Sea Glass

Sea Glass Digital version: some pages have been cut for uploading, see full version available via printed edition.

Campus News

One Person’s Trash is Another Person’s Treasure A DIVE INTO LOCAL THRIFTING CULTURE SOPHIA RAZIPOUR

T

hrifting, the purchasing of second-hand items, has transformed from necessary frugal decisions to a fast-growing environmental and stylistic craze.

This movement has gained popularity over the years as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion– rapidly produced clothing for the mass-market–regularly following the latest trends. The considerable racks of unique pieces such as various styles of clothing, accessories, and even home decor, draw more people in each year. In a world combating issues of waste and overconsumption, the upward trend of turning to thrifting remains an eco-friendly alternative while also providing buyers with timeless, one-ofa-kind pieces.

The thrifting and overall upcycling of clothing has grown, especially amongst the younger generations. Many people have made a hobby out of visiting thrift stores to find something they love, as well as some also going to find pieces they could alter however they’d like to match their style.

One club on campus that values the upcycling of clothing is the CdM Sewing and Fashion Club, founded by seventhgrade studWWent Gabriella Goodman. Goodman states that thrifting is “good for recycling and turning old things into new pieces you could wear all the time.” She mentions that she repurposes “old clothes from when [she] was younger all the time.” The ability to take a piece of clothing one didn’t find any use in anymore and turn it into a piece of clothing that could always be worn and enjoyed fosters creativity and a mindset of mindful consumption.

Another club on campus that directly ties into the thrifting culture within the community is senior Sydney Jasso’s Thrift Club. Jasso enjoys “wearing unique pieces or turning normal pieces like a pair of pants into a halter top just to spice things up.” Since thrifting is brought about by the donation of secondhand clothing that could be passed down through generations, the different styles and eras of clothing end up being shared throughout the years. Jasso supports this as she mentions “Something thrifting can offer that fast fashion can’t is the individuality of a piece,” she continues, “With fast fashion, you get mass-produced articles of clothing that are all the same, but when you go thrifting you can find pieces from

2 Sea Glass

the 90s and pieces that most people have never seen before which can give you some diversity.” The reality behind trendy brands is that the overall production of their merchandise is directly contributing to pollution in the environment.

Some argue that by choosing second-hand items, consumers contribute to reducing the demand for new production, thereby lowering carbon emissions, water usage, and overall environmental degradation. Thrifting could be an alternative shopping choice for those concerned over the environmental risks involved with fast fashion.

In the beginning, Sydney recalls assuming thrifting was a “taboo topic to most people because it can be stereotyped as uncleanly or only for people struggling with money.” Though it is true thrifting is an outlet for clothing at lower prices for those who have a tighter budget, the purchase of the clothing can be enjoyed by anyone. Jasso states, “It takes time to search through racks or sew up something new but it’s all worth it when you feel confident in yourself and what you wear.” Thrifting ultimately could be considered an art and a way to put creativity and work into a piece to end up with something that can reflect personal style.

Thrift stores continue to pop up and receive countless, diverse pieces from various periods of time. These stores make quality goods accessible to a wider demographic of people, regardless of income, contributing to more economic inclusivity. Many thrift shops are associated with charitable organizations, with the proceeds from sales supporting various community initiatives. The act of shopping becomes a means of giving back to the community, such as Laura’s House, a local, nonprofit thrift store. Laura’s House was established in 1994 in memory of Laura, a victim of domestic violence resulting in her passing. Her story fostered the building of a community dedicated to supporting women fleeing from domestic violence. This was done by establishing these nonprofit thrift stores that donate all proceeds to local domestic violence shelters. The women and children in these shelters get vouchers for the clothing provided at Laura’s House as well as being financially supported by the proceeds.

Laura’s House employee of 2 years, Gabrielle Puzio, notes that all clothing available in the shop are acquired by “strict donation.” The donations are made through store locations in Lake Forest and San Juan Capistrano, as well as their donation center in Aliso Viejo. Puzio thinks their “lower prices help those with lower incomes be able to get the clothes that they need.” Laura’s House especially gets donations with quality and high-end clothing available for half the price of a regular retail store. She mentions that “knowing your money is going towards the organization probably makes you feel better WWshopping here.” Puzio sees anywhere from 50, to over 100 people come in daily, highlighting that younger customers are drawn mainly to

Trident | December Issue 3

the retro, vintage sections. This is justified by the fact that older items are most likely to be one of a kind and way different from styles people are sporting nowadays.

Though, popular brand names like Lululemon, Brandy Melville, and even Chanel can be seen on the racks.

Laura’s House also received funding from the recent CdM production, Radium Girls. Mrs. Ybarra, drama teacher and director of the play, comments, “This is the second show that we have donated profits to Laura’s House because of what they do for a community that needs to be raised up.” When asked what she thinks about thrifting, Ybarra responds, “Most of our shows start with thrifting and finding what we can around the community.” Many of CdM’s shows have been centered around history and that would require older clothing that could generally be found at most thrift stores. Mrs. Ybarra states, “We are trying to pull a little bit from history and we’re also trying to help out our environment as well.”

The resilience of a well-loved hobby or pastime like thrifting spiked in recent years and continues to catch the attention of people all over the world. A place that offers not only unique pieces, but also a fraction of history passed down from person to person can never be overlooked. Places like Laura’s House contributing to numerous different causes, as well as the simple creativity and upcycling done by students and others with that interest all benefit the community at large.

In a world where economic disparities as well as environmental damages over the years took tolls on individuals and the planet, thrifting managed to become a treasure trove to recycle valuable resources. Having the opportunity to thrift for no longer available pieces is like a treasure hunt and is appreciated by countless people for its sustainability and way of connecting people throughout the years.

Sophia Razipour 25’ purchased a lovely green six dollar sweater at Laura’s House, she couldn’t resist the price.

4 Sea Glass

One Person’s Trash is Another Person’s Treasure | SOPHIA RAZIPOUR Photo courtesy of: Laura’s House exterior: Sophia Razipour Laura’s House interior front: Sophia Razipour Mannequin 1: @Meno787 on Pinterest Mannequin 2:@Meno787 on Pinterest Mannequin 3:@Meno787 on Pinterest Laura’s House interior clothing racks 1: Sophia Razipour Laura’s House interior clothing racks 2: Sophia Razipour

Laura’s House Resale Store Locations/ Information: 23635 El Toro Road, Suite F Lake Forest, CA 92630 949.472.8800 31878 Del Obispo Street, Suite 104 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949.218.6400 Store Hours: Monday-Saturday (10am-6pm) Sunday (12pm-5pm)

Donation Center Location: 33 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 Drop-off Hours: Monday-Friday (10am-4pm) Saturday (10am-2pm), Sunday (Closed)

Trident | December Issue 5

Campus News

6 Sea Glass

Riptide

AN EXPLORATION INTO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH SOPHIA AGHAKHANI AND SUMMER PERRY

D

rifting in and out of a riptide, there isn’t time to think, breathe, or panic. Life can feel like a riptide that one is in the fight of their lives to get out of. Mental health is like that metaphorical round buoy that each and every individual in this sea of society has under their arms. It’s up to them whether they choose to make use of it or continue swimming without it. Swimming through years of stigma, the topic of mental health has become something to be normalized, questioned, and brought to attention.

Mr. Decker, CdM’s one and only AP psychology teacher, and a big advocate for mental health, gives insight into how he thinks the curriculum of psychology shapes students into those who focus on their mental well-being. “Both of [his psychology] classes are structured around different aspects of everyone’s life. It makes others aware of their strengths and weaknesses,” he mentions. When asked how the curriculum of his classes had shaped students into people who focus on their mental health, he replies, “ One of the things that [he stresses] in AP Psychology, and all of [his] classes, is that [people] can’t always solve things by [themselves].” A tip he gave to those who struggle with mental health

-- something he greatly emphasized -- is to “Talk to somebody. Do not keep it to yourself. There are so many resources on

as well as support those going through a rough time. Thousands of posters are found on the blue resource sheets and are placed on the walls of every classroom.

Decker thinks a better way to promote these vital resources is to “continue to promote it through Trident, Trident TV…[and] maybe even taking a tour of [CdM’s] new wellness center and having other students know where it is.”

“Talk to somebody.

Do not keep it to yourself.”

-Mr. Decker campus, like the school psychologists, counselors, advocates... But do not keep it to yourself.” There are many ways to get in touch with these resources available on campus that can help students persevere through their mental health struggles,

Another influential professional who helps promote positivity and mental health awareness throughout campus is none other than Mr. Oyas, one of CdM’s counselors. Oyas is a massive advocate for maintaining mental health.

His efforts have played a significant role in ensuring that CdM’s students receive the

Trident | December Issue 7

help they need to overcome their mental health challenges. In fact, he mentions that on campus, he tries his best to promote mental health by “trying to promote the avenues that are available for students to connect with mental health practitioners… the Need to Talk? posters all around campus and in the classrooms…all are trying to say that if you need someone to touch base with, hey, we’re here!”

Along with that, Oyas believes some fantastic ways to advertise mental health is by promoting “student involvement, a mental health awareness week, parent involvement, marketing, and advertising involvement, and incorporating it on social media…all of that.” Mr. Oyas’s contributions to stimulate mental health awareness and positivity on campus have been invaluable. His dedication, compassion, and empathy towards his work have helped many students overcome their mental health challenges and have created a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on campus. A way he mentions that he and all counselors on campus assist other students is “Just by [their] day-to-day tasks with students …from stuff as something as simple as motivational interviewing where [they’re] working with students and trying to get them through a challenge or problem that’s going on.” To Oyas, the most important thing is “Just being someone’s cheerleader…but also giving tough love as well when they need it...finding the balance of that.”

Many students in the schools’ various psychology courses, like Deidre Delahanty, have had their views on how

8 Sea Glass

they maintain a healthy mental health status shift now that they have taken psychology courses. “Overall, [she thinks] mental health is very important for everybody. For [her] personally, it means taking care of [herself], mainly physically, and managing [her] stress, especially when it comes to classes and the assignments that [she has] to do.”

According to Delahanty, the course of AP Psychology covers numerous topics based on mental health, such as sleeping, mental health disorders, and parts of the brain. “... when [she] covered some of the aspects of, for example, sleep and how it [could] have such a big impact on [everyone’s] mental wellbeing… also [their] ability to function, and how sleep deprivation can be really awful for [everyone]…[she thinks] that [it] really shifted [her] view of how sleep is so important,” Delahanty adds. Throughout campus, plenty of people in general don’t forget to tell and inform others how vital sleep is. Sleep is an essential part of mental health and maintaining focus throughout the day.

Being tired can affect many aspects of life, such as memory and focus. When asked what she does to maintain her healthy mental health status, she says, “For [her] personally, one of the ways [she tries] to maintain mental health is to exercise daily because [she finds] that it just helps [her] clear [her] head and prepares [her] for the day ahead- also regular meals and staying on top of [her] work and making sure it doesn’t pile up.” Delahanty also mentioned that exercising daily and being on top of work is an excellent method for all students to manage mental health.

Many websites all around, like

Centerstone.org (which is focused on maintaining mental health) all give out common and crucial advice, like to “Work to prioritize our mental health [as] it allows for building positive life experiences and strengthening resiliency.”

Much like a riptide, mental health can take anyone in unexpected directions.

With the right mindset and a positive and encouraging mental health status, several can learn to ride the waves of change and emerge victorious.

Summer Perry 25’ spends her afternoons journaling at her favorite park, even if daylight savings has her rushing home at 4 pm.

Sophia Aghakhani 25’ enjoys day-to-day beach life and loves maintaining a healthy mental health status!

Photo courtey of: Mental Health Head : @crystal1185 on Picsart

Riptide | SOPHIA AGHAKHANI AND SUMMER PERRY

“Just being someone’s cheerleader…but also giving tough love as well when they need it...finding the balance of that.”

-Mr. Oyas

Trident | December Issue 9

Campus News

s Kid The

HOW THE SMOKING INDUSTRY HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY TO STAY RELEVANT WITH TEENS AND THE MEASURES BEING PUT IN PLACE TO COMBAT THEM

n’t

Are

“There’s lots of reasons why people use this stuff, to feel good to feel normal, but the clear message for young people is that vaping on a daily basis is a really, really risky- that’s probably the most risky thing you can do.”

- Dr. Timothy Fong

10 Sea Glass

t igh

Alr

KAYDENCE OSGOOD

aping and teens in recent years have almost gone hand in hand. Around campus organizations like PAL and ONE work endlessly to provide education about the dangers of vaping and students are well aware of the pockets of smoke that fill the bathroom stalls that moment that bell rings.

Vaping is simply the next iteration of Big Tobacco. This is reflected in things like Netflix’s recent documentary, “Big Vape”, which is a play on the title “Big Tobacco”. The use of this terminology is an accurate representation of the scale at which the vaping industry has become.

“When we have this many young people [vaping], somewhere on lines of 15-20% of high school seniors report vaping in the last 30 days. What will happen to their bodies 10, 15, and 20 years from now? That we have no idea and although people are like ‘oh, you’re not likely to get cancer’, we don’t know that.”

When and adults, are now trying to work to stop and down…but unfortunately with the first vaping widespread use of e-cigarettes. Before generation of vaping products and [they] was first 2011, cigarette use, nationwide, had hit the market, we’ll call it about 8 years introduced, it decreased by 32.8%, a trend that had been ago, that trend completely reversed. So was marketed steadily decreasing since the 60s. ONE smoking tobacco products, cigarettes, goes as a healthier on Campus Board member and UCLA down, but vaping nicotine products have alternative to psychiatrist professor and addiction gone up exponentially.” smoking and psychiatrist physician, Dr. Timothy Fong, companies like explained that “... unfortunately, we With the tobacco industry, usage started to JUUL were created know that vaping nicotine has become the decline as more and more reports of health by people who did dominant form of nicotine consumption for issues linked to cigarette usage came out. not want the health young people…You go back to the 1980s One problem that vaping proposes is its consequences of where the state of California, at one point, mystery. Dr. Fong comments, “I think that smoking cigarettes, but we had, I think, 25% or 30% of people it’s going to be a very interesting issue, still wanted the nicotine walking around the state were smoking, or public health issue, when we have this consumption they could so three out of ten people. Can you even many young people [vaping], somewhere only get from smoking. Flash imagine a world where you can smoke on lines of 15-20% of high school seniors forward twenty years and new in restaurants, on airplanes, in elevators, report vaping in the last 30 days. What health concerns are introduced in grocery stores, at the movie theater? will happen to their bodies 10, 15, and 20 with this new technology. In You can’t, right?...So California put a years from now? That we have no idea and 2011, when the National Youth bunch of public health practices in place; although people are like ‘oh, you’re not Tobacco Survey started getting no smoking in bars, restaurants, put, you likely to get cancer’, we don’t know that.” reports of a switch in the methods know, cigarettes above the shelf…to the He then goes on to emphasize, “We do students used to vape, roughly 2% point where we got California smoking know that you’re still at risk for nicotine of high school students reported went down from [around] 30% to like addiction, you’re still at risk for lung vaping in the past 30 days and 16% 13%, that’s pretty good. That still means disease, you’re still at risk for infections, smoked tobacco. By 2018, that 2% 13 out of 100 people still smoke regularly, and you’re still at risk for changes in how became almost 21% and your brain functions.” He cigarette use dropped to also explains the symptoms “When young people are vaping on a daily around 8%. In 2023, more linked to teen vaping and basis they’re more likely to have lower grades, debunks some common than one in four children, in both middle and high [less] sleep, impaired appetites, more likely to thoughts surrounding school, use e-cigarettes daily, vaping and nicotine, “So have higher levels of anxiety, and difficulty according to the 2023 National when we think about Youth Tobacco survey, which nicotine, a lot of time people concentrating.” students are required to fill [think] ‘well, you know, out at schools, anonymously, starting in despite everyone no one dies from nicotine middle school. This increased use of vape in California knowing that smoking is addiction’. Well obviously that’s not true. products has been called by some a “vaping bad for you. Then you look at the young You die from cancer related [to] using epidemic” and the same organizations people story and for years in the 1990s tobacco products and smoking. For vaping, that had spent years working to set record and 2000s, we were able to get smoking again, what we now know [is] that when low reports of cigarette use in both teens tobacco in under 21 going down and down young people are vaping on a daily basis

Trident | December Issue 11

they’re more likely to have lower grades, [less] sleep, impaired appetites, more likely to have higher levels of anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. In other words, daily use of vaping nicotine products is not associated with really any positive mental health or physical health consequences.” He also addresses his field of study, which is the addiction aspect of vaping nicotine and explains what being addicted to substances means, “Of course people will fall into it and they’ll say ‘how long does it take from your first vape until you become addicted?’. It could be literally as soon as two to three weeks. It could be sometimes longer. What does it look like? You can still walk, you can still talk, you can still go to class, but you’re doing things that are annoying, right? You’re spending money, you’re lying to people, you’re getting in arguments with people over it, you’re having [trouble] sleeping and becoming more “The anxious… biggest thing I see Not a lot of now is that many students

get you smoking more.” CdM’s Student Ambassador for ONE on campus, Sam Cooper agrees that “... kids don’t know what they’re really getting into when they first do try smoking and then- I mean nicotine is very addictive so they’ll get hooked and then they’ll buy a vape or something if they tried someone else’s and then they’ll continue to buy vapes because of the addiction that kind of slowly comes on.” PAL member, Lucy Wolter thinks that vaping has “...become so prevalent just because of peer are jumping into this without pressure knowing the harmful effects of it and and it’s kind so they’re getting into it thinking ‘Oh of I’m just going to take one or two drags of like the

this vape’ or ‘I’m just going to do it once a day’. Whatever it is, whatever they’re getting into, they’re not realizing that these are same addictive chemicals in there. The whole story point of these companies is to as people it was make money and to get you ‘die’ decades ago smoking more.” from vaping with cigarettes. addiction, but you do suffer mentally and physically for sure.”

Mr. Oyas, co-PAL advisor and CdM counselor explains that “It definitely has been a persistent thing since I was a teenager, as well, but it was different. When you have traditional cigarettes and the smell of those and it wasn’t as accessible, or at least it wasn’t as easy to just sweep under the rug because you would just smell like cigarettes. You would smell the smoke, whereas now with the vapes you really can’t. You really can’t smell it, it goes away. They may have smells that are fruity so it doesn’t smell like that really harsh cigarette smell or even getting your clothes to that extent. The biggest thing I see now is that many students are jumping into this without knowing the harmful effects of it and so they’re getting into it thinking ‘Oh I’m just going to take one or two drags of this vape’ or ‘I’m just going to do it once a day’. Whatever it is, whatever they’re getting into, they’re not realizing that these are addictive chemicals in there. The whole point of these companies is to make money and to

12 Sea Glass

Teens have been doing that forever, this is just a new facet of that.”

Before the FDA decided to start treating e-cigarettes like other tobacco products, ads for vaping products were allowed on television, billboards, and even plastered across Times Square. When talking about this “vaping culture” it is imperative to talk about JUUL, since in the height of reported teen vape usage JUUL was reported to be the number one brand used by those teens. According to the documentary “Big Vape”, JUUL focused heavily on selling their product as a social aspect and “something to worship”. They pulled inspiration from Apple and focused heavily on the product and the design itself.

Dr. Fong contributes the use of these tactics as to why these products have gained so much popularity among

people under 18. He explains that it’s “.... easily accessible, doesn’t smell, it’s super cool, very slick, [there’s] clear usage, high technology use,” and describes these factors as “the perfect storm.” He explains that these reasons, as well as “... the pandemic, social media, the stress of being a young person,” are why teens flock to vapinging. He details that “...everyone’s looking for an answer to [feeling] good and that answer, unfortunately, tends to be nicotine.” As explained in multiple Truth Initiative ads, one JUUL pod contains the same levels of nicotine as one pack of cigarettes and in the Netflix documentary, it is stressed that most people go through more than one pod a day, some reported using up to three a day. Part of JUUL’s goal was to bring back the social aspect of smoking and reverse course on how isolated smoking cigarettes had become.

This is why Dr. Fong explains that even though “they serve no nutritional value, they don’t help, it’s the same thing with alcohol, but yet they are a source of entertainment for a lot of people.”

Nationally new laws and enforcements are being written up and put into place every year. In 2009, the FDA released a statement speaking out against vape usage after testing over eighteen products and in 2011 they started regulating vape products the same as they regulate tobacco products, and any vape product that claimed to have health benefits would be regulated the same as other medicines or medical devices. Copper thinks “...a good measure that they tried doing recently was banning the favored vapes,” referring to the 2022 law that prohibits flavored tobacco, including flavored vapes, from being sold in the state. The law was the state’s response to the campaign “Flavors Hook Kids” that used bus ads, commercials, and billboards to spread information about how many children use vapes because of their flavors. However Cooper says that he hasn’t “...really seen it change vapes because I’m still seeing flavored vapes,” but thinks that the intent is smart because, “a lot of kids would definitely stop smoking if it was only tobacco because I’m sure most of the kids are only smoking vapes because of the flavor.” Touching on the topic of laws that regulate vaping usage to people 18 or 21 or older, Dr. Fong explains that “... we kind of think about teenagers, young people, [as] anyone under the age of 21 and we know that consumption of all tobacco

The Kids Aren’t Alright | KAYDENCE OSGOOD

products whether by smoking, by vaping,...

“Kids don’t know what by putting it in your mouth as a smokeless tobacco that’s still technically an adult they’re really getting into activity, right? You’ve got to be 18 [or] 21 when they first do try smoking to buy these things and so that’s number one, it’s regulated for a reason because and then- I mean nicotine is science tells us that the younger you are very addictive so they’ll get when you start using tobacco products, the more likely you’re going to develop hooked and then they’ll buy addiction or health related consequences.” a vape or something if they On the other hand, Dr. Fong, in a message to adults concerned with this topic, “If you tried someone else’s and then make these laws, you better enforce them they’ll continue to buy vapes and you better enforce them firm and you better enforce them consistently across because of the addiction that the board.” Mr. Oyas sees the accessibility kind of slowly comes on.” of these products as the issue, “It’s not stopping teens from doing it when it’s accessible. If it’s accessible, they’re going to do it,” and he hopes that there will be “It’s kind of like the same more laws and regulations of the sales of these products and the laws that allow the story as it was decades ago products to be on the market.

NMUSD has a district wide policy against the use of drugs, including the use of vape products, on campuses and has rules put in place for students caught using these products or having them in their possession. Dr. Fong acknowledges that students know, “from day one of first year in high school,” the school rules surrounding the use of nicotine products on campus, “I mean these things are pretty clear.” He thinks part of the problem is that even those rules are in place and well known, schools need to also have “...clear consequences for doing activities that are really harmful, not just as an individual, but to others.” As for why students even think to use the products at school, he addresses that “some of them are like ‘well, it’s my right’, which is wrong.

Some are like ‘I don’t know, I just do it’ and that they’re just not thinking. Others are like addicted [to the point] where they physiologically have to have nicotine every few hours because if they do not, they go into withdrawal.”

Arguments for how to handle the rise in teen vaping are constantly evolving.

In all four interviews conducted for this article, each person placed an emphasis on education as a means for prevention.

Wolter thinks that the best way to mitigate vape usage in young people is to tell them that “... it does cause really terrible effects in the long term and so presenting them with that information over and over again, I think would eventually drill in the

with cigarettes. Teens have been doing that forever, this is just a new facet of that.”

“A lot of kids would definitely stop smoking if it was only tobacco because I’m sure most of the kids are only smoking vapes because of the flavor.”

“It’s not stopping teens from doing it when it’s accessible. If it’s accessible, they’re going to do it.”

“Science tells us that the younger you are when you start using tobacco products, the more likely you’re going to develop addiction or health related consequences.”

Trident | December Issue 13

message and then they wouldn’t partake in that.” Dr. Fong and the colleagues he works with know that “young people are going to experiment with substances,” and adds, “that’s part of human life.” Despite this knowledge what they work to go is “... get that message across is [that] if you do experiment with vaping, you minimize it to something that you don’t do everyday and you wait until your body had fully developed and that you don’t use it as a substitute to treat depression, anxiety, or something else.” He acknowledges that many people just simply say “Don’t ever vape, don’t ever use this stuff” or campings like “Just Say No”, which was created in the 80s by the Reagan campaign as an effort toward the U.S.’s everlasting war on drugs, and debunks their effectiveness, “Well that’s what we said in the 80s and that didn’t work.” He then proposes that people instead say “If you do vape, what are the reasons you do?” and places importance on teens being aware of why they feel the need to vape. He addresses a common reason teens state for using these substances and weighs in on it, “If you vape because you want to look cool and fit in with the [other kids], that’s not a healthy reason to use.” He explains that these products are designed for adult use in low doses and “I think they need to learn that these products are not designed to be used to help your mental health. They’re not performance enhancing things, they’re not toys, they’re not replacements for antidepressants and they’re not solutions for emotional pain…There’s lots of reasons why people use this stuff, to feel good to feel normal, but the clear message for young people is that vaping on a daily basis is a really, really risky- that’s probably the most risky thing you can do.” Cooper sings the same tune and comments that people, including himself, need to “...keep people aware about what they are doing and how it can affect your brain and your mind and how you process things.” Mr. Oyas is working to get education on campus through his position in PAL. PAL has always been associated with Red Ribbon Week and all of their members have to take a drug and alcohol free pledge to be a member. This year they are working with organizations America on Track and TUPE, which are both dedicated to educating people on the dangers of vaping and helping stifle this “epidemic”. Mr. Oyas explains that they had “...America on Track come in and talk to the PAL students and, you know how it is, sometimes in the

14 Sea Glass

classroom with high school students you get these news people and you’re trying to get feedback from students and sometimes you don’t get it right? Like ‘Oh my God’, it’s crickets, right? They had asked a couple of questions, the students were normal students, not wanting to jump in, but when they asked ‘how many people have seen vaping in the bathroom’, almost every student’s hand went up and it really got their attention focused on this topic.”

He remembers thinking “Yes! This is what we need,” and explains that he figured “If these students are seeing it that means the vast majority of students are seeing it.” He also goes on to explain that one thing he wants to educate students about is that even though they are seeing this thing happen daily, it doesn’t mean that everyone is doing it. He details that “ One thing I’ve noticed when working in schools for so long, it gets really difficult with teenagers [to have them] perceive that not everyone is doing things like this. Not everyone is drinking. Not everyone is doing illicit things. Not everyone is smoking.

Not everyone is vaping. It’s just a small population of ours that kind of reverberates out [to make] everyone think everyone is doing it and then it becomes acceptable.

That’s not the case, most students aren’t.”

On top of eliminating this misconception he hopes to get the “...message out about the harmful effects [and] have the conversations about it.”

At CdM, organizations like PAL and ONE try to implement activities throughout the year to deter drug and alcohol usage, including the use of vape products. Cooper, who was caught vaping on campus and joined ONE as part of their suspension exchange program, explains that as a part of ONE they don’t “... necessarily tell

“I think they need to learn that these products are not designed to be used to help your mental health.

They’re not performance enhancing things, they’re not toys, they’re not replacements for antidepressants and they’re not solutions for emotional pain”

[students] that they need to stop, but tell them the issues that will come later on with it.” He also highlighted an event they hold at the Civic Center near Fashion Island “...where they do a talk with Dr. Timothy Fong and people can bring in their vapes and smash them, which is pretty cool.” Dr. Fong, who has been a part of ONE and has served as a resource for Lynne Pedersen, the founder “...to provide, you know, educational events to whatever the young people… want to hear about.” His main role as a part of ONE is holding educational seminars, “we’re going to do one in January, same thing on vaping. So a lot of it is talking to parents, teachers, young people about what I know or what I don’t know about

The Kids Aren’t Alright | KAYDENCE OSGOOD addiction, cannabis, vaping, things like that.” Something else that ONE leads is a program called Alter the Course, Dr. Fong explains that “it’s a house up in Malibu where [Pedersen] takes young people for a week and they go up there and they get a lot of education and life experiences to help alter their course maybe away from drugs and alcohol and bad decision making…So I help her with design some of the curriculum and provide support there.” As a part of PAL’s Red Ribbon Week, they started their partnership with American on Track to get their presence on campus started, but, Mr. Oyas details that they will “...be here monthly, ideally, for the rest of the school year with just getting that message out. They’re going to be doing things like being in the quad, little fun games, sending messages out, tapping on student leadership groups, other than PAL, to blast the messages and [to post] some things on social media, but they’re also going to be able to host some events on campus that are going to go directly talking about cessation, the harmful effects of [vaping], and really the whole gambit of everything we wanna know about it.”

Regarding their other, new, partnership with TUPE, Mr. Oyas describes that “... there’s kind of a crossover, but they’re kind of separate, it’s going to be the same sort of thing.” He adds that “PAL is working in partnership with the district office and liaison, through me, as far as making sure that we promote this and we have a pretty regiment kind of message that we’re going to get out throughout the school year.”

As a part of this goal he states that PAL will “Probably end up having some sort of vaping cessation week and we would do like a week of publicity, put things of Trident TV, have people in the quad, and just really get that message about the harmful effects of smoking in general, but even more so, which is more tied into teenagers, now, is vaping, right?” Part of his, and the district’s plan is to facilitate the means for these campaigns to happen, but to have them “peer lead and driven because at the end of the day, we all know here [that] as much as the adults do our best to guide [students], we…know that peer interaction and peer to peer campaigns usually work the best.” While quoting Field of Dreams, Oyas summarizes and proclaims, “Really I’m just trying to say ‘If you build it, they will come’. If I build it, we’ve got great students and they want to get involved. If any other students want to get involved, it doesn’t have to just be PAL

students, and be part of the campaigns, come on and help. Just show up to some of the events that will be publicized and get organized.”

Resilience is often looked at as this powerful and meaningful word. It is used to describe those who have conquered challenges and overcome the many obstacles that life throws at them. In terms of the “Big Tobacco” industry, they have consistently been able to keep people hooked on nicotine and found ways to start these addictions young. Through FDA regulation, inability to market to young people, widespread campaigns and politicians working to shut them down, the tobacco industry has taken hit after hit over the last sixty years since reported use of tobacco started decreasing. Despite all of these new, and old measures, the tobacco industry made over 82 million dollars last year, in just the U.S. alone. With this new iteration of products and their consistent proof of overwhelming success, the tobacco industry has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with. As a result of this success, efforts across the nation have increased tenfold over the past few years. Since 2019, medical complications due to vaping have become so common that the CDC labeled these issues as “E-cigarette, or Vaping, Associated Lung Injury” (EVALI). The endless amounts of campaigns and push for stronger means of prevention, have, in the short term, seemingly been paying off. The 2023 National Tobacco Survey revealed that the reported use of any tobacco products from middle school students rose 2.1%, however their biggest market, high school students, decreased by 3.9% in the last year.

Works cited: www.cdph.ca.gov www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov www.fda.gov www.cdc.gov Photos courtesy of: Girl vaping on first page: wallpaperdog. com Girl vaping on second page: Getty Images Lungs: pngegg.com Kaydence Osgood ‘24 watched Big Vape on Netflix all in one sitting and was appalled at JUUL’s inability to take accountability for their role in creating a product that is literally killing people and has affected teens so harshly.

Fast Facts: • 2009: FDA speaks out against vaping products • Before 2011: nationwide cigerette use decreased by 32%, a steady decline since the 60s • 2011: 2% of high school students vaped and 16% used cigerattes • 2011: FDA starts regulating vape products the same as cigerattes and medical devices • 2018: 21% of high school students vaped and 8% used cigerettes • 2019: CDC labels medical issues related to vaping as “E-cigarette, or Vaping, Associated Lung Injury” (EVALI) • 2022: California bans the sale of flavored vape products • 2023: 1 in 4 middle and high school students reported vaping • 2023: high school students who reported vaping decreased by 3.9%, middle school students increased by 2.1% Trident | December Issue 15

Campus News

Timeless Traditions

THE RESILIENT ASPECTS OF CdM CULTURE ZOE TEETS

16 Sea Glass

T

here are many customs at CdM that have been an important part of campus for decades. From traditions that have been implemented since the establishment of CdM to organizations that have been a part of campus for years, CdM makes sure its culture is active and never dies out.

Battle of the Bay, a competition against Newport Harbor High School, has been a part of CdM culture ever since its creation. Since the first Battle of the Bay, the tradition has only grown, becoming incorporated into other sports. Football, volleyball, water polo, basketball, flag football, softball, and more host Battle of the Bay annually. Though football’s Battle of the Bay attracts the most spectators, a lot of students and faculty attend many of the sports’ games against Newport Harbor.

This tradition, which has been around since the 1960s, fuels school spirit, as students scramble to buy tickets before they are sold out, and conversations are heard throughout the halls predicting the outcome of the game. Junior Kaitlin Prendergast “loves going to Battle of the Bay” because of “the community and great vibes”. It has become normal for many sports to have Battle of the Bay, with the most recent joining this tradition being the girl’s flag football team. Over the years, this tradition has also been adopted in other areas of the school to encourage more participation and competition, such as Battle for the Kids, a competition to see which school can raise the most money for homeless children by selling tickets to the new Hunger Games movie, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The rivalry between CdMHS and NHHS has been a prominent aspect of campus life, making it a part of school culture that continues to be reused and modified in many aspects of CdM. The leadership groups of CdM have stood the test of time on campus.

Associated Student Body (ASB), National Honors Society (NHS), Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL), Human

Relations Council (HRC), At Your Service (AYS), and Encouraging Altruism in Teens (EAT) have all contributed to the culture on campus and organized school events, some for decades. They arrange functions for students to enjoy, such as ASB coordinating school dances.

Many of these organizations also try to positively influence campus with things such as PAL’s Red Ribbon Week, HRC’s Be Kind to Your Mind Week, and NHS’s Integrity Week. HRC member junior Alyesha Shah shares that HRC greatly adds to CdM culture, since “HRC not only brings awareness to our campus but also educates students about diversity, mental health, and the importance of acceptance”.

She feels as though HRC is a valuable contribution to campus. Shah believes that the reason that HRC has been a strong part of CdM throughout the years is that “HRC stresses the importance of acceptance and making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.” Senior Iman Parwiz, a two-year PAL member, states that PAL provides numerous benefits to campus, such as “spreading awareness about topics many might not know a lot about and providing people with the resources to get help if they need it.” She thinks that it supports and maintains CdM culture, as “PAL is a very welcoming community.

[She has] had kids reach out and ask for help around the campus and tips, and it means a lot that someone can trust [her] with how vulnerable they are feeling.”

There are many annual events that CdM religiously holds, one of them being Dancing With the Teachers. This tradition has been a part of CdM culture for less time than some others, yet it is an anticipated event, with many showing up to cheer on their favorite teachers and dancers. Spanish teacher Mrs. Ramirez has “participated in [Dancing With the Teachers] every year except two” and has “won four times now”. When asked about this tradition, Ramirez shares that she “loves it, and the other teachers love it too”. She thinks that Dancing With the Teachers has persevered throughout the years because “people love to see their

teachers being human” and “kids like to see that their teachers can be fun outside of class and/or talented”. Orchesis member and three-time winner,Junior Kimia Arana also believes that the reason Dancing With the Teachers has been able to become such an anticipated tradition is that “it is so fun and you are so surprised when watching everyone perform because the teachers show a different side to themselves that you normally do not see in class”. Along with the entertainment aspect of it, Arana also believes that this tradition has been able to be a part of CdM culture for so many years because of its “positive impact on everyone on campus. Some of the teachers and even the Orchesis members are more introverted than others, but this event shows everyone that even if you are shy, you are capable of so much and should just be yourself, without feeling embarrassed. It is also inspiring to watch our teachers do things that may be out of their comfort zones”.

CdM has successfully preserved many parts of its culture through the years. It has been added to, modified, and advanced by both students and faculty. The vibrancy of the campus and the student body will only continue to grow as time goes on, while hopefully maintaining the aspects of the culture that have been a part of the school for years.

Zoe Teets’ ‘25 favorite part of CdM culture is the rallies.

Photos courtesy of: ASB christmas photo: Ebbtide 1989 PAL group photo: Ebbtide1989 Football player: Ebbtide 1989 Three girls: Ebbtide 2014 BOTB student section: Ebbtide 2014 Dancing With the Teachers: Ebbtide 2014 Girls tennis: Ebbtide 2014 PAL “Z”: Ebbtide 2014 Volleyball huddle: Ebbtide 2005 ASB group photo: Ebbtide 2002

Trident | December Issue 17

Campus News

Riding Out Waves of Obstacles HOW CDM STUDENTS CULTIVATED RESILIENCE IN

A

THEIR SUMMER JOBS AND GREW AS A RESULT

s broken, discarded glass is churned through rough waves and rocky storms, it is transformed into something new and beautiful: sea glass. Over time the turbulent waves polish the glass and smooth down its edges until it shines; people are similar in this way. Tough times and resilience are necessary for transformations to occur, and many CdM students realized this over the summer.

Putting in the work and overcoming obstacles in their summer jobs takes perseverance and has helped many students become the people that they are today. The challenges faced and lessons learned contribute to greater feelings of capability and confidence, and living in Newport Beach, students take advantage of the ocean.

A popular and necessary summer job, especially in Southern California, lifeguarding takes much strength and perseverance. Many CdM students complete the lengthy training process each year, so that they can spend their summers ensuring the safety of beachgoers and potentially saving lives.

As this particular summer job is so important, it takes a lot of responsibility and offers many opportunities for growth.

A general consensus among the students who lifeguarded over the summer is that they came out of it learning a lot and growing as a person. One such student, senior Tristan Everheart explains how “it definitely gave [him] a lot of confidence and [he doesn’t] get stressed about anything anymore.” This growth in part comes from the challenging situations that lifeguards can be put in such as “keeping people calm while they are drowning or have a life threatening injury.” Being

18 Sea Glass

MARIA DAHL

placed in high-stress situations while being looked to as the person in charge to handle them is a difficult task, especially for a high school student. Each day came with its new set of challenges, and experiencing this day after day over the summer ensured Everheart’s growth in not only “practical skills like medical stuff and bodysurfing,” but in confidence as well. A critical and extreme summer job, lifeguarding is physically demanding and tough, but it has taught students some valuable lessons.

Aside from working as lifeguards, other CdM students utilized their proximity to the ocean in their respective summer jobs in other ways. Junior Connor Krost spent his summer volunteering at the Newport Aquatic Center helping teach youth rowing programs. As a current rower at the NAC himself, it “made sense for [him] to spend [his] time volunteering there” as well. “I found this to be a really rewarding experience,” he divulges. “I definitely learned a lot about rowing and my own work ethic.” Spending his summer mornings teaching young kids the basics of rowing multiple times a week reinforced his confidence and tenacity just in time for the upcoming school year. He was able to grow his teaching abilities, and in turn his own rowing skills.

Another student, junior Annalyse Vasquez, worked hard all summer as a hostess at the lighthouse cafe on the Newport Harbor.

Although it was “hard work and long shifts,” she adds that the cafe’s “closeness to the peninsula and ocean view made the experience more enjoyable.” Vasquez worked midday shifts four times a week for almost two months, but from this experience, she was able to “improve [her] people skills and just overall become an

even more confident person.” Managing to keep her composure in the hectic restaurant environment and still provide satisfactory service made “other school things like presentations or hard tests seem way easier” she admits.

Whether they spent their summers lifeguarding, volunteering, or working in food service, many CdM students proved capable and entered the new school year with newfound abilities and ambitions.

They rode out waves of obstacles and discovered new versions of themselves while learning valuable lessons along the way. These lessons will likely be carried on with them for years to come, and there will hopefully be many more summers of growth.

Maria Dahl ‘25 was fired from her summer job.

Photos courtesy of: lighthouse cafe: Annalyse Vasquez lifeguard tower: Connor Krost wave: @instantdayoasis on Etsy.com

The “ocean view made the experience more

enjoyable” “Being so close to the beach made it feel more like a vacation than a job”

Trident | December Issue 19

Campus News

Trident Matchmaker KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR THIS UNEXPECTED MATCH

M

atchmaker here, providing you with the entertaining ins and outs of blind dates featuring CdM’s very own seniors. This issue in particular taking place on the mean streets of Balboa with much to see and even more to listen to.

“Spotted!” are Senior Class President Will Takara and CdM socialite Raya NazeraniHoushmand. And for you readers, Matchmaker took the liberty to spice things up with a bit of movement. Join us in our exciting retelling of this unforeseen account and unforgettable Saturday.

JESSICA MIRAMADI

must travel to every listed location– with the next only being revealed after the two take a photo wearing the hat. In addition, there will be related questions along the way to keep the conversation stirring.

Starting with a staple in our American fast food networks, location one resides at the end of our very own Balboa Pier.

With our date beginning just before noon, Nazerani was the first to show. Leading with much inquiry toward the identity of her date, her curious expression softens as Takara strides forward in the most interesting get-up. Turning over with great laughter, the two greet each other and mentally prepare for what we have in store for their next hour.

The name of the game is simple: The pair are given a turkey hat and camera and

20 Sea Glass

The first ever Ruby’s Diner opened up December 7th, 1982 with one of its

founders, Douglas Cavanaugh, naming the diner in honor of his mother. As they walked through the touring crowd, the two spoke about who they greatly admired with Nazerani pointing out her mother and Takara, his parents. “They’re probably the most loving people on the planet,” he comments, thankful he is “lucky with both of them”. Continuing this heartfelt conversation, Nazerani notes on her childhood memory of falling down the stairs— what a thing to remember!

Ultimately, though, both agree they wouldn’t name accomplishments after those they admire (unless it was their last names), “I’d probably name it Takara, but not like David”.

Our next location is found to be a little more upscale than the last, and even more rich in history— outlined with beautiful Victorian features and authenticity that many have sought to preserve. In 1905, the War Department in Washington funded the Newport Bay Investment Company to build a “boat-house, bath-house, and pavilion” along the harbor. As the two make their way toward this landmark,

they answer the age-old question, “If you could choose, who is someone from history (or the celebrity scene) you’d love to sit across from over dinner?”. Being the fastest to answer the question, Nazerani professes she’d love to have dinner with Trisha Paytas— for the laughs— while Takara concludes his first choice to be either Lebron James or Adam Sandler.

Shortly thereafter, this exchange takes new direction when Takara mentions the aching question on all of our minds, “Why did you agree to do Matchmaker?” with Nazerani’s response centering around Peyton Vovan’s recommendation for her to be in the next match, and Takara on ASB obligations.

We all like a little fun every now and then, and as it turns out a man by the name of Al Anderson participated in his own type of fun by gambling incognito during World War II. With his earnings, he managed to fund both a merry-go-round and Ferris wheel in the area we now know as the Balboa Fun Zone. Through a series of legal battles and economic prowess, one of these rides still remains today, and Nazerani and Takara were instructed to take their next photo by its side.

After crossing the Ferry, the two were tasked with their final location. Newport Beach is one hot tourist destination and plays a major role in some TV show

franchises—one of which being Arrested Development. With major turf wars being held in our very own balboa, none have compared to this: Finish the famous phrase and that will reveal your next location: “There’s always money in the ____________”. With neither fully grasping this pop culture reference, and much help from our Trident staff, they set off to the Banana Stand (Sugar n’ Spice).

On their wild trek, our match met many Balboa sightings, including CdM’s very own celebrity: Mama Mary. Other notables discussed between the two were Honors Chemistry teacher Kim Ngo and beloved student Dylan Sih, noting he was “the sweetest guy”. Ultimately expressing their likeness to taking Honors Chemistry, both conclude many tears were shed throughout the course. Carrying on with the conversation, they also discussed their desire to travel the world. Willing to embrace vast cultures, Takara notes his hopes to travel to the “exotic” Australia as he craves to try all the foods he’s never had before, including Kangaroo (this being followed by many comments on their oddball behaviors).

It was then that the conversation ignited, branching to various topics: the infamous APUSH music video and Mayberry madness, crazy balboa prices, a shared pet peeve of saying “It’s not that deep” (but especially when they know it is), music tastes and preferences, their aspirations to be carefree individuals who are confident in themselves and don’t waste time

worrying about other’s opinions, a common consensus that the horror genre is “not their thing”, Takara’s disdain of rollercoasters, and Nazerani’s fear of the deep ocean.

As this eventful afternoon reached its conclusion, this pair wrapped up their chitchat on college desires (Nazerani keeping her fingers crossed for UCSD and Takara for Northwestern) with great satisfaction and solace. Where will our most recent match go? A fate onto them.

As much as we adore our time with you, we have to get back to work, the next issue is just around the corner. And who’s our next lucky feature? That’s one secret we’ll never tell.

XOXO, Trident Matchmaker

Trident | December Issue 21

World News

Rising Tides, Resilient Seas TESSA HSU

A DEEP DIVE INTO THE TENACITY OF THE OCEAN AND LOCAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS he ocean is an important place for many, especially for Sea

T

Kings and Queens. Living so close to the beach means that many students get to hang out at Big Corona or enjoy Balboa Island, and CdM even has its own surf team. Despite the natural beauty of our surroundings, pieces of trash can be seen floating in the ocean and littered on the beach. While some might not be conscious of the impact of their actions, excessive amounts of trash in the ocean is detrimental to sea creatures and humans alike. From the image of sea turtles getting straws stuck in their noses to sharp plastics rupturing their organs, what might seem like harmless trash is actually damaging to sea life. “Marine animals easily confuse plastic for their prey and end up ingesting it, causing them to die of starvation as their stomachs fill with plastic,” Persia Odabaee, president of the Animals Matter club at CdM, explains. These synthetic polymers contribute to the deaths of over 100,000 sea mammals every day, including all seven of the sea turtle species. From small fish to blue whales, they are all harmfully impacted by the amount of pollution in the ocean.

It’s common knowledge that the ocean supplies food, but what other purpose does it serve? The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth, and it is neither limitless nor is it unaffected by humans. According to the article, “Why the Ocean Matters”, by National Geographic, the ocean covers, “72 percent of the Earth and [supplies] half its oxygen, the ocean is our planet’s life support system.” The ocean is also in charge of regulating and controlling the weather, and if it is disrupted too much by human activity, climate change would likely get drastically worse much faster. The ocean not only plays a key role in regulating the climate, it also provides needed sources for medicine.

Ingredients that help fight cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease are all sourced from the ocean. Coral reefs are vital, as they are home to millions of marine life, and also protect coastlines from storms and erosion. Every animal plays a non-substitutional role in every environment, and the ocean contains so many types of life that can only be found there. The biodiversity this system holds is essential for ecosystem resilience and stability.

22 Sea Glass

What Are CdM Students and the Community Doing to Help?

Trident | December Issue 23

The Washington Post published that, “plastics in the ocean will outweigh fish pound for pound in 2050.” To combat this, students and adults alike have the opportunity to do their part now to mitigate further issues. Local volunteer and former CdM parent, Julia MacMillan Edwards works as a marine mammal rehabilitator and ocean stewardship educator at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Canyon. For as long as she can remember, Edwards has had a passion for helping the ocean and the life that it contains. She and her colleagues help a variety of sea lions, seals, dolphins, and sea turtles every day. “Dolphins and sea turtles are more challenging to save, though, because they are far more delicate,” Edwards explains. Their rescue efforts are based on the three “R’s” - Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Release. After being rescued, the marine animals usually stay at the rehabilitation center for two to three months and cannot be released until they are off of their medication for at least two weeks. If the same animal is rescued multiple times, then the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA’’) is contacted and provides guidance on whether to relocate the rescue animal to another facility like a zoo or an aquarium. If an endangered sea creature is rescued (for example, an endangered Guadalupe fur seal), then NOAA is contacted immediately.

Nicole Maya, president of the Marine Club at CdM hopes to raise money through the Marine Club for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to specifically “help reduce domoic acid poisoning.” Domoic acid is a toxin found in certain types of algae.

Therefore, when animals eat those types of algae, the domoic acid gathers inside the animal. If this animal is eaten by another

24 Sea Glass

Rising Tides, Resilient Seas | TESSA HSU

animal, then then the domoic acid keeps building up and the cycle continues. Domoic acid poisoning is not just something that affects sea creatures, but it can also be fatal to humans who eat the contaminated fish. Overfishing is another problematic issue for ocean life. Odabaee explains that, “Humans can survive without eating fish, but sea creatures cannot. Overfishing leads to less food for ocean animals and wasted food for humans.” The World Wildlife Fund backs up Odabaee’s statement, noting that, “Today’s worldwide fishing fleet is estimated to be up to two-and-a-half times the capacity needed to catch what we actually need.”

Although the ocean as a whole has been extremely resilient throughout history, it is facing a multitude of anomalous challenges caused by human activity. Impacts such as climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing have monumental effects on the survival of the ocean and its inhabitants. In order to mitigate these impacts, individuals, including CdM students and clubs, are doing things like recycling, reducing waste, raising money, and spreading awareness to keep the damage to a minimum.

Edwards also says that students can volunteer to be “education docents who guide people around and inform them.” All in all, the ocean and marine life are crucial to many aspects of human life.

They hold both cultural and economical importance, and the implementation of sustainable practices is widely recognized as necessary to help secure the ocean’s healthy future.

Photos courtesy: Whale: @pacificmmc on Instagram Seal pictures: @pacificmmc on Instagram Seal and sea turtle: @ noaafisheries on Instagram Whale tail silhouette: Posted by Hamz 2001 on vecteezy.com Sea turtle, coral reef, and stingray: @noafisheries on Instagram Pacific Marine Mammal Center logo: @pacificmmc on Instagram Sperm whale being saved: @pacificmmc on Instagram Works Cited: Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost. com/news/morning-mix/ wp/2016/01/20/by-2050-therewill-be-more-plastic-than-fishin-the-worlds-oceans-study-says/ World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org/ threats/overfishing National Geographic: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/whyocean-matters/

Tessa Hsu 27’ thoroughly enjoys going to the beach and marvels at its beauty.

Trident | December Issue 25

World News

THE VALUE OF EASTERN MEDICINE IN WESTERN SOCIETY NAIYA SAPRU

F a c t o r F r a u d ?

26 Sea Glass

T

he very mention of Eastern medicine may make the average Advildependent American roll their eyes in disbelief. The ideas and practices around which Eastern medicine revolves—yin and yang balance, potent herbal concoctions, and intrinsic tai chi performances—receive the reputation of being woo-woo by the Western world. Characterized by its fascination with science and technology, it is no surprise that American society views these practices with reservations. However, ever since the unconventional life philosophies of the 1970s hippies, some aspects of these traditional medicinal practices have jumped the several thousand-mile-long Pacific Ocean and integrated into Western culture. In fact, the World Health Organization, headquartered in Western Europe, has expressed its

approval of traditional Chinese medicine. These mixed opinions warrant discussion on the validity of Eastern medicine.

Journalist Sasha Santhakumar at Medical News Today explains that Eastern medicine heals patients holistically.

In order to mend the issue at its root, Eastern medicine looks beyond the patient’s symptoms, treating the “mind, body, and spirit.” It traces its birthplace to Asia, with traditional Chinese medicine garnering the most attention in the Western world. The idea of Qi (pronounced “chee”) is central to Chinese medicine.

Qi is an omnipresent energy force, composed of yin and yang. According to John Hopkins Medicine, “Any imbalance [of yin and yang] can cause disease and illness.”

The ancient Chinese stressed the interconnectedness between humans and nature, reflective of their Taoist philosophy. John Hopkins

explains that the Chinese approach to treating patients is to forge “[a] balance between the internal body organs and the external elements of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal.”

In sharp contrast, Western medicine “utiliz[es] symptoms and separate organ systems to determine [remedies].”

Its “systemic approach” leaves less room for error and variation among patients.

The objectivity of Western medicinal practices calls into question the subjectivity of more traditional concepts.

Thankfully, CdM students can provide some clarity to this gray area. Junior Elika Jafari expresses her fondness for herbal remedies, identifying herself as “…a tea person.”

Tea holds a near and dear place in the heart of Eastern culture. Originally reserved for the emperor, tea has evolved significantly. Now, it is an accessible, inexpensive commodity enjoyed across the social hierarchy. However,

it is its health benefits that are of specific interest to Eastern medicine practitioners. Té Company, known for its loose leaf Taiwanese tea, explains that in traditional Chinese culture, it is said that “green tea… [has] a cooling character,” thus it is used to treat inflammation.

When comparing these claims to WebMD’s article on the scientific properties of tea, there is evident continuity. Antioxidants, which reduce inflammation, are cited as a component of tea. Jafari may rest assured knowing tea drinking isn’t some cult practice that slowly deteriorates her well-being but, in fact, has legit benefits.

for example, has aspirations in the medical field. This is reflected in her views on Eastern medicine’s application to larger-scale health concerns. “If I had something serious, I would choose Western medicine,” she says, joking that “if [she] had a broken leg, [she] wouldn’t go to acupuncture.”

Similarly, Hinojosa voices the benefits of Western medicine.

Although she strays away from over-the-counter medication “unless it’s the last resort,” she advocates for Far less common than tea is the modern medicine “if you really need Chinese practice of acupuncture. The immediate relief.” scene in DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda in which protagonist Whether you’re a devout horoscope Po receives this traditional adherent or a STEM geek with treatment may be the extent of some a degree in biochemistry, it’s Westerners’ exposure. According to safe to say that both Eastern and Mayo Clinic Press, acupuncture is Western medicine benefit society “the insertion of very thin needles but in different ways. Jafari puts through your skin at strategic it well when she says that Eastern points on your body” to in order to and Western medicine “definitely maintain the balance of Qi. Junior both have a seat at the table.” Her Ashley Hinojosa swears by it. statement exhibits the necessity for Hinojosa recommends treatment compromise and balance, imperative “when you feel like you have both within and beyond the world of blockages in your body.” In her health. experience, it is highly beneficial: “I feel like it really cleanses [me] and Naiya Sapru ‘25 does not intend on makes [me] feel better about [my trying acupuncture because she is physical well-being].” deathly afraid of needles.

Despite Eastern medicine’s merits, it would be a disgrace to the Western world’s scientific advancements if modern medicine went unacknowledged. Jafari,

Photos courtesy of: Teapot: Jan Jerzy Holke on wmuzeach.pl Teacup: Masahide Kanzaki on flickr. com

Works Cited: “Acupuncture.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Oct. 2023, www. mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ acupuncture/about/pac-20392763.

“Chinese Medicine.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2 Dec. 2019, www. hopkinsmedicine.org/health/ wellness-and-prevention/chinesemedicine.

“Health Benefits of Tea in Chinese Medicine.” Té Company Tea, 2019, tecompanytea.com/blogs/tea-atelier/ health-benefits-of-tea-in-chinesemedicine.

Edgar, Julie. “Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits.” WebMD, WebMD, 2009, www.webmd.com/ diet/features/tea-types-and-theirhealth-benefits.

Santhakumar, Sasha. “What to Know about Western vs. Eastern Medicine.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2022, www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/western-vs-easternmedicine#western-vs-eastern.

Trident | December Issue 27

World News

TheSwing of things

EXPLORING THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF JAZZ, ITS HISTORICAL FOOTPRINT, AND ITS RESONANCE IN CONTEMPORARY LIFE. JESSICA MIRAMADI

28 Sea Glass

I

n most schools across America, students are taught a variety of languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin, American Sign, and more) but in the hidden corners of the world lies one language considered practically universal: jazz. An unspoken language, jazz had its beginnings in New Orleans and became one of the most influential genres as it soared through global charts and skyrocketed beyond other well-known categories.

Surfacing the radios for a span of decades, it weaved its way into a broad listening spectrum and acclimated itself to various environments— sparking numerous subgenres and springing its way into different eras such as Swing, Bebop, Bluesy, Post-bop, and more. But as of late, many have been curious as to whether or not jazz is reaching its end.

At the end of this article, some might be able to say otherwise.

So, what is jazz? Well, many believe it is hard to define such an expansive field of music, but others have been able to compose terms rather fitting: Senior and pianist for CdM’s jazz Department, Jacob Nguyen, details it as, “the most raw form of humanity”. On a recent trip to Vietnam, Nguyen commented on his experience in creating music with those that surrounded him– clarifying his limited Vietnamese wasn’t an obstacle to creating music, “despite how different we were, we were still able to produce all that stuff… if you point to a song and sit down and start playing it, everyone already agrees, everyone knows what’s up, they’re in tune, they’re tight, and everyone can cue each other”.

Ultimately, a piece of jazz involves those that are playing it. It was after that Nguyen closes his thought with the most succinct definition,

“jazz is very in the moment, it’s just listening to people and it’s just feeling it”.

In the 1800s, the city of New Orleans was classified as the most musical city in America. Beginning in the year 1817, those enslaved were granted time to sing and dance every Sunday afternoon in Congo Square– an open square for markets, meetings, and dancing. With few written accounts, the musicians were found playing percussion and stringed instruments that one might find in indigenous African music. These songs included spirituals and work songs and incorporated a popular dance known as the Ring Shout.

Nearly seventy years later, the emergence of jazz bands became popular in the city. It was believed that the earliest jazz musician to perform with a band was Buddy Bolden, who invented the Big Four: when an accent is placed on the second fourth beat of a march. This was one of the first signs of jazz becoming what it is today– with improvised rhythms and grace notes.

Corona del Mar’s Instrumental Teacher Val Jamora notes that jazz is “so much because it’s cultural, and then it’s so bonded with things like American history and the roots of American history and African-American influences and even influences that came from Europe”. Through African, American, and European syncretism— more specifically settlers from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, England, and more— the idea of modern jazz was pioneered.

It was the diversity of cultures found in New Orleans that contributed to the exotic mixture of musical fusions. The vast subgenres known today as Blues, Cajan, and other new styles flourished immensely.

because so much of it has to do with improvisation and making things on the spot, and classical musicians want to be told what to play”. Despite this intimidation, though, he found himself fascinated by the spontaneity of performance, later wishing he’d “gone down that road earlier”.

As he continued, Jamora illuminated the idea of transforming a jazz piece according to the individual, “It’s almost like you can take a jazz song and make your own, and change the feel of it, and change the style of it, and do whatever you want to it, and it’s okay because that’s what you do in jazz.”

To these musicians, their personal style and background contribute to the composition of jazz and every interpretation adds something, many consider, unique and awe-inspiring to the piece.

Senior and jazz performer Dilnar Yu also finds jazz to be very similar in that retrospect, “When you know the rule you can break it and play, I see jazz that way.” Many find jazz to be one of the most complex and expressive forms of music– but there’s a method to the madness. Beyond a general understanding of music, jazz musicians find themselves required to open up to a side of creativity that is entirely unscripted. As Yu places jazz: there are two components, the learning aspect and the expressive aspect, further drawing similarities with forms of classical music and both genres’ eternal prevalence within music networks,

Sharing his own beginnings with jazz, Jamora states he “went down the classical route first,” a pathway many other jazz musicians can relate to, “[finding] jazz very intimidating

Trident | December Issue 29

“I think jazz will never die, there will always be people loving jazz and continuing to play jazz”.

The influence of jazz is everlasting and still is found very prominently within society. For instance, in the late 1970s, a graffiti artist under the name SAMO (Same-Oh) was found tagging the streets of New Orleans.

Later, under the guidance of the world-famous Andy Warhol, SAMO adjusted to different art crowds, going by his legal name: Jean-Michel Basquiat. His work centered around social dichotomies and incorporated wordplay, alchemy, and jazz (as seen in his piece, Horn Players).

Other artists found more direct ways of being influenced by jazz, as seen in pop music backing tracks, rockand-roll stars such as Elvis Presley, and numerous esoteric performers.

When questioned on how he’d define jazz, Jamora responds, “I kind of resist being so pretentious as to trying to define what real jazz is because I don’t think that any of us really have the right to do that”.

While there is much controversy on whether jazz is dying, every musician interviewed reached the same conclusion: no. Although jazz may not find itself lingering

in the spotlight of the music world today, those who love jazz are still managing to keep it alive. Drawing parallels to classical music, the popularity of the genre has subsided but is forever classified as one of The Classics. Despite stirring up less of the funding it used to, Jazz has been found widely surfacing the globe, and Jamora (along with many others) believes “jazz and classical music have entered into this realm” where it is taught.

Jessica Miramadi ‘24 signing out.

Photos Courtesy of: Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie: wallpaper.com

Dizzy Gellespie

Miles Davis: deseret.com Cannonball Adderly: uDiscover music

Nat King Cole

Herbie Hancock: ArtPhotoLimited Works Cited: Conselatore, Bobby. “A Brief History of Jazz.” Levine Music, 22 Sept. 2022 “Online Exhibit: The Soundtrack of the 20s/20s.” The Center For The Performing Art

Louis Armstrong

Ella Fitzgerald

Miles Davis

30 Sea Glass

TheSwing of Things | JESSICA MIRAMADI Wes Montgoemery

Sonny Clark

Chick Corea

Etta James

Nina Simone Dave Brubeck

Billie Holiday

Lee Morgan Bud Powell

Duke Ellington

John Coltrane

Freddie Hubbard

Frank Sinatra

Herbie Hancock

Sullivan Fortner Cannonball Adderly

Trident | December Issue 31

World News

It’s Hollywood Baby

H

THE INDUSTRY’S STORIES OF ADVERSITY AND FAME KARISSA BELTRAN-JIMENEZ

Matthew

32 Sea Glass

Perry

ollywood’s classic Rags to Riches is a popular way to describe celebrities’ path to stardom. There are many resonating stories of artists who have faced adversity and risen to the peak of fame. In recent years, society and its stars have worked to break their silence and break stigmas. From mental health awareness, substance abuse, dysfunctional family situations and discrimination, these four aristsis have brought both diversity and inclusivity to Hollywood through their work.

Beloved star, most popular for his role Chandler in the 90s sitcom Friends, Matthew Perry touched many through his presence on screen or as an advocate for substance abuse. After suffering from a heart attack this past October (Oct.28.2023), at just 54 years old, the actor died. Just 2 days following his passing, fans adored the infamous West Village Friends Building with bouquets for the fallen star; Variety’s Rebecca Rubin shares how signs like “ ‘the one where we all lost a friend’ were piled on the southwest corner of Bedford and Grove near the cozy neighborhood restaurant The Little Owl’’ (a common filming spot for the show). In the days since his death, People reports a statement was released by cast members Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and

David Schwimmer in Nicholas Rice and Julie Jordan’s “Matthew Perry’s Friends Co Stars Speak Out After His Death: ‘We Are All So Utterly Devastated’ (Exclusive).”The statement read: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew.

We were more than just cast mates.

We are a family,” their statement reads. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able.

For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.” CdM Student and Friends enthusiast Ilana Gaber shares that “Chandler’s quirky sense of humor and funny persona in the show Friends has always been positive and always lifted my moods when I watched the reruns.” Gaber expressed that “Perry’s portrayal of Chandler never ceased to make her laugh and

taught me to see the best and persevere in difficult situations.”

Perry’s struggle with addiction and opioids was known by many in his fanbase: in 2019 Perry overdosed on opioids,which left him in a coma for 2 weeks and hospitalized for 5 months.

Perry shed light on his overdose and long standing battle with addiction in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. “I wanted to share when I was safe from going into the dark side of everything again.I had to wait until I was pretty safely sober — and away from the active disease of alcoholism and addiction — to write it all down.

And the main thing was, I was pretty certain that it would help people,” Perry disclosed in a 2022 interview with People’s Julie Jordan. PAL member Eden Clark reveals that to her “It’s important that actors are open about mental health/ substance abuse struggles because it gives recognition to problems that most people face, especially in this generation.

It allows people to see that they aren’t alone, that there are others going through the same trials, even people that are idolized and looked up to.” Gaber agrees, explaining that “Teenagers look up to celebrities very often for guidance and inspiration in daily life so it is important for celebrities to be good role models so that teenagers are positively influenced by them”. Jordan explains that during Perry’s time on Friends, there were several points at which he was taking “55 Vicodin a day and was down to 128 pounds.” Forbes’ Connor Murray shares that Perry “struggled with addiction since the age of 14, when he started drinking alcohol. He later became addicted to painkillers after being prescribed Vicodin following a 1997 jet ski accident.” His struggles with substance spanned over 35 years. Over the course of his path to sobriety, Perry was in rehab 15 times and Murray’s article “New Matthew Perry Foundation Follows The Late Actor’s Life long Advocacy For People Struggling With Addiction” estimates Perry’s efforts to achieve sobriety cost him 9 million

dollars.While the release of his 2022 memoir marked Perry’s sobriety, his mission to spread awareness for substance abuse began long before.

Murray writes that in 2013 Perry “transformed his former Malibu, California, mansion into a sober living facility, which reportedly operated until 2015.” In the same year, Perry’s advocacy was honored by the Obama Administration’s Office of National Drug Control Policy with the Champion of Recovery award. Clarke shares that “Seeing celebrities’ struggles and promotions of mental health is very inspiring.

Going through it is hard enough, but having the courage to share and want to help others is amazing.”

She goes on to add that as a PAL member people like Perry and his advocacy “makes it easier to promote a drug and alcohol free campus, noting the dangers and other factors from those with personal experience.

Hoping people realize they don’t want to have the same outcome and experiences as some celebrities have had.” Clarke says that “When celebrities speak out about addiction, it helps alleviate the stigma around the issues.

Someone in the public eye, loved by many, Matthew’s experience can bring more sympathy and care to a judgmental society.

Many associate addiction with negative feelings towards those struggling.

Hearing Matthew’s story can help people realize there is more to addiction than they probably had known about, and that it’s a seriously challenging thing.”

Trident | December Issue 33

Award winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s career has been filled with record breaking moments. In the past 17 years, Swift has broken countless records in both the country and music industry as a whole.

Starting her career with the release of her single Tim McGraw at age 16, Swift signed on with Big Machine Records after managing to catch the eye of former Dreamworks Records executive, Scott Borchetta at the infamous Nashville dive, The Bluebird Cafe. The club is notoriously known as a “songwriter performance space where the ‘heroes behind the hits’ perform their own songs’ “ notes visitmusiccity.com just a year after Swift opened for her song’s namesake, Tim Mcgraw and his wife Faith Hill at their 2007 Soul2Soul tour.

Swift has been known for her transparent relationship with fans. In the past the artist has shared her rise to fame, the eras of her life, and music production but has also opened up about her struggles her body image, falling in and out of public favor, sexual assault, and the challenges women face in the music industry. In Swift’s documentary Miss Americana, she returns to the formative on-stage moment where Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Swift details that standing in the “echoey” room as people booed. “At the time, I didn’t know they were booing him for doing that. I thought that they were booing me” and “For someone who’s built their whole belief system on getting people to clap for you, the whole crowd booing is a pretty formative experience.”

2016 was a formative year for the singer as Swift linked her struggles with public backlash to the writing of her album Reputation. Featuring songs like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “I Did Something Bad”, which were reflective of her feelings during self isolation and a response to the painters who drew her as “wicked and evil and conniving” as Taylor described in

34 Sea Glass

Miss Americana. Years later, Swift reflected on this and voiced “when a man does something, it’s strategic. A woman does the same thing, it’s calculated“ with Tracy Smith on CBS Sunday Morning in 2019.

In Miss Americana, Taylor expresses how we “exist in a society where women in entertainment are discarded in an elephant graveyard by the time they’re 35.” Swift further shares, “the female artists that I know of have reinvented themselves 20 times more than the male artists [because] they have to” she adds, “or else you’re out of a job.”

The

documentary follows Swift’s career in the years

following as she narrates feeling out of place in the industry and relying on her “work ethic” to continue to succeed as an artist. Nil Kantaroglu, member of CdM’s HRC, shares that “The harsher backlash that women in the business industry face compared to men can be reflective of gender stereotypes. I feel that stereotypes can shape teenagers’ perceptions. If young girls see successful women receiving backlash for doing things that men do but don’t receive backlash for, it might change their view for a specific job or career choice and discourage them from following their dreams. I feel that this is why people need to recognize biases in male dominated fields and break these types of stereotypes.” The HRC member continues to share that “HRC [as a whole] promotes female empowerment by having a campaign based off of feminism every year around February. We advocate for women’s rights and equality by spreading messages around school through posters, videos and interviews’’ and adds “This includes issues such as discrimination in school, workplace, or in this case male dominated fields.” Kantaroglu confides, “I’d like to see us promote female empowerment more, it would be beneficial to maybe acknowledge important female figures in society and in male dominated fields, we focus more on spreading the message rather than giving out specific examples but [sharing stories like these] could be beneficial.” To reiterate Gaber’s past statement, “Teenagers look up to celebrities very often for guidance and inspiration in daily life” and to Kantaroglu’s point discrimination against women in several industries is still very much prevalent.

Nearly a decade ago, Swift was a victim of public sexual assault by radio host David Mueller at 2013 meet and greet event. The singer was then sued by Meuller for 3 million dollars in 2015 on the claim that her allegations were false and caused him to be dismissed from his job without due cause. The singer infamously countersued for a symbolic $1, reports Vanity Fair’s Hilary Weaver. The

It’s Hollywood Baby | KARISSA BELTRAN-JIMENEZ jury voted in Swift’s favor in 2017 and the singer paid tribute to her victory and homage to victims of sexual assault a year later at a concert for her Reputation tour– a show already a tribute to her persevere throughout her much-critisized career.

Swift disclosed to Variety’s Chriss Willaim how being in the public eye and receiving such heavy criticism affected her body image, and her struggles with comments that would “just trigger [her] to just starve a little bit — [and] just stop eating.”

Williams quotes Swift’s documentary where the singer said “I’ve learned over the years it’s not good for me to see pictures of myself everyday…I tend to get triggered by something.” In the scene she then demonstrates using her phone and an image of herself how she would find herself zooming in on photos taken of her and feeling insecure and would then starve for periods of time. She revealed she was not proud of this and she then realized, “I don’t care as much if somebody points out that I’ve gained weight, it’s just something that makes my life better.” In Swift’s recent album (apart from her re-recorded releases) Midnights, her song’s music video for Anti-hero references her struggles with ED as she sings a song about acceptance and self-love. McCann believes that is what makes Swift’s music so relatable, “because Taylor has so many “eras,” she has a song for every mood and situation, not just breakup songs. Whether you’re driving with the windows down, crying in your room, screaming at the wall, there’s always a Taylor song you can play that will make you feel like you’re not going through something alone.” Emily St. Martin with the LA Times writes that Swift, in her acceptance speech for title of artist of the year, best direction for “Anti-Hero”, show of the summer, as well as awarded album of the year for “Midnights” shared, “I am so so happy because this is validating my favorite part of what I get to do ... And it always starts with a very isolated emotion, like a very, very specific type of insecurity or self-loathing that I feel like I’m the only one who is feeling in that moment…

But then, when I go out on tour, I’ve got a stadium singing the words back to me.

It brings me to this very relaxing feeling of maybe we all have the same issues.”

McCann adds that “Taylor has been a

role model to so many women of all ages, especially young girls who look up to her. Her songs have always highlighted empowering messages of individuality and independence [and disclosing her] battle with unfair treatment from record labels has also made her such an inspiration for other female artists as well.” It is the candid nature of Swift’s music that McCann connected to from the start. McCann shares that when Speak Now was released she was just 3 years old and since she could remember her “mom would always play it in the car wherever [they] went.” She adds “I feel like I’ve grown up with her, and she’s gotten me through so much over the years, so it means a lot to also be a part of such a rare community that doesn’t compare to any other fanbase.”

Amidst the many adversities Swift has faced throughout her career, the singersongwriter has produced 10 original albums. Her first 6 albums were acquired

by Scooter Braun in 2019 and sold for 300 million to private equity fund Shamrock Holdings in 2019, however in 2020 Swift announced her re-recording journey to her fans. Currently having released 4/6 of her previous albums, Swift’s “Taylor’s Version”s) has been well received by audiences, as they were featured in shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty and 2023 Forbes article “Taylor Swift’s Re-Recorded Albums Are Huge Successes–But They Were A Real Risk” by Hugh McIntyre. The article reports, “Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version) and now Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) all soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold incredibly well. These re-recordings have not only solidified Swift’s place in music history but also demonstrated that even with lightly reworked versions of songs that her fans were already familiar with, she could still achieve chart-topping success and outperform many other artists with brand new collections.”

With the past summer’s release of Speak Now Taylors Version , a 1989 re-record released in the fall, and ongoing Eras tour (with 151 shows), and Eras Tour movie with 200 million in global profits, Taylor Swift does not seem to be slowing down.

$737,000

$ 325,000

$ 716,000

1.6 million Trident | December Issue 35

Former Destiny’s Child singer Beyonce has seen much success since her start in Texas. A young music-lover, song writer, and performer Beyonce shares in Harpar Bizar’s 2021 article, “Beyoncé’s Evolution”, that by age 10 she had recorded 50-60 songs and in the back of her mind was always how her father inspired her to write her own songs, and that is why she only composed original music. Beyonce has broken many barriers as a woman in a male dominated industry, creating not only a thriving music career and discography but her own clothing, production, and management company. Beyonce has dipped her feet in many pools but one thing the artist makes clear in her candid interview with Harper Bazaar, “I took control of my independence at 27 [by starting] Parkwood Entertainment.

At the time, there wasn’t a company that did what I needed it to do or ran the way I wanted it to run.

So, I created this multipurpose… conglomerate that was a creative agency, record label, production company, and management company to produce and work on projects that meant the most to me. I wanted to manage myself and have a company that put art and creativity first.”

to do something.”

The singer and entrepreneur addressed many of the challenges and prejudice women and women of color face in the industry and that from an early age she believed she “had to have stage presence, wit, and charm if [she] wanted to win” and worked with coaches as early as the age of 9 to achieve her goals of being a singer and releasing a record. Kantaroglu believes “It is important to have strong, female figures in Hollywood and in the public eye for many reasons, but one being representation. There are many young girls out there who look for someone to relate to or a role model. It shows young girls that they can be whoever they want to be and achieve great things in life. Representation matters

a young Black woman that I couldn’t mess up. I felt the pressure from the outside and their eyes watching for me to trip or fail. I couldn’t let my family down after all the sacrifices they made for me and the girls. That meant I was the most careful, professional teenager and I grew up fast. I wanted to break all of the stereotypes of the Black superstar, whether falling victim to drugs or alcohol or the absurd misconception that Black women were angry. I knew I was given this amazing opportunity and felt like I had one shot. I refused to mess it up, but I had to give up a lot.” Despite her growing popularity Beyonce has kept the public away from her private life.

In Olivia Blaire’s Elle article “Beyoncé Discusses How People Might Interpret Her Privacy As Being ‘Closed Off’,” the singer shares that “In this business, so much of your life does not belong to you unless you fight for it. I’ve fought to protect my sanity and my privacy because the quality of my life depended on it.

A lot of who I am is reserved for the people I love and trust. ”

who run the world?

GIRLS

From the beginning Beyonce was adamant about being in control of her career and upon creating Parkwood Entertainment she “wanted strong women to be in key roles throughout [her] company, when most of the industry was still male dominated.” Beyonce shared, “I wanted collaborators who had not been jaded by the corporate world and wouldn’t be afraid to rock with me when I came up with unconventional ideas, a team that would challenge me but wouldn’t be conditioned to say you’re not supposed

36 Sea Glass

because it gives people hope and more opportunities.”

Beyonce shared in her Harper’s Bazaar interview, commemorating her milestone birthday 40, that “I’m at a point where I no longer need to compete with myself. I have no interest in searching backwards” through when she began her career she made sacrifices in her personal life and “If something wasn’t helping me reach my goal, I decided to invest no time in it.”

The mogul explained that she “didn’t feel like I had time to…“hang out” and so she “sacrificed a lot of things and ran from any possible distraction.” In the interview Beyonce confided “I felt as

To this day, Beyonce has a spot on Time’s list of 2023’s Most Influential People, and the end of her Renaissance Tour in October 2023 and upcoming release of the tour’s documentary/film Renaissance marks a new beginning in Beyonce’s career.

As 2023 comes to a close, the year was dominated by women in the music industry as Beyonce and Taylor Swift’s stadium tours generated a combined estimate of 9.1 billion. The NYT article, “Make the Whole Place Shimmer: America Spends Big for Beyoncé and Taylor Swift”, Jeanna Smialek and Jordyn Holman write that “Beyoncé’s shows are expected to spur $4.5 billion.” This girl is running the world.

It’s Hollywood Baby | KARISSA BELTRAN-JIMENEZ

Trident | December Issue 37

Joaquin

Phoenix The Phoenix children had an unorthodox upbringing. Most notably was their family’s early participation in the Children of God, David Berg’s Christian communal group. By the time Puerto RicanAmerican Actor Joaquin Phoenix was three, the family had left the cult which would later become affiliated with allegations of child sexual abuse.

Later moving to Los Angeles he and his brother River got their start in Hollywood in the early 1980s and only featured in small commercial roles until River was awarded an Oscar for his role of Danny Pope in Running on Empty. River died some years later due to an accidental overdose in 1993.

Following his passing, Phoenix continued to pursue acting and he is now acclaimed for his diverse portfolio including movies Joker and Napoleon.

Phoenix is known for his eclectic roles and extremist method acting. The actor told the Hollywood Reporter that for his role of the Joker, he lost 52 pounds and that it had affected his mental health. Similarly in a rare exclusive interview with CBS News’ Anderson Cooper, Phoenix disclosed that the acting process is

difficult for him to explain

38 Sea Glass

because there’s a certain mystery to it and even when asked about rehearsing he responded, “the great thing about shooting a movie is shooting multiple takes, and you use editing and so you grab those best moments. So I’d rather discover those moments while we’re working, than in the rehearsal process, and then feel like, ‘Oh, that was really good what we did. How do we recreate that?’” Phoenix’s preparation for his roles is a detailed yet isolated experience for him and similarly, the public rarely sees him behind the scenes, opting to keep his personal life undisclosed. The CBS article “Joaquin Phoenix: A three-decade career filled with dark, complicated characters” attempts to shed light on Phoenix’s lifestyle as an actor but as a reluctant interviewee, could only glean that he doesn’t live a lavish lifestyle.

The award winning actor is known for his dark roles and Cooper writes that Phoenix explains “that oftentimes the characters have these lives and experiences that are so foreign to me that it– it breaks my heart.” For him, getting into character remains a private affair but throughout his career stemming from the 90s, he has portrayed a variety of roles diverse to his own background.

CdM Spanish teacher Lisa Ramirez explains that as a teacher “it’s important to teach the culture as much as the language… and show that there’s so many different types of latinos and that our culture is such a beautiful rich traditional [culture].” And so, having “seen such a change from when I was younger to now” is inspiring as there is a shift “specified with latino characters.

They’re not just the side characters or the cooks. They’re not just the gardeners, because when I was younger that was the stereotype” which

It’s Hollywood Baby | KARISSA BELTRAN-JIMENEZ

“it so important to show” Ramirez shares.

As the film industry welcomes rising stars Latina stars like Xochitl Gomez, Rachel Zegler, Jenna Ortega and more, roles with Latino representation are becoming eclectic roles for them as actors to play. It is reflective of the change the film industry is making to diversity film. Ramirez explains how she will always “hope that’s where [Hollywood’s] going. That they’re looking for genuine authentic people to represent those characters” and “build more stories around those characters because there are so many.” But in a time where there was little representation, actors like Phoenix were working to diversify their portfolios and set the path for young stars to be given the opportunity to do so as well.

With the glamorous illusion of unattainability painted by Hollywood, it’s easy for the public to forget that today’s stars are human. These Swift, Perry, Beyonce, and Phoenix all rose above adversity–a part of stardone that is often overlooked–and whether through candid interviews, books, or simply their careers rising success, they have been able to highlight the strength of perseverance in an industry that tends to angle the step higher for them.

Karissa Beltran-Jimenez 25’ loves Taylor Swift!

Photos courtesy of: Page 1 Matthew Perry (top left): nbcnews.com Matthew Perry (bottom left): firstforwomen.com Page 2: Friends cast (top right): outkick.com Friends cast (middle right): Mathilde De Cyriac on flickr.com Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox (middle right): radiotimes.com Friends cast (botton right): aarp.org/

Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc (bottom right): celebritytidbit.com Page 3 Taylor Swift: Danu Super Store on ebay. com Pink background: whatstrending.com edited on Photoshop Page 4: Fearless TV Vinyl, Red TV Vinyl, Speak now TV Vinyl, 1989 TV Vinyl: store. taylorswift.com/products edited on Photoshop Page 6 Beyonce and dancers: today.com/ Page 7 Joaquin Phoenix: variety.com Page 8 Phoenix family (top left): koimoi.com River Phoenix and friends (top middle): evoke.ie Joaquin and River Pheonix (top right): hollywoodreporter.com Works Cited: Matthew Perry Opens Up About His Addiction Journey with a New Memoir: ‘I’m Grateful to Be Alive’By Julie Jordan Matthew Perry’s Friends Costars Speak Out After His Death: ‘We Are All So Utterly Devastated’ (Exclusive) By Nicholas Rice and Julie Jordan ‘Friends’ Fans Mourn Matthew Perry Outside Sitcom’s Iconic New York Apartment: ‘He Had So Much Life Left’ By Rebecca Rubin New Matthew Perry Foundation Follows The Late Actor’s Lifelong Advocacy For People Struggling With Addiction by Conor Murray 9 Ways Taylor Swift Has Changed the Music Business by By Marc Schneider Lead Like Taylor Swift: 5 Top Secrets Of Her Superstar Success Bruce Weinstein, Taylor Swift’s $1 Billion Key to Success Is Something Anyone Can Copy BY JASON ATEN

15 times Taylor Swift has broken records throughout her career Erin McDowell Tim McGraw says he knew Taylor Swift was unstoppable By Marianne Garvey Taylor Swift Has Finally Been Sent the Symbolic Dollar She Won in Court BY HILARY WEAVER Taylor Swift’s Re-Recorded Albums Are Huge Successes–But They Were A Real Risk

by Hugh McIntyre Taylor Swift Eras Tour film seeking more box office records as it sticks around in theaters by Sarah Whitten ‘Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé’ Hopes To Pull In More Than The Single Ladies With $20M+ Opening By Anthony D’Alessandro Beyoncé’s Evolution INTRODUCTION BY KAITLYN GREENIDGE; PHOTOGRAPHS

BY CAMPBELL ADDY; STYLING BY SAMIRA NASR AND MARNI SENOFONTE Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour Earns $579 Million By Steven J. Horowitz Beyoncé Makes ‘TIME’ List of 2023’s Most Influential People By Rania Aniftos Tina Knowles praises Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for boosting the economy. See how much their tours have made By Francesca Gariano Make the Whole Place Shimmer: America Spends Big for Beyoncé and Taylor Swift

By Jeanna Smialek and Jordyn Holman Beyoncé Knowles: Queen of femme pop Guinness World Records Limited 2023.

All About River Phoenix, the Late Actor Brother Joaquin and Rooney Mara Named Their Child After By Eric Todisco 21 Actors Who Committed to Method Acting at Some Point in Their Career BY CARLY THOMAS Joaquin Phoenix: A three-decade career filled with dark, complicated characters BY ANDERSON COOPER Taylor Swift Opens Up About Overcoming Struggle With Eating Disorder (EXCLUSIVE) By Chris Willman

Trident | December Issue 39

S MS. P RA O P P T LIGHT BY: HALEY RAEL Spotlight

40 Sea Glass

C

dM teacher Ms. Rapp has been teaching AP Environmental Science for twentyfour years at CdM. Her passion for the environment and how it affects the ocean, animals, and the climate has continued to grow. Her fascination was always there, “I was interested [in] biology and marine sciences and environmental science,” Rapp vocalized. Her love for the sciences grew into teaching others about what she enjoyed, “I enjoyed working with students because I worked in a daycare facility in Irvine for years. I did after-school daycare and was doing science [related activities] with them.” Rapp continued, “I enjoyed seeing their reaction, putting the ideas together, and seeing that they understood what was happening in [the] experiment we were doing.” When she graduated college, she looked for job opportunities,Ms. Rapp answered, “I decided that was the direction that I was going to go in. I thought going [to] high school with the high school students would be fun because of [the] different personalities, and I enjoyed the older kids more than I did the little ones.”

When asked why she decided to go into environmental science instead of the other sciences, “It was a choice [and] an opportunity. Ms. Walters had mentioned an AP Environmental class that [was available to teach], and she thought it was right up my alley cause I was always into environmental and marine,” Rapp shared. After hearing about this opportunity, “I went to the principal and asked if I could start the program, then made some contacts [and it] was perfect timing. [Because] the city of Newport was looking to partner with Surfrider–a non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches–and with teachers at our school site.” Rapp voiced, “Things are constantly changing and interesting because [every day when] you open up the newspaper, there is [always] something linked to what we do in class.”

Rapp has always stayed true to her teaching style with a few changes. When explaining some of the activities that she does in her AP Environmental Science class, Rapp mentioned, “We go out [to the Back Bay] once every month or so, and we test the water for bacteria, look at the dissolved oxygen levels, the pH, and the overall water quality in the Big Canyon Creek bed.” Rapp explained the effect climate has in Newport Beach, “[I]n Newport Beach, we get the sea breeze that comes off the coastline from the ocean that has a moderating effect on our climate.” This shows her dedication to understanding and teaching about the environment and how it is affected by outside factors.

Trident | December Issue 41

S MAR P INE O CLUB T LIGHT 42 Sea Glass

Spotlight | HALEY RAEL

C

dM Marine Club is one of many clubs at CdM that work to help the ocean.

Emmy Lallande, a junior at CdM and vice president of Marine Club, commented, “Marine Club is raising money and spreading awareness about domoic acid poisoning in our oceans to marine mammals.” Lallande explains that “...domoic acid originates from seaweed, and it only affects marine mammals, so when fish eat [the affected] seaweed [the fish are] not affected, but they still have it in their system.” Lallande continued, “[And so] when sea lions eat the [affected] fish, they become affected . They [then might wash] up on the beach, and people might want to touch [them].Then we’re going to be affected because we’re also mammals.”

“Marine club wants to spread awareness and raise money for marine animals and for us to be safe,” Lallande says. “[At the meetings,] we talk about how we can raise money for Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and we are going to start talking about volunteering [there],”Landelle explains. In order to get the donation money, Ladelle stated, “The main thing that we are going to do is recycling bottles and getting money from [that].”

When asked why they want to spread awareness about the domoic acid issue, Landelle expressed, “Recently there’s [been] a surge of animals with domoic acid poisoning. Pacific Marine Mammal Center has been having more mammals they’ve rescued.” To spread awareness, Landelle voiced that they’re, “... having flyers up around school and also having things on Trident TV, and by word of mouth by educating people.”

Trident | December Issue 43

S NIC P OLE O MAYA T LIGHT

44 Sea Glass

Spotlight | HALEY RAEL

N

icole Maya, a junior at CdM, has always been drawn to the ocean and the life that lives below. “The ocean to me [is] just a bunch of unexplored life that we have no idea [about], there can be more life, and who knows if [there are] mermaids out there,” Maya enthusiastically voiced.

Maya furthered this fascination with marine life, “At OCC, I took [an oceanography class], it wasn’t exactly like marine biology, oceanography is mostly about plankton, the walls of the ocean and how it’s formatted.”

Maya further explained, “I want to be a marine biologist, specializing in sharks.” When asked why sharks, Maya remarked, “I think that [sharks are] the most misunderstood sea animals.” Maya observed, “Almost none of the shark attacks actually [are caused] by a shark eating [people].

They die because of blood loss or because they drowned. “ Maya recalled the process that made her realize what she wanted to do, “First I wanted to be a vet, but [ then I thought], I [didn’t] want to be stuck in a clinic for my entire day, then [I considered being] a paleontologist.

[However,] I’ve always [felt a] satisfaction [towards] the ocean, so I [thought] why don’t I [become] a marine biologist? You get to go out to the ocean and do a bunch of labs and samples to learn new [things], and I find that fascinating.”

Trident | December Issue 45

S SALTY P SOUL O SEA GLASS T

LIGHT

46 Sea Glass

W

Spotlight | HALEY RAEL

ea glass is unique because it develops from broken pieces of glass that find their way into the ocean to a nice frosted round-shaped piece of glass. After spending years in the sea, sea glass can come in different colors, the most common being white to orange, the rarest color. Many small businesses repurpose sea glass in creative ways. One of those small businesses is Salty Soul Seaglass. Salty Soul Sea Glass owner, Calli Murray mentioned, “ I’ve been collecting [sea glass] for years. I find sea glass in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, and [also] up the central coast.” Murray expresses, “All my jewelry is handcrafted by me from genuine sea glass and beach stones tumbled by the sea.” When asked about the process she uses to make the jewelry, Murray explains, “Most of my necklaces require a hole which I drill with a Dremel drill underwater.”

“Sea glass represents new life to me.

Treasures made out of glass that once was trash. It makes beautiful jewelry and art,”Murray voiced. Furthering her dedication to creating jewelry with sea glass. If interested her store is in the San Clemente Outlets and https:// saltysoulseaglass.com.

Haley Rael ‘25 wishes that she can have such a passion for something.

Photos courtsey of: Jewelry: Calli Murray Nicole Maya and Marine Club: Nicole Maya Turtle: Giorgia Doglioni on Upslash Ms. Rapp: Ms.Rapp

Trident | December Issue 47

Athletics

An Athlete’s View THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS EVAN RAZMJOO overcome challenges by working their hardest.

A

thletes all across the world face a variety of challenges and struggles they must overcome and persevere through. Ranging from pushing their bodies beyond the limits, being put in a difficult situation feeling like there is no way out, or dealing with mental health issues, the amount of pressure placed on athletes can be intense at times. While some will ultimately fold and give in to their aches and pains, others fight through by showing resilience.

A famous instance of an athlete embodying these traits was Kobe Bryant, who outworked others and trained his hardest no matter what. Over his hallof-fame career, Bryant suffered many injuries, including fractured knees, a torn shoulder, and a ruptured Achilles. When he ruptured his Achilles at the tail end of his career in 2013, Bryant could have easily given up the sport of basketball; he had already won 5 championships and solidified himself as arguably one of the greatest basketball players ever. Instead of letting an injury be the end of his career, he did countless hours of rehab, ultimately ending his career on a high note with a historic 60 points in 2016. Athletes all across the world admire Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality,” and strive to similarly

48 Sea Glass

At Corona del Mar High School, sports are a staple of the community.

Students love participating in their favorite sports such as football,

basketball, baseball, volleyball, water polo, and lacrosse. In these sports teams, CdM students are able to form lifelong friendships with people they share common interests and goals with, and develop mentors in their coaches, whom they can always look up to for support and guidance. With each of these sports comes numerous hours of blood, sweat, and tears devoted to practice and training—to perform at their best when the lights are bright during epic games like the “Battle of the Bay” rivalry between Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor High School.

Riley Cummings, a 9th-grade athlete on the CdM freshman basketball team, discussed how, “I have had to persevere through many challenges and struggles as a basketball player. Whether it be myself jamming my finger, rolling my ankle, or breaking an arm, I have always stuck with the sport I enjoy playing, and have fought through these injuries that have tried to take me down.” On a similar note, 10th-grade athlete Landon Rucker described his own experience: “I am really frustrated and upset when I am injured.

As a sophomore playing varsity football this year, I sustained a foot injury and was unsure if I had broken a bone on my foot.

Luckily, the injury was not as severe as I anticipated and through lots of work with the trainers, I was able to return for the ‘Battle of the Bay’ and play at my highest level.”

Resilience is not only shown through athletes overcoming injuries but also can be seen when they are put under the big spotlight of game time.

Nathan

Kushner,

a 10th-grade lacrosse player at CdM, related how “During the game, all athletes including myself will have performances that are not up to our standards and expectations. What is important is how we react to these situations and get out of our heads—instead of letting our emotions get the best of us.” Similarly, Cummings noted that, “There have been times where another player on another team is making every shot, and it feels like an impossible task to guard them. When you are panting, with your hands on your knees, and with your last breath, those are the moments that define who you are as a player.” Lastly, Rucker added that, “I had to overcome a lot of challenges and beat out my teammates in order to make varsity football as a sophomore. It was not easy, but through hard work, hours of training, and practice, I was able to overcome the odds and do my best.”

Whether it be showing resilience through overcoming injuries or facing difficult situations in their games, athletes at Corona del Mar will continue to represent our school as models of dedication and determination.

Evan Razmjoo ‘26 has shown resilience as an athlete himself Photos courtesy of : Football players: Iman’s View on Instagram Basketball players: California Times

Trident | December Issue 49

Instagram: @cdmtrident Online: cdmtridentonline.com Photo courtesy of Jessica Miramadi