would learn some of their songs on the bass,” freshman Monica Tan said.

Tapia is survived by her parents and her two younger sisters. Her funeral service was held on Aug. 24 at Guerra & Gutierrez Mortuary Chapel in Montebello.

“I feel like she still hasn’t passed away,” freshman Maliyah Ong said.

AP Human Geography is being offered exclusively to freshmen as of the 2013-14 school year. This is a completely new addition to San Gabriel High School, as AP courses were not available to freshmen before.

A meeting was held for parents during the Freshmen Summit on Aug. 3 regarding classes for the incoming school year. The new class was mentioned during the meeting.

The school decided to start an AP class for freshmen because they wanted to give freshmen a head start. They might have considered taking AP courses during their sophomore year without realizing how much work they are required to do. AP Human Geography was introduced so freshmen can experience what AP courses are like.

The new class is taught by Teodoro Olivos in A208 during first period and Davina Dominguez in E211 during second period. 62 freshmen in total were chosen to be in the new AP course. They are able to learn about society, culture, geography, and various data relating to humans.

Olivos said that he felt good about being able to teach the new AP class. “[The freshmen AP class] is a great idea,” Olivos said. “It’s a good way to challenge freshmen, and during sophomore year, their workload increases, so it’s a good way to prepare them.”

Mei Chau, an AP Human Geography student, said that she has a “love-hate relationship” with the class. “[The class] will help me with my college application,” Chau said.

“It’s somewhat hard, but I’m glad I ended up in there.”

Hector Hernandez, another AP Human Geography student, said that the new class will benefit him for the future. “[I think the AP class] is easy,” Hernandez said. “It’ll help me gain AP credits for college.”

Annie Lam, another AP Human Geography student said that she thinks the new AP class is a lot of work, but she will consider taking more AP courses in the future due to the experience she has gained so far in the class.

“It probably would [help in the future],” she said.

All in all, the new freshmen-only class will be implemented to San Gabriel High School for years to come, allowing freshmen to be challenged.

“I think that [the AP class] will be a great experience for me,” Chau said.

NEWS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

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Scanlan reaches out to students using social media K ri s t y Du o n g In an effort to keep students better informed of school events, Assistant Principal of Business and Activities John Scanlan launched San Gabriel High School’s Twitter page in May and Facebook page in August.

Considering how students of this generation communicate, Scanlan believes that using social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter allows the school to create a better connection with its students.

He is aware that the school cannot “continue to do things the same now as things were done 10 years ago.”

“That’s the way it is now,” Scanlan said.

“Communication is carried out for a large part through social media. We figure [that] in order to communicate with our kids, we need to go where they are, not just let them come to us.”

The Facebook and Twitter pages are meant to be used as a resource and “public forum” to all students. Club leaders can use them to advertise fundraisers or events, and students can use them to ask questions during most times of the day.

“I’ll check [the pages] nightly when I’m at home because sometimes students will message and ask questions, and I want to make sure to answer these questions in a timely manner,” Scanlan said. “If you log in, it will look like we’re on 24/7, but

that’s because I got it running from my home computer, and I’ve got the app on my phone.”

Some students agree that the sites have been helpful in relaying information about collaboration days, sports games, and school events. They believe that using popular social media platforms is an improvement over previous methods of contacting students.

“I like the idea that it’s trying to make,” senior David Nguyen said. “Incorporating school news into something that students use habitually in their everyday lives proves to be more effective than nightly phone calls home.”

In addition to integrating social media

into the school, Scanlan has also taken initiative by updating the school website.

Though it is still a work in progress, Scanlan has been working hard to update all the outdated information on the site.

“The school website is harder to update because the information has to go through the company,” Scanlan said. “I’d like to have more access to it [though].”

Scanlan hopes to connect with more students and encourages them to Like and Follow the Facebook and Twitter pages in order to stay well informed.

Vi s i t t h e p a g e s a t h t t p s : / / w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m / S G H S M a t a d o r s a n d h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SanGabrielHighSchoolMatadors.

Right: John Scanlan tries to keep students updated by keeping the information on the school’s Facebook and Twitter pages up-to-date.

Scanlan hopes that students will use these social media platforms as resources to stay informed and to inform others of school activities such as fundraisers.

Images courtesy of Kristy Duong

Leadership class encourages freshmen to participate in student government

Photo by Derek Deng

Teacher Kristen Chung helps her students to build leadership skills through various self-identity activities and icebreakers.

E ri n Truong To foster young students’ interest in student body affairs, a new Freshmen Leadership class was introduced at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.

The class is held during fourth period in S-4 and is taught by English teacher Kristine Chung. “[The class’ purpose is] to help kids to learn to be leaders, prepare them for leadership roles, and ultimately get them exposed to Associated Student Body (ASB) in hopes that they’ll join later,” Chung said.

San Gabriel administrators had begun planning the Leadership course last year.

“I was asked by Ms. [Debbie] Stone to advise Leadership because I had experience teaching Leadership in a middle school I used to work for,” Chung said.

Leadership meets with ASB two to three times a week, where students are exposed to ASB activities and are involved in proceedings, allowing students to get an idea of what it is like to be involved in the student body.

“We participate in ASB meetings and planning for school events,” Chung said. “Students will get to know about the community that surrounds San Gabriel [High School].”

In the class, students build on their leadership skills by getting to know themselves through self-identity activities, in addition to learning about different leadership styles. Icebreakers are also frequently used to help students open up, and projects that allow students to understand their goals are often assigned.

“We make posters that describe where we’re from and where we’re going,” Leadership student freshman Jesse Rodriguez said.

Through Freshmen Leadership, San Gabriel administrators hope to encourage the ASB population to identify more with the rest of the student population on campus and breach the rift between student government and their peers.

Student Congress allows Matadors to voice opinions Derek Deng A new form of student representation, reintroduced by Assistant Principal of Business and Activities John Scanlan, has been implemented at San Gabriel High School to allow the student body to express their opinions about any school policies, incoming events, and problems that need to be addressed on campus. Student congress works independently of the administration during the scheduled meetings.

This form of student congress will not only allow student representatives to present their recommendations to school administration, but also allow them to have a better understanding of how a congress may work. By discussing the dates and giving recommendations, the student body is able to have a greater voice in their education.

“It gives us a way to communicate with [the administration],” sophomore William Tea said.

“They don’t make all the decisions for us.”

Student meetings will allow school administration to receive feedback and deal with any reported problems from students directly.

“[Student congress] will give students the chance to be more involved,” Scanlan said. “They are able to talk about future events, such as homecoming.”

After the dates or recommendations are proposed, ASB (Associated Student Body) members present ideas to the administration for final approval. ASB is in charge of running congress meetings which are held on the first Tuesday of every month during fourth period in the Multipurpose Room. Currently, student congress consists of approximately 80 representatives.

“One [representative] and one alternative [representative] is chosen per class to report to the student congress meetings,” Scanlan said.

In the previous meeting held on Sept. 3, student congress members and ASB discussed the events’ dates for that month using a master calender that contained all the planned events. The next student congress meeting will be held on Oct. 1 to talk about future events that will soon follow as the school year progresses.

“It’ll help students become more involved with ASB and what we do,” ASB president Ashley Yu said.

“In the future, it would help us get more opinions [from the student body].”

October 2013 9/30 Los Renombrados and Homecoming Apps Due

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Student Congress Meeting

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Columbus Day (School Day)

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Collaboration

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Collaboration

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Collaboration

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College Fair

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Halloween

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End of 1st Quarter/ Minimum day

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E-Waste Collection

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Homecoming Homecoming/ Game/Pep Dodge Rally Fundraiser

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THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS

West Nile Virus makes appearance in San Gabriel Valley A n t h o n y Ya n g The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District discovered the first case of the West Nile Virus in a dead bird in the city of Arcadia in June.

The virus has spread from Arcadia to Irwindale and Monterey Park. According to the California Department of Public Health, 23 California counties have cases of human infection, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino.

Although the West Nile Virus is spreading quickly, the virus has minimal effects on humans.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in five infected humans will develop symptoms after three days of infection.

Less than one percent of the infected will develop potentially fatal symptoms. “The virus isn’t all that dangerous, but people should at least take some measures to prevent it,” sophomore Ryan Ung said.

According to WebMD, the West Nile Virus causes infections in the human body and is naturally hosted by birds and transmitted by mosquito bites and bodily fluid contacts. The virus itself causes flu-like symptoms, but swollen lymph glands can occur in rare cases. The elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk of developing fatal symptoms.

San Gabriel Valley residents are advised to take precautions in outdoor activities due to high mosquito activity in August and September. The San

Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has warned residents to wear protective clothing with sleeves. Residents should not go out early in the morning and at nighttime because mosquito activity is highly active.

“Everyone should wear mosquito repellent while they are outdoors,” school nurse Karen Carrillo said. “Eating fruits and vegetables while getting plenty of sleep would help support the immune system. To lower chances of attracting mosquitoes to our homes, standing water should be removed since they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” she advised.

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has warned all San Gabriel Valley residents to report dead birds to the authorities, since they are natural hosts for the West Nile Virus.

Reporting dead birds to the authorities will aid the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District to monitor the virus and prevent its spread.

“Preventing West Nile virus from making you sick is as simple as preventing mosquito bites,” Kenn Fujioka, a manager for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District said.

Even though the virus is at its peak activity, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District assures everyone that it is not a complete threat and that they ought to consider methods to prevent catching the virus.

“Everyone should just calm down, evaluate the

UN negotiations prevent chemical warfare in Syria J e n n i f e r Thai With the arrangement between the United States and Russia, a compromise on Syria’s use of chemical weapons has been formed; it has been agreed upon that Syria’s arsenal of sarin would be demolished by the middle of 2014.

The Syrian War in the Middle East began with peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian rule. The conflict escalated quickly as the government violently responded by killing or torturing activists. As tensions rose, activists rebelled, and the intensity of their combat grew with the formation of a civilian army. Despite the imposing casualties and national attention on the intensive Syrian Civil War between Assad’s government forces and rebels against his rule, the Syrian war continues to be a continuous conflict for two years with no indication of closure.

For weeks, President Barack Obama insisted that the United States intervene in the Syrian War for Assad’s alleged use of the chemical weapon sarin. Obama advocated military action such as launching missiles at military bases. Observers gave mixed responses of what they viewed as a reoccurrence of American intervention in Iraq where civilians became a major sacrifice.

With great opposition, many criticized Obama’s choice of action.

“Obama is not only not abiding by national popularity opinion, but also disagreeing with the other countries because the British and the United Nations do not want to do it until they have facts,” senior Jestin Ma said, clarifying his dissatisfactions with Obama’s approach to the problem without the approval of other powers.

In consideration of victims who faced the suffocating sarin gas, many believe that the military force could be an option. Supporters of Obama’s decision believe that military action could ease or halt the use of chemical weapons.

“If it is to help the people getting gassed by the military, yes, I believe we should take military action because it is inhumane to kill people for no reason,” sophomore Raven Tsan said.

Unexpectedly, in the second week of September, the United Nations report revealed that Russian negotiations with Syrian officials have convinced Syria to turnover its chemical weapons.

With this drastic turnover, Obama revised his ideas in which the military would take action with the approval of Congress.

“I think it is time that Congress has a little bit of responsibility with these types of issues. I think forcing the decision onto Congress who directly represents the people is ultimately a good thing,” world history teacher Henry Osborne said, approving Obama’s change of action.

Through many deliberations to resist negative outcomes, citizens strived for peaceful consequences to overrule their government through rebellion or through aid from the United Nations or foreign countries.

“In the two years, so many have died. I think there will be success if the rebels manage to overthrow Assad and improve without great loses,” United States history teacher Eric Hendrickson said, foreseeing the end of Assad’s rule.

As an ongoing event, the problem and situation depend on the people of the nation. Although there may be consequences, the real problem is to acknowledge and solve the complication in the most efficient and practicable way.

“From a military standpoint, it may not be the best way to proceed. But this is more than just a military issue; this is an issue about if and when the United States should get involved with the affairs of other nations,” Osborne said. “This is one of the things that people and Congress need to weigh.”

Image courtesy of cdc.gov

As of Sept. 17, the West Nile Virus has infected humans in every state except West Virginia and Maine. The virus originated west of the Nile River in Egypt, and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms of the virus include, but are not limited to flu-like symptoms, and occur five days after infection. For more information, visit cdc. gov. situation, and think about how to prevent catching the virus,” senior Karina Huynh said.

The key method to prevent catching the virus is to wear mosquito repellent since it is transmitted by mosquitoes. The CDC has been stating its main message, “Prevention is always better than treatment.”

Matador Band competes at LA County Fair Reb ecca Lei After weeks of preparation, the Matador marching band competed in the L.A. County Fair High School Marching Band Parade Competition for a chance to play in the annual Tournament of Roses parade on New Year’s Day. Colorguard members also accompanied and performed alongside the band.

The parade competition experience was a first for many new band members.

“It was really tiring, but I had fun marching with my fellow band members,” sophomore band member Emily Eng said. “It was definitely an incredible experience, especially because it was my first time marching in a parade.”

The band was led by junior drum major Brandon Huynh throughout their parade route.

“I felt relieved when it was over,” Huynh said.

“All those long and hard days paid off, since I felt confident and ready when the time for competition came. I [am] satisfied with our performance, [and] I think we did well.”

The competition was also the first event of the year for the Colorguard members, who practiced with the band during their morning practices in order to prepare for the fair performance.

“The parade was really nerve-wracking,” said Colorguard member Tracy Nguyen. “It was really

Photo courtesy of Vicky Yum

The band partakes in the SCSBOA-sponsored competition on Wednesday, September 18. fun after I got the gist of it, and the morning practices helped us get used to marching and twirling flags.”

A major component of the band’s success and ability is their director, Tammy Cognetta, who has been directing the band for 27 years.

“I have big expectations for this band,” Cognetta said.

“We have stronger players in a lot of sections now. Even though it’s harder to produce music with finesse, our goal is to have the 114 members of the band play music with clarity and balance.”

With the L.A. County Fair parade competition out of the way, the band will now concentrate on their field show, to be exhibited during the home football games. The competition results will be announced after the closing of the L.A. County Fair.

Students perform at USC Trojan football game S t even H o San Gabriel’s Marching Band put their horns up for thousands of football fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in celebration of High School Band Day on Sept.

21. Held by University of Southern California (USC), the annual opportunity for high school bands to practice with the USC Trojans came with a twist—a chance to play with the USC band during their football game against the Utah State Aggies.

San Gabriel arrived at the USC field in the morning to observe the Trojan band practicing their field show for the game that afternoon.

After the bands watched and listened to USC’s musical numbers from the stands, they were prompted to join USC on the field. Having already learned the halftime show music, the high school bands quickly learned the drills and procedures for playing with the USC band.

Wo r k i n g w i t h a c o l l e g e

game from the stands. When halftime neared, the bands set up their instruments and headed to the field where they played Trojan classics such as “Back to the Future,” “Tribute to Troy,” and “Fight On.” The performance went without a hitch and the crowd enjoyed listening to the bands.

Parent Peter Hoh, traveled with the Matador band and thought the Photo courtesy of Tammy Cognetta day was a success.

“I got a little sun, but I enjoyed Junior drum major Aydin Hau guides the band for the duration the game and the halftime show,” of the piece “Back to the Future.” Hoh said. As an involved parent of alumnus Peter Hoh Jr., the marching band was a learning previous drumline section leader e x p e r i e n c e f o r m a n y b a n d of the Matador band, Peter Hoh members. Sophomore trumpet has already been to two High player Zachary Puentes described School Band Days and was pleased the event as long, but insightful. to find the students playing with “I learned how to work with USC. other bands without even meeting “It was great to see the kids them [beforehand],” Puentes said. enjoying themselves,” Hoh said.

“It was fun practicing and playing To the pleasure of home team with a professional band.” fans, USC won the game 17-14, Mildly warm weather shone a favorable end to an enjoyable down on the Coliseum as all of day for both spectators and band the bands watched the football members alike.

NEWS

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

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THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

OPINIONS

Editorial

Common Core revamps education Forty-five states including the District of Columbia have integrated a new set of educational standards into the typical school agenda.

This Common Core State Standard is centered on math and English Language Arts, assuring that students across the nation are adequately educated in those subjects.

The Common Core is changing California’s K-12 educational landscape— including that at San Gabriel High. Math and science problems are wordier, essay writing is found in multiple subjects, non-fiction replaces the fun stories we may have read in English class—almost all of education is being revolutionized, and some teachers are praising the changes while others are resistant.

The Common Core ensures that the standard for students is nation-wide,

county-wide, or even district-wide. By having a national standard, students will be equally trained for college and be able to transfer schools with more ease.

Including all American citizens in the equal-education crusade will integrate everyone into a single culture where certain knowledge is treated as basic. In addition, it allows states to more accurately compare scores and achievement because previously, most states had their own standardized tests.

Some critics may argue that the Common Core promotes conformity. Worried about the loss of creativity, opponents argue that the Common Core confines students to a certain area—the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field. However, although conformity may occur in

education, students still have the opportunity to express themselves and their personality in electives, clubs and other activities. The Common Core may create a challenge for older teachers who may not want to adjust their teaching style, but changes in teaching are necessary to keep up with constant educational changes.

Main proponents of the Common Core argue for the need to match the high intellectual base of similar developed nations such as Japan and Germany. In those countries, where educational standards have been established and implemented for decades, scientific and literary achievement thrive.

Ranked at 17th in education (based off of test scores, graduation rates, etc.) by Pearson in 2012, the U.S. feels the competitive drive to catch

up to those nations, which is a good reason to implement the Common Core across America. Attempting to raise every students’ educational expectations only brings benefits; as a society, we would make wiser decisions and promote further achievement in all aspects of life.

Rather than emphasizing creativity, the Common Core concentrates on practicality, reasoning, and problemsolving skills in order to ensure that students will be better prepared to enter college and a competitive global job-market. Students will no longer be required to simply provide answers but also explain how they derive them.

Although the Common Core may pose difficulties in the transitional years, it will ultimately benefit students in the long run—American will be prepared.

Driving takes toll on both mother, daughter

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Being a single, working parent of two active daughters, I am going crazy driving them to and from their activities such as ballet lessons, fundraisers, school games, testing centers, and dances.

When it came time to have my oldest daughter start driving, I was at my wits end and it has taken me about a year of occasional nagging to get her to take the online driver’s education course, then to have her prep for the permit test. For some reason, she did not want to drive, and when I asked her why she seemed hesitant to respond. When I was “fed up” with her inability to move forward, I took her to purchase a bus pass.

With this act of desperation, she finally studied for the test and passed the permit exam. Hallelujah!

Most I was so happy she passed that I had her start her behind-the-wheel training the very next day. teenagers The instructor informed me that he did not want me to drive with her until she had at least cannot wait six hours of driving with him. He said it was important for her to gain more experience before to get their liwe drove together; he did not want me to yell at her so soon and shatter her spirit. cense and feel After the fifth hour of training, I asked if it would be okay to take her to an empty the freedom of parking lot- he said she should be okay. So being the eager and supportive parent, I took driving on the road her to the old, empty Mervyn’s lot. A BIG MISTAKE! She was very nervous and alone. However, some stopped completely when someone came near our car. At times, she would turn people like myself are not with such speed my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest! I would as eager to get behind the call out instructions and she would reply, “I got it, Mom, ” and yell at me. wheel. Since my sophomore The stress was too much and definitely not worth hurting our motheryear, my mother has tried to daughter relationship! get me to take the permit test. She Lesson learned, listen to the driving instructor and do not take wanted me to get my license so that your child out for driving until the instructor approves. she would not have to worry about After 10 lessons, the instructor asked me to be a silent driving me anymore. passenger in the back seat of the car because he wanted me It was not until the middle of my junior to see how my daughter drove with him. During the lesson, year that I finally started preparing for the I was amazed; she was in total control of the car, but I permit test. I took the online course and studied still grabbed the seat with a death grip. Nevertheless, the handbook, but I still did not feel motivated I remained quiet and observed. to pass the test. I did not take the permit test as This was an invaluable rite of passage for both seriously as I should have. I received a heinous score of us. Since their father died in 2011, I have on the permit test. I was not ready to drive; I did not struggled as the sole parent and feel sad that want to think about the pressures that owning a driver’s my daughters have to grow up faster now, license would bring. However, due to my mom’s constant transitioning from fun-loving teenagers nagging, I knew that I had to get my license. to responsible mini “adults.” I will I took the test for a second time and I passed without any try to be a more understanding problems. My mom was so happy that she could not wait to get and patient parent! I have mixed me behind the wheel, so she signed me up to have my first driving emotions because part of me lesson the day after I passed the permit test. I knew that I would be wants her to be independent scared beyond all belief. It turned out that my prediction was justified. and drive and the other My shoulders would not relax and my hands gripped the wheel so tight part of me is wondering if that my knuckles turned white. A roller coaster seemed less petrifying than I am making the correct the vehicle I was handling. decision. I know in After five hours of driving lessons, I felt more confident about driving, but any the end, helping confidence I had was shattered when my mom decided to take me to the old Mervyn’s her to drive will parking lot to practice driving. My mom and I were at each other’s throats. She yelled make her a self at me for every little thing I did, and I shouted at her. It felt like a war inside that white - s u ff i c i e n t Highlander. We swore that we would never ride with each other again. y o u n g Despite her good intentions, my mom only gave me more pressure by yelling, but I think I adult. understand why she was putting so much pressure on me. Unlike my instructor’s car, my mom’s did not have another set of brakes and gas pedals so she would not be able to take control of the car if I were to crash. If I were ever going to be able to drive on my own, I would have to prove to my mom that I was confident. Now I know that if I am going to pass that driving test in winter break, I have to focus on getting better even if I feel pressured and stressed. I have to tell myself that I will be ready, even though I still wonder if I ever will be.

Fresh and wise

Amanda Molina Breaking away During my eighth grade year I had to deal with the most difficult obstacle I had ever run into. I decided to completely reinvent myself, which included a change in my attitude. I went from being a person with a very negative outlook on life to being a girl who shined a positive light when things became difficult, but the most significant factor in reinventing myself were the people I was hanging out with.

I had gone about living my life with the impression that I was doing everything right. I finally came to my senses and saw that the person who I was back then was not at all the person I wanted to be for the rest of my life.

Ever since elementary school, I had pretty much stuck with the same posse of friends and was unaware that they were not necessarily the most productive in the area of academics. This seemed to slowly rub off on me as the years progressed.

Boys seemed to come into the picture more often, and I came to think that they were not meant to be in my game plan at all. I began to focus all my attention on my education, knowing that my grades could be improved on. As much as I tried to focus on school, the friends I had were making it terribly difficult to focus. I was so angry at myself for getting involved with a group that did not reflect who I really was at heart. I realized that it was time for a change, and I needed to flee from them and start over as soon as possible.

I was eager to leave and have a second chance at making things right with myself, yet extremely nervous because they were all I had ever known. However, I just needed a place to belong to and feel accepted unconditionally. Making new friendships did not come all that easy to me and I feared what my future would hold for me after I left. Would I be vulnerable and alone in the open or would I increase my chances of actually being happy? The idea of a new found happiness brought me the courage to leave and never look back, and all I had to do was walk away, literally. During lunch one day, I just got up and left.

Once I was gone, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, and I knew that I made the right decision. Although I was sitting alone, I actually felt an overwhelming sensation of freedom and peace with all that had taken place. To know that my life had completely changed in a matter of zero to five minutes seemed crazy but brought me to the realization that change can take place at any moment and sometimes when you least expect it.

I had been roaming around by myself while trying to stay positive, keeping in mind that good friends come with time.

I never thought that the friends to come would be as amazing as they are. They never fail to make me feel loved and always seem to know what to say when I am feeling stressed or frustrated.

My fear of change had been defeated, but I know that many people still live unnerved by the idea. As scary as it is, we must learn to take chances and be aware that sometimes they will pay off. Other times they might not, but we will never know what the outcome will be unless we take the first step toward finding out. I am now a freshman, and I am having the time of my life because I know that I have everything in order, and there are still many amazing things waiting to be discovered.

OPINIONS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

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Critics ‘blur’ lines between vulgarity, expression Va ne s s a De L a R o s a

predators alike who have forced themselves on their victims, saying to them those exact words, forcing them to relive unwanted memories they would much rather forget.

It is such an impudent lack of respect for victims who are forced to hear those or similar words being repeated and repeated and repeated, simply because the majority of the population finds it “catchy.”

The title itself is symbolic for the lines between consent and rape, which Thicke regards as “blurred,” meaning that there is no distinct difference and justifying the act of forcibly imposing sex on an unwilling participant.

Today’s society is despairingly riddled with false misconceptions and gross doublestandards. Law students

When an over-compensating man decides to enthusiastically degrade women in a song advocating rape and sexually aggressive themes, it is considered permissible and disregarded simply as “pop-culture.” When an empowering woman decides to express the emotional turmoil and heartache she experienced in her relationship with her ex-fiance in a form she feels most comfortable with, she is slut-shamed, brutally criticized and severely ridiculed.

Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” video, which was released on March 26 earlier this year, reached the top of the charts and ranked number one for 11 weeks on Billboard’s “Billboard Hot 100.” This notion in itself is a flagrant indication of how ignorant people can be. The video consists overwhelmingly of scenes in which Thicke blatantly objectifies naked women, referring to them as “animals” and using them as props.

In one part of the video, there is a miniscule “stop” sign on one of the woman’s behinds, an audacious indication of lack of consent that is prominent in both his disgusting video and the distasteful lyrics that accompany it. It symbolizes the small, yet so very apparent, “no” that is so often ignored, and the main reason why rape-culture still exists today.

One of the line’s Thicke so vehemently repeats is “I know you want it; you’re a good girl.” Although the line may seem innocent, albeit vulgar, at first glance, it is a line that has been said before by rapists and sexual Illustration by Emmanuel Maresca

Predetermined roles restrict identity A nt hony Yang Gender roles are a specific set of rules where men and women traditionally conform to. Men were traditionally taught to be dominant and independent, while women were taught to be more subservient and submissive. If we were to travel back in time to the middle of the 20th century, we would see that gender roles were strictly enforced. It would have been out of the ordinary for gender barriers to be broken. Although we are in a new generation, some wish to conform to their gender role due to pressures of society.

People should not be forced by society to follow gender roles. It is very absurd for others to do what they do, simply because it is what we have to do.

It is much more preferable when boys and girls act according to their interests.

“Gender roles often give the idea men shouldn’t do what they want to do. They’re often forced to follow gender roles other than doing what they want and the same thing applies to women,” freshman Sydney Trieu said.

Like most young children, we were divided by gender as soon as we were born. Many of us were color-coordinated based on our gender. Guys wore “masculine colors” such as blue, green, and black, while pink, lavender, and purple were considered to be suitable for girls. Childhood toys often influence gender roles. If one were to wander into a toy store, chances are, almost all of the boys would be playing with Legos, plastic tool sets, balls, and remotecontrolled vehicles. Most of the girls would be playing with dolls and toy houses.

The toys and choice of fashion start to set gender lines.

Some of the toys imply what role is appropriate for females and males. Play food and baby dolls imply that girls should be cooking in the kitchen and taking care of children while tool sets, fake pistols, balls, and tool sets imply that boys should be the providers and the active ones in life. This promotes gender roles and sets horrible examples for children.

Most of the kid-friendly movies have male leads. The typical story-line goes as the damsel-in-distress gets carried off by the villain. The male lead plays the hero by defeating the villain. The movie ends with a happy ending and the hero ultimately rescues the damsel-in-distress. This often conveys the idea that males should be dominant and have the power while giving females the idea

that they serve almost no purpose in heroism.

Some of us grow out of these strict gender roles while others do not. Gender roles are still prevalent in adulthood. While it is still prevalent, gender roles continue the gender inequality in the United States. Nuclear families, or traditional families are often examples of strictly displayed gender roles. These families often consist of a stay-at-home mother, a working father, and children.

As society changes over time, the amount of nuclear families has decreased. According to the US Census Bureau, the number of stay-at-home fathers is increasing. Studies from the Pew Research Center show that 40% of mothers are the main breadwinners in their families, which is an 11% increase from 1960.

Even though gender barriers are continuing to be broken, some are pushed back into their traditional roles due to societal pressures. I call that weak. I believe that it is a new age and it is about time men and women should have equal roles. However, we are not there yet. We all should push for equal roles and fight against the pressures of society.

from the University of Auckland who call themselves the “Law Revue Girls” made a parody of Thicke’s video entitled, “Defined Lines.” On Sept. 3, the parody was removed by YouTube for containing “inappropriate” content.

Of course. Because when men degrade and humiliate women in a music video, it is completely acceptable.

But when women make a parody of a video demanding sexual liberation, it is automatically deemed too “inappropriate” for society’s innocent eyes.

When Miley Cyrus released her video “Wrecking Ball” on Sept. 9, she instantly received much negative criticism and contempt for the content in it.

The video depicts Cyrus naked, riding on a wrecking ball in the midst of destruction.

The song was supposed to be a representation of her emotions, and the scene of her licking the sledgehammer was symbolic for her addiction to the pain. Many even went as far as to slut-shame her for her “indecent” actions and presentation of herself.

Cyrus simply wanted to express herself in a way she felt would most personify her innermost emotions, and with her decision came utmost negativity and condescending remarks.

“If people can take their minds off the obvious… and see what the video really means, it is so vulnerable… It was a lot harder to actually do the video… It was much more of an emotional experience,” Cyrus said in defense in an interview on the New York Daily News.

Society is filled with these offensive double-standards that inhibit the world and its development. Rape-culture and slutshaming will continue to dominate our own culture unless we begin to correctly criticize vulgar content, and appreciate one’s interpretation and presentation of their own being. Men’s actions should not be dismissed simply because “they are men.”

Many people claim that “Blurred Lines” is “just a song” and that people should not take it so seriously. It is certainly not just a comment when Thicke himself claimed in an interview with GQ that he actually derives pleasure in degrading woman.

“People say, ‘Hey, do you think this is degrading to women?’ I’m like, ‘Of course it is. What a pleasure it is to degrade a woman,” Thicke said.

Thicke admitted to his offense and is still praised as an idol of pop-culture, as opposed to Cyrus who seeks to express her emotional heartache in a way that empowers her and yet she is the one facing brazen criticism.

People need to stop judging women for everything they do, and begin to question the actions of men with more scrutiny.

Miss America faces brutal remarks Chelsey Tr an

The Miss America Pageant this year made history with this year’s Miss America being of Indian descent. The pageant began with 53 contestants; among the most memorable were Miss Iowa, who was born without her left forearm, Miss Kansas, an Army veteran who was the first contestant to choose to show her tattoos, and Miss New York, who is the first Miss New York of Indian descent. Winning the title of Miss America was Miss New York, Nina Davuluri. Initially seen as steps towards racial equality, the victory was soon marred by ignorant racial slurs against Davuluri. Within minutes of her victory, people flocked to twitter to express their views.

“Congratulations Al Qaeda,” @Blayne_MkItRain tweeted. “Our Miss America is one of you.”

The ignorance of this country, that boasts its unique ‘equality for all’ laws, is astonishing. Davuluri was born in Syracuse, New York and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science. Davuluri made her way through the world, worked hard, and has succeeded in what she has set out to do so far. That is the American dream. That is what America was built on: hard work. How much more American can she possibly get?

Miss Connecticut, Kaitlyn Tarpey, performed the Irish step dance in the talent portion of the competition. There were no comments as to how she didn’t represent America enough. The Irish step dance is a tribute to her heritage; the same way the Indian fusion dance is a tribute to Davuluri’s heritage. Despite all of the negativity Davuluri has faced, there are just as many supporters of Miss New York as there are haters.

“I knew from the moment that I met this young women and I saw her compete that she was destined for the Miss America stage because she was so mature; she was so well educated, well spoken, and such a graceful, poised young lady,” Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, said.

The judges were a diverse group of people that adequately represented the American people; Deidre Downs Gunn, the last Miss America to be crowned in Atlantic City back in 2004, New York Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire, ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, violinist Joshua Bell, comedian Mario Cantone, and actress Carla Hall judged the competition.

“The thing that matters most about Miss America 2014 is that it is yet another indicator of a nation willing to embrace its growing multiracial and multicultural makeup,” editor in chief of the Huffington Post Parthiv Parekh wrote.

The amount of backlash is just ridiculous. Miss America is meant to represent our country; diversity is where our country is at right now. No matter what race Miss America is, she will always be American first and foremost. Davuluri was born and bred in America. She is just as worthy Illustration by Cassandra Chen of the title as any other American.

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OPINIONS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Syrian War elicits possibility of third world war J u s t i n To y o m i t s u Planning to carry out a distant cruise missile strike on Syria, President Obama met with Congress to restore the “red line” he drew in 2012 against the use of chemical weaponry. Russia’s sudden proposition to withdraw Syria’s chemical weapons and dispose of them might change the President’s actions and decisions.

Though unconfirmed, Assad’s decision to silence the people with chemical weapons backfired, stirring up more angry civilians in front of the world.

The successful demonstration by the Syrian people moved them one step to their goal. This is just the beginning and there are many more steps to overcome for them. One especially is to deal with

the many casualties that come from the government’s sarin gas.

“What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price,” Obama said in a recent statement.

“What’s the purpose of the international system that we’ve built if a prohibition on the use of chemical weapons...is not enforced?”

The President has decided to set four United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers stand by in the Mediterranean Sea ready for the president’s decision on whether to attack. The first step to threaten Assad is a careful plan into giving him a warning.

“The kind of attack the administration appears to be planning will demonstrate to Syria and to others that there is a cost the United States is willing to impose for crossing clearly established American

red line...,” the New American Security president Richard Fontaine said. “But it would probably do very little to alter the fundamental balance of forces.”

Russia recently announced a new plan for Syria’s chemical weapons that avoids war. With Syria’s cooperation, the plan is to demand a peaceful hand over of all chemical weapons to Russia who will dispose and destroy them.

“I don’t think we would not attack,” World-History teacher Henry Osborne said. “It’s taking the government enough time to argue, and it’s not working...

However, it depends on what the president thinks, and I hope he chooses the best course of action properly.”

If the president does decide to attack, there might be a possibility of a World War. Furthermore, to consider the country’s safety, Obama should not risk any attack on Syria.

Russian policy halts celebration for Olympic attendees A m a n d a Mol i na

including myself in disbelief and with an overwhelming feeling of rage and disappointment. If any form of homosexuality is New Russian policies against gays have sparked controversy spotted anywhere in public, be it a citizen or a visitor, he or she across the nation as Russia prepares to host the 2014 winter will be arrested. Just speaking about gay rights or even holding Olympics in Sochi. Although gay athletes will not be denied a rainbow flag in support will get you in trouble and most likely admittance into the Olympics, they cannot display homosexuality arrested. People must understand that being gay is not a disease in public. The Olympics should be a time when people are able and is completely harmless.

Ever since the new policy, Russian anti-gays are lashing out to join hands and forget their differences, but Russia decided to on gays and gay supporters for displaying even the discriminate against homosexuals from all around the slightest amount of support. The entire situation has globe and from its own country, resulting in been blown out of proportion and extremely unjust. disruption of peace.

When a simple act of peace gets somebody taken Blake Skjellerup, a gay speed skater into custody, something is definitely wrong. in Russia, has already pledged to Gay American figure skater and Olympic wear his rainbow pin in support of all medalist Johnny Weir says that he will take the homosexuals. proper precautions when in Russia to avoid any “I want to go to Sochi and stand up and be severe problems that could break out while he is proud of who I am. I am not going to change there competing. or go back into the closet,” Skjellerup said in a “I won’t stop being...the gay fabulous ice video he posted on YouTube. skater person walking down the street,” Weir said.

Everyone has the right to express themselves, Nobody should ever have to decide between being no matter their sexual orientation. The United them-self or being prosecuted for something that States is trying to interfere with Russia’s one has no control over, like sexuality.” decision with no luck. Although the ban is The Olympics are supposed to be a celebration technically on “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” around minors, it is influencing Illustration by John Truong of life and humanity, but in this case the entire concept seems to have been distorted and changed. This new policy citizens of Russia to be partial toward any kind of homosexual orientation. Russian president Vladimir Putin is does not only affect the Olympics and athletes competing, but all too stubborn to comprehend the true meaning of equality and humans. We need to welcome diverse ideas as long as they are not harmful, and gays are in no way harmful. They are just like that everyone should have equal respect for each other.

Russia verifies that the new law will be enforced at next everyone else trying to make it in today’s judgmental world, and year’s winter Olympics, leaving many gays and gay supporters all the hate going around makes it much more difficult for them.

The Matador Bullring

Editors-in-Chief

Steven Ho Oscar Molina Chelsey Tran Kristy Duong Rebecca Lei Opinions Editors Vanessa De La Rosa Lauren Kakazu Focus Editor Sonny Hy Life and Art Editors Derrick Chi Annie Huang Sports Editors Marvin Luu John Truong Features Editors Maggie Cheng Crystal Wong Copy Editors Chelsea Huynh Mimi Lam Christopher Lan Richard Yue Photo Editor Derek Deng Artists Cassandra Chen Annie Huang Emmanuel Maresca John Truong Business Managers Carolina Garcia Ileana Perez Website Editors Tran Lam Blogs Manager Judy Tang Photographer Derek Deng Adviser Jennifer Kim Reporters: Kathering Montelon, Hanfrey Deng, Angela Fong, Vanessa Huang, Frank Lieu, Carolina Loaisiga, Amanda Molina, Cynthia Navarro, Jennifer Thai, Justin Toyomitsu, Erin Truong, Anthony Yang, and Amy Yee Managing Editor News Editors

The Matador is a public forum for student expression and highly encourages responses in reaction to issues discussed in the paper. Submit comments as a letter to the editor, signed (anonymity is guaranteed if requested), to H-2, or Ms. Kim’s mailbox.

The Matador is published monthly by the journalism staff of San Gabriel High School. 1,600 copies per issue are published at JEJ Print Inc. The opinions and views expressed in The Matador do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the school or the Alhambra School District. The Matador and the Alhambra Unified School District do not endorse the vendors advertised in this paper.

What do you think of Miley Cyrus’s VMA performance?

“

“I thought it was weird.”

- Alberto Garcia, 9th grade

“

“...Miley [Cyrus] is a performer; she is just expressing herself in different ways.”

- David Ruiz, 10th grade

“

“My mom said, ‘She’s still doing that? It’s been an hour.’.”

- Amber Dykeman, 11th grade

“

“I think it was a bit too much, but it’s the VMA’s.

Something has to be crazy.”

- Tiffany Tran, 12th grade

The g is silent

Kathering Montelon

Lawyer in the works The first time I saw a criminal justice court was when I was seven years old in Los Angeles. The moment I saw the judge’s desk, the seats where the jury sit, and the beautiful setting of brown tables and the brown benches where relatives sit, inside the court, I told my mother, “I want to work here when I grow up.” When I saw inside the court room, I thought about how many people I would be helping in so many different cases. It is sad how parents are in one country and the children in another country.

When I was in the fifth grade, I became interested in the field of law. I remember when a deputy would come to my class and talk about different types of drugs that can hurt people, the differences between a deputy and a sheriff, and a lot more. I was fascinated by the topics the deputy was discussing about, but I still wanted to continue with my goal to become a lawyer.

I was a freshman when I found out about the Temple City Sheriff and San Gabriel Police Explorers. A Temple City Sheriff asked me if I was fourteen years old, if I went to a high school, and if I had a grade point average higher than a 2.5. I responded yes to all the questions, so he gave me a pamphlet about Temple City Sheriff Explorers. When I read all the information, I decided to give them a phone call. I was disappointed at first because there were so many complications, and when I called, there was no answer. My mother took me to a different department, the San Gabriel Police Department where it was easier to apply for Explorers. I just asked where the applications were located and took it home to fill out and turn in the next day. I knew by joining the San Gabriel Police Explorers program that it would be beneficial by helping me get into the law field.

It was going to take a lot of determination, responsibility, hard work, and initiative to join. I knew I could do it. I have to give a huge thank you to my mother and father. If it were not for their help in paying over $500 on the items required to take me to the Explorer Academy, and by waking up at 6:00 a.m. to drive me to the Explorer Academy, and to then pick me up later that day at 3:00 p.m. for sixteen weeks every Saturday, I would have never made it this far in completing my goals and dreams.

I was nervous about my graduation but, most of all I was sad and wanted to cry because, a tragic thing had occurred with my father. When I arrived at the academy the day of my graduation I had in mind I was not going to see my father on this important day. I wanted to cry even more. I thought my mother was going to show up only with my siblings. When the graduation started, I was in formation facing down at the floor. I look up to see my family, and when I do there he was.

My father had come to see me graduate.

When the guest speaker spoke my name so I could receive my ROP and SGVPEA certificates, I was crying.

Sixteen weeks later, I graduated from the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Police Explorer Academy. It is up to me to keep achieving my goals, which include finishing the San Gabriel Police Explorers program are to apply for cadets, and then by the time I am in the cadet program I should already be in college taking criminal justice courses, later going to law school, and finally becoming an official immigration lawyer.

FOCUS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

8 11%

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LOW-IN SAN GA

TEACHERS ALLEVIATE FINANCIAL BURDEN

Researchers from Pr wick recently publishe condition of poverty im IQ points.” Essentially, less intelligent than tho Gabriel, I understand th how we can possibly be merely on finances. Eig receive free or reduced and low income needs “I feel like being poo Chen said. “People do n Living under a roof wh dinner, have clean cloth give props to these peo The federal poverty l and their incomes: for family of three living a at or under $23,550, an according to 2013 guid riculture identifies peo a base of $21,257 in a h after the first in a family lunch pay $0.40 for a m program pay $2.75 for Poverty affects San G is not a victim of povert are considered low-inco

Chr i s t o p h e r L a n a n d M a rv i n L u u In an effort to alleviate the burden of financiallydisadvantaged students, faculty at San Gabriel High School have annually raised and donated money to support these students.

From helping students purchase medical equipment to providing students attire for prom, these actions have increased and inspired others to do the same over the past few years.

School nurse Karen Carrillo raises money through recycling to help students purchase eyeglasses.

“I started this program... for people who can’t even get food on the table, much less get glasses,” Carrillo said. “We started slowly, just for one student, and collected as many bottles and cans as we could.

Slowly, the teachers started finding out about it and they participated.”

Physical education teacher Carla Fujimoto donated to and helped host numerous sports tournaments to support students. She believes that having the opportunity to play sports provides a numerous number of life skills to students.

“Time and support are the biggest gifts I could give to my students,” Fujimoto said. “I like students to be active and to play [sports] together and to have an opportunity to experience playing in an organized league where anybody with a desire to play can play.”

There are a greater number of teachers in San Gabriel High School who generously contribute their time and money to those who need it.

In the past few years around Christmas time, about one-third of the staff have collaborated to gather canned foods for students’ families that lack the reliable sources of food. The voluntary effort given by these individuals has culminated in a change that continues to improve hundreds of lives every year.

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'‘'Fre is feedin their kid

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HELP PROVIDED FOR LOW -INCOME STUDENTS: FEDERAL FI FREE APPLICATIONS TO PRIVATE COLLEGES, CAL STATES, AN

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THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF san gabriel STUDENTS HAVE FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH? 11% of students do not have free or reduced lunch 89% of students have free or reduced lunch

NCOME AND POVERTY CHALLENGES ABRIEL STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE GOALS

rinceton, Harvard, and the University of Wared in Science Journal an alarming find: “The mposed a mental burden akin to losing thirteen people living in poverty could be considered ose not living in poverty. As a student of San hat we are poor; however, I do not understand e considered less intelligent than others based ghty-nine percent of students at San Gabriel d price lunch, which is a measure of poverty in schools. or does not affect intelligence,” senior Susanna not understand what it is like living in poverty. here no one knows if they will be able to eat hes, or even have a roof must be a struggle. I ople who struggle living in poverty.” line is defined based on the size of households a family of two living at or under $15,510; a at or under $19,530; a family of four living nd so on were considered living in poverty delines. The United States Department of Agople who qualify for free or reduced lunch at household of one, and $7,437 for each person y. At San Gabriel, students who have reduced meal, and students who do not qualify for the a meal.

Gabriel in many ways; however, San Gabriel ty. The majority of students live in poverty or ome. Every student is capable of sympathiz-

S onny H y ing with poverty and low-income because of the similar situations between many students. Parents of San Gabriel are almost always consumed in working; many are immigrants who have come to America to give their children a better future.

“My parents try so hard for me; I see it everyday. It makes me feel like I have to try hard or else I will disappoint them,” senior Tricia Alcantar said.

“My parents work all the time. I feel indebted to them. I work hard in school because of how hard they work for an easy life for me,” junior Beth Rangel said.

Large proportions of San Gabriel’s students have families in which both parents are immigrants, work, and live in poverty. Low-income and poverty do not stop students from achieving what they want.

Students bypass the limitations of low-income environments by taking advantage of free printing at the career center, school resources, and teachers who are always available to help out. Living under these conditions can be seen as an embarrassment, the fact that they are a lower class than others. San Gabriel, however, defies this trend and embraces hard work and sacrifice. Students understand that their parents work hard to support the family and do not feel like having little money is a thing to look down upon. Speaking of the lack of wealth is commonplace as students treat each other not based on their wealth, but on their character.

“The people I’ve met at San Gabriel are extremely accepting and sweet. I feel like my background isn’t a big deal to them and that instead they see me for the way I am,” senior Nancy Lam said.

Most of us are collectively struggling at San Gabriel; in spite of this, we endure and will succeed.

OW DO STUDENTS FEEL ABOUT FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH?

‘’''Having free lunch and fee waivers is extremely helpful for low income families who can'’t provide lunch for their kids,"""'' senior Cristina Cabrera said.

ee and reduced lunch allows students to not worry about who ng them. they don’'t need to worry about providing lunch for ds. On the other hand, the lunch system needs to help dents who do not get free or reduced lunch,''’’ freshman William Dang said.

''‘‘’Everyday I do not need to bring any lunch money,

so the lunch system is amazing at what it does, but the food tastes horrible,''’’’’’’’’’’’’ sophomore Anthony Herrera said. ‘’''The school'’s system of free or reduced lunch really helps parents save money on food to feed their kids,’’'' junior Pollyanna Hang said.

Quotes gathered by Vanessa Huang

INANCIAL AID AND CALIFORNIA GRANTS FOR COLLEGE, FOUR ND UC'S, FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT AND ACT, AND FREE LUNCH

FOCUS POVERTY NEGATIVELY AFFECTS HEALTH ACROSS THE GLOBE Tr an Lam

Poverty has taken a toll on a copious amount of countries all over the world. From Africa to Latin America and even the United States, it has become a widespread issue. Health deterioration is one of the most common effects that poverty can conduce; studies have shown that poverty rates and obesity carry a positive correlation with one another, so if poverty increases then the likeliness of becoming obese raises as well.

According to Medscape, a professional health network, countries with poverty rates of more than 35 percent have obesity rates 145 percent greater than more affluent countries. In addition, based on the Food Research and Action Center’s statistics, the body mass index (BMI) escalated every year between 1986 and 2002 among the adults who were in the more impoverished group as opposed to those in the higher income group.

Due to the lack of parks and sports facilities in low income areas, people living in impoverished areas are less likely to go outside and are more likely to become sedentary, which can also become a health hazard. They are also less likely to able to afford gym memberships, so being fit and active is not an easy option.

Living in a more impoverished area makes it more difficult to access authentic, healthier food such as fruits and vegetables. The Gallup, a research based consulting company, reported that 56 percent of adults above the poverty line said they eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, four or more days a week. This is 6 percent higher than their counterparts who stated that they also do so. As opposed to the 83.7 percent of those in poverty, 91.7 percent of people with higher income said it was easy to get affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, fast food is simply affordable and accessible, so restaurants such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Jack-in-the-Box might be appealing to these people due to the cheap prices and high-caloric food. Since fast food chains are prevalent in the San Gabriel area, students residing in this vicinity might be exposed to these types of unhealthy food, increasing their risk of health deterioration.

“People living in poverty turn to fast food places because it’s more efficient to eat rather than having to go to the supermarket to buy materials that would cost way more than a dollar burger at a place like McDonald’s, “ senior Dylan Chu said.

People living in poorer regions of the world (particularly third world countries) are living in an environment without sufficient sanitation, medical treatment, and stable homes. If these impoverished people are already struggling with basic needs, how can they expect to maintain an adequate health status?

Furthermore, the unsubstantial health services in the vicinity of impoverished areas may also increase the risk of them being more prone to chronic diseases.

“These areas don’t have reliable sources of food, water, and supplies like we do. Even if they do come around, there’s no guarantee that the food and water are properly scanned for microscopic bacteria and viruses that are main causes of diseases and infections,” junior An Huynh said.

According to the New York Times, people residing in rural areas with inadequate infrastructures and house stocking are struggling with daily difficulties such as having no running water and no paved roads.

Contaminated water, pooling sewage, and mold are immensely pervasive in this type of environment, resulting in asthma, lice, and rashes. With these inadequate living conditions, the health of the residents is especially at risk. Obesity rates in these impoverished areas are continually accelerating as these people consume poorly nutritious food, especially in border county areas where a third of people are poor and a fifth are diagnosed with diabetes.

“Because of the where these people are located and their financial standings, they may not be able to purchase or even acquire fresh fruits or vegetables.

Because of this, people of lower incomes or lesser luck are forced to turn to less healthier options,” junior Simon Yung said.

If these people are consistently being untreated of such infections and diseases, then it would lead to health erosion and higher death rates if the issue continues to reoccur.

LIFE &ART

10

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Hayao Miyazaki leaves legacy of animation “I remember watching Spirited Away with my cousin,” junior Ava Choung said. “He bought the DVD for us and we watched it at home…. and I thought that Haku was Legendary Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki of Stucute.” dio Ghibli announced his permanent retirement two and Leaving his partner Koji Hoshino, president of Studio a half weeks ago on Sept. 6 after more than 25 years of Ghibli, and possibly passing his honorable job to his son, worldwide attention on his animated works.

Miyazaki is planning to leave all his memories behind him Although Miyazaki has previously been vague about with Studio Ghibli. his retirement and lost the trust of many ”Reflecting the year Ghibli was fans and watchers, this time he is expectmade, Japan was in its pinnacle at that ed to permanently retire. time and everyone seemed to be drink“I know I’ve said I would retire many ing and partying, which annoyed me times in the past,” Miyazaki said in his and was not my style of living,” he press conference on Sept 6. “Many of you said. “Though the economy was clearmust think, ‘Once again,’ but this time I ly there, everyone’s heart was lost in am quite serious.” some ways and the fact bothered me Writing and drawing animation for a lot.” more than 20 years, Miyazaki reveals the Miyazaki has touched not only truth about minimizing the time he inyoung teenagers but also many adults vests into work because of the burden of with emotion, spreading the important aging and his disabilities. and hidden message. ”My era and job of animation film di“It’s sad that I can’t watch his movrector of Ghibli is clearly over,” Miyazaki ies anymore,” choir teacher and ASB said. “No matter how much I concentrate adviser Cecilia Revilla said. “Howon drawing, the inevitability of aging ever, I think he did deserve the break and my health deterioration shrinks the from his work and I am grateful for his time I put into work.” movies. Maybe he didn’t want to deal Miyazaki’s first hit in 1997, Nausicaa of with the political disturbance, who the Valley of the Wind, promoted his name knows.” and raised his reputation around the In front of nearly 600 journalists in world. Successfully selling his second a Tokyo hotel, Miyazaki announced anime, Princess Mononoke, Miyazaki later his last film The Wind Rises which has received Japan’s Academy Award for Photo courtesy of cache.tokyotimes.com caught people’s attention. This last Best Film; it became the biggest animaDirector Hayao Miyazaki have produced and helped to create numerous well-known film is based on a fictional character tion in Japan, selling approximately over named Jiro Horikosh, who is the designfilms such as My Neigbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Castle in the $150 million during release. er of a World War II zero fighter aircraft.

“I wanted to convey a message to Sky, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and many more.

J u s t i n To y o m i t su

children that life is worth living,” Miyazaki said. “This must be our basic motto to our movies and it shall further on.”

His later animations generally hooked the attention of young children. Movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Spirited Away are part of many childhood memories of teens today.

Childhood stars sever origins Va n e s s a De L a R o s a

ing under the influence and later for two alleged hit-and-run incidents. Bynes was arrested in New York in May for illegal possession of marijuana and tampering with evidence by throwing the bong out of the window. Recently, Bynes has shown signs of erratic behavior, including setting herself on fire in July, spending thousands of dollars on plastic surgery, and showing severe signs of paranoia. Bynes is currently being treated at the UCLA medical center in Los Angeles.

Former teen idol and star of Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus has derived substantial criticism for her recent performance with Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards. Critics noted the performance as “vulgar,” and writer for Volture Jody Rosen said that “her act tipped over into what we may as well just call racism,” due to the black backup dancers that Cyrus had supposedly objectified. The performance apparently ruined Cyrus’ chances of being displayed on the cover of Vogue magazine for their December issue. Cyrus also received much criticism for her new video “Wrecking Ball,” which was released on Sept. 9.

For the majority of people born in the 90’s, childhood stars have played a major role in the development of their dreams and aspirations as children and their interests as adolescents. They acted as beacons of hope and inspiration for the younger generations to strive toward and look up to, so they too could one day become as uplifting. From Hannah Montana to Sonny with a Chance, these childhood stars grew up with us as much as we did with them, and have also changed and developed over the past few years.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse both severed their ties with Disney when they suggested a spin-off idea for the Suite Life and Disney completely disregarded it while seemingly laughing at their idea. A year later, the producers came back to the twins with the same exact idea with the inclusion of Selena Gomez, telling them that they would not get producer credits.

They walked out on them and that was the last meeting they had with Disney, leaving behind the company they had been with for years when they began attending New York University in New York in the fall of 2010. The Sprouse twins both enrolled in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU, where Dylan is majoring in Fine/Studio Arts with a minor in Economics and Cole is majoring in Film and Television Production with a minor in Drama.

Demi Lovato was the star of many shows such as Barney and Friends, Camp Rock, and Sonny with a Chance. After leaving Disney to fight her own internal struggles in rehab for three months in 2010, Lovato finally received the help that she needed after battling bulimia, cutting, and bipolar disorder. Recently, Lovato spent her 21st birthday helping people in the Maasai Mara of Kenya, where she worked with foundations such as the Me to We charity and Free The Children to work on community projects.

Despite the substantial success and happiness certain retired Disney stars had, the same could not be said Images courtesy of fashionmagazine.com, oassf.com, cloudfront.net, and huffpost.com for others.

Amanda Bynes, childhood star of From Left to Right: Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Demi Lovato, All That, The Amanda Show, and sev- Miley Cyrus, Amanda Bynes. and Miley Cyrus. Lovato and eral movies such as She’s the Man and Cyrus continue on with their music careers while both Dylan Sydney White, has had mental health and Cole Sprouse are currently attending New York University. issues since the beginning of 2012 As of now, Bynes is currently trying to recover from Paranoia at when she was first charged for driv- UCLA medical center.

Oxford Dictionary adopts modern language: ‘selfie,’ ‘emoji,’ and ‘twerk’ Angela Fong In an effort to stay updated on Internet speech, the Oxford University Press has announced that its newest additions to the Oxford Dictionaries Online will include the words “selfie,” “emoji,” and “twerk.”

Although these words are typically used on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, they have been considered slang words up until now. These additions have resulted in a slew of controversial responses from the generation that uses these words most often.

“I really do not like these [new] words, but each generation has its own trend and we can’t stop it,” junior Brian Choy said.

Despite the abundance of criticism, there have also been many positive responses to the recent additions to the online dictionary.

“I think it’s okay for our time because our language changes constantly, and we hear this kind of language every day, like in school,” senior Leticia Jimenez said.

In fact, Oxford Dictionaries Online has been keeping track of popular slang terms for quite some time now, periodically adding new words and their formal definitions. “Twerking,” for example, is now defined in the online dictionary as “a dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving hip thrusting movements and a low, squatting stance.”

Several differences exist between the Oxford Dictionaries Online and the Oxford English Dictionary. The former is more contemporary and takes into account modern meanings and usage of words. The latter, on the other hand, focuses on words from Old English to present day terms without removing words from the dictionary itself.

Photo courtesy of usatoday.com

11

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

LIFE &ART

KCON delivers passion to L.A.

and “Anyone Can Cook Korean Food,” a workshop tent where a popular Korean food company, Bibigo, shared its Seamlessly attracting over 20,000 people, the highly- recipes and tactics on how to cook Korean dishes.

On the second day, the convention opened up a new anticipated Korean convention (K-CON) hosted its second event in Los Angeles from Aug. 24 through 25. The following set of panels and a concert venue to successfully conclude were the Korean groups and artists who attended the event: everyone’s K-CON experience. The attendees were able to 2AM, Crayon Pop, EXO, f(x), G-Dragon, Teen Top, Yu Seung participate in an eating challenge through the “BCD Tofu Woo, Dynamic Duo, Missy Elliot, and Henry from Super House Spicy Tofu Eating Challenge,” meet new friends with Junior-M. The ticket tiers comprised of the $300 VIP1, $250 common interests through the “Love Connection: Speed Dating Hallyu Style,” VIP2, and $60 Balcony. and much more.

If attendees were lucky People finally entered enough, they would rethe awaited concert venceive a voucher that enue, the exuberant session abled them to attend a of the convention, at 5 fan signing, high-touch pm where the various (where they could highKorean groups and artfive the artists), or witness ists fired up the weary the Korean idols from afar. crowd who erupted into “It was surreal,” junior boisterous cheers and Macy Nguyen said. “I liteven tears. F(x) inauerally cried so hard. I hongurated the show with estly didn’t think that I’d a lively performance of be able to meet them. They their popular hits “Rum were the sweetest things in Pum Pum Pum,” “Hot the world. Overall, I had Summer,” and “Eleca pretty great experience, tric Shock.” Other acts meeting 2AM and all and Photo courtesy of soompi.com such as the following having Jokwon even wipe performed shortly afterK-CON 2013 returns to Los Angeles with popular artists my tears.” wards: 2AM, Dynamic A t t e n d e e s ro a m e d such as EXO, 2AM, Henry, G-Dragon, and many others.

Duo, Yu Seung Woo, around and checked out panels and workshop tents on both the first and second Henry, Teen Top, Missy Elliot, EXO, and G-Dragon. Perday. The first day chiefly maintained its focal point on the forming his newest single “Niliria,” the latter concluded the panels and the guest stars who were present; it consisted of venue with a collaboration with Missy Elliot, which further a widely-filled set of panels such as the following: “Dance ignited an uproar among the already energetic crowd and All Day,” a panel in which a professional dance instructor concluded the long, memorable night perfectly.

“The concert was just as memorable as last year’s,” taught intrigued attendees the dance moves to various amount of songs, “Developing K-Pop Writing Skills,” a panel junior Fran Lam said. “All of the artists gave energetic in which famous ethnically-mixed artists joined together to performances that captured the audience’s attention from discuss their experiences in writing and producing songs, the moment they began to perform.”

Tra n L a m

Review: Top box office movies premiere for the fall

San Gabriel Reacts to Entertainment News How do you feel about Lea Michele’s speech at the Teen Choice Awards?

“I cried because I like Glee. I know about them being together in real life and then they’re together on Glee too, then he died, so it was so sad.”

-Justine Pham (Junior)

“It was really sad. I was crying. It was really touching.”

-Katie Wong (Freshman)

Julie Chen recently admitted to getting eyelid surgery. Thoughts?

“I think it’s stupid because Asian people always try to fit into the norm, and I think that women are perfect just the way they are. I don’t blame her [though], I blame the media on how they affect the human mind and society as a whole.”

-Justin Yeh (Senior)

“It’s wrong because she had to change her looks to become famous, and it’s not what’s on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.”

-Richard Doan (Sophomore)

What do you think about Miley Cyrus’s new music video, ‘Wrecking Ball’?

“I got the point that she’s vulnerable because she is naked on a wrecking ball, but it was way too sexualized.”

-Amy Pham (Sophomore)

“She was hurt by someone she loved. The meaning behind the video is symbolic of love. The way she carries herself on the video shows how she just doesn’t care anymore.”

Photo courtesy of scholastic.com

Photo courtesy of mirror.co.uk

-Kevin Sema (Junior)

What do you think of the song ‘The Fox’ by Ylvis?

Photo courtesy of fandom.net

Camp Half-Blood hero Percy Jackson returns in Sea of Monsters, sequel to the 2011 hit movie The Lightning Thief. In this installment of the series, Camp Half-Blood is endangered by the breach of the protective barrier around the camp.

Percy and his friends must travel to the Bermuda Triangle to find the Golden Fleece, the camp’s only hope for survival.

I felt that the movie was very poorly directed and produced. The acting of the main cast was mediocre, and the visual effects did not flow well. The plot was corny and predictable, and the movie was not memorable. In addition, the characters were not developed very well.

Its saving graces were its action scenes, which left me at the edge of my seat. The comic relief also drew my attention away from the poor acting of the main cast.

Overall, Sea of Monsters makes for a very family friendly movie.

One Direction: This is Us brings global boy band One Direction to life in a sensational 3D concert. The movie features Take Me Home tour’s concert set list, as well as the background story of how the band was formed in 2010. It captures perfect moments of Harry, Niall, Louis, Zayn, and Liam on tour, along with the reactions from their fans and family members. The movie unveils One Direction’s experiences as the world’s biggest boy band as they take over Europe, America, Asia, and ultimately the entire world, from their own points of view.

This movie brought back so many bittersweet memories for me. It made me cry,laugh,and scream at the same time. I personally believe that this movie deserves a rating of 5 out of 5.

However, I really believe that even those who are not fans of One Direction will learn to love the movie as much as I do because it allows the audience to leap into the lives of five global popstars and take in their experiences as if they were their own.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones opens with a wild mix of horror, fantasy, and romance. Clary Fray is thrown info the Shadow Hunter World after her mother was kidnapped. Along the way, she encounters mystical creatures, accompanied

by Jace Wayland, Alec, and Isabelle Lightwood.

I give the film a 4 out of 5. The beginning was very rushed, so it was difficult to understand what was happening, without prior knowledge.

I felt that the acting was great, but the moments of comic relief, seemed more awkwardly thrown into the movie, than natural.

The cast was gorgeous. The chemistry between actors was evident and the acting was spectacular. I was a bit disappointed that the characters were not how I imagined them to be. Nonetheless, the plot is captivating and different from typical teen fantasy films. People who enjoy high-paced action, family drama, and sappy romance will enjoy the movie.

-Rebecca Lei

-Annie Huang

-Judy Tang

“Ridiculous. The song doesn’t make sense. I think it’s a parody rather than a real song.”

-Aaron Lam (Freshman)

“If you don’t listen to the words, it’s catchy. I like the beat but not the words. It’s childish and weird.”

-Kylee Sharp (Sophomore)

12

Concussions, helmets pose risks

FOOTBALL VARSITY 8/30 vs. Montclair 9/6 @ Glendale 9/13 vs. Covina 9/20 vs. Beverly Hills

6-38 3-48 7-55 13-6

FRESHMAN 8/29 vs. Montclair 9/6 vs. Glendale 9/12 @ Covina 9/19 vs. Beverly Hills

L L L W

0-32 L Canceled 0-54 L 31-68 L

GIRLS TENNIS VARSITY 9/3 @ Pasadena 9/4 vs. La Salle 9/5 vs. Temple City 9/9 vs. Arroyo 9/10 vs. Rosemead 9/12 @ Duarte 9/16 El Monte 9/17 @ San Marino 9/19 vs. Alhambra

15-3 10-8 8-10 7-11 13-5 15-3 9-9 2-16 14-4

W W L L W W W L W

JV 9/3 vs. Pasadena 9/4 @ La Salle 9/5 @ Temple City 9/9 @ Arroyo 9/10 @ Rosemead 9/12 vs. Duarte 9/16 vs. El Monte 9/17 vs. San Marino 9/19 @ Alhambra

17-1 16-2 8-10 13-5 12-6 15-3 13-5 11-7 13-5

W W L W W W W W W

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL VARSITY 9/7 @ Poly Tournament 9/10 @ Temple City 9/12 vs. Arcadia 9/19 @ John F. Kennedy 9/21 @ JFK Tournament JV 9/7 @ Burbank Tournament 9/10 @ Temple City 9/12 vs. Arcadia 9/14 @ Santiago Tournament 9/19 @ John F. Kennedy

brain disorders.” Despite the settlement an additional lawsuit filed by four ex-players The center snaps the football to the claiming that the league “hid information quarterback, who looks left and right, about the dangers of brain injury” is now trots back three steps and lets it go. The at hand.

Recognizing the heightened rate of posball lands into the hands of a receiver, who makes two quick jukes before collid- sibilities that concussions may be suffered ing helmets with his defender; the crack and the damage they may inflict on student athletes playing football, San Gabriel purechoes and is heard from miles away.

It is a regular aspect of football but as chased new school helmets for the varsity of late, much attention has been drawn team this year.

“All the equipment [we use] are certified to the potential damages that could be and checked by CIF to make sure [the easily inflicted on any given equipment] is safe,” senior Eddie player’s head due to conEscobar said, “but some [of tact during practice or “I just don’t us] buy extra stuff like new in a game. In 2010, feel too comfortable helmets that are really well the National Footpadded and mouth pieces ball League report- in the Schutt helmets the that help [provide addied 154 concussions school provides,” senior tional protection].” which was a 21 perSenior Jimmy Nguyen, Jimmy Nguyen cent jump from the who remains skeptical about previous year; by 2012, said.

Schutt helmets, is among those this number has gone up who are taking extra precautions to 265.

Due to the increase in concussions before heading out on the field.

“I actually had a concussion last year so suffered by players, the long term conditions that have reportedly been caused I wanted to take an extra step for safety,” by brain injury, as well as the numerous Nguyen said, “I just don’t feel too comlawsuits brought on by retired players, fortable in the Schutt helmet the school the NFL has already agreed to pay $765 provides.”

Nguyen has purchased his own Riddell million “to diagnose and compensate potentially thousands of retired play- helmet which is “well padded and cushers who develop dementia and other ioned” for the upcoming season.

Marvi n Luu

Seniors Maurice Le, Wayne Pollock, and Daniel Pollock have also opted to purchase their own helmets.

According to the website concussiontreatment.com, when a player sprints toward a stationary player for a tackle, the potential impact of a collision has the possibility of reaching speeds higher than 20 mph. By this number, one could only imagine the magnitude of impact a running back or receiver may be hit with.

“When we tackle or run, [our coaches] want us to use our whole body when we hit somebody instead of going heads up,” Escobar said. “[This method] helps prevent it.”

There is also a rule that prevents players from intentionally going “helmet to helmet” during games.

“We can’t just throw our heads at people and spear them,” Escobar said.

Regardless of penalties for players who intentionally initiate head on contact, many players still suffer from concussions through unexpectedly colliding helmets with each other from time to time.

As the fight against concussions looms in the courts on a national level, only precautions and extra equipment could be done locally as football is what it is: a contact sport.

2nd Place 3-1 W 2-1 W 3-2 W 1st Place 3rd Place 2-1 W 2-0 W 1st Place 2-0 W

FRESHMAN 9/12 @ Arcadia 0-2 L 9/14 @ Segerstrom Tournament 3rd Place 9/19 @ John F. Kennedy 0-2 L

CO-ED CROSS COUNTRY *Upco ming leag ue m e e t on 10/ 2

Photo courtesy of Derek Deng

Training in the heat produces negative effects Oscar Molina With the summer season in session, and the temperatures remaining high, many athletes have and are continuing to experience heat-related problems, ranging from dehydration to heat strokes. Athletes, mainly those who practice outdoors and are continuously pounded by the sun, become victims of the summer heat because their bodies have difficulty coping with the temperatures.

“Many students suffer from the heat because they are ignorant of how to protect themselves,” school nurse Karen Carrillo said.

The most common dangers to be aware of while exercising in the sun are heat strokes, heat cramps, sun burns, and heat exhaustion. Heat strokes have symptoms like causing low blood pressure, dizziness, profuse sweating, and other similar problems. Sun burns become a key issue while working in the sun because they can cause severe damage to the skin, which can possibly lead to skin cancer. According to the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, people can identify the experience of heat exhaustion with “heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, visual disturbances, intense

thirst, nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, breathlessness, palpitations and numbness of hands and feet.”

Common and effective solutions that are overlooked for their simplicity include drinking plenty of water before and during exercise, allowing the body to sweat, putting on sunscreen, wearing proper clothing, and taking a break in a shaded area.

On average a person should drink between two to three liters of water a day, but with exercise in the mixture, a person should drink an extra liter.

Medical Daily also recommends drinking sports drinks with sodium and electrolytes to help the body recover from heat cramps and the loss of fluids. For heat cramps, heat strokes, or heat exhaustion, a person should be moved to a cool area where they can be fanned, soaked with water, and surrounded with ice.

Although athletes may feel pressured by themselves and their coaches to push their bodies to the extreme they must also understand that they need to take precautions. The mind may be able to disguise the pain momentarily, but the physical effects will eventually show. One must consider their health first because without stable health one is unable to do an activity to the best extent.

Illustration by Emmanuel Maresca

SPORTS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

With the recent brutal football game against the Covina High Bulldogs, the concern over the safety and reliance of sports gear is raised.

Senior Jimmy Nguyen, along with many of his teammates, endured many hits to their bodies, encouraging Nguyen to upgrade his own football gear up to modern standards. The new football helmets provided for the rest of the team are also padded and approved by CIF.

Should cheerleading be considered a sport?

Ileana Perez Many people have been questioning whether cheerleading is an actual sport due to the belief that it lacks athletic ability. Cheerleading is often seen as just a hobby, consisting of a coordinated group of girls dancing and having fun.

“It’s not really a sport, it’s more like dancing,” freshmen Hellgert Almontes said. “All [they] do is stay still most of the time, and it’s just cheering.”

Cheerleaders are often compared to other athletes to see if their athletic ability is as high as them. Their athletic ability is questioned because people are unsure of how much a cheerleader actually works out.

A cheerleader’s typical day at practice consists of stretching, running a couple laps, and practicing all their routines.

However, many athletes still feel their athletic ability is higher than a cheerleader’s.

“I play basketball,” junior Annahis Garcia said. “And I see the cheerleaders practicing outside, and what they do is nothing compared to what we do.”

According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, a sport must include physical activity and competitions in which two teams’ relative skills are compared.

Therefore, under these circumstances, cheerleading can be considered a sport. A cheerleader’s physical activity consists of all their stunts and routines. In addition, there are many competitions where

cheerleading squads compete against other squads and are judged based on their skills.

“To me cheerleading is a sport,” senior Yvonne Guerrero said, “because we put our effort and time to practicing everything we need to know, and it’s not as easy as people think.”

Some people do not seem to see how much a cheerleader has to do just to perform a routine. It takes much more to become a cheerleader.

“To be a cheerleader you have to be dedicated,” Guerrero said. “You have to be enthusiastic about the sport.”

People who assume cheerleading is not a sport most likely have not seen the rigorous preparation cheerleaders do before a performance.

“They haven’t experienced cheerleading themselves,” sophomore Phong Dang said.

Cheerleading may look easy, but it is harder than it seems.

“They don’t understand [all] the hard work we put towards the sport,” Guerrero said. “We’re not just girls [yelling] ‘go matadors’, we’re girls who actually have to push ourselves to [our] limit.”

Cheerleading fulfills the requirements for being an actual sport. Therefore it is and should be considered a sport. It’s not all about the athletic ability and memorizing cheers and routines. Being a cheerleader takes a lot more work and dedication than many people actually realize.

13

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

SPORTS

Covin promoted to football head coach C a ro l i n a G a rc i a

Filling in for J.D Thompson, defensive coordinator Govinda Covin was recently named head coach of the San Gabriel varsity football team.

Prior to coaching at San Gabriel, Covin played football at Culver City High School.

His positions included defensive line, defensive tackle, defensive in, offensive tackle, and offensive guard.

Because of his phenomenal play at his former high school, he received an athletic scholarship to play college football at Shepherd University where he studied business.

However, he later changed his major to psychology, as he felt that it would help him in his aspiration of coaching.

Five years ago, Covin was involved in an incident that seriously influenced his decision to coach football.

“I was shot in my femoral artery,” Covin said. “I thought about what was important; I am very lucky to have had survived because only fifteen percent of victims survive the same injury.”

The femoral artery is a major artery

sophomore Robert Lopez said. “He has been a good influence on our team.”

Covin says the team has come a long way; they all have each others backs.

located in the thighs.

“Everyone is different, no one trains learns or thinks the same.” Covin said.

Aside from football, Covin’s hobbies include playing the piano, shooting arrows, and reading. His favorite movies include Gladiator, 300, and Animal House. His favorite football team is the New York Giants.

With the resignation of head coach Jude Oliva, who led San Gabriel to the CIF championship game against Monrovia High School, graduating seniors, wide receiver Steven Garcia, all-area running back Joseph Mayorga, and starting quarterback Marqus Mata, the Matadors are in a predicament due to their lack of players.

Last year’s football team went 2-7 in league play.

“We have lost some kids; however, we have gained some other kids to make up for our team’s losses,” Covin said. “The kids have come together as brothers.”

A majority of the football players have a positive view of Covin because Covin takes them out of their comfort zone to show that they are better players.

“He has made me really competitive,”

After training San Gabriel track athletes as an assistant coach for over a year, Steve Morales was recently named head coach of the San Gabriel varsity cross country team.

Morales’ running career started off at an early age, as he recalled “having a big

Photo courtesy of Derek Deng

family of athletes.”

“I started running around the age of three at a track club with my family members,” Morales said.

Morales won numerous awards and was recognized as an exceptional cross country runner throughout his youth.

“I went to CIF my sophomore, junior, and senior year,” Morales said. “I also competed in State competition for cross country and came in twentieth place out of 300 people. It was a surreal experience.”

Prior to coaching at San Gabriel, Morales had coached at Alhambra High School for 14 years and at East Los Angeles College for 2 years.

“I coached for 16 years and I have sent most of my kids to league finals and have won,” Morales said. “At Alhambra High, the varsity boys were league champions for seven consecutive years under my command and, at ELAC, I sent a girl to state and she placed eighth.”

Morales admitted that he had no intentions to coach at San Gabriel but

Photo courtesy of Derek Deng

when he saw the potential in the kids at school, he was determined to find their “hidden talents.”

“I saw potential in the kids in the P.E. classes,” Morales confessed. “The fact is that previous coaches could not get kids to go out and run for cross country.”

Morales is also implementing new techniques and methods to the team to improve the team’s running capabilities.

“I have increased the amount of running, and I also try to work out with the team as well to try to motivate them by running with them,” he explained.

Morales has set high goals for this year’s team and expects them to be in top shape for the upcoming season.

“My goals are definitely to finish top three in all six divisions-whether it’d be girls or boys and to also help people build their self esteem and to learn how to push their bodies to their limits,” Morales said.

Aside from coaching cross country athletes, Morales also enjoys playing soccer with his wife and children. Aside from that, he also enjoys cooking and working out.

What music pumps you up?

Roy Jones-Can’t Be Touched

“I like it because the words he says gets me pumped up a n d w o r k o u t e v e n h a r d e r. ” -Andres Huerta, Freshman

Green Day-21 Guns

“Because it talks about determination in a unique way just like when running in a race.”

-Yadira Macias, Sophomore

Image courtesy of misterjogja.com

Salt N Pepper-Push It

“It’s catchy and a fun song to work out to because of the catchy beat.”

-Nancy Do, Junior

Clarity-Zedd

“The tempo and the beat of the song make me feel like getting up and working out.”

-Angie Lin, Senior

John Truong Struggles of being an unsupported student athlete

Morales takes head coaching reins Ca ro l i n a L o a i s i g a

What does the John say?

Please visit our online edition at www.thematadorsghs.com

As a high school athlete, one can say that any athlete’s dream is to shine on their varsity team. However, I was a three year basketball player who never got the chance to play for the varsity basketball team because of my parents’ strict policies on the matters of “education.”

My parents are the stereotypical Asian parents who want their sons or daughters to attain straight A’s and to attend Harvard University. As for me, I contrast from what my parents want. I had always played basketball since the fourth grade and throughout the years, my parents never supported my playing of sports. My parents would rather have me at home reading from the encyclopedia than outside dribbling a mere basketball.

In high school, I was lucky to make the basketball team, and it was a dream come true. However, all of my teammates had something that I did not have: support.

Every time we had a basketball game, most of my teammates’ parents would come to watch and cheer. They would video tape the highlights of their children. They would bring extra water and Gatorade for them. My parents were never at my games to do those things.

It was during the middle of my junior year when I was forced to quit the basketball team after my parents saw that I received a B on my report card. My hopes of becoming a part of the varsity team were shattered. For me, all enthusiasm and hope was lost.

In my three years as a high school athlete, I learned skills that are necessary in the application of the practical world.

For one, I learned to manage education and sports.

One skill that I believe cannot be taught is the ability to persevere. Despite all the conflicts and obstacles, I should not give up. For me, I still am resentful of my parents’ decision to force me to quit the basketball team, but they had good intentions. Still, not giving up is instrumental in all aspects of my life. Your actions should not be dictated by another person’s desires.

Let your own will and aspirations dictate the person you want to be, do not let others influence what you want to do.

14

FEATURES

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Tell Me

Matadors welcome new Asst. Principal Hopper

what’s the

WORD. Famous Hallway quotes, Volume Fifty-nine

Friend 1: “Do you want a date?”

Friend 2: “Yes! With who?”

- Student asking friend if they want a fruit.

“I do illegal stuff...like getting a parking ticket.”

- Student bragging about his weekend.

“Don’t I look hip?”

- Teacher pocketing student’s iPhone.

“Destiny Hope?

But there’s no hope left for her!”

- Student finds out about Miley Cyrus’s real name.

‘I know we’re seniors, but we’re not senior citizens.”

- Senior’s friend complaining about stairs.

All quotes overheard

by The Matador Staff.

O scar Mol i na A native to the school scene, Tim Hopper has joined San Gabriel High School administration as a new Assistant Principal of Student Services for the upcoming school year. A former English teacher, varsity soccer coach, and freshman football coach at Jurupa Valley High School (in the Jurupa Unified School District), he decided to enter the administrative field to take on a new experience and to implement his philosophies.

“I was ready for a new challenge,” Hopper said.

During the past school year, Hopper taught freshmen and junior English, as well as took time off from coaching in order to finish his master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. He attended Mount San Antonio College, Azusa Pacific University, and Chapman/Brandman University. Bringing over 15 years of experience as an educator and having had the recent venture of being in the classroom setting, Hopper wants to take his knowledge and use it to his advantage as assistant principal.

“I’ve enjoyed the first half of my career in the classroom,” Hopper said.

“However, I decided that in addition to taking care of students, I also wanted to help encourage staff.”

Hopper aspires to enhance the fantastic atmosphere he felt the first time he visited San Gabriel High School. Knowing that all the students, teachers, and classified employees work diligently, he wants them to know that the school is there to support them.

“He is tremendously dedicated and outgoing,” Principal Jim Schofield said.

“He’s brought great energy to the team.”

Hopper’s duties involve aiding Assistant Principal Janet Perales with student discipline, as well as assisting Schofield with any assistance he may require. In order to get involved early on, Hopper spent many weeks on campus over the summer getting the opportunity to meet teachers, visit their classrooms, and watching the sports teams in action.

In addition, he helped out with the Freshman Summit and the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Breakfast. He also created a new restroom pass system to ensure safety on the campus.

“I want to encourage teaching and learning in the classroom by maintaining [the] safety of the campus,” Hopper said, describing his goals. “I want to work alongside the campus supervisors and my fellow administrators to be a visible and encouraging presence on campus.”

During his free time, Hopper enjoys an array of interests, such as English Premier League soccer, the LA Kings hockey team, the Anaheim Angels, ancient Roman history, music, and traveling to Europe to visit his sisters, nieces, and nephews.

Now Hopper continues to remain involved, attempting to meet more people each day.

Photo courtesy of El Camino Real

With his walkie-talkie in hand, Tim Hopper patrols the school campus to check for any signs of unusual activities.

Cloaking around school Inspiring artist joins staff E m m a n u e l Maresca and C a rol i na Loai si ga Daniel Meas is a freshman at San Gabriel High School. He has ordinary Honors classes and takes foreign language classes.

Pretty ordinary, right? Except here’s the catch. Meas wears a cloak, fully black with red clouds on it, and he wears it all day long, no matter the weather.

He wears it because it means something special. He received the cloak as a gift about five to six years ago.

“It has sentimental value,” Meas said. He also added that he wears the cloak because “I love anime, and someone gave this [cloak] to me.”

According to Meas, the cloak originates from the anime and manga Naruto. The cloak is usually worn by a ninja organization called the Akatsuki. The red clouds on the dark cloak represent the rain of blood that fell in one of the villages in the manga during war, which inspired the cloak design.

As always, San Gabriel is very welcoming to incoming freshmen and tries to help them feel involved and welcomed.

“I’ve gained a lot of respect, nothing much. The question I get asked more is if I’m not hot in this thing. I’m not [hot],” Meas said.

Here at San Gabriel High School, students are expressing and celebrating individuality more than ever before, ranging from guys wearing cloaks to bright haired girls.

“No one’s given me any criticism,” Meas said. He knows that he is the only individual wearing the cloak, and he embraces it. “I feel weird being the only individual wearing this cloak, but if I like it, I will wear it.”

Jennifer Thai

Photo by Derek Deng

Freshman Daniel Meas poses with his cloak.

As a graduate of Art Center College of Design and Azusa Pacific University, San Gabriel’s new art teacher Francesca Jung is now the resident of room SA6, replacing Valerie Bingham who retired. Jung starts her first year teaching drawing and painting courses, and an online APEX class.

Jung’s favorite choices of medium are oil paints and color pencils. With the combination of art and teaching, Jung has achieved her dream job. Alhough it took some time, Jung is satisfied with her current career.

At a young age, Jung became engrossed in art with her mother’s influence. “My mom was a fine artist. I always grew up painting with my mom. And I knew that I wanted to do something with art, but I never knew what exactly,” Jung said.

When Jung worked for Bratz, a fashion doll company, as a toy designer for three years, she felt unsatisfied. She later received an opportunity to work part time at Diamond Bar High School; she accepted the offer and spent her weekend teaching and helping students interested in art. With this experience, her passion toward teaching began to bloom.

“Undecided, I worked at the portfolio school. Suddenly, I loved teaching, so I was working seven days a week, but I always look forward to the weekend because I wanted to go teach,” Jung said.

Jung ultimately enjoys teaching

high school students because of her past experience at her part-time job, as well as her perceptive views of a high school student planning to major in art.

“The reason I like working with high schoolers is that I can help them build their portfolios and help them apply to art colleges because I went through that. I want to use my experience to help other students grow their skills.”

With this ideal, Jung went back to her studies at Azusa Pacific University where she got her master’s and teaching credential. She previously worked in a middle school before moving into the Matador family. She aims to become close to her students.

“My goal is to try to work with as many students as I can to build a relationship with each student so they could come to me or my classroom when they’re having a great day or a bad day; it doesn’t matter,” Jung said, “but I’ve always told the kids if they need something or if they want to talk to somebody, my door is always open.”

Photo by Derek Deng

15

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

FEATURES

Steven Ho During a typical, boring day in class, some students might pass notes; others may pass gas; a rising few are passing drugs. In a society promoting wild party behavior and carelessness, more and more teenagers are engaging in illegal drug activity, and though efforts are taken to reduce the amount and influence of these toxins, the problem has circulated in and around San Gabriel High School. Two substances in particular are increasingly popular, generally untested, and highly dangerous: electronic cigarettes and a popular street drug known as molly.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are trending greatly among adults and adolescents. Like the real deal, an e-cig is a device that emulates a cigarette; it is sleek, light, and thin, and many are battery powered while some are rechargeable. The device heats up and vaporizes liquid that can contain anything ranging from nicotine to fruit-flavored chemicals. According to a recent study by the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the number of middle and high school students who has tried e-cigs have doubled from 2011 to 2012; it adds up to almost 1.78 million underage teenagers smoking.

Molly, on the other hand, is usually a pill, though possibly a powdered substance, that is marketed as a purer form of ecstasy. Taking the drug stimulates a person’s senses, causing him or her to feel extremely hot, careless, and dizzy, leading to a supposed euphoria. Although considered an exciting, socially stimulating rave drug, molly has been related to the deaths of three partygoers in New York City during a Labor Day weekend concert earlier this year. Side effects include dehydration, nausea, and reckless behavior.

These are not just drugs: they could possibly be a

death sentence. School nurse Karen Carrillo says that using these untested drugs are a true health hazard.

“We can’t predict the side effects since the drugs are too new,” Carrillo said. “The substances used in e-cigs can cause side effects [that are] especially dangerous if you have heart conditions; it may stop the heart, lead to arrhythmia, and guarantee other things.”

Especially in the case of e-cigs, it is commonly believed that e-cigs are healthier and less addicting than atual cigarettes and that molly is more clean and safe than ecstasy. However, there are few studies to prove that these newer drugs are any more dangerous or safe than the original product. If there is anything Carrillo recommends, it is that students should completely avoid the drug at all costs until further information is known.

Risking a life is never worth the momentary high, and the effects of abusing these drugs could last an indefinite amount of time.

E-cigs in particular are more widely common in the school setting. Sophomore William Cantabrana speaks of the influences that the drug has had on his family and friends.

“I have a few friends who smoked since middle school, but I was never into it and my brother wasn’t either. It wasn’t our thing,” Cantabrana said. Cantabrana believes that smoking may appeal to teens because it could help them believe they will fit in.

“I met a kid who had no rebel friends, but once he started smoking, he became a rebel and met lots of [similar] people.”

The American Cancer Society proves in a 2007 study that tobacco smoke is the leading cause of cancer. Since certain e-cigs contain liquid nicotine instead of tobacco, many smokers argue that smoking electronically can potentially help a person quit smoking the harmful toxins

found in real cigarettes.

However, the benefits are greatly counterbalanced by the growing numbers of young e-cig smokers and the fact that nicotine still has addictive qualities that may increase the number of life-long smokers. According to New Zealand researchers, the chances of quitting smoking by using e-cigs are the same as the chances of quitting by using nicotine patches.

Cantabrana is proud of helping a friend quit smoking after talking to her about its dangers. With all this experience, he believes that drugs do not entirely define a person.

“Doing drugs doesn’t relate to your personality. There’s a difference between what you do and who you are.”

San Gabriel is aware of the increased drug activity and is working toward measures to ensure that all students are safe from the influence of toxic substances. Any encounters with molly or e-cigs are treated just like any other drug: disciplinary action, arrest, and possibly expulsion. Though not all of the circulation and abuse can be quelled physically, the community can do its part by eliminating the reason to do drugs in the first place.

Perhaps then, drugs would not be needed—they would just be another fad, a phase, a lesson learned.

Illustration by Cassandra Chen

Teen usage of molly, e-cigs increases

Parent Teacher Student Association hosts test drive Cassandr a Chen The Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) is going to have busy weekends in October, with two major fundraising events on Oct. 12 and Oct. 19.

The first fundraiser that will be held is an electronic waste recycling event. On Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., family and friends are invited to drop off their e-waste at San Gabriel High School.

Electronics that are able to be dropped off include computers, moniters, ovens, power supplies, rechargable batteries, wires, and much more.

The second event is the Dodge Booster Club Fundraiser on Oct. 19.

At San Gabriel High School South parking lot, the Alhambra DodgeChrysler-Jeep-Ram Dealership welcomes parents, faculty, and guests to go on a test drive in their new vehicles from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m..

Participants are welcome for a test run in the new Dodge Caravan, Journey, Durango, Dart, Challenger, or Charger at the event for five minutes. Afterwards, fill out a quick survey and for each person who participates, Dodge will donate $20 to PTSA. Dodge has helped local schools raise up to $4.5 million with test drive events, such as the Dodge Booster Club Fundraiser, since 1993.

Principal Jim Schofield said that Dodge has been supporting schools in the communities for many years.

“The Dodge events are a lot of fun,” Schofield said. “We are really pleased to have this opportunity from Dodge to push our fundraising goal over the top!”

The PTSA is expecting to raise about $5,000 from the Dodge event alone. Anyone age 18 and older with a driver’s license is welcome for a test drive.

“The whole community is invited to join us at San Gabriel High School,” event coordinators Steven and Millie Tani said. “Take a short test drive in the Dodge of your choice, and help San Gabriel High School PTSA raise up to $5,000.”

School clubs can also benefit from the Dodge fundraiser and earn $5 per guest they bring in.

Contact the PTSA for more information.

16

FEATURES

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

‘Smooth’ thee into greens DIY: Make a notepad A nt hony Yang

Vanessa Huang

Many Americans are not getting enough dark green vegetables in their diets due to their reputation as bitter vegetables. This green smoothie recipe will help add more dark greens and more antioxidants, which fight cancer, into the average American diet.

To start off the new school year, agendas and notepads are a must to write down homework assignments, important events, and other activities that are coming in your way. Youtuber Kin Community shows an inexpensive way to make your own notepads with colorful construction paper, PVA glue, and a backboard. These items can be found in a local craft store or at Dollar Tree. This notepad is small, portable and a great way to jot down your homework, plans, or anything you need to remember.

These notepads are also great homemade gifts to give to friends or family. Furthermore, this simple and quick DIY tutorial is a great way to save money and to recreate your own notepads with your own flair and creativity.

Ingredients: 1 sliced apple 1 diced banana Juice of one lime One 8 oz cup of plain yogurt 2 cups of chopped spinach 2 cups of crushed ice

Photo by Anthony Yang

“This green smoothie gives you the fruits and vegetables you need for the day without the weird taste. It’s sweet, and at the same time, tangy, and you can’t taste the vegetables at all.”

Steps: 1. Add the yogurt and lime juice to the blender jar.

2. Add the sliced apples, spinach, and the banana to the jar.

3. Add the crushed ice to the jar.

4. Pulse the ingredients in the blender to start things off and blend on the medium setting.

If the ingredients are not getting blended, open the plastic cap in the center of the lid and use a long and narrow spoon to push the ingredients down.

5. Blend until smooth.

6. Pour into a cup and enjoy.

Procedures: 1) First, get 30 sheets of 8 1/2’’ x 11’’ construction paper and stack them together.

Then use a binder clip to hold the construction papers together and cut the stack of paper into quarters.

2) After doing so, stack up two of the quarters of paper together, which totals up to 60 sheets.

3) Then get your favorite designer paper and a backboard and cut it into the matching size of the 60 sheets of paper. The designer paper will be used as a cover for the notepad, and the backboard can be used as the back of the notepad.

4) Stack the cover, paper, and cardboard together and brush PVA glue along the edge. After you are done gluing, place the notepad in between two rulers and use two binder clips to clip the notepad and rulers together. Allow the glue to be completely dry before moving on to the next step.

5) Cut about 4 3/4’’ x 1’’ strip of color paper, brush the glue onto the strip, and position it on the edge that was glued. Let the glue dry off again; and you are done making your own notepad!

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Step 3:

Youtuber Kin Community demonstrates an artistic way to create a unique notebook.

Images courtesy of Kin Community

‘Working Toward the Future’ with advice Mimi Lam High school is not the end of the road.

Working Toward the Future (WTTF) club is present to guide students toward a successful path. If people require assistance through their first semester of their senior year, the newfound club takes students through the complicated, stressful college application process.

The usual scenario is that students come up with a great club idea and seek a teacher as an adviser, but WTTF did the opposite.

During the first two months of school, the members worked hard to recruit new members, to discuss the college system, and to fundraise for future college tours, while working closely with adviser Melissa Bishop-Magallanes. .

“It’s been crazy, but everything pays off,” Vice President and senior Christopher Yan said. “I encourage everyone to join, because it is good for your future.”

In order to give students more exposure of other colleges, WTTF decided to host their own private college fair in addition to the one held annually at school. The club members are calling college representatives with pre-paid phones to come out and present their colleges in the Multipurpose Room on Oct. 16.

“I have great confidence that the colleges will come and get their names out,” Bishop said. “They’re always looking for hidden students that are amazing, and there are a lot of them here at San Gabriel.”

Like other clubs, WTTF is fundraising for future events to get the newfound club up and running. They benefit the student members in order for them to purchase pre-paid phones, buses, rented vans, and

materials for tutoring.

“We are hoping to eventually get the club up and running so large that we are getting regular visits to local colleges,” Bishop said.

Students are not by themselves, as the club will take them on a step-by-step tutorial on how to properly fill out the Common Application for private colleges. They will cover financial aid, fee waivers, SATs, scholarships, personal statements, letters of recommendations, and more. The club is open for students of all grade levels.

“Ms. Bishop is tutoring [the cabinet members] on how to teach underclassmen,” Yan said. “It’s a first-hand experience.”

Because the club will be going over several college topics, the club decided to have double cabinet members in each position, such as two presidents and two vice presidents. They mainly consist of former AP Language and Composition students, who are now seniors.

“We’re going to be doing lots of service in terms of tutoring and running workshops,” Bishop said. “I was going to need some heavy lifters.”

Although college is not the only option after high school, the club believes that college would be a wonderful experience to dive into.

Bishop reminisces about her college adventure as inspiration for the guidance of the club.

“I can’t imagine people’s lives without that experience; my own experience motivates me,” Bishop said. “I want that for everybody.”

Every Monday, WTTF has a meeting in P206 to explain and examine new college topics.