There are many talented writers and artists here in our very own school. It’s time for our scholars' work to be seen! Warrior Voices is Western’s first literary magazine, and it’s focused on getting student work recognized. Our literary magazine’s leadership team will work diligently to publish student work including but not limited to short stories, essays, poems, jokes, comics, and art. It is our top priority to ensure that student creative expressions are represented adequately and given a place to be celebrated by our community for generations to come.
200%
My world is living in the U.S.
My world is living the culture of the Aztecs.
Being born Chicana is a privilege, It’s two lifestyles and two worlds
But people see a different image.
Having Mexican descendants and being U.S born, Is having an identity that is unknown. I live in the states and I’m “too Mexican.”
I visit my roots and I’m “too American.”
And maybe our lives are an opportunity that our ancestors seeked
But us Chicanos can’t help but feel our sense of belonging is weak.
“No soy ni de aquí ni de allá.”
That’s our biggest batalla.
But we ’ re not freaks for having a connection to both sides.
We’re 100% Mexican, 100% American. That’s what makes up our unique lives.
Bryan Puebla
Came from a mother who never gave up Had a father who never cared
I am more like my mother strong and pushes through anything
I am Mexican
I am Red, White, and Green
My skin is made of tortillas
My insides are beans and rice
The cheese in my hearts gets me attached
My veins run with salsa
In my culture we celebrate both life and death. Everyone celebrates birthdays, but we also like to celebrate those who we have lost.
My culture and my identity is the celebration of life and death.
We don't like to be sad about those who have passed. We like to be happy we spent time with them and the memories we have.
I personally don't fear death, it happens to everyone and whether or not there is a world for the dead to rest, I believe our ancestors and loved ones are looking over us. There is no way we can prove any of this wrong or right, believing they are still here with us is a way to show appreciation and love.
This is my way of embracing and showing off my culture, even though it's not constant or always talked about. I love my culture and love embracing it in any way I can, I am not in folklorico or in a banda, or even had a traditional quinceanera.
In any way, shape or form I embrace my culture by making the food, listening to the music and learning about the myths and legends.
I wouldn’t trade my culture for any other.
No soy de aqui ni de haya
So where do I belong? I speak two languages
Dream in two language
Yet, I am not fully one or the other
So again, where exactly do I belong
In a world so big, there has to be a place
Donde pueda pertenecer
I am Mexican
But I am also American
I'm a person in between And a young teen
A person who is easily dismissed Always treated like a person who is amiss
It’s no wonder why I always feel like this Not respected, nor listened to This is something we must fight through Make them listen, make them understand
That we are no different just because we are tan
Growing up wanting more Family moving, having the need to explore
Jumping walls, borders, and countries
Working a 9 to 5 just to be called thieves
Chota always on our backs
Selling just to get racks
You can feel the heat beaming down
ICE telling us to get on the ground
Mother wailing, I can feel that ship sailing
My life slipping away
And I hear them everyday
Stereotypes, side eyes, and racial comments
All of this because of my people’s accents
I guess I can only be seen
As someone who is “wanted”
Your greatness and glory
They are removed in history Of sovereign Mexico
Behind is the past
Plus your bloody name
It must shine forever.
Your enormous sacrifice
Gives us the benefit
To have a worthy homeland
A powerful homeland
Progressive and happy
The flag of Mexico.
Your great colors in the wind
To the rhythm of the drum
Singing your voice out loud
My chest explodes with emotion
Patriotic symbol of our great land. Long Live Mexico!
Am I Hispanic, Chicano, or American
How do I know and why do I care
Does it matter if I don’t know
Does my identity really define me
Why do I not know what to say to people when they ask for my ethnicity
Why does it matter if I know or not
How do I know when I come from parents who migrated to the U.S.
I was born here so does that make me an American
Or am I Hispanic someone who is a native of, or descends from a Spanish-Speaking country
Or Chicano/a who is someone who is native of, or descends from, Mexico and who
Lives in the United States
How will I ever know they are so similar
Who am I?
I don’t know
I don’t know my name
I don’t know who I am
Who am I?
Who am I?
The answer to that question goes beyond what is underneath my skin
The answer to that question goes beyond my heritage
The answer to that question goes beyond who I identify as
And the answer to that question goes beyond the essence of my being I’m still trying to find myself in an ocean of people
But I am boundless
Who am I?
I don’t know
I don’t know my name
I don’t know who I am Yet
It’s a journey
A journey with no clear finish
But I will persevere
I will find her
I hope she is the future I dream of I hope she is the girl who makes her mom proud
Even from her endless sleep
Even from her home in the stars above
Who am I? I can’t really say.
I’m multiple people, still deciding who to play.
I’m the me from home and the me from school
I’m the me who's encountered all types of fools
I’m stuck in between the yearning of hiding but wanting to be seen
Who am I?
I’m the one my brain tells me to be No really, who am I?
When all I hear is opinions and expectations I’m told to reach
So many voices in my head, I'm tired I can hardly breathe
I thought I was supposed to be this? WRONG!! I was supposed to be that.
So as far as I know, I've failed to act Still I have hope.
That behind all the voices and all the sound There's a me waiting to be found
I’m coming, slowly but surely I'll find it, the real me
The one who is finally free.
Un sueño soñé una noche
Un sueño raro y alocado
Muchos decían que no lo haría
Pero creo que lo estoy logrando.
Para alcanzar este sueño
Hay que hacer sacrificios Sacrificios que algun dia Sus frutos estará dando.
Dale vida a tus sueños
Y con ellos volando Tocaras las estrellas
Y te sentirás realizado.
I dreamed a dream one night
A weird and crazy dream
Many said that it could not be But I think I will achieve it
To reach this dream
You have to make sacrifices
Sacrifices that one day
Its fruits will be bearing.
Give life to your dreams
And with them flying
You will touch the stars
And you will feel fulfilled.
Uniquely me, I belong in a world of peace
A world who accepts you for you
A world where identity isn’t being ashamed of A world where you can speak your native language
A world where everyone unites
But we can’t have those things
Instead, we live in a world full of chaos
A world where your identity is being ashamed of A world where no one is at peace
A world where you can’t be yourself
I’m no one special, I’m just like everyone else, I do what I love to do, I never give up on myself Or the things I love,
I’m someone nice and pretty funny from time to time, I help people in different ways, I’m athletic and smart,
I don’t lie, but I’m truthful, I’m always there for those who need me, When I’m not having a good day I play my favorite music, I’m from this generation, but I prefer the older generation,
I’m old school, but I’m young, People say I live under a rock, The cold never bothered me, I am who I am, I don’t change for others I change for myself, I care for my friends and family, Most people call me stubborn and competitive, but that's just me, When you get to know me you will see I’m a good guy, If you see me don’t be afraid to say hi.
Make yourself look presentable
Put on makeup and don’t get stressed
All the others look acceptable
Why?
Why am I not popular?
Why am I not as perfect as the others?
Why?
Hide your insecurities
Suck in all the air as you ask
Do others have insecurities?
You know Haley?
She has insecurities, You know so called fearless Jordan?
Middle school, Two of the most cruel years, Everyone will judge you, Everyone will look at you weird, But they do this because they’re…
They’re jealous of you They want to be like you One day you will understand, One day you will know…
You will know you are beautiful, You will know you are enough, You will know you are you
He is insecure, Everyone is insecure, They just don’t want to show it because…
Well…they want to be something…
They want to be something that doesn’t exists
They all want to be perfect…
All Jennie wants is to be able to look at herself
From the mirror without saying something mean to herself..
All she wants is to be perfect
And you will never be able to change that You love you…
-Mia OrtegaSometimes I feel like an EARTHQUAKE. My heart feels like a BREEZE when I get something off my chest then all of a sudden my emotions start to RUMBLE when my body ROARS in rage BLASTING through my emotions CRACKLING and GROWLING through my anger. I don’t mean to take it out on anyone, but it feels like I SWOOSH through my anger feeling calm when I RUSTLE down in my deep deep secrets but forgetting them like if wind just SWISHES through my mind, finding peace again.
The void is a place that exists in the mind There’s some who call it a prison, I’d call it a place outside of time That is, if it’s even a place at all.
Now, of course the void has time, If it didn’t, then I couldn’t make this rhyme. But it’s how the void feels is what I mean The cloud of the void is where I am.
The echo that I hear when I talk to myself, the hand on my shoulder that isn’t there. That is the void of which I try to avoid, But no matter how I try, I always get there.
It’s a sad truth that I face every week. It’s a truth that I simply can’t control But if for a moment, I sat on a bench, If someone came to sit, would I be fine?
Am I making sense? I don’t think I am. I mean the void is being alone, I mean the void is being at your party, but not feeling like it’s your own
There’s a good thing about the void, That is, that it can make you see. It can make you see the problems in life, And it can help you flee.
You see, the void promises comfort, It promises a place you can hide. And while others live in the void, I try to use it to thrive.
She was just a little girl
A seed planted in soil
No one but others to look up to
Why can’t she be like them?
When will she live like them?
She did everything in her power to destroy what others knew of her and become “brand new
Why does she feel the same?
Living with temporary joy
A void that has now grown
Little by little she realizes that the battle is within and not outside No one but herself can define her Took some steps back and allowed her true self to grow
Became the leader instead of the follower
Became the flower
Look my way and hold my gaze, As the rain pours outside, I fall into a daze, And I search for something only you can provide, In those amber eyes I stay wandering, Gently I sigh and remark, As my every thought stays pondering, I remain stranded like Noah without his ark,
Whenever near you pass, I am simply blown away, And although it may seem crass, It’s beautiful to observe your angelic sway,
Truly no words are needed to describe you, For unfortunately they all come up short, I feel the urge to pursue, Heartbreakingly though I always abort,
Although I am not a believer, You have made me see, That I am a faulty perceiver, For there is an angel right before me.
The grimy city night had been invaded by soft jazz. The streets, dimly lit. And as the rain gently fell from dark clouds, I held you close. Your chin rested on my chest, and your eyes held mine. With a smile, you invoke happiness, and obvious feelings of desire.
When your soft lips graze mine, you make the thunderous city appear docile, and everything goes quiet. After every long and passionate kiss, you plant a smaller one upon me, like a signature that indicates beloved ownership. As the music from the street winds up, our hearts almost rip through our chests. As the notes are masterfully and simultaneously played, our emotions reach a feverish pitch, our love so grand that it was on full display for everyone to gaze with envy. In those dark city streets, I felt true love. In those grotesque and wretched paved roads, I felt complete with the simple thought of you.
Oh demon lover why do you hurt me, Equal parts lovely and dangerous, Hot to the touch from your flaming heart, Although painful,
Of you I cannot get enough,
Demon lover you ’ re a sight for sore eyes, To you I give my heart, And like butter it melts in your hands, Quietly I cry while you laugh, Oh sweet demon lover you sure are cruel, Cruel but loving, As I pledge my eternal loyalty, You despise me and dismiss me with a piercing gaze, Oh demon lover, I love you so, My heart you ’ ve infected, And my soul you have plagued, Please come, my charming devil, Help me feel the true ardency of your love.
From the first day I saw you, It was love at first sight. Although I wasn’t sure I knew it was true. I walked closer to you, Love
Your cold presence was thrilling. But you disappeared to the shadows, I knew seeing you again would be fulfilling. Some would say I’m obsessed, I say I’m persistent. They say mother knows best, Maybe that’s why she’s no longer existent You know, I thought you wouldn’t show. But there you were, shining like a flame, You are the shadow to my light
Come, let me tell you how I took aim.
You tell me this wasn’t part of your plan?
But I did it for love, why can’t you see?
Why can’t you see that I’m not just a fan?
Why can’t you see that I’m your bride to be? After spending years in this cell, I wait for the day I can see you again.
I’m let out of a sort of hell, Twenty-five years! And what have I to tell.
I’m so eager to see you, Love!
I don’t want to be apart for another day.
I’ll bring you to me if push come to shove
They asked, I told them they are all by the bay.
To some, this has no meaning. But to me, it’s a song that keeps singing. You could call me Midas, I ruin what I touch. What I seek is companions, I seek friends. But at the end of every attempt, All I achieved was new end, And that is a sad reality. With every end, I learn the same lesson. I learn that being me is not a favorable, Whenever I am myself, I know the outcome. The outcome is loneliness, a sorrowful song. To be insane, you repeat the same But expect a different outcome. And every time, that I try I hope that their leave will be delayed. To every friend I’ve ever had, I’m sorry for the troubles I’ve caused, Sadly I continue to be insane, And my attempts for friends will be in vain.
In the night I see your eyes shine
At night you make my worries disappear
It fills my heart with joy when I call you mine
In good times and bad times we were there for each other
It would break my heart whenever I saw you shed a tear
And I would try so you wouldn't shed another
I know the moment I saw you, you were perfect
No other would be able to compare Your care is a long lasting effect
When our eyes connected I swear I loved your stare I thought when I made my choice I wasn't incorrect
But everything is temporary In the end you chose someone better
Now this pain I have to carry
I finally deleted our messages
Our pictures
And finally your contact
Probably the hardest thing I had to do I kept putting it off But I finally realized that it's time
We had something not a lot of people get to experience I looked at the messages
The pictures
The videos
Visited the places we went to For one last time
Just to get closure
But then realized Me going to all those places one last time Isn't going to make me move on Only time will help me do that
Love is a dagger
When the blade faces outward
You can face anything
You can slaughter hate
You can overcome challenges
You feel like you can do anything
In this small world
You want to hurt anyone that hurts
The one you love
With that small dagger
Called love
It’s all fun until the blade faces you
In the darkness of your room
And rips you into pieces
Until you can no longer breathe
Eat or sleep
Until you feel like an abandoned child
Waiting for the love of its mother
Except, the person you are willing to do anything for Never loves you back
With that same dagger called love
The one you used to protect, your loved one
It now starts ripping you apart
Because you are well aware
They don't feel the same as you do
It is a weapon we must use wisely
Or it will end us most likely
I walked into my cell,
There he was, standing all alone
This was his story to tell, How could I have known?
Brian was never one to be quiet. He Always said some random things, Like “what if I went on a diet?”
Or “what if we were kings?”
Brian never slept either.
Talks as if it's non-stop!
Some days he would weep, Some days, I hoped that he would drop.
One day we got lunch, Of course he didn't stop talking.
I look around as people munched, No one looked, they kept on walking?
I asked Brian why no one looked his way?
He was quiet for a little.
Most quiet seconds of my stay!
He looks at me and starts to giggle.
“No one can see me, ” he says.
I look at him astonished.
I go back to my cell as Brian says,
“Ignore it, it's not important.”
Brian never stayed quiet, Always says random things.
“I want to be a pirate!”
“What if people had wi-” STOP!
I yell at Brian to stop,
He was quiet once again.
I say the more that he talks, The more my head wants to pop! He doesn't speak anymore, I drift off to bed.
I wake up as if I'm back from war, I look over, I see Brian's head?
Brian is standing in his corner, It seems like he's floating?
To my utter horror, I look as I realize I was unknowing. The warden comes to the cell, Tells me I'm free to go? I walk out of this hell, Not understanding what I know.
As I turn to see the prison,
I see that it's now gone, now i fall asleep And wake up alone.
I shoot up from my bed! It's 7 in the morning?
I have to write a poem from my head, But I know Brian and I stay in mourning.
The soldiers blow their trumpets
They stomp their feet like thunder in the air
Marching to the battlefield
Drawing their swords
Drawing their bows
Drawing their last breath
The sound and smell of iron fills the air
Many pray
Hoping and pleading
That they will get to live another day
The calm belt of sea
Graciously moving and free
It’s freedom for me
-Anonymous
The best way to belong Is by loving those not loved And receiving love
-Anonymous
Life is black and white
Until you learn its true shades
Life is dim and gray
-Habbib Bundu
No silence throughout Home of warmth, never to cease Welcoming to all
There once was a bat
Who had a blue hat
This hat was too big for a bat, so it was perfect for naps
The only problem is, the bat didn’t like naps
People make claps, and taps, and ran laps which awoke him from his naps
The bat started to dislike his hat
For every time he took a nap, he’d get terrible memories of the loud claps, and taps, and running of laps
He started to believe it was his hat, and not the people being rats!
But the little bat met a cat, who had a green hat
And the cat told the bat,
“little bat, it’s not your hat that makes claps, taps, and runs laps, it’s the people. Do not let these outside sources, of which you cannot even control, stop you from taking naps in your blue hat.”
The little bat cheered, “Yes, Yes! It all makes sense!”
“It was never my hat,”
“There is no need to be tense!”
So the little bat took his hat and he made it what he wanted
He learned to love his hat, for his hat was his companion.
Go to school, do homework, go home, sleep. Repeat, Repeat. Go to school, do homework, go home, sleep, “wake up ” - wait, that was different. I was asleep but completely conscious. I walked around and walked into the first coffee shop I saw. I walked in and she walked out. I stood there holding the door for her while she stared intensely into my eyes. “You gonna go?” I asked her. And she was gone just like that. As I stood there, I contemplated what was happening. It all seemed so real and as if it was not my own dream but someone else’s. Everything slowly faded and I was back in my room. All my life has been filled with routines. No surprises, no fear, no nothing. I was safe. In a blink of an eye my life flipped. She walked out of the shop, just as confused as I was. I didn’t know who she was and it was for the best. No need for attention, no need for change. Keep my head forward and live life normal. Wait, one new friend isn’t that bad, is it? Even if she didn’t exist I had to find her in her dreams once more. Okay, yeah, go to school, do homework, go home, sleep, “wake up ” . Little by little my normal changed. I would see her again and again until all I could think about was asking her out. I couldn’t explain it, but I had this feeling that she was real. I saw her the next night and just popped the question.
However, before she could answer, I faded into reality and she was gone. I was eager to get a response. Nervous but ready. I went to sleep and I awoke. I didn’t see her anymore. Again and again I slept to go see her, but now I only slept in complete darkness. The next morning, I walked around campus when she suddenly passed me. She held her head down low and seemed to be bothered by something. In that moment, my heart raced knowing I’m in her dreams once more, wait- I’m awake! I called out to her and asked once more, “Do you have an answer for me now?”. Years passed and seasons changed, but she remained the same. No need for schedules and routines when I’m with her. I am free.
-Sean Sheffler
-Adamaris
Roses are red, Violets are blue, It's been a great Senior Year, With all of you. Times have changed, People have grown, Hellos and goodbyes to all of you, May all your hopes and dreams come true.
I hope your money flows.
"Luly is a nice and loyal person, she is willing to go out of her way and try to help you as much as she can and that's what is amazing about her. I am so happy to have her as a friend."
-FherCastillo
"It has been SUCH a pleasure to see you grow over the years! I am so, so excited for you and all the opportunities that will come your way. Congrats on your graduation!"
-Ms Hobbs
Lourdes Garza plans to attend the Honors Program at Grand Canyon University to study Engineering. During her high school career she participated in Volleyball and Basketball. She was the Volleyball Captain and is a great role model to all the girls on the team. She has a sweet soul and is always willing to help you in any situation. She never fails to make you laugh in tough times. She is a great listener and always gives off the best advice you will ever need to hear.
"Alen,amodernthinkingmanwithtraditional values,andaheartofgold.Hisjovialcharisma, workethic,andunbreakablespiritarea motivationtousall."
-FernandoQuezada
"Alenhasawayofaddingvaluetoany conversationandsituation.Hisintelligenceis persuasive,andhiskindnessundeniable.He'san incrediblebigbrotherandwillalwaysgooutof hiswayintheserviceofothers.Thankyoufor handcraftingmeawoodenspoon!"
-Mr.JamesBrenner
Alen Arredondo plans to attend Arizona State University to study Biosciences and Engineering. He ran Cross Country, played on the Boys Varsity Basketball team, participated in Dungeons and Dragons, and was a founding member of Warrior Voices. Western will miss his high-IQ humor and critical thinking abilities. In his free time, you can find him working with his dad, watching anime, playing chess, or hand carving useful tools!
"Jimenaisoneofthekindestandstrongest scholarsIhavehadtheopportunitytocoach Whateveryoudo,whereveryougo,youwill doamazingandimpactothersasmuchas youhaveimpactedWesternandyourteam thesepastfewyears."
-ArianaVaca"AnythingJimenasetshermindto,shewill do!Shehasbeenthebackboneofthisclub andsuchagoodrolemodelforouryounger members.Shebrightensanyroomandis neverafraidtoshareherinsightfulthoughts."
-Mr JamesBrennerJimena Zapien plans to attend the Honors Program at Northern Arizona University to study Criminology. Jimena excelled in Varsity Cheer throughout high school and was Co-Captain of the team. She is constantly working hard and always brings creative ideas to whatever team she is a part of. In her free time, Jimena loves learning about exercise science, listening to crime podcasts, and taking care of her baby brother.
Juan Solis plans to attend ASU's Barrett Honors College to study Industrial Design. Juan has been involved with Western's yearbook all four years, and his creative touch has spruced up the last two editions of Warrior Voices. He was a needed addition to the team! In his free time, Juan loves drawing and creating art, working at Target, and following political campaigns.
"Juan Solis, is calm, cool and collected! It's been a pleasure having him in my classes and I know he is going to go on to do amazing things at Arizona State University!"
-Mr. Bess
"Hardworking, dedicated & driven are words to describe Juan. Cocky too but he's nice."
-Emily Apodaca
"Isabella is a really good leader, she gives such good advice and is very fun to talk to."
-Arlene Lopez"Bella is a responsible, daring, and confident student. With her sharp mind and unwavering determination, she leads as cheer captain, inspiring others to reach new heights. Her grit and intelligence make her a force to be reckoned with."
-Ms. Lily TrevizoIsabella Pacheco plans to attend Glendale Community College to study Education. Isabella was the cheer CoCaptain for the Varsity Cheer team. Isabella is always willing to help you out with anything you may ever need. She never fails to put a smile on your face and is always joyful for any situation. Western will miss her leadership presence and fearless ability to get difficult things done.
Thank you all for the submissions! This edition wouldn't have been possible without the vulnerability of our school community and their willingness to make their voices heard. We truly appreciate everyone who has played a role in supporting our club's mission. We hope everyone who reads this enjoys it as much we enjoyed making it!
Sincerely,
