The Roundup roundup.brophyprep.org
February 2013 Edition 4
Bridging the Gap
Summit aims to address economic inequality causes, effects By Austin Norville ’15
THE ROUNDUP rophy hopes to makes students more aware of economic inequality during this year’s annual Summit on Human Dignity, occurring March 4 - March 15. The theme of this year’s Summit is about the opportunity gaps that economic inequality creates. “It’s a sad thing, that there are so many people that live in those conditions,” said Tom Rainer ’15. The theme is prevalent in today’s society in three distinct ways, said Summit Coordinator Mr.
B
Ryan Hubbell. “The first is that if you look at the Bible, there’s one thing Jesus talks to no end about … is the care and help of the poor,” he said. Summit planners intend to influence students to do just that. “The second (distinct way) is if there’s one issue that we feel like the Catholic Church is abundantly clear on it is that we need to be in community with and help the poor,” Mr. Hubbell said. “In addition to that, culturally we just felt it was the right time to talk about this.” See INEQUALITY, Page 4
Inside
See News, Page 5
• Jesuits weigh in on Catholic positions regarding economic inequality See News, Page 2
• Economics factor into how students get to school See News, Page 4
• First generation college students seek newfound opportunities
• Summit shouldn’t be taken for granted See Opinions, Page 7
• Opportunity gap present on campus through financial programs See Opinions, Page 8
• Commentary: Opportunity gap present in high school athletics See Sports, Page 12
See News, Page 4
• OFJ boasts diverse Summit schedule, activities See News, Page 5
• Summit speaker lineup provides insight into opportunity gap
Photo illustration by Kevin Valenzuela ’13
This year’s Summit will focus on opportunity gaps found and created in our society.
Economic realities impact students’ social, academic lives By Julian De Ocampo ’13
THE ROUNDUP When the phrase “economic gap” comes up, it’s easy to get lost in numbers and figures. In reality, the differences in socioeconomic status manifest themselves in tangible ways that go beyond statistics, such as a student’s ability to maintain a social life or apply to college.
Do costs cut into socialization? Students often spend their weekends engaging in a variety of activities on the
Cowboy Club fosters enthusiasm for Old West culture
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weekends – but not all of these come free. Last issue, The Roundup followed a number of students after school and found that many activities, from going to the Village Racquet and Health Clubs to practicing rock climbing at a local facility, required pricey membership fees. Despite the seemingly high cost to maintain a social life, some students said they have found that friendship is not based on financial situations. Brophy’s Work Study program currently offers financial assistance for students in need, allowing them to more
easily afford tuition. “I can say with confidence that my economic status has never affected my social life,” said Cesar Lopez ’13, a student who is currently involved in the Work Study program. “I’m blessed with great friends who don’t look for friends to ‘mooch’ off of or who are preppy or stuck-up. Everyone here who I’ve met are really friendly guys and never take into account my economic status. Whenever I go out with friends, I never let money ruin my time with them.” Lopez also added that being involved in the Work Study program actually allows him to spend his free time getting
Social media significantly impacts students Page 6
more involved in the school by helping out at events such as Open House, Back to School Night and sporting events. Additionally, he said that being involved in the program has allowed him to connect with other students who have become his friends. Although he noted that “everyone’s different,” he also said that because Work Study students generally come from public middle schools and share similar backgrounds, they typically have a lot in common. Fellow Work Study student Ivan Ramirez ’13 echoed these statements. “I believe that everyone that is part of
the Work Study program finds that there is more in common with other people than they think,” he said. “They find out that they aren’t the only ones that have problems and I believe it motivates them to do better.” Another Work Study student, Edwin Galan ’13, said that although the effect is there, it is surmountable. “The economic status affects me in that I have to manage my budget and keep track of it a lot more than others,” he said. “It does at times hinder the possibility to going out to places that See IMPACT, Page 3
Soccer team kicks its way into playoffs Page 11
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