Volume 4 Issue 2

DEEP IN THOUGHT: As World History teacher William Ruehle shuffles through his binder, he looks at the over 100 students who attended Java Cram on Wednesday, Oct. 22. “I was keeping track of how many names there were,” Ruehle said, “so I could figure out which advisory had more students.” Java Cram was an Ignite event that took place at the end of first quarter; coffee was available to students for $2 a cup. Ruehle recently received the Renton Rotary Teacher of the Month award for outstanding teaching. “I felt surprised and honored,” Ruehle said, smiling. Ruehle also spearheaded Homework Help Center on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and was awarded National Board Certification from the College Board.

Dauvee Keith photo

blueprint The Word

Dear person, You are a person. Not a John. A Josephine. A Frederico.

Your name is a bunch of letters strung together you are called by.

You respond to your name like you would to a wanted phone call.

Your name may sound like Beethoven’s lost symphony when said by a really good-looking, single person. When your parents yell it at the highest decibel possible the human ear can take, you might wish it was one syllable long.

But people change their name all the time. Geraldine would rather be called Gerald. Kesha would prefer Ke-dollar sign-ha.

Our staff talked to our parents about where our names came from. After discussing embarrassing stories, we realized how much our names actually define us.

Imagine being named something completely different.

Derick Veracruz found out from his dad that his mother almost named him November Rain. Go to page 18 for the rest of his surprise.

In the end, he was able to have some laughs with his Dad. Say you were suddenly given super powers. Every hero needs a name and Marvel is busy at the moment. Check out what students and staff would name their superhero alter ego on page 16.

In fact, what if your name had the same prefix as 14 other males?

Check out Ksenia Ivanova’s article about the SBk clan making the Call of Duty “kill cam” look good on page 14. You know what they say, a family that plays together (by playing I mean virtually killing enemies) stays together.

Don’t think this issue is on first, last, middle, second-first, think-it’syour-middle-but-not-sure, nick, and nonexistent names. We also wanted to fit in a little history lesson on pages 10-11, thanks to Katie Reynolds for her intense research on the history of names.

Now set your name free and replace it with Entertained because that’s what we hope you will be once you put down this issue of name-y goodness.

How We Got Our Name

For this issue about names, we investigated the history of the name Arrow, a name chosen when our publication was born

Farid Ahmach art

|Naje Bryant |Play Hard Staff “This is ARROW’s 3rd year,” journalism adviser Derek Smith said, “so almost 3 ½ years.”

ARROW is just one of many names RHS Journalism has used throughout the years. The Chieftain, The Tomahawk, and the Talking Stick are some names that have preceded ARROW. “Renton has a long history of student publications,” Smith said. “It’s interesting because a lot of schools only have one name.”

The first year of ARROW was the ’08-’09 school year. Graduate students Jimmy Phillips III and Vy Huynh were co-editors-in-chief.

“Everyone thought they signed up for a creative writing class,” Smith said.

In Sept. of 2008 the name ARROW was

created in Room 305, Smith’s Language Arts room during staff training. This is where ARROW’s motto “Urban, Diverse, and Strong” was born, and where the staff chose the mission: “to inform, to entertain, to involve the community, and to speak the truth.”

“There is no formula,” Smith said about the type of people who can be in ARROW,.

“Year two, the people in the class were about two-thirds women. Last year, it was mostly male.”

Why the name ARROW? The Duwamish Indians, our mascots, used arrows to hunt.

“An arrow is a symbol of movement and action,” Smith said. “Having an arrow shows we have a mobile personality, and it’s a trendy graphic.”

In many classes you can just sit there and do nothing and fail easily; not in this class.

“We have a group of 22,” Smith said. “You can’t just silently fail; we have people who care about what you do.”

Journalism students depend on each other for articles, photos, graphics, and an upbeat attitude to keep ARROW going. Their bond is a friendship.

“Every paste-up and class we are like a family,” former journlism student Bryan Diaz.

The newmagazine name led to the ARROW staff family name: Arrowheads.

“It’s pretty diverse just like the newspaper because we do everything different from every other school,” Diaz said.

ARROW has become a well known name around the country. Just last year, they won Best in Show for their Centennial Edition.

“I learned that journalism is my favorite class,” Smith said.

Anthroponymy: the original meanings and origins of first names Queenelle Gazmen means “female ruler” (English); but I prefer protractors..............Editor-in-Chief Joseph Varnadore means “he will add” (Hebrew); but I hate math............................Managing Editor Vanessa Abenojarmeans “butterfly” (Greek); it’s ironic because I’m not girly..................Copy Editor Eli De Los Santos means majestic (Hebrew); I should be royalty...........................Photography Editor Farid Ahmach means “one of a kind” (Arabic); a lot of people have my name though......Art Editor Brittney Nguyen means “land of the British” (England); I wish I had a British accent...Cover Editor Katie Reynolds means pure (Gaelic/Celtic); yeah, compared to my friends..........Know More Editor Dauvee Keith ultimately means “beloved” (Hebrew); I’m loved by all.........................Play Hard Editor Ksenia Ivanova means “wanderer” (Greek); I admit I’m an outcast.....................................Portraits Editor Tristan Jay Cawagas means “happy-sad” (Latin); I know right?..............................Perspectives Editor Kevin Chungmeans “gentle and lovable” (Celtic); This is so0o0o0o0o0 true............NUM83R5 Editor VyVy Nguyen means “terrifying warrier” (Aztec); I can’t fight; I might break a nail.........Faces Editor FINE PRINT

Every issue, the editor-in-chief explains the magical and maniacal torture behind the ARROW scene. If it’s less than (or especially) magical for you, let her know at rhsarrow@ gmail.com

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ARROW is an open forum produced by chipmunching, assembly line overseeing, furry hat sharing, Airhead candy rolling, amateur karaoke singers who are really students lacking sleep and vocal lessons. Awesomely enough, they all go to Renton High School at 400 S. 2nd St., Renton, WA, 98057, a great place for airplane watching. The editor-in-chief is Queenelle Gazmen. You can contact her at 206554-1692, no text messages, please.

ARROW is printed eight times a year by Pacific Publishing Company in Seattle, Washington.

Word processing, graphics and layouts are created on Microsoft Office 2007 and Adobe Creative Suite 3 programs. ARROW has a press run of 2,000.

The staff welcomes letters to the editor and will publish letters which meet our standards of good taste (as space permits). Letters must be signed. ARROW reserves the right to edit letters, though every attempt will be made to

Joecon Tabasondra means “God is gracious” (Hebrew) & constant (Latin); that’s cool.......Know More Staff Abigail Cetino means “father is rejoicing” (Hebrew); after 5 miscarriages, he was happy....Know More Staff Naje Bryant means “stoic” (Arabic); I don’t even know what stoic means........................................Play Hard Staff Fernando Perez means “intelligent and brave” (Spanish); that’s not true. I’m just me..............Play Hard Staff Sura Alani means “to walk at night when it’s dark and the moon’s shining” (Arabic); I agree............Intro Staff Queneshia Lee doesn’t have a real meaning. My mom made it up. I like it because it’s rare.....Portraits Staff Derick Veracruz means “gifted ruler” (English); But I don’t rule anything?...............................Perspectives Staff Marisol Mora means “sunny sea” (Hebrew); I think it’s awesome................................................................Faces Staff Tony Nguyen means “greatly esteemed” (Latin); it doesn’t really fit me.........................................NUM83R5 Staff Andrea Buenbrazo means “courageous” (Greek); Of course I am!....................................................Signature Staff Derek Smith means “gifted ruler” (English); Heck yes!!!!!!!......................................................................................Adviser Mona Orejudos means “big-eared monkey” (Italian); I wish I could climb trees..............................ARROW Staff preserve original content. Unsigned editorials and editorial cartoons represent the majority view of ARROW editorial board and do not represent the views of the Renton School District or RHS. Opinions, commentaries, satires, and perspectives are the views of the writers and artists, not the Renton School District or ARROW editorial board.

ARROW is financed by advertising based on size-determined rates. These range from $20-$80.

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Know more

I Came, I Sawed, I Created

THE CHIPS FLY: Construction teacher and Lumberjox adviser David Cerio power sands arched sides of a future conversational chair. “Numerous times I have thought about doing it and never found the right occasion. The time is now,” Cerio said. This is Cerio’s first year teaching and already he is a favorite among students.

I’M BATMAN: Lumberjox Cabinet President Anansi Thomas works on his own project, a miniature Bat Mobile during class on Nov. 28.

“It was a car, and it was a tank, and I was like ‘yeah...,’” Thomas said. Thomas has the class three periods a day, and is currently working towards an apprenticeship with the local carpenters union that will pay him to go to college.

Lumberjox Rocks

HANDS ON: Cerio assists his students working the power tools on their individual projects (above left). Students work together on a group project, a literal and figurative bridge building effort (above right).

GIRL POWER: Junior Emiltze CruzSanchez (left) and Sophomore Ana Campos (right) glue popsicle sticks to help create structure for a bridge. Cerio embraces the idea that his classes and club are not only for male students.

Katie Reynolds photos

|Katie Reynolds |Know More Editor Walking into woodshop classroom you hear laughter and clacking pieces of wood hitting each other. A student brings his new creation to show the teacher. “That is so swag!”

Construction teacher and Lumberjox adviser David Cerio says.

“Swag” is a word he really enjoys saying.

There is a new club called the Lumberjoxs. They aren’t the guys who chop down trees and members don’t get an ax and go skipping off to the forest. This is a club for all students to explore woodworking and construction with a focus on philanthropy, the notion of family and togetherness.

“I expect big things,” Cerio said. “Do you know why I expect big things? Because we are capable of big things.”

The very unusual name comes from logical reasoning. Club members knew they wanted their name to say they were active.

And Lumberjox replaced the name lumberjack, to say they have both x and y chromosomes. This is a way to welcome not only boys but girls as well.

“Fifty people applied,” Cabinet Member Jordan Nixon said.

There are only a few requirements to be a member.

“You have to attend Renton High School and want to make it a better place. And you have to pass the safety [test], but that’s easy,” Cerio said.

The Lumberjox have plans in mind, like making baby cribs and donating them to all teachers who go on maternity leave.

Family is very important to Cerio, and that is what he wants his club to be about: philamprothy, not just working with wood. It’s a way of life, and making really cool things while doing it.

“And you may learn something,” Cerio said.

The Lumberjox meet every day of the week, every other week from 2:30 pm to 5 pm in Room 163.

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BITES Medical Certifications Forty-eight of the Health and Anatomy students at the school are now certified to perform and administer CPR, AED, and First Aid as as of Nov. 14. “They worked very hard, and you should all feel just a bit safer with these certified students around,” Health and Anatomy teacher Natalie Kolczynski said.

Winter Spirit The Winter Pep Assembly will be on Dec. 9. This will preview clubs not covered in the previous pep assembly, as well as the winter sports teams and athletes. The ASB will be in charge of the event, as well as planning the spirit days for this week. Listen to the announcements for what each day’s theme is.

SAT Preparation SAT testing prep occurs on Saturday mornings right inside the commons. Each weekend, almost 80 students arrive to take the prep classes with Chemistry teacher Alfred Sidman, staying anywhere between four and six hours to get ready for the SAT itself. The next administration of the SAT exam is on Jan. 28, and the deadline to sign up is Dec. 30 on collegeboard.com.

Great Debate RHS hosted a Speech and Debate tournament on Dec. 1. More than a hundred students from 21 schools around the state, including one competitor from Utah, arrived to compete at the event. Notable Renton participants include co-captain Millais Tsang in Original Oratory, junior Delfin Buyco in Open Expository, while co-captain senior Angel Terriquez helped run the tournament. Lindbergh student Vincent Mak also competed for Renton, due to the program being cut at his school.

AP Scholars Seniors Hung Lu, Queenelle Gazmen, and Joseph Varnadore have all been awarded with the title of AP Scholar for their high scores on their AP tests. Scoring within the top margin for over three different of these tests, qualifies them as AP Scholars. In this school district, there are over 50 students that have earned the title.

Band Contest The Renton School District, High School Jazz Band competition was held in the IKEA Performing Arts Center on Nov. 11, during school. Groups from Highline, Hazen, Lindbergh, Evergreen, and more all arrived to compete. After their own performance, the RHS Jazz Band members volunteered to guide and chaperone each group, taking them to their warm up rooms and leading them throughout the school. The next band concert is on Dec. 7 in the IKEA Performing Arts Center.

Year Changes Remember that the school year will be close to half way over by the time we return from winterbreak, meaning that the semester will soon end. Grades from first semester will then be logged and locked into the grade book. Finals are the last week of Jan.

Holiday Spirit Both the Band and Choir classes are collecting charity donations at their concerts on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. All of these donations go buying gifts for the RAYS Santa Breakfast, held on Dec. 17. Both classes also had representatives collecting donations individually the weeks before to their concerts.

Winter Practice Winter break for the entire school district will start on Dec. 17 and will end on Jan. 2, but many sports will be continuing over the break, including wrestling, boys’ swim, gymnastics, and boy’s and girls’ basketball. Though there are no games or meets, it is considered valuable by the athletes to continue to improve during the hiatus.

Sucker Punch The senior class began to sell lollipops on Dec. 2, and intends to continue until they sell all 300 they purchased. The sophomore class had begun earlier that week, and share the same strategy of selling until all have been bought by students. Both classes are setting the price for 50 cents each. The class that will achieve the greater profits is yet to be seen.

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Combining the Strings

|Tristan Cawagas |Perspectives Editor Honors Orchestra: 20 students from all three middle schools and four high schools playing and practicing difficult music.

“I feel exited and awesome. This is gonna be a great concert because students gave a lot to be here and practice,” Orchestra Teacher Nancy Dosch said.

The Soundview Honor Orchestra Concert was at Renton High School on Nov. 15.

Two of the songs they played were “Irish Legend” by Robert Kerr and Soon Hee Newbold, and “Symphony No. 8 Finale” by Ludwig van Beethoven/ Sandro Dackow.

“The music is a lot harder so we have to practice at home…

I think it’s actually pretty fun and it’s nice to meet new people,” violinist Tonie Canlas said.

This is her second year in Honors Orchestra.

Carols To Come

|Sura Alani |Intro Staff A cappella choir students are working together to do their best in the winter concert on Dec. 8.

“I think we will do pretty well, because we’ve been practicing since November 15th, and we have people who have really good talent,” junior Bianca Galvez said.

They are preparing a special kind of music for this winter concert.

“We will have holiday music like ‘Silent Night’ to celebrate Christmas and Hanika,” junior Brian Shelton said.

Choir teacher Lizabeth Diaz likes to respect other cultures, so she chooses different kinds of music.

“I love Ms. Diaz because she understands all the students. She has a big heart,” Galvez said.

“They sing very well. They respect the music, me and each other. I like them all,” Diaz said. “They are my best students.”

Taking the Shards

Embrace A Chef

LSU Needs Recruits

BSU Is Recovering

|Queneshia Lee |Portraits Staff Not many people have known about Art Club in the past few years. However, Art Club no longer exist here at Renton. To replace it, the school now has Glass Guild.

“Glass Guild is all about personal achievement,” adviser Paulette Manson said.

Glass has been worked on for the past three years, but in the former Art Club. Now the entire club is devoted to it. Their current project is a platter.

Members work with all different types of colored glass.

“We have been working on this project for some weeks now,” Manson said.

Manson does realize some students work faster than others; therefore, some projects get done quicker than others.

“We try to be as safe as possible,” Manson said, “and at the same time get the job done.”

Glass Guild meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:03 pm to 4 pm in Room 130.

|Ksenia Ivanova |Portraits Editor Latino Student Union, LSU, is looking for new members hoping to positively impact students.

“The year has started kind of slow. We’re looking at ways to get new membership,” adviser Shannon Pena said.

Anyone is allowed to join. “[We accept] any and all students who are willing join. It’s not like we speak Spanish in all our meetings,” Pena said.

“I want to make sure the Latino community gets more involved and shows more school spirit,” senior Brenda Valdovinos said. “I just wish to increase their attitude towards the school in a positive way.”

LSU members are eager to gain new members and Pena mentions the effects she thinks it will have on students.

“It would get kids more involved in getting to know who they are and appreciating where they come from,” Pena said.

LSU meets after school on Tuesdays in Room 365.

|Farid Ahmach |Art Editor With a good tasting pie in sight, a classroom of students put on their aprons as their teacher starts the day off.

Senior A’Briana McKinnon is a student in the club.

Culinary Club is a club which happens after school. It was formed during the centennial year.

“We had to make the 100 inch cake,” McKinnon said, “We had people come in to help us out.”

The purpose of being in this club is to get the knowledge and skills of how to serve food and how to listen to the person higher than you.

“It’s basically to get the preview of catering,” McKinnon said.

To be in the club you have to have your food worker card.

Additionally, many of the students take classes with Konkol. There’s a strict policy in the club. No open-toed shoes, always wear a chef jacket or apron, and have common sense in dangerous areas.

Culinary Club meets after school in Room 129.

|Andrea Buenbrazo |Signature Staff BSU seems to be disappearing fast.

“We fell apart last year,” BSU member Kianna Hearns said.

“People stopped coming to meetings as soon they found out what the club was about.”

Many people had wanted to join at first but lost interest.

“We try to raise awareness about black history,” Hearns said.

Meeting dates for BSU have been tentative for a few weeks with the president position up for grabs.

“I’m trying to get stuff together for my senior year,”ex-president Jasmine Marley said.

This year, posters are up everywhere advertising BSU to attract new members. Some students seem to show interest.

“I’m interested in it and seeing what it’s about,” freshman Shakir Rashid said.

BSU meets every Tuesday and Thursday in Benjamin Comer’s room at 2:30 pm.

The Beat

I.B. FUTURE

|Joseph Varnadore |Managing Editor By 2015, there will be a major change for Renton High School. AP (Advanced Placement) classes will be a thing of the past, and IB (International Baccalaureate) classes will replace them.

“It’s a lot like applying for a college,” Counselor Becky Lamb said, referring to the process by which students will be admitted to the program. “Every two weeks a committee of people interested in IB meet to work on the application itself.”

Lamb inherited the position of AP coordinator from the last counselor with her section. She stated she “likes the [AP] program itself. It helped get me out of the office and into the classroom with the students,” but she is not against the change.

“The problem with AP is the exam and the credit it gives,” Lamb said.

“There is no guarantee that you will get the credit without getting a high score on the test, and even then, not every college takes AP credit.”

That is where IB classes come in.

“An IB class gives you guaranteed college credit as long as you pass the class, and taking IB classes can even earn you an IB diploma while in high school,” Lamb said. “Colleges also love IB classes because they have a set curriculum, unlike AP classes where it is up to the teacher.”

Taking an IB class is considered on the same level as AP by most colleges, but also carry perquisites.

“You have to be on a specific track to get into the course,” Lamb said.

“You sign up for it when selecting your classes, just like AP, but the track is there to make sure people who will succeed in that class will get in.”

Not every teacher it unwaveringly ecstatic for the change.

“I’m excited to see where it might take us, I don’t know though.

I’ve never been exposed to the IB program before,” AP United States History Teacher Lurline Antes said.

The main reason Antes has enjoyed AP is it’s familiarity to its students.

“I like that it has a long standing in the school,” Antes said. “It’s curriculum allows the teachers to follow the AP standards, and most students who take AP have taken pre-AP, and then are ready for the next year of AP.” Every month, The Beat explores the latest news going around the school.

Everything from dress-code offenses to school-wide events. Breathe deep.

Clarification on school news has finally arrived.

Indians Meet Falcons

For a weekend, eleven seniors undergo trial run of college life, including dorm stay |Queenelle Gazmen |Editor-in-Chief Eleven RHS seniors became temporary Falcons on their free, two-day stay at Seattle Pacific University from Nov. 13-14.

There was an impromptu talent show, a trip to Seattle Center and two free meals in a nationally ranked dining hall.

“Honestly, I didn’t think of SPU as one of my top colleges to choose from,” senior Rose Lindsey said. “After experiencing the atmosphere, I realized that I wanted to actually apply.”

Lindsey, hoping to study pre-med, has had her eye on the University of Washington.

But one hour in an SPU anatomy class gave her another option.

“It was good education on a smaller scale,” Lindsey said. “I took Anatomy here [at RHS] but this class was more in-depth and complicated.”

Others went to just experience the college life in general. There was a list of classes to visit during three different sessions throughout the second day.

“I didn’t even know public speaking

ICE CREAM SUPREME: Senior Zhane Turner takes her fourth bite into her ice cream sundae in Gwinn Commons during lunch. Her sundae, shared with senior Amy Saechao, was made of chocolate, ice cream, M&Ms, sprinkles, and Hershey’s Kisses.

“Not only was the food decently seasoned but it tasted great and they had a big variety,” Turner said.

“I had to go back for seconds! Man, was that ice cream with the M&Ms kickin’ or what?” SPU made it to a top 20 list of “best food on college campuses.”

was a class,” senior Jawon Harris said. “The students were giving speeches. A guy did a speech about Kanye West being a genius.”

The most anticipated part was the dorm stay. SPU students offered their dorms for Urban Previewers to stay in. Lindsey roomed with Queenelle Gazmen.

“Our dorm people, Gennie and Dani, basically said ‘What’s ours is yours,’” Lindsey said. “They even wrote on the board outside their door, and we got their contact information. It was sweet of them.”

Educational in purpose, the event was able to fit in a game of musical chairs.

“We had to walk around this conference room and run back to the table we were sitting at,” senior Mercedes Dantzler said.

“Once the music stopped, people were hurdling. I thought I was going to die.”

Dantzler, though scarred from the musical tables fiasco, recommends the SPU urban Preview event to others.

“It opens your eyes fully to what you’ll experience in college because you’re there to live it,” Dantzler said.

arrow567 BALCONY SCENE: Taking a break on the third floor balcony, senior Jawan Harris takes his time to look at the view before the next session in Gwinn Commons. Harris wants to apply to WSU, but he came to this event for the college experience. “It looks so elegant,” Harris said, in describing the architecture of SPU.

Queenelle Gazmen Photos

Play Hard

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TEACHER, COACH, FATHER

For sixteen years, Lance Winmill has balanced multiple responsibilities, the most recent of which is fatherhood. He has proven to be the ultimate triple-threat | Queneshia Lee | Portraits Staff “I love cross country and track because you don’t have to cut athletes. It’s also a win- win situation,” biology teacher, cross country and track coach, and father Lance Winmill said.

Winmill has taught at Renton for 16 years and has not once thought of teaching at another school.

You would think that a teacher would want to get out and experience a new setting or environment.

But not Winmill, who absolutely loves our school.

“My first year was very awesome,” Winmill said. “I enjoyed the size of the classroom and the diversity. I grew up in a white community, so when I came here I felt like the community embraced me. Most of all I really enjoyed the students.”

What is the difference between coaching and teaching? Some might say there is no difference while others might say they are two completely different things.

“Biology- both AP and regular- is intense; I try to push kids to their capability,” Winmill said. “Kids might think teachers are bipolar but we just want them to be successful; it’s definitely a tough love situation.”

Teachers are here to help and share their hard earned knowledge on us. Their effect on us is a mental thing.

Coaches on the other hand affect us in both mental and physical ways.

“Track and cross country kids have chosen to be there,” Winmill said. “We are on the same page more often.”

Winmill is a teacher by day and coach, father and husband by night. His schedule is very hectic but he

doesn’t mind because he loves working with kids.

“As a teacher, I’m up at five in the morning. I grade papers,” Winmill said. “At 7:20 I get going and teach all day with a break. For a couple hours after school I grade papers. It is really a long day.”

On weekdays starting at 2:45 and for about 2 hours he is practicing with his teams, whereas on Saturdays the track team has meets ranging from 6-7 hours.

With both of his jobs at Renton Winmill tries to blend skills from one into the other and vice versa. There is Coach Winmill and then you have Teacher Winmill.

It can become hard at times to manage both names while on thew other job.

“I prefer Teacher Winmill because I think the best coaches are teachers,” Winmill said. “Coaching helps me teach because it lets my students know that I am here for more than just teaching.”

Dauvee Keith photo

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A Long Way From Home

A team’s dedication does not die because practice is a van ride away

The Game is part of me no matter what sport I’m playing |Brittney Nguyen |Cover Editor Switching sports can be tough on an athlete, but senior PJ Mattingly was able to both switch and excel.

“Going from one sport to [another] sport is a tough transition,” Mattingly said, “but by keeping a clear mind, it guides me through these transitions.”

Mattingly has had his share of accidents though. Injuries are common for athletes.

“Last year I broke my ankle, and I almost broke it again this year,” Mattingly said.

Some have shared similar experiences.

“I broke my ankle last year wrestling,” senior Emanuel Martinez said, “and I dislocated my shoulder wrestling.”

“I love the sport of wrestling,” Martinez said. “It helps me in any other sports I do.”

Both athletes admit that despite their experiences, they continue to put their effort in so they can improve themselves.

“Aw, you know, it gets my wind up,” Mattingly said, “and my reaction time.”

Martinez shares a similar sentiment, but added one other thing.

“I love the sport of wrestling,” Martinez said. “It helps me in any other sports I do.”

Eli De Los Santos photo

ROLL OUT: Swim coach Diane Pavelin waits until 3:30 for her swim team at the tennis courts in the back of the school. Three homeschooled swimmers meet the team up there before practice starts. “But that still leaves 20 boys to drive up there,” Pavelin said.

“Transportation is a big disadvantage and it takes away from practice time.” |Queenelle Gazmen |Editor-in-chief A group of boys waits outside by the tennis courts for their van to take them to Hazen High School for swim practice.

Compared to Hazen, the Indians don’t have the advantage to walk down the hallway to go to their own pool.

“It’s not the Hazen High School swimming pool,” swim coach Diane Pavelin said. “It’s the district’s.”

Pavelin has been coaching the boys’ swim team for ten years and the girls’ swim team for nine.

“It just so happens that Hazen and Lindbergh both have the district pools,” Pavelin said. “But two high schools share each one. I believe Kent Ridge uses Lindbergh’s.”

For some swimmers, the district pool has made them more focused on their swimming.

“It is kind of unfair that they have more time in the pool than we do, but we still get better and faster from all the intense drills,” junior Delfin Buyco said.

Sharing the pool isn’t a problem for the boys.

“Let Hazen have their freedom and do

what they wish to, but they shouldn’t try to invade our freedom,” senior Thien Doan said.

With how close they are to their own pool, Hazen gets double the practice compared to Renton.

“We’re lucky if we can get six practices a week,” Pavelin said. “On a non-swim meet week, Hazen is lucky to have 10 practices in the water, morning and night, 11 if they have one on a Saturday.”

But more time in the water does not always mean more practice time.

“Look at a team like Hazen.

They have 60 to 70 swimmers.

It’s hard to fit all those kids in the pool,” Padelin said. “Like the years before, they’ve divided their team and I think they are only allowed to go to 5 practices.”

The swim team doesn’t harbor any negative feelings on sharing, as long as they get to practice.

“I don’t mind it, as long as they are out by four,” co-captain Tyler Pascual said.

Unlike Buyco, Pascual does not mind the practices with how well the team is doing.

“I qualified for state last year on three relays,” Pascual said. “If we had more time I

think we could do a little better than what we already have.”

Other co-captain Aslan Davault thinks having our own pool would save time.

“More people would know that there is a swim team and would be willing to join, Davault said. “Instead we could just walk to practice.”

Hazen has the option of morning practices or evening practices for the boys.

“I am usually glad that we don’t have a pool. I would be tired the entire day if we had morning practices,” Davault said.

Coach Pavelin thinks that having our own pool will boost student support.

“Having a facility on campus will give us a visible presence,” Pavelin said. “At Hazen, you can smell the pool in the hallway. No students come up to help.”

But with many obstacles, the swim team still survives.

“The swimmers are committed because they have so much against them with transportation and scheduling for practice time,” Pavelin said. “Yet we still have kids come out and make state.”

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Identified Flying Object

The

FREE-FLYING: Freshman Abdol Ibrahin flings a Frisbee in mid-air. His cousin got him into Frisbee in middle school, and he’s now learning more in the new after school club. “I knew nothing about Frisbee before joining,” Ibrahin said.

Frisbee is his all-time favorite activity; he even balances homework after practice. “There’s lots of communication involved, running and scrimmages happening.”

Sidelines SHAVING

Bryan Diaz photo

Freshman frisbee flingers speak out on how the new club is going, how they make it work, perform at practice, and balance it all Freshman Kimberly Hoang How are practices gong so far?

“Practices are going good! I like going to them.”

Freshman Crisella Pham DelCarmen What got you into Frisbee?

“I don’t know but I’ve played it since 5th grade.”

Freshman Abdol Ibrahin How do you balance Frisbee with everything else?

“Frisbee is my alltime activity, and I do homework after practice.”

Freshman Chelsa Wong Did you know anything about Frisbee before this?

“Yeah, how to throw it.”

Freshman Mike Magno Where do you think you are right now in frisbee?

“Probably an 8 or 9 because I’ve been practicing since 7th grade.”

Freshman Nordine Chaumath What got you into Frisbee? “[Been] playin’ it since 5th [grade]. A friend introduced it.”

Freshman Charmagne Divina What got you into Frisbee?

“Most of my cousins play frisbee and it’s fun.”

Freshman Vivian Lai Did you know anything about Frisbee before this?

“Not a thing. I came in and tried to learn how to catch and throw.”

Freshman Andy Tran How do you balance Frisbee with everything else?

“I don’t balance: 3.6 GPA. Geometry, Honor Science.”

| Andrea Buenbrazo | Back Page Staff As winter approaches, the swim team reminisces about last year.

“Last year we all headed to Aslan’s [house],” senior swimmer Thien Doan said.

The night before League, the team had their traditional shave down party. “[It’s] basically a hang out,” swim captain Hudson Du said. “All the guys get together and we first have the dinner.”

The team’s potluck consists of food chock-full of carbs varying from crispy fried chicken, crunchy lumpia, Mac n’ Cheese, spaghetti, and lasagna.

“Shaving depends on who you are,” Co-captain Tyler Pascual said.

Some of the guys don’t need to shave at all and some have to start shaving early to prevent from getting left behind.

“To be honest, most of our guys are Asians, so they don’t have much hair,” Co-captain Aslan Davault said.

Davault, however, is one of the two who take the longest to shave. He takes approximately 30 minutes per leg.

He and senior swimmer Alex Yoshioka start off using electric clippers in the bathroom to get rid of extra tufts of hair and then head outside with the rest of the guys.

“They always leave me and go play Xbox,” Yoshioka said.

The guys head outside around nine o’clock and get their own razor and a sample sized can of shaving cream. And they begin their ritual on the concrete and on the lawn in the glow of the porch lights. “[It was] hecka fun,” Doan said. “We played some video games.”

Senior Adriel Paine was one of the few who didn’t need to shave. He played Super Smash Bros while the rest of the team was out.

Most guys would find shaving awkward. However, the swim team is used to it.

“I don’t care anymore,” Pascual said. “I used to think it was weird freshman year.”

Some find that this is all just part of the procedure. “[You] shave because you want to swim faster,” Doan said.

“The best feeling is when you just shaved and you rub your legs on stuff,” sophomore swimmer Danny Mar said.

“Feels like it’s being stroked by angels.”

Every month, The Sidelines provides a first-hand account of a sporting event or activity with the sweaty, sticky details in tact. Relive the experience with the greatest glory, and maybe a few laughs.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

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Accordingly, the names of dark places and people become taboo. A modern example of this is the name Macbeth, from the play of the same name by William Shakespeare.

In the play, the name Macbeth is cursed, and saying it inside a theatre (unless the speaker is performing it) brings misfortune – due to the accounts of injuries and deaths from past performances.

A more modern example would be from the Harry Potter novels and movies, in which the dark lord Voldemort is so evil and so terrible that fear arises just from mentioning him aloud. Thus characters in the story refer to him as “He Who Must Not Be Named.”

Which is, of course, a name in itself.

We can’t go without them.

ARROW 1920

No Two Are Alike

And no two names mean the same. Each person’s is unique, magical, and laden with emotion. Here, students describe some of the deeper meanings and memories associated their names, and leave their autographs behind

renames him Benjamin “son of the right hand.”

Many early names were compound words.

For example, the following Frankish names are compounds: Sigibert (victory¬shining), Childeric (battle¬powerful), Fredegund (peace¬battle) and Radegund (counsel¬battle).

The ancient Norse had many compound names containing the name of the thunder god Thor. Among male names were Thorbjorn, Thorgeir, Thorkell, Thorsteinn and Thorvald, and among the feminine names were Thordis, Thorgunna, Thorhalla, and Thorkatla.

Eventually, many families began choosing names for their offspring from a collective pool of already created names instead of creating new names for their children. In some African-American cultures one way

of naming a child has been to combine the parents’ first names.

Many societies believe care should be taken in the choosing and giving of a name, for the name itself may influence the one it belongs to in a positive manner. Names have also been decided based on their ability to protect the named from evil, to scare off unwanted creatures and spirits.

In Native-American cultures names were given to children based on aspects of their personalities. If a child was a fast runner, for example, he name might have something to do with speed.

In legends, myths, folklore, fairy tales, and other fabulous stories, names often have great power. To know something’s true name is to have power over an object or person, almost like a password or key to that person’s true identity.

Joseph Varnadore art

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SNAPSHOTS FROM MY IRAQI FAMILY Because the heart is a small muscle that beats beneath our names

Tristan Jay Cawagas photo

#1

#4

“It is not fair to study all year like no one else does and end with low grades because my name is Mustafa,” my friend Mustafa said. “I took the final exam three [times] until I passed it with low grades.”

Stories like Mustafa’s are not uncommon where I come from. I’ve heard similar stories from my friends Asmaa and Khadija, who have Sunni names. “[The low grade] destroyed my life because I couldn’t find job,” Mustafa said.

#2

Ammar, my dad’s business partner, was killed by Shi’ites. He was also Shi’ite, but he was working with my father, and my father is Sunni, and my father’s name is Hussain.

My father heard about the killing first-hand from Mustafa, a worker in the market.

“They came to the market and asked for Hussain,” Mustafa said.

“Ammar went to talk to them and asked them what they wanted from him, but they answered him by killing him. They said, ‘Do not work with this guy again.”

#5

My cousin Omar lived in “Hay Al-Gehad,” and his college was in another Sunni area, but he needed to cross a Shi’ite area every day to get there. To avoid trouble, he his left home at 5:00 in the morning and got to school four hours before school started.

“I [would] leave my mother crying and praying every morning,” Omar said.

“After they killed my friend, I made a fake ID with the name Ali to show when a Shi’ites group would stop me,” Omar said. “It worked for a while.”

#3

My mother’s relatives lived in a Shi’ite area, but because my uncle’s name was Mohamed they had to move. They were told this via a message slid under their door that told them to leave the area or Mohamed would be killed.

They had never moved before. Their neighbors had always been okay.

The meaning of my name is really a story of two overlapping masks |Tristan Jay Cawasgas |Perspectives Edior Tristan Jay Cawagas It’s just my name, that’s all there is to it.

I scavenged through the internet and finally got the meaning for “Tristan”: “happy,” in Latin. I jotted it down in my worn out notebook.

I shook my head and began researching more but all I got were different forms of Tristan, like Tristram in Welsh and French.

So I moved on to Jay. I never really understood why my parents added “Jay” as part of my first name. I continued my search.

“Useless meaning … useless meaning…,”

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I said silently as I leaned my head on my hand, starting to get annoyed of the cesspool that is the internet.

I finally got a meaning for “Jay” that looked reliable: sad.

Of course. Out of all the meanings, Tristan Jay has to mean happy-sad.

Coincidence? I thought so at first, but then I did some history. The Philippines was under Spanish rule for 356 years. So maybe that’s why Latin is similar to Tagalog in a way, because of Philippines’ and Spain’s history?

In terms of my daily life, it made sense.

Sometimes my friends see me in school and say I look pretty bummed about something, and others friends say I look pretty happy.

After a day of thinking, I realized I have two different personas, and I switch from one to another without really noticing. I’ve been doing that frequently throughout my years in high school.

My quiet persona is the one I mostly use at school. I’m not the most talkative person in my classes, yet I open up completely when I’m around my friends. Laughing, smiling and sometimes looking like a complete idiot.

Complete idiot. That’s a phrase my other persona would use.

My other persona always thinks critically about every little thing in my surroundings, and for a long period of time. Sometimes it leaves me with a blank expression on my face and puts me into a trance.

My cheerful and energetic side says “Hi.” Sometimes even to those he passes in the hallway. Sometimes he likes to chat with random people on his friends list for no apparent reason, or text everyone on his contacts just to start a conversation.

My name is Tristan Jay Cawagas. Unique? no, but that’s me.

|Katie Reynolds |Know More Editor Not only is my first name common, my last name is too, apart and used together.

When I watch my friends google themselves they find their pictures.

Not me, I find a thousand faces, with a thousand voices, and a thousand eyes, living in a thousand places.

Among so many, I feel insignificant, ordinary, unimportant, small. Even if I were to leave a mark on history, a big mark, I’ll still be drowned by millions.

I am proud though. Katie is Celtic, and I love all things Celtic and Norse.

And yet, I just wish there was more, more than being one of many.

Everyone likes to know that they are unique, special, meant for something, but I’m Katie Reynolds, one of over a thousand alive today.

I see a blog, or a profile of another Katie Reynolds, I feel like yelling “That’s my name! It’s mine! You’re just a poser! You stole it! Give it back! I’m the only true Katie!”

But I know, it’s their name too. For most of them it’s just what their parents named them; they didn’t steal it.

But I can’t help but have this feeling, like someone taking a piece of artwork of mine, something I worked long and hard on that I’m proud of, and taking the credit for it.

In 1994, the year I was born, Katie was rated 70 out of the 200 most popular girl names in the US. In the 1990’s that number was number 69 for the entire decade with 49,235 girls born with that name.

Between the year 2000 and 2010 it was number 109 with 30,336 baby girls born named Katie. These numbers do not include the names Katy, Kate, Katelyn, Katrina, Katherine, and any other spellings of those names.

I have considered changing my name legally when I turn 18, but then if being Katie Reynolds is being who I am, then who will I be after that’s gone?

I’ll probably add a middle name or something, just so I can have this ocean of undifferentiated Katie Reynolds’ where it seems that no singularity exists, I may make this ocean become a drop.

Each month, The Heat showcases the opinions and thoughts of a reporter willing to tell her personal truth. Or make your lower lip tremble. Enough reality to inspire action in you, our reader.

THE NGUYEN PROJECT

Forty-four Nguyens reside here. All of them appear on this page, and some of them share views on dating one of their own David

Would’ve been him

David P.

Boy likes girl. Girl likes boy. Boy moves to Bellevue.

Freshman Susanah Nguyen has never dated a Nguyen but had her own 7th grade love story with a Nguyen.

“We didn’t hang out a lot,” Susanah said. “He was a grade older.”

They had feelings for each other despite the grade difference.

They flirted in class - especially PE - but never got in trouble. The teacher didn’t mind them messing around.

If he didn’t leave, she believes they would have gotten together officially. For now it remains a mystery still, and she misses him dearly.

Joseph Lnai Nam Nina Vy Wendy Y-Nhi

It would’ve been her

Kim-Dung

“Two years ago in Vietnam,” freshman Cong Nguyen said.

Cong has never dated a Nguyen before but has liked one.

“I had known her for 5 months at the time,” Cong said. “We met at school.”

He never told her. He wishes he told her.

That feeling where you just wonder what if hung around him.

“Maybe I would have,” Cong said.

He moved to America so quick, he couldn’t tell her how he felt about her.

Christina Cindy David Charlie-Trong Leyna Phat

He didn’t know her

Quynh

“I met her 3 months ago at a friend’s party,” Freshman Phuoc Nguyen said.

He thought she was cute - they were also the same age and had mutual friends - but the girl didn’t want to go out with him.

“We didn’t really know each other,” Phuoc said. “She goes to another school.”

Phuoc got over her after a month. Things just couldn’t be.

Thanh Thao Quyen Thu Tina Tony Vivian

“I don’t care about dating because the last name doesn’t make the person,” sophomore Linh Nguyen said. “It’s who they are that makes me like them.”

Linh has never dated a Nguyen but liked one as early as last year.

“I did ask her out but got rejected,” Linh said. “It was on Valentines Day. She said she we would only be friends, nothing more.”

The rejection damaged Linh. They would always hang out at lunch, on campus and off, with a couple of other friends at a time. Most likely, it was fries from McDonald’s, but now it’s almost nothing.

“We don’t hang out,” Linh said, “or eat lunch together that much.”

Vyvy Danh Stephanie Tan Thomas Alan Hong

Never in the family

Anh Chi

Senior Julie Nguyen has never dated a Nguyen and never will.

“I’m scared,” Julie said. “What if we might be related?”

Julie thought one was cute but she’s never liked, been attracted to, or dated a Nguyen.

“It feels like I’m dating my own cousin.

If someone finds out what are last names are, they would ask if we were related and I don’t like that,” Julie said. “If I knew for a fact we weren’t related then maybe.”

As Julie plays it safe, she’s around people who are not Nguyens.

“I don’t really hang out with my own type of kind or whatever,” Julie said. “I’m mutual, you know. I go around.”

Joseph Kevin Kim-Ngan Linh Giao Phi

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Totem Pole of Truth The graphic below discloses what’s in students’ minds when it comes to relationships, online behaviors, brands, and personal objects Facing Relationships ->

This category represents romance, charm, charisma, and knowledge. Maybe love. Maybe relationship advice superior to that of Dr. Phil, Steve Harvey, and your preferred higher power combined.

Facing Trolls ->

This category represents a grey face in a computer lit room, anonymous and causing turmoil in both the minds and the motherboards of innocent browsers. Alias’s would be a level 156 Dragon Knight w/ infinite mods.

Facing the Majority ->

This category represents materialism, #$w@G, obssesion, and whatever else you may want to call it.

Such varieties of hype have been known to draw in consumers and cause strenuous struggles comparable to a “brotha’s” struggle to find a succesful position in this society.

“My mom’s [last name is] Tran,” junior Linden (Lindy) Nguyen said. “Dad’s [a] Nguyen.”

Is Lindy a true Nguyen? Lindy lives with her mother close to the school. She’s moved around a lot and hasn’t really seen her father lately.

Lindy transferred to Renton her sophomore year.

“I dated a Nguyen [my] freshmen year in Texas,” Lindy said.

He was her first boyfriend; the relationship lasted 11 months.

“It started when he started pacing back and forth at my lunch table when I was the new student,” Lindy said.

“Unfortunately, he never got my attention until a girl nudged me and asked me ‘I think he’s waiting for you to say hi or something.’”

Eventually there was something she couldn’t stick around for. “[The] relationship... was hell,” Lindy said.

“He was very abusive,” she added. “If I made fun of him, he would slap me in front of his friends.”

They went to the same school and she was scared to break up with him. Not because of how long they had been together. Not because she loved him but because of what she had to live through. They broke up when she left to Washington.

“I’ll never date a Nguyen again,” Lindy said.

Lindy is now dating her boyfriend Josh Ross and they’ve been going out since May 6, 2011.

“If Josh was a Nguyen,” Lindy hypothesized, “I might have strayed away. Unless I just found out [that] he was a Nguyen, that’s a different story.”

72% of students’ relationships don’t use nicknames. Of the 21% that do, 38% prefer cute and silly names, 46% like an inside joke, and 9% use names that fall in a category “other.”

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Vanessa Abenojar graphic

num83r5 The

X

$ $ ~O~ ___ ^

D

Facing Nothing ->

This category represents _______. Fill in the blank: nothing but an inanimate object sitting there, until an owner or passerby bestows upon it a name. Once given a name, a personality develops. Once a personality, a relationship. Go back to the top of the totem pole.

Him and only him

Sophomore Dalina Nguyen and her ex-boyfriend, also a Nguyen, dated for about two years. Their relationship ended because their parents forbid dating before the age of 18.

“Both our parents are super traditional,” Dalina said.

Dalina’s mother’s friend has a child attending the school. That’s how word got around. The child told their mom and their mom told her mother.

“My mom called my ex’s parents,” Dalina said. “She went into my phone and took his number.”

Although their parents forbade them from dating, they still managed to see each other at school.

“I would tell my parents that I was going to hang out with girls and go see him,” Dalina said.

With so much love and effort there had to be sacrifices.

“I really loved him. He was the one I wanted to be with so I was willing to do whatever to be with him,” Dalina said. “We had to break up. We went behind their backs and got caught 3 times.”

She couldn’t handle it. She couldn’t handle all the sneaking around. The lies. The duck and cover. The secret love story.

“I saw how much I was hurting my mom by going behind her back and lying to her,” Dalina said, “so I couldn’t do it anymore.”

Although they’ve parted, Dalina still has hope. They still talk but are just friends. For now.

I’ll never Nguyen again

It couldn’t be her

D

One word: Rumpelstiltskin.

A name may be far more valuable than any of us realize. Names have existed so far back in time we don’t know when we first started using them or even how. Most contemporary names have historical meanings with origins that can be traced; they’re more than letters and sounds.

These descriptive, meaningful names were developed from nouns and adjectives alike.

Examples of names that come from nouns are Irish/Gaelic names like Conan, which means “hound, wolf,” or Aed, meaning “fire.” Irish/Gaelic names derive from adjectives; Fial, for example, means “modest, honorable, generous” and Finn means “fair, bright, white.”

In the book of Genesis in the Bible (35:18), Rachel names her last son Benoni meaning “son of my sorrow” and his father Jacob

with them.

Less than a month after they received the message, they left their house and their country. When their good neighbors found out, they told my mother’s relatives they would save the house for them. Eventually, my mother’s relatives decided to sell it. They sold the house too cheaply because people did not want to buy from a man named Mohamed, or his family.

|Sura Alani |Intro Staff “A group of people with guns stopped our bus and forced us to show our ID,” a family friend once told me. “They looked at our names, and then they looked at me and said, ‘You go! But don’t turn around.’”

My friend was let go because his name wasn’t a Sunni or Shi’ites name.

As he walked away, he heard the sounds of others dying.

Tai

| Katie Renolds |Know More Editor There is story by the Brothers Grimm, of a little man who bargained with a miller’s daughter: he would spin her straw into gold if she gave him her first-born child. She agreed, and the little man made gold.

Years later, after the miller’s daughter married the king and became a queen, and gave birth to her first-born, the little man returned for his payment.

The queen could not bear to part with her child, so the little man made her a deal: if she could guess his name in three days’ time, he would let her keep the baby.

After three days one of the queen’s messengers stumbled upon the little man’s house and overheard him saying his name aloud.

In the end the little man lost the deal because the queen said his name.

The Heat

INDISTINCT

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Kevin Chung graphic.

Margin of error averaged to 1.51%

32% of students’ online screen names or IGN (in game name) are slight modifications of their real names

, 9% of online screen names contain students’ graduating years, 15% contain movie/television/video game references, and 32% categorized their online names as “other.”

64% of students have one or two brands they like, but they’re not “too big” on any one

, 19% of students say name brands are extremely important and that they can’t imagine going without them, 8% of students prefer unbranded clothing, and 4% of students hate name brands and never wear them.

47% of students name objects they own such as cars, phones, and stuffed animals. 53% do not name

objects. Of the 47% that do name objects, 8% name their objects, 37% name cars and bus routes, and 19% name objects in the “other” category.

Meaning Meaning

ALIAS

I NUM83R5 staff I Tony Nguyen According to our survey, 76% of students do not give their significant other nicknames.

Some people might not think about giving nicknames to their significant other.

Yet, the giving of a nickname can show the giver’s creativity, his or her silly and humorous side.

The name can also give personality to the receiver of the name.

When it comes to their own names, 44% of students say they absolutely love their name and do not want another one. Since your parents named you, you may not know what the name means, unless you ask. You might learn things by asking them what it means; it might have a meaning in your native language. It might be something you’re proud of, even if your teacher can’t pronounce it.

Additionally, our survey says 4% of students hate brand names and don’t wear them. Brand name clothing is everywhere, but for some students, brand names mean little or nothing. They go without. Maybe their lack of exposure to brands means they don’t know much about American companies, but maybe that could be a good thing. Maybe their generic clothing gives them more freedom in what they wear, or maybe they don’t think about clothes much at all.

About 64% of students do not judge people based on their names. That means 36% of students do. This author’s main reaction: really? Evaluating someone on a name doesn’t seem like the best way to judge. Why not wait until you get to know them?

That way you’re hating someone with accuracy.

The majority of students do not create nicknames for objects or things they own – like cars, phones, shoes, anything with value, etc.

Some people do this for kicks; others out of convenience. What better way to make your generic iPod or phone stand out than by giving it a special name?

The Meaning offers the interpretation to the numbers you see to your left. The percentages you see are based off of surveys given out during advisories and have been mathematically calculated.

131415 ARROW

Slap Bad Kids A constantly growing ‘family’ with matching gamer tags defeats prejudice in Call of Duty.

tied the round 3 to 3. Aly killed |Ksenia Ivanova everyone and won us the game.” |Portraits Editor It’s not just what others do When organizing the clan that makes their day; SBk has some SBk (Slap Bad kids) in Call of Duty, bold intra-team traditions around aspects TheMonster was hoping to make the new craze as of Call of Duty most gamers usually ignore. a group with matching gamer tags; SBk is now in the top one thousandth in the “On Search and Destroy on the last kill of the game world of Search and Destroy representing Seattle area gamers. somebody has to do a filthy trick shot to make the “We were putting our names out there since kill cam look good,” Mist Ninja said.

Modern Warfare through Modern Warfare 3,” CONVERSION KEY SBk isn’t a regular clan.

Relentless said.

“Most clans are just random people that meet It’s something SBK has been working on for over Xbox and form a clan,” KaRizma said. a while, and it’s something that builds up over The largely virtual clan began as a pseudo time. real-life family.

“The purpose is to show that we’re clean “I moved in with my cousin and it was his and show our rep and name,” Mist Ninja said.

15th birthday party,” TheMonster said. “We went “They talk mess and clown, but we end up paintballing, and we’ve just gotten closer since. smacking them anyways.”

Now we’re all like brothers, constantly adding Mist Ninja doesn’t take other gamer’s more to the family.” mockery or hypocrisy.

Since meeting, the group has gotten closer.

“When I first changed my name to Mist TheMonster recalls a time when the group was at Ninja [on SBk] some random guys were like his house when they free-styled and wrote songs.

‘Aww, you guys think you’re cool because you “Personally, I think I had the ugliest one,” got the same names?’” Mist Ninja said.

TheMonster said. “I was like, ‘SBk The Monsta.’

The teasing didn’t make sense to Mist It ain’t Monsters Inc., but I’ll haunt ‘ya!’”

Ninja.

SBK is more than just a clan. Their name, of “Your name is Big Mac 30 30, but you’re course, refers to a punishment a mother or father criticizing our names?” Mist Ninja added. might inflict on insolent children, but being part They all try to stay alive in the game until of this group isn’t a punishment. the end.

“It’s a gaming clan, but it’s more,” “One time we had one player who was last Widescreen said. “They’re my friends & family. alive and he clutched and killed their whole team,” Relentless said. “[Their team] was weak for losing to our best player with Even if some of us fade for a little bit, we’re there for each other on and offline; it’s more than playing a game on Xbox.” a sniper.”

They’re a family who has goals.

SBk has their own way of dealing with virtual problems. WideScreen recalls “Really, we’re just a group of friends with a name,” TheMonster said. “It’s a Team Death Match (TDM).

“When we were all in a TDM match camping in the very back of Hanoi just just a fun thing to do; we plan to get our name out there, if it’s video games, funny videos, or music.” for fun, the other team ended up getting attack dogs,” WideScreen said. “The They all met at different times, but that’s not something that really matters dogs jumped us and Phillip Jones had a flamethrower to them. and just started roasting the dogs! All you can hear over “I’ve known most of the members the mic is everybody screaming for their lives!” since middle school, and some I met A victory for KaRizma, my sophomore year,” Relentless RedSquareZ, Mist Ninja and said. “We do stuff together Relentless isn’t forgotten by besides gaming, like hang out, SBk. play basketball, get active.”

“We beat a clan SBk members are that was 97th in the more than just a group world,”KaRizma said. of guys who play the “We were down one same game, they’re to three in Search different from a regular and Destroy and clan; they’re family. we came back and

Ksenia Ivanova art

PORTRAITS

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All the Names of My Future Children

Ksenia Ivanova art

Makahi breaks the generalization that women are more family oriented than men |Abigail Centino |Know More Staff Junior Kahili Makahi shatters the stereotype that men do not think about or plan for unborn children. In fact, he has already come up with four possible names, one in particular that holds a special meaning: Zakayla (zah-kay-lah) after his sister.

“I never see her and I feel sorry she has to live with her other brother and mom because they put her through hell,” Makahi said. “Having another Zakayla in the family would make me feel better for not being there for her as much as I should’ve been, I’d be able to care for her and love her like I wished my sister could’ve been.”

Knowing Makahi has already thought

of names is an odd concept for some people to grasp.

“I think it’s a little feminine,” sophomore Anzhelika Kim said. “Usually only girls think about that. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, it’s better to know some names now than at the last minute.”

Both Kim and junior Rachel Hutchins agree it is good planning, although Hutchins is more surprised at the idea.

“It’s good planning, but what if he has no kids?” Hutchins said. “Or has too many?

It’s kind of crazy... He’s, like, sixteen and he’s already naming his kids?”

Being part Hawaiian himself, Makahi loves Hawaiian Islander names and wants to name a baby boy by the name of Kekemono (kee-kee-moh-no), meaning “Mighty

Dragon.”

“People I’ve met with Islander names are usually unique. They’re the people you’d wish you knew more about. It’s funny to hear people try to pronounce the name too,” Makahi said. “When you hear the name Kekemono, I want people to think it’s different and out there but still like it.”

The sheer thought of his wife naming his unborn children displeases Makahi but he is willing to collaborate.

“I want at least one of those names; I will meet that woman on mutual grounds!”

Makahi said. “If I like the name better than mine, then I’ll think about it.”

When it comes to naming children, sophomore Sara Abid believes the mother should decide.

“The wife held the baby in her stomach for nine months, thus, she gets to name it,” Abid said. “They should have some say in what the child’s first name is.”

Makahi likes the idea of naming one of his girls Malissa.

“I once knew a person with that name and all I can say is that she made my life better. I want my daughter to be someone who has the capability of changing another person’s life.” Makahi said.

Just for the heck of it, Makahi wants to name one of his boys Jordin, with that spelling.

“Have you ever met a person named Jordin that you don’t like?” Makahi said.

“Everyone likes a Jordin.”

A Name and a Message, Forever Imprinted

Tattoos are not just decoration. For one junior, they speak volumes about life |Joecon Tabasondra |Know More Staff When someone grows attached to something, they spend a lot of time with it. They show it off. Sometimes they show appreciation by naming it.

“I’ve got seven tattoos.

Six [of them are] Japanese characters meaning ‘peace’ and ‘joy’ and ‘faith,’” junior Chelsey Pacheco said. “I call it faith because that’s what they stand for.”

Pacheco’s tattoos are important since the word ‘Faith,’ permanently on her body, steers her mind and emotions.

“To me it means never giving up,” Pacheco said.

Pacheco really cares and cherishes her tattoos; she even names them.

“It’s cute to me but maybe for other people they… think it’s weird,” Pacheco said.

Not everyone, of course.

“I don’t think naming her tattoos is

weird because she’s Chelsey,” sophomore Dalina Nguyen said.

Pacheco’s aunt bought her the Japanese character tattoos on her 16th birthday.

“I think her back tattoo looks beautiful because it actually has a meaning to her,” junior Francisco Rodrigo said. “If only the world had more peace, joy and faith.”

Pacheco also has an ankle tattoo of her last name in cursive, which she got last summer.

“I got it because I was born and grew up with this last name. If I get married and

take my husband’s last name, it will still be there,” Pacheco said.

Even after marriage, her last name will still be embedded onto her.

“I think that’s hecka dope, having her last name attached to her,” junior Jordan Armstrong said, “and her tattoos are actually really nice on her especially because her age goes with it.”

Like a car or cellphone, Chelsey’s tattoos are precious. When attached to an object, you wouldn’t want to be too far from it. Chelsey however, doesn’t have to worry about distance.

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Double the Love

|Queneshia Lee |Portraits Staff You sit as your mother tells you she has something to tell you. Anticipation kills as sweat falls down your forehead. What does she have to tell me? Am I in trouble? Next thing you know, she tells you she is getting married again.

“They got married when I was 6,” junior Ansley Siller said.” It was cool but at the same time it was a big adjustment. My dad had moved away and my stepdad opened the door for new experiences.”

At first Siller was unsure what to call her stepdad. However, when her half-brother was born in 2003, he first called his dad “papa”and so she felt like the name fit.

“Well, he is not my dad,” Siller said. “He’s just a father figure. He wasn’t replacing my dad, so I felt like calling him papa would work. He was my pal. As I grew up, he took me in as his child.”

Siller smiled as she reminisced. This can be a hard thing, having a new person come in and fill the shoes of one of your parents.

Her mom and stepdad got married in 2000. It took Ansley 3 years before she decided to call her stepdad papa. However, Ansley has a stepmom as well. She met her stepmom when

she was three. With her stepmom it’s a different story.

“I call my stepmom by her first name,” Siller said. “It’s hard to find a name to call your step mom. At the same time I didn’t want to offend my mom.”

Siller found it easy to call her stepdad papa but never called her stepmom anyother name of the sort. She and her biological mother are very close and are best friends.

“I will never call her mom because I already have a mother,” Siller said. “My mom was the one who raised me. It has been 14 long years and I still address her by her first name.”

On the other hand, Siller’s mother has a kind of different opinion on the outlook of stepparents.

“I’ve always said that to be a step parent can sometimes be difficult,” Siller’s mom Jerri Carbonell said. “Knowing where boundaries are and knowing when to jump in or jump back. I can see that it is a struggle sometimes for the whole family, but that’s when it’s important to remember family is family regardless of blood relation.”

Siller seems very happy about having two stepparents. She is very close with both at the same time; she maintains a great relationship with both of her biological parents.

“I’m very fortunate to have stepparents that love me,” Siller said. “It’s double the love.”

Because of my name, people assume I am ____________. I’m actually ___________ |Kevin Chung |Numbers Editor Names can speak volumes about ethnicity and heritage, but sometimes names are perceived incorrectly.

Junior Francisco Rodrigo, for example, is often mistaken for Hispanic.

“I mean, there’s nothing wrong with that, but I am Filipino,” Rodrigo said.

Such guffaws, mistakes, and blunders can be nerve wrecking, however common.

Sophomore Christian Corpuz is relatively understanding about misunderstandings.

“I wasn’t too surprised.

Our country was enslaved by the Spaniards for 300 something years, so its quite common,” he said.

Corpuz gives a logical explanation as to why there may be a mishap of last names between Latino and Filipino names.

“They probably mistook me for Latino because of my skin color, the hairiness, and the fact that both my middle and last name have a Spaniard origin,” Corpuz said.

Though all kinds of people make such mistakes, Corpuz has experienced confusion especially at school, where some of the faculty had not much experience working with students of a variety of ethncities.

“Teachers at a white school I used to go to,” Corpuz said.

Misunderstandings are just misunderstandings, so although there is a bit of resentment, Rodrigo and Corpuz don’t mind it at all.

“With my name, I am proud to be the 3rd,” Rodrigo said, “but I don’t like how people think I’m Mexican because my name is Francisco Rodrigo, and it has like a Spanish background.

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” he added, “but I am Filipino.”

Rodrigo plans on passing the burden and the blessing of his name to his future children.

“In my mind, I’m like ‘Uhh, I’m Filipino’ but I tell them anyways and really don’t care if I am Filipino or Mexican cause we’re all human, you know... I really plan on calling my son Francisco the 4th.”

Such commons are not exclusive to Renton High School or Filipino students. Franklin High School sophomore Nicholas Vu, who is Vietnamese, has experienced similar levels of confusion.

“I’ve been mistaken for Filipino or Mexican consecutive times, ‘cause I look like one,” Vu said.

“My [Japanese language] teacher thinks I’m Filipino, and I tell him everyday I’m Vietnamese/Chinese,” Vu said.

Ultimately, Vu has an attitude nearly as relaxed as that of Rodrigo and Corpuz.

“It doesn’t bother me, I don’t mind being Filipino cause they cool.”

Sophomore Khali Crowl faces a more complex situation.

“Nobody believes my ethnicity!” Crowl said. “I’m African American, Irish, Scottish, German, Jamaican, Cambodian, and Cherokee.”

One affect of his diverse heritage is that he doesn’t compare himself much to others.

“I can’t compare myself to anyone else because either I’m not what they are, or I’m more than what they are,” Crowl said.

“Besides,” he added, explaining why people might be distracted while talking to him. “I’m cute.”

Crowl may joke, but he also takes the issue seriously.

“I take it offensively, like, where else would I get my name? Khali, and it’s not even pronounced anything like it’s spelled,” he said.

The proof of his ethnicity lies in his life experiences.

131415 ARROW

Slap Bad Kids A constantly growing ‘family’ with matching gamer tags defeats prejudice in Call of Duty.

tied the round 3 to 3. Aly killed |Ksenia Ivanova everyone and won us the game.” |Portraits Editor It’s not just what others do When organizing the clan that makes their day; SBk has some SBk (Slap Bad kids) in Call of Duty, bold intra-team traditions around aspects TheMonster was hoping to make the new craze as of Call of Duty most gamers usually ignore. a group with matching gamer tags; SBk is now in the top one thousandth in the “On Search and Destroy on the last kill of the game world of Search and Destroy representing Seattle area gamers. somebody has to do a filthy trick shot to make the “We were putting our names out there since kill cam look good,” Mist Ninja said.

Modern Warfare through Modern Warfare 3,” CONVERSION KEY SBk isn’t a regular clan.

Relentless said.

“Most clans are just random people that meet It’s something SBK has been working on for over Xbox and form a clan,” KaRizma said. a while, and it’s something that builds up over The largely virtual clan began as a pseudo time. real-life family.

“The purpose is to show that we’re clean “I moved in with my cousin and it was his and show our rep and name,” Mist Ninja said.

15th birthday party,” TheMonster said. “We went “They talk mess and clown, but we end up paintballing, and we’ve just gotten closer since. smacking them anyways.”

Now we’re all like brothers, constantly adding Mist Ninja doesn’t take other gamer’s more to the family.” mockery or hypocrisy.

Since meeting, the group has gotten closer.

“When I first changed my name to Mist TheMonster recalls a time when the group was at Ninja [on SBk] some random guys were like his house when they free-styled and wrote songs.

‘Aww, you guys think you’re cool because you “Personally, I think I had the ugliest one,” got the same names?’” Mist Ninja said.

TheMonster said. “I was like, ‘SBk The Monsta.’

The teasing didn’t make sense to Mist It ain’t Monsters Inc., but I’ll haunt ‘ya!’”

Ninja.

SBK is more than just a clan. Their name, of “Your name is Big Mac 30 30, but you’re course, refers to a punishment a mother or father criticizing our names?” Mist Ninja added. might inflict on insolent children, but being part They all try to stay alive in the game until of this group isn’t a punishment. the end.

“It’s a gaming clan, but it’s more,” “One time we had one player who was last Widescreen said. “They’re my friends & family. alive and he clutched and killed their whole team,” Relentless said. “[Their team] was weak for losing to our best player with Even if some of us fade for a little bit, we’re there for each other on and offline; it’s more than playing a game on Xbox.” a sniper.”

They’re a family who has goals.

SBk has their own way of dealing with virtual problems. WideScreen recalls “Really, we’re just a group of friends with a name,” TheMonster said. “It’s a Team Death Match (TDM).

“When we were all in a TDM match camping in the very back of Hanoi just just a fun thing to do; we plan to get our name out there, if it’s video games, funny videos, or music.” for fun, the other team ended up getting attack dogs,” WideScreen said. “The They all met at different times, but that’s not something that really matters dogs jumped us and Phillip Jones had a flamethrower to them. and just started roasting the dogs! All you can hear over “I’ve known most of the members the mic is everybody screaming for their lives!” since middle school, and some I met A victory for KaRizma, my sophomore year,” Relentless RedSquareZ, Mist Ninja and said. “We do stuff together Relentless isn’t forgotten by besides gaming, like hang out, SBk. play basketball, get active.”

“We beat a clan SBk members are that was 97th in the more than just a group world,”KaRizma said. of guys who play the “We were down one same game, they’re to three in Search different from a regular and Destroy and clan; they’re family. we came back and

Ksenia Ivanova art

141516 ARROW

Totem Pole of Truth The graphic below discloses what’s in students’ minds when it comes to relationships, online behaviors, brands, and personal objects

Facing Trolls ->

Facing the Majority ->

This category represents materialism, #$w@G, obssesion, and whatever else you may want to call it.

Such varieties of hype have been known to draw in consumers and cause strenuous struggles comparable to a “brotha’s” struggle to find a succesful position in this society.

X

X

$ $ ~O~

D

___ ^

D

Facing Nothing ->

This category represents _______. Fill in the blank: nothing but an inanimate object sitting there, until an owner or passerby bestows upon it a name. Once given a name, a personality develops. Once a personality, a relationship. Go back to the top of the totem pole.

O-O / U\ 3

This category represents a grey face in a computer lit room, anonymous and causing turmoil in both the minds and the motherboards of innocent browsers. Alias’s would be a level 156 Dragon Knight w/ infinite mods.

72% of students’ relationships don’t use nicknames. Of the 21% that do, 38% prefer cute and silly names, 46% like an inside joke, and 9% use names that fall in a category “other.”

U

Facing Relationships ->

This category represents romance, charm, charisma, and knowledge. Maybe love. Maybe relationship advice superior to that of Dr. Phil, Steve Harvey, and your preferred higher power combined.

num83r5 The

Kevin Chung graphic.

Margin of error averaged to 1.51%

32% of students’ online screen names or IGN (in game name) are slight modifications of their real names, 9% of online

screen names contain students’ graduating years, 15% contain movie/television/video game references, and 32% categorized their online names as “other.”

64% of students have one or two brands they like, but they’re not “too big” on any one, 19% of students say

name brands are extremely important and that they can’t imagine going without them, 8% of students prefer unbranded clothing, and 4% of students hate name brands and never wear them.

47% of students name objects they own such as cars, phones, and stuffed animals. 53% do not name

objects. Of the 47% that do name objects, 8% name their objects, 37% name cars and bus routes, and 19% name objects in the “other” category.

Meaning Meaning

ALIAS

I NUM83R5 staff I Tony Nguyen According to our survey, 76% of students do not give their significant other nicknames.

Some people might not think about giving nicknames to their significant other.

Yet, the giving of a nickname can show the giver’s creativity, his or her silly and humorous side.

The name can also give personality to the receiver of the name.

When it comes to their own names, 44% of students say they absolutely love their name and do not want another one. Since your parents named you, you may not know what the name means, unless you ask. You might learn things by asking them what it means; it might have a meaning in your native language. It might be something you’re proud of, even if your teacher can’t pronounce it.

Additionally, our survey says 4% of students hate brand names and don’t wear them. Brand name clothing is everywhere, but for some students, brand names mean little or nothing. They go without. Maybe their lack of exposure to brands means they don’t know much about American companies, but maybe that could be a good thing. Maybe their generic clothing gives them more freedom in what they wear, or maybe they don’t think about clothes much at all.

About 64% of students do not judge people based on their names. That means 36% of students do. This author’s main reaction: really? Evaluating someone on a name doesn’t seem like the best way to judge. Why not wait until you get to know them?

That way you’re hating someone with accuracy.

The majority of students do not create nicknames for objects or things they own – like cars, phones, shoes, anything with value, etc.

Some people do this for kicks; others out of convenience. What better way to make your generic iPod or phone stand out than by giving it a special name?

The Meaning offers the interpretation to the numbers you see to your left. The percentages you see are based off of surveys given out during advisories and have been mathematically calculated.

Faces

ARROW 151617

Our version of the hit Disney Channel Movie Sky High, along with our super hero names.

Eli De Los Santos and VyVy Nguyen graphic

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THE NGUYEN PROJECT

Forty-four Nguyens reside here. All of them appear on this page, and some of them share views on dating one of their own David David P. Joseph Lnai Nam Nina Vy Wendy Y-Nhi Kim-Dung Christina Cindy David Charlie-Trong Leyna Phat Quynh Thanh Thao Quyen Thu Tina Tony Vivian Vyvy Danh Stephanie Tan Thomas Alan Hong Anh Chi Joseph Kevin Kim-Ngan Linh Giao Phi Tai

Would’ve been him

Boy likes girl. Girl likes boy. Boy moves to Bellevue.

Freshman Susanah Nguyen has never dated a Nguyen but had her own 7th grade love story with a Nguyen.

“We didn’t hang out a lot,” Susanah said. “He was a grade older.”

They had feelings for each other despite the grade difference.

They flirted in class - especially PE - but never got in trouble. The teacher didn’t mind them messing around.

If he didn’t leave, she believes they would have gotten together officially. For now it remains a mystery still, and she misses him dearly.

It would’ve been her

“Two years ago in Vietnam,” freshman Cong Nguyen said.

Cong has never dated a Nguyen before but has liked one.

“I had known her for 5 months at the time,” Cong said. “We met at school.”

He never told her. He wishes he told her.

That feeling where you just wonder what if hung around him.

“Maybe I would have,” Cong said.

He moved to America so quick, he couldn’t tell her how he felt about her.

He didn’t know her

“I met her 3 months ago at a friend’s party,” Freshman Phuoc Nguyen said.

He thought she was cute - they were also the same age and had mutual friends - but the girl didn’t want to go out with him.

“We didn’t really know each other,” Phuoc said. “She goes to another school.”

Phuoc got over her after a month. Things just couldn’t be.

It couldn’t be her

“I don’t care about dating because the last name doesn’t make the person,” sophomore Linh Nguyen said. “It’s who they are that makes me like them.”

Linh has never dated a Nguyen but liked one as early as last year.

“I did ask her out but got rejected,” Linh said. “It was on Valentines Day. She said she we would only be friends, nothing more.”

The rejection damaged Linh. They would always hang out at lunch, on campus and off, with a couple of other friends at a time. Most likely, it was fries from McDonald’s, but now it’s almost nothing.

“We don’t hang out,” Linh said, “or eat lunch together that much.”

Never in the family

Senior Julie Nguyen has never dated a Nguyen and never will.

“I’m scared,” Julie said. “What if we might be related?”

Julie thought one was cute but she’s never liked, been attracted to, or dated a Nguyen.

“It feels like I’m dating my own cousin.

If someone finds out what are last names are, they would ask if we were related and I don’t like that,” Julie said. “If I knew for a fact we weren’t related then maybe.”

As Julie plays it safe, she’s around people who are not Nguyens.

“I don’t really hang out with my own type of kind or whatever,” Julie said. “I’m mutual, you know. I go around.”

Him and only him

Sophomore Dalina Nguyen and her ex-boyfriend, also a Nguyen, dated for about two years. Their relationship ended because their parents forbid dating before the age of 18.

“Both our parents are super traditional,” Dalina said.

Dalina’s mother’s friend has a child attending the school. That’s how word got around. The child told their mom and their mom told her mother.

“My mom called my ex’s parents,” Dalina said. “She went into my phone and took his number.”

Although their parents forbade them from dating, they still managed to see each other at school.

“I would tell my parents that I was going to hang out with girls and go see him,” Dalina said.

With so much love and effort there had to be sacrifices.

“I really loved him. He was the one I wanted to be with so I was willing to do whatever to be with him,” Dalina said. “We had to break up. We went behind their backs and got caught 3 times.”

She couldn’t handle it. She couldn’t handle all the sneaking around. The lies. The duck and cover. The secret love story.

“I saw how much I was hurting my mom by going behind her back and lying to her,” Dalina said, “so I couldn’t do it anymore.”

Although they’ve parted, Dalina still has hope. They still talk but are just friends. For now.

I’ll never Nguyen again

“My mom’s [last name is] Tran,” junior Linden (Lindy) Nguyen said. “Dad’s [a] Nguyen.”

Is Lindy a true Nguyen? Lindy lives with her mother close to the school. She’s moved around a lot and hasn’t really seen her father lately.

Lindy transferred to Renton her sophomore year.

“I dated a Nguyen [my] freshmen year in Texas,” Lindy said.

He was her first boyfriend; the relationship lasted 11 months.

“It started when he started pacing back and forth at my lunch table when I was the new student,” Lindy said.

“Unfortunately, he never got my attention until a girl nudged me and asked me ‘I think he’s waiting for you to say hi or something.’”

Eventually there was something she couldn’t stick around for. “[The] relationship... was hell,” Lindy said.

“He was very abusive,” she added. “If I made fun of him, he would slap me in front of his friends.”

They went to the same school and she was scared to break up with him. Not because of how long they had been together. Not because she loved him but because of what she had to live through. They broke up when she left to Washington.

“I’ll never date a Nguyen again,” Lindy said.

Lindy is now dating her boyfriend Josh Ross and they’ve been going out since May 6, 2011.

“If Josh was a Nguyen,” Lindy hypothesized, “I might have strayed away. Unless I just found out [that] he was a Nguyen, that’s a different story.”

Vanessa Abenojar graphic

Perspectives

arrow 171819

Alex Kalinin art

My parents almost named me ‘November Rain’ (And ‘November Rain’ is a hit song by the late ‘80s rock band Guns N’ Roses) | Derick Veracruz | Perspectives Staff “November Rain” is a song by one of the most famous rock bands of the ’80s, Gun’s N’ Roses. I’m sure you’re wondering what this has to do with me. Normally it’d have nothing to do with me - until I had a little talk with my dad.

I wasn’t given the most creative name, although it isn’t spelled like most. Derek, Deric, Deryck, Derrick, and the list goes on and on. D-e-ri-c-k is the best way to spell it though... just sayin’.

The story goes like this: I walk into the living room where I find my dad blowing on his Top Ramen to cool it down. I interrupt him to talk about my name.

“You and Mom named me Derick; you two could’ve been a bit more creative,” I tell him.

I’m curious because according to Urban Dictionary, my name means “The cutest boy in the whole entire world, God’s child.”

Although I’d like to go with that, that’s clearly not right.

“Son, let’s just say I had no part in naming you,” he responds.

“Oh really? Mom had you like that, huh?” We both laugh as he eats his noodles. I ask again if he knows what it means.

He reaches for his phone.

“I’ll take that as a no,” I say.

“I do know that if you were born a girl, and born in November like you were supposed to be, your mom planned on naming you ‘November Rain,’” he says.

I look at him with my chin to the floor, shaking my head. I just keep thinking, ‘Is he for real? Who in their right mind would do that to their child?’ Clearly, my mom would! It’s clear to me she was going through a rock stage in the ’90s, and thought this would be a good name for a baby.

That baby would have been me.

I sit there for a second in silence as my dad stares at me.

“Well, you’re not a girl, and you weren’t born in November, so take

that look off your face,” my dad says.

“Would you like to know about your middle name?” he asks.

“Oh, great, I don’t know, Reese’s cups? Was Mom craving Reese’s when she was pregnant with me?” I ask.

I figured that had to be it. I mean, it makes sense right? A pregnant lady likes her sweets, I’m sure, and she gave me the middle name Reese. It all adds up.

“Your middle name came from a character in the first Terminator movie.”

Backspace.

Delete that.

Did he just say what I think he said? A Terminator movie? The ’90s really did have a toll on my mom.

“Please tell me you’re kidding.”

“Nope, a Terminator movie. I told you I had no say in naming you!”

“Awesome, I’m a robot,” I say sarcastically.

My mom might as well have given me the famous tagline, “I’ll be back” as a middle name. “Is there anything else I should know about my name?”

“Well, our last name is now a car,” he says.

“Oh, that’s right, I saw that. Where’s our cut?”

“Yeah, right, in your dreams.” I then leave him with his Top Ramen.

It seems my name only gets better and better with these corny stories behind it. I only hope that no one else has to live with stories like this.

I mean, come on. Really? What middle or last name would even possibly go with “November Rain”? After finding this out, I really just can’t complain about my real name; it actually kind of flows.

Although Derick isn’t the most creative of the thousands of names out there, I can’t say anything, because “November Rain”... really?

Props to my Moms for the creativity, though!

‘November Rain’ Essentials The single…

• reached #3 on Billboard singles The video…

• has 6,894,036 plays on YouTube • won an MTV VMA award • is 8 min. 56 sec. of greatness • had a 1.5 million video budget • has an iconic scene of Slash playing his guitar in the desert The verse…

And if we take the time to lay it on the line / I could rest my head, just knowin’ that you were mine / So if you want to love me, then darlin’ don’t refrain / Or I’ll just end up walkin’ in the cold November rain

Kevin Chung graphic

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SNAPSHOTS FROM MY IRAQI FAMILY Because the heart is a small muscle that beats beneath our names

The Heat

INDISTINCT

Tristan Jay Cawagas photo

|Sura Alani |Intro Staff

#1

“A group of people with guns stopped our bus and forced us to show our ID,” a family friend once told me. “They looked at our names, and then they looked at me and said, ‘You go! But don’t turn around.’”

My friend was let go because his name wasn’t a Sunni or Shi’ites name.

As he walked away, he heard the sounds of others dying.

with them.

Less than a month after they received the message, they left their house and their country. When their good neighbors found out, they told my mother’s relatives they would save the house for them. Eventually, my mother’s relatives decided to sell it. They sold the house too cheaply because people did not want to buy from a man named Mohamed, or his family.

#4

“It is not fair to study all year like no one else does and end with low grades because my name is Mustafa,” my friend Mustafa said. “I took the final exam three [times] until I passed it with low grades.”

Stories like Mustafa’s are not uncommon where I come from. I’ve heard similar stories from my friends Asmaa and Khadija, who have Sunni names. “[The low grade] destroyed my life because I couldn’t find job,” Mustafa said.

#2

Ammar, my dad’s business partner, was killed by Shi’ites. He was also Shi’ite, but he was working with my father, and my father is Sunni, and my father’s name is Hussain.

My father heard about the killing first-hand from Mustafa, a worker in the market.

“They came to the market and asked for Hussain,” Mustafa said.

“Ammar went to talk to them and asked them what they wanted from him, but they answered him by killing him. They said, ‘Do not work with this guy again.”

#3

My mother’s relatives lived in a Shi’ite area, but because my uncle’s name was Mohamed they had to move. They were told this via a message slid under their door that told them to leave the area or Mohamed would be killed.

They had never moved before. Their neighbors had always been okay.

#5

My cousin Omar lived in “Hay Al-Gehad,” and his college was in another Sunni area, but he needed to cross a Shi’ite area every day to get there. To avoid trouble, he his left home at 5:00 in the morning and got to school four hours before school started.

“I [would] leave my mother crying and praying every morning,” Omar said.

“After they killed my friend, I made a fake ID with the name Ali to show when a Shi’ites group would stop me,” Omar said. “It worked for a while.”

The meaning of my name is really a story of two overlapping masks |Tristan Jay Cawasgas |Perspectives Edior Tristan Jay Cawagas It’s just my name, that’s all there is to it.

I scavenged through the internet and finally got the meaning for “Tristan”: “happy,” in Latin. I jotted it down in my worn out notebook.

I shook my head and began researching more but all I got were different forms of Tristan, like Tristram in Welsh and French.

So I moved on to Jay. I never really understood why my parents added “Jay” as part of my first name. I continued my search.

“Useless meaning … useless meaning…,”

I said silently as I leaned my head on my hand, starting to get annoyed of the cesspool that is the internet.

I finally got a meaning for “Jay” that looked reliable: sad.

Of course. Out of all the meanings, Tristan Jay has to mean happy-sad.

Coincidence? I thought so at first, but then I did some history. The Philippines was under Spanish rule for 356 years. So maybe that’s why Latin is similar to Tagalog in a way, because of Philippines’ and Spain’s history?

In terms of my daily life, it made sense.

Sometimes my friends see me in school and say I look pretty bummed about something, and others friends say I look pretty happy.

After a day of thinking, I realized I have two different personas, and I switch from one to another without really noticing. I’ve been doing that frequently throughout my years in high school.

My quiet persona is the one I mostly use at school. I’m not the most talkative person in my classes, yet I open up completely when I’m around my friends. Laughing, smiling and sometimes looking like a complete idiot.

Complete idiot. That’s a phrase my other persona would use.

My other persona always thinks critically about every little thing in my surroundings, and for a long period of time. Sometimes it leaves me with a blank expression on my face and puts me into a trance.

My cheerful and energetic side says “Hi.” Sometimes even to those he passes in the hallway. Sometimes he likes to chat with random people on his friends list for no apparent reason, or text everyone on his contacts just to start a conversation.

My name is Tristan Jay Cawagas. Unique? no, but that’s me.

|Katie Reynolds |Know More Editor Not only is my first name common, my last name is too, apart and used together.

When I watch my friends google themselves they find their pictures.

Not me, I find a thousand faces, with a thousand voices, and a thousand eyes, living in a thousand places.

Among so many, I feel insignificant, ordinary, unimportant, small. Even if I were to leave a mark on history, a big mark, I’ll still be drowned by millions.

I am proud though. Katie is Celtic, and I love all things Celtic and Norse.

And yet, I just wish there was more, more than being one of many.

Everyone likes to know that they are unique, special, meant for something, but I’m Katie Reynolds, one of over a thousand alive today.

I see a blog, or a profile of another Katie Reynolds, I feel like yelling “That’s my name! It’s mine! You’re just a poser! You stole it! Give it back! I’m the only true Katie!”

But I know, it’s their name too. For most of them it’s just what their parents named them; they didn’t steal it.

But I can’t help but have this feeling, like someone taking a piece of artwork of mine, something I worked long and hard on that I’m proud of, and taking the credit for it.

In 1994, the year I was born, Katie was rated 70 out of the 200 most popular girl names in the US. In the 1990’s that number was number 69 for the entire decade with 49,235 girls born with that name.

Between the year 2000 and 2010 it was number 109 with 30,336 baby girls born named Katie. These numbers do not include the names Katy, Kate, Katelyn, Katrina, Katherine, and any other spellings of those names.

I have considered changing my name legally when I turn 18, but then if being Katie Reynolds is being who I am, then who will I be after that’s gone?

I’ll probably add a middle name or something, just so I can have this ocean of undifferentiated Katie Reynolds’ where it seems that no singularity exists, I may make this ocean become a drop.

Each month, The Heat showcases the opinions and thoughts of a reporter willing to tell her personal truth. Or make your lower lip tremble. Enough reality to inspire action in you, our reader.

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No Two Are Alike

And no two names mean the same. Each person’s is unique, magical, and laden with emotion. Here, students describe some of the deeper meanings and memories associated their names, and leave their autographs behind

Joseph Varnadore art