Stagg Line 2015-16 Issue #6 by Stagg Line Newspaper

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03.04.16 Vol. 59 No. 6

Amos Alonzo Stagg High School

1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207

Home of the Delta Kings

Free dental clinic BLACK HISTORY MATTERS Black benefits students History ArrianaSmith

Danielle Cardone doesn’t want to feel like she has to hide her teeth. However, what she dislikes even more is the judgement that comes along with revealing them. Lack of a proper dental diagnosis caused her four front teeth to rot and discolor Until Feb. 22 the sophomore had not been to a dentist in six years. On that day, while still struggling to overcome her insecurity from years ago she gained confidence that her situation isn’t permanent. Big Smiles held an at-school clinic here in Healthy Start on Feb. 22 and 29. Three dentists offered their experience with dental hygiene to students who had signed up and qualified for the dental care. A student could have signed up for the clinic by filling out the papers that they received in their enrollment packet at the beginning of the new school year. Students who may still be interested can get a form in Healthy Start and they will be added to the list of students being seen on either March 7 or April 4. These additional days have been added to ensure all student receive the care they need. Services offered include, X-rays, cleanings and, if needed, cavity fillings. Judy Rauzi, Healthy Start coordinator, said that in past years the clinic only offered X-rays and cleanings, and if more care was necessary Big Smiles would refer the student to a different dentist. She said it is much more beneficial to the students who attend that they receive all the care they need here at school. Students who attended on Feb. 22 all needed more detailed care than what was expected. This resulted in the attendance of only a fraction of the students who had signed up. Originally the clinic was only set for only Feb. 22 and 29.

“ I really appreciate the dentists who come to our school to work on our teeth.” Isaac Krietz Junior

A traumatic experience in a dental office when she was little, caused Cardone to never return. “I needed a root canal,” Cardone said. “I started to panic when they said I needed a shot in my mouth.” Instead of going to get her parent or doing something to comfort her, she said they proceeded to hold her down and give her the shot while she continued to resist. At the same visit Cardone also needed to fill the cavities in her four front teeth but did not, resulting in the teeth to rot and discolor. The effects have followed and continued to haunt her even now. Junior Isaac Krietz has attended the last two years. However, this time, due to the extensive care other students required, he was not able to be seen. Making him one of the students whose first visit took place on Feb. 29. “I stopped going (to the dentist) because my grandmother died,” Krietz said. “She was the person who always made my appointments and took the time to take me.” While Kreitz admits that he is far from an advocate of healthy teeth, he still believes this clinic is a great opportunity for students. “They want us to stay on the right track,” Krietz said. “I really appreciate the (Big Smiles) dentists who come to our school to work on our teeth.”

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE JIMENEZ

During Black History Month, Social Studies Department Chair Audrey Weir-Graham dedicates her wall to the “Souls of Black Folk.” She encourages students to study the wall to know more about black history.

GamelaBrice

As a clear message for individuals opposed to Black History Month, senior Kendra Carter said, “I say everyone should be proud of who they are,” said Carter. “Just because we are pro black doesn’t mean we are anti anything else, so this should not be something that is frowned upon but encouraged.” February has been dedicated to not only those of the African American race but their achievements and their rising up from once being known as the “inferior race.” Yet recently there has been national controversy involving whether Black History Month should continue. “In history books we don’t get that much exposure to it; it’s more like ‘oh’ slavery and then ‘oh’ Martin Luther King Jr.,” said senior Kimberly Hills. “I feel like I shouldn’t have to learn about this through social media. I should see this in my textbook because it’s a part of history.” The United States is known for being a melting pot, and with that each ingredient of the melting pot has a history. In school, learning about numerous events involving people of different eth-

nicities is supposed to be a part of the curriculum. So, to some, it may only seem right that the history of African Americans is discussed during this time of year. “It’s a huge part of American history,” said U.S. and World History teacher Eugene Hubl. “So, you can’t really talk about American history without talking about certain things. You wouldn’t be effectively teaching U.S. History if you don’t talk about the black or African-American experience.” But do the textbooks include everything? Social Studies Department Chair Audrey Weir-Graham said that “Often when history is written not only are people left out, but we look at history through rose tinted glasses to make our story what it is.” Black historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman are often mentioned for the contributions they made to improve society. However, while their stories take up large portions of the textbooks, many others remain untold. “What we have been doing is a booklet, and on every page students are to put a person or event involving black history,”

Hubl said. “I handed out a list of people and events that they can reference because, although people like Martin Luther King Jr. were great, there are so many other African American people responsible for great things.” Weir-Graham said how vital it is that students understand that “Black history is American history,” she said. “American history is history within the world, and within the context we have to understand that story.” However, some argue that Black History Month is unnecessary. These individuals have a strong belief in equality and are eager to see unity instead of separation by what may seem as a form of temporary segregation. “I feel that Black History Month should not be celebrated because it is adding to segregation,” said junior Jalend Dinwiddie. “I think it is taking away from the overall equality; so there should not be any holidays or celebrations for any particular race because we should all be equal.” Not everyone has the same opinion on national ethnic celebration. “This country is a country of immigrants, and this country was built around the ideal that we want to improve our lives

Month tells the side of history often left out of textbooks. Some say that these stories need to be integrated all year long.

no matter where we came from,” said Tara Hayes, who teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History and AP Government. “I think students need to understand that since the beginning of this country white and black have been together, working to build this nation into what it is.” “I don’t really celebrate Black History Month but for those who do, I would say for them it represents a lot of good things that has happened to their people,” said junior Desmond Espinoza. Some may see this month as meaningless but, “If every single day of the year we were acknowledged, recognized, or celebrated, maybe we wouldn’t need to designate one month of the year to black history,” said actor and black activist Nate Parker, speaking at Pacific Monday night. “And the question is why do we need Black History Month? Well, without it, we would disappear.” So, “Do we still need to dispense cultural history? Absolutely,” said Weir-Graham. “Should it be inclusive? Absolutely. It hasn’t happened yet, but until it happens I think we have a responsibility as educators to engage our minds to become aware and open our hearts to show we care.”

Circle of Friends helps peers connect

MatthewKimani

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE JIMENEZ

Amna Irshad is a Register Dental Hygienist for this free dental clinic. Irshad sets up to get ready for the next students after lunch.

Bottom Line

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Black History Assembly Prom tickets Students in the Black Student Union will be holding an assembly on Tuesday, March 8. Classes will going on an invitation only.

Starting March 14, early bird prom bids will go on sale for $85 for couple and $65 for single. After April 11, prom will go up to $95 for couple and $75 for single.

In many other countries, special education students are kept out of the public eye. You won’t see them on the street, you won’t meet them in school, and nobody would even think of attempting to befriend them. Here, things are different. A grassroots organization called Circle of Friends has been leading a statewide movement to, in the words of teacher Aaron Estrada, “increase awareness and promote interaction between general ed and special ed students.” Estrada is the director of Stagg’s chapter. He organizes social events where general and special ed students have “the opportunity to have positive interactions.” Student volunteers gather in Estrada’s room every Wednesday during third period to socialize with special ed students. They act like old friends, mingling irrespective of cognitive

ability. “Our target group is the kids that are severely disabled, the kids that have lower cognitive abilities,” Estrada said. “They don’t have as much interaction as their general ed peers.” The students seem to be close to the general ed volunteers

Spring Break

Powder puff

The week of March 21-28 there will be no school. School will resume Tuesday, March 29.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE JIMENEZ

Senior Jeffery Daranikone and special ed assist Joseph Wong, along with other students from Circle of Friends, interact during their break.

On April 8, the female senior and juniors will play against Chavez High in the powder puff game at Stagg.

s. “Our students tend to want to use more appropriate social interactions,” Estrada said. “They’ve become more confident in talking to their general ed peers.” Two volunteers, senior Usman Rehman and junior Andrea Martinez, agreed. Speaking of David Montellano, Rehman said

that after he met senior Guadalupe Morales, “he started coming outside, he started playing football with some other students.” They aren’t doing it because it “looks good on a college application,” either. They truly believe in what they do at Circle of Friends. “It’s very exciting,” Martinez said. “I’ve always wanted to work with special needs children.” “I used to struggle with learning, too,” Rehman said. “I help them out to make them feel better about themselves.” The special ed students feel the same. Freshman Gloria Hernandez said that “it feels awesome to be in there helping them to talk more.” Others reported that it has made them feel better and eliminated their fear of sharing their feelings with others. Circle of Friends has evidently fulfilled its mission at Stagg. “There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Estrada said.

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Stagg Line

Opinion

03.04.16

Be cautious in new campaigning era A s the presidential primaries carry on, news outlets are covering every possible angle that can be written about. If you turn on your television, you can tune in to the debates of the Democratic and Republican candidates and even stream a rally they are holding. The elections are so heavily covered that it can become overwhelming. So what do you do? You’re likely going to turn off the TV and log on to Twitter or Facebook to see what your friends are up to in order to escape the buzz of the primaries. But there is no escape. Social media has become one of the most prevalent forms of communication and news in our generation. Social networks grant users the ability to keep post from anywhere in the world about anything in the world. These websites are now the largest platforms for candidates to campaign.

ART BY JULIA ROSETE

Donald Trump is most noted for causing Twitter fights among other candidates and even news reporters. Trump and other candidates use social

Prosecution of Chinese cop is just W

hen police officers commit a crime, no matter what their race, gender, or background may be, all should be punished equally and thoroughly under the law. However, in the eyes of many Asian-Americans, that does not seem to be happening after an event that took place in New York. Former police officer Peter Liang has been found guilty of manslaughter and official misconduct after the death of Akai Gurley. Liang was patrolling a the dark stairwell of a Brooklyn housing project Nov. 20, 2014 when he fired his gun. The bullet ricocheted off a nearby wall and pierced the unsuspecting Gurney in the heart, who later died in a hospital. Melissa Butler, Gurney’s girlfriend, witnessed the crime and testified that Liang did little to nothing to help Gurney while he was injured. The jury’s verdict, delivered in Brooklyn State Supreme Court, found Liang to be guilty and he was not only fired right after the occurrence, but is now also looking at a five to 15 year prison sentence. Gurley was an unarmed African American killed by a police officer, and unlike far too many others, was given justice for the incident that cost his life. With a police officer finally facing the punishments of his actions, one would think there would be a lack of protests. However, that’s not the case because of what some believe to be “selective prosecution.” Liang’s verdict was a rare incident, being the first in over a decade, where an officer was convicted of killing in the line of duty and is being called unfair by many Asian-Americans. They see the prosecution of Liang as a sacrificial lamb to soothe recent turmoil against police brutality. These protests are usually seen for a good cause or to make progress to a more equal criminal justice system. Some protesters, however, are not fighting to get more white officers put in jail, but why is Liang not protected as they are? The fact that out of all the police violence occurrences throughout the decade, he was the only one convicted strikes me as not just strange but as an injustice. White police officers responsible for the deaths of unarmed African-Americans don’t seem like they’re going to be prosecuted anytime

media to check in with supporters, update followers on where they are, and deliver their messages on key issues all in 140 characters or less.

The presence of candidates on social media can now more easily influence voters. Before, you would have to closely follow the news and radio or make it to rallies in order to hear about a candidate’s stances. Now, they can be found on Facebook or Instagram and stories can be found on candidates from online news publications. The problem is, voters, and especially younger voters, now have to discern fact from possible fiction. Aside from this, the annoyance of other users’ posts on this topic make it too easy to tune out of the primaries altogether. Caution must be taken to not fall into the trap of supporting the most popular candidate or the one that appears in your feed the most. The primaries are an important period of the election season and shouldn’t be reduced to a funny meme. Young voters need to be wary as we approach the general election.

G N I N R A Wtrigger warnings in no core classrooms

R StephanieMatsumoto

“...out of all police brutality cases throughout the decade, him being the only one convicted strikes me as an injustice.” soon for their actions. Victims such as Eric Garner and Michael Brown, who purposely were placed in a chokehold and shot respectively, had their lives cut short and never saw justice. I believe, at the same time, that while there is something not quite right about convicting one Chinese officer out of many equally guilty white ones, Liang should indeed go to jail for his crime. He, like other officers, murdered a person for no other reason than his own fear. My main hope for the future is change not in the direction of protecting police officers no matter who they are but to find them guilty for the felony no matter who they are.

emember in grade school when history lessons consisted of coloring turkey hands and memorizing the American states and capitals? Permission slips were sent out on the rare occasion teachers had planned lessons on sex education, which was usually the only sensitive material taught. Nowadays, sensitive material is covered in high school core classrooms more often, and rarely is there a trigger warning. Trigger warnings are used to alert viewers of explicit content. Usually intended for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, these warnings are also designed for people who might be provoked by the information presented. Found in the beginning of movies (such as film ratings or content warnings), documentaries, television shows, and even on the boxes of video or computer games, trigger warnings are crucial for the safety and well-being of many. These warnings are so important because of the detrimental results that may be triggered. Triggers can last for hours, even days or weeks. They could include, but are not limited to, panic/ anxiety attacks, constant feelings of uneasiness and anxiousness, and several other physical effects such as palpitations and sweating. It depends on the individual and what activates their triggers. These symptoms could gravely distress and even torment a person, which is damaging not only to their health, but the ability to lead a normal life. As I continue to write this column, the grip of crippling anxiety is slowly getting tighter around my neck. I’ve been attempting to cope with these harmful symptoms for many years, even before I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. The symptoms of an anxiety attack vary for each individual. For myself, I began to cry and have shortness of breath. A feeling of choking and waves of fear crash over me. Hiding and attempting to cope in the corner of my bedroom is one thing, but in the classroom

Stagg Line Staff & Policies

MarleenePheav with about 20-plus students and a working atmosphere is another. One of my classes has been working on units involving juvenile cases and the contemplation of life (as in whether life is worth living or not.) Giving no warning, the former goes into great detail about each offender’s murder case, including situations of sexual and physical abuse. The latter initiates discussion of suicide and subtle depression. One could imagine how evoking these topics could be to survivors of abuse and mental illnesses. And I am not the only one who goes through this. Different people become triggered by different things. It’s just a matter of knowing what’s a sensitive subject, such as domestic violence, eating disorders, slurs, and etc. Notifying students of sensitive material ahead of time will allow them to prepare and cope with the lesson, and choose to opt out if possible. I understand that some lessons are bound to implement material that may be triggering, but the best one can do is be upfront from the beginning.

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Amos Alonzo Stagg High School 1621 Brookside Rd. Stockton, CA 95207 The Stagg Line is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, whose awards include the following: ff All-American: 21 years ff Hall of Fame ff First Place, Best of Show: five times ff National Newspaper Pacemaker: seven times Stagg Line journalists over the years have won many awards and scholarships, including California Journalist of the Year, National Story of the Year and National Photo of the Year.

The Stagg Line newspaper is published monthly and distributed free to students and staff members. Our website staggonline.net is updated regularly with online exclusives.

The Stagg Line is a long-standing open forum for free student expression. That means, student editors and reporters make content and style decisions with the adviser offering guidance. The staff editorial, which appears at the top of this page, reflects the opinion of the entire staff and therefore is not signed. A personal column is signed and reflects the writer’s point of view. Readers are welcome to submit letters for publication regarding any story published or any school issue. We will make every effort to publish any letter that is not libelous, obscene or inflammatory. Letters longer than 250 words may be edited for length. Letters may be given to any staff member, delivered to A8 or emailed to dbott@stocktonusd.net.

REPORTERS

SaraAbdeltawab GamelaBrice LouisFuentez RosaGarcia StephanieJimenez MatthewKimani JeffersonLeiva StephanieMatsumoto JuliaRosete JoAnnSagaral ArrianaSmith LuciTomas

EDITORS CelineLopez, editor-in-chief AraceliValencia, news editor MatteoDanforth, opinion editor PhillicityUriarte-Jones, features editor EstefanyNunez, entertainment editor SathinaFlores, sports editor MarleenePheav, web editor My’KaylaMoore, photo editor AngelGonzalez, graphics editor DonBott, adviser Follow us on Facebook (Stagg Line) as well as Twitter and Instagram (@staggonline). Current and older issue PDFs are available at issuu.com/staggline

Opinion

03.04.16

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Stagg Line

VOTERS FIND A CANDIDATE Sanders’ personality able to rally younger citizens

Sanders is using a political strategy to gain influence

eing able to change minds when access is available to new information is a fundamental part of being a human. The thought of Hillary Clinton being the next president has driven Democratic voters right to Bernie Sanders. People get thrilled every time a presidential candidate is talking about providing free health care, solving an environmental crisis, raising taxes on the rich, and most of all, making college affordable. This is what Sanders is doing. With his political stances, he has drawn thousands of energetic supporters to his events, surged in polls, and raised millions by calling for a “political revolution” focused on fighting income inequality, climate change, “corporate greed.” He has also recently addressed such issues as the racial divide in this country and immigration, even though a number of activists from the Black Lives Matter movement shut him down on stage. To silence a voice such as his would be unfathomable. Sanders has significantly improved this election season’s political debates. Not only that but aside from some of his opponents, he’s run a campaign with a level of respect and maturity. His platforms on key issues are breathtaking in their ambition but can he deliver? Does he actually have the ability to follow through with his plans and make the United States of America a better place? Sanders does seem like the person too good to be true, but a part of me has to believe that his lengthy track record and strong will could possibly make these policies our reality. After all, he has a long history of being a true left politician who has stuck with his message from the very beginning. Lately, it’s obvious that Sanders has drawn massive crowds nearly everywhere he’s traveled and it can be seen all over the news, with majority of the enthusiasm coming from college students. Because most of his followers are college students, he has attracted support from an unlikely group of people who don’t typically vote. He’s caught the eyes of young people. And the young voters have justifiably begun to “feel the Bern.” As Americans, we should visualize who we want as our next president and Sanders is extremely smart and well informed. He doesn’t back down in a fight. As president, he would take his political agenda to the oval office. With Sanders standing strong in his word, there is a possibility he can convince Americans to not only “feel the Bern” but also to support legislation that could benefit everyone in the long run. Legislation which could call for that “political revolution”— a vast new government that would fund benefits to individuals, including health insurance, and free tuition at public colleges.

“To silence a voice such as his would be unfathomable.”

ho is Bernie Sanders? Well, he is one of the two remaining Democratic candidates in the race on becoming the next president. For many young people he is a step in the right direction. He is looking forward to a new country by promising so much as soon as he gets the presidency. Howver, I believe that he is doing something more complex than what he is trying to put out there. An outsider might think that Sanders is using these hot topics to his advantage. Though some people, especially in the younger crowd, believe that he can lead this country to greatness, I think he may just be getting the younger generation hyped. In my eyes, it seems like a strategy. I’m not saying he will not follow through with these promises. I just want to see these things put in motion as soon as he got the chance to. I am not saying that I am against him. For a president, it is difficult to make these legislations right away. Proposals have to pass through Congress, so not all he has promised is to happen. He is a great candidate and I think he should be president because some of the proposals he wants to enact are really going to help the future of America. One thing that we know everyone is especially anxious about is the possible lifting of the prohibition on marijuana. Most people that I know see that as a possibility if Sanders becomes president. He is also putting strong emphasis on the fact that abortion is a woman’s choice and he is correct in my opinion. Sanders also speaks about the immigration act and how he wants to give citizenship to the immigrants that are in the U.S. He even wants to make public colleges and university tuitions free. Sanders is really pushing to make a difference for the next generation of people who are going to be the future of this country. He is trying to persuade people because he wants to be an advocate for the people and let them feel like he is going to be a safety net that we may rely on. People are able to see that he is one of the favorites from the younger group of voters because he has been labeled as being the “cool guy”. There is a whole a page on Twitter that has Sanders and Hillary Clinton giving answers to particular situations and of course they gave Sanders the edge, making him look like the “cooler” person. This instills the idea in younger voters that if we have him as president, he’s going to be the best thing since Barack Obama, or even better. If this is so, then we could be in the best shape this country has ever been in. If Sanders were to win, I would not be angry. However, he is really taking the strategic way and in my eyes it gives him the advantage in the presidential primaries.

“..., I think he is getting the younger generation hyped.”

SathinaFlores

LouisFuentez

GRAPHIC BY ANGEL GONZALEZ

But not everyone is feeling the Bern “If Clinton won, she would be “If Clinton won, that would make supporting Obama and his Affordable her the first woman president in Care Act.” the U.S. This would open doors for Abriala Uvalles women across the country.” Berenice Falcon junior junior

SKINBLEACHING: trend is an aesthetic preference

hanging the way we look is commonplace. I can’t say that every person who uses skin We dye our hair, we pierce ourselves and we bleaches isn’t racist, but neither can you say that wear makeup because it makes us happy. they all are. Enjoying the way something different looks on Body modification is common now. People ourselves is not wrong; it is not meant to shame change how they look based on their preference. If others that prefer something else. someone dyes their hair blond, it does not mean In Thailand, there was a recent controversy all people who have darker hair are undesirable over an ad promoting a skin bleaching product. and it does not mean that the person who dyed The ad stated that by “being white, you will win” their hair sees dark hair as undesirable. Liking how and promoted the idea that dark skin would guarsomething looks on yourself is no crime, and if antee failure. it makes you happier with your own appearance Of course, this is easily perceived to be racial then there is no reason not to do it. slander of sorts, but it seems hard to believe a com Those with more money may change more, pany would blatantly pull a card like that. They getting different forms of plastic surgery but the wanted to promote their product, so of course they principle is all the same. They wanted to look a wanted to make the alternative seem unappealing. certain way, so they changed themselves. It isn’t Beside the fact that the whole angle they chose to wrong, and it should not be shamed. How does it PhillicityUriarte-Jones use to sell their product was one of the worst logiaffect you if someone else decides to dye their hair cal fallacies I have seen, when one looks at it more blue or to shape their face differently with makeobjectively, you can see how it was already such a low and desperate up? It doesn’t make them “fake”. By that logic shaving your body attempt. would hold the same implications, but instead that’s considered a Yes, they should have put more thought into the commercial. social norm. They should have considered the blatant implications it had, and Changing the color of one’s skin is no different. truly process what those implications meant. They are guilty of sheer Beside, the fact that the phrase “I’m too pale” has been uttered by idiocy, but not racism. many and refuted by few. Americans promote bronze skin far more It is common in Asian cultures to seek out fair skin. It may be than fair skin. rooted in classism, where normally those who were working class Of course, not all Americans agree to this, and of course there would get a dark tan from manual labor and those who were wealthy are Americans who consider dark skin unsightly for the racial implispent more time indoors. cations it possesses, but that is the minority. You won’t get far in life For this reason there may be an ingrained prejudice that affects if you remain narrow-minded and intolerant. preference, but does not indicate racism. You have the right to change how you look, it’s your body; but you must remember everyone else possesses the same right.

ART BY MARLEENE PHEAV

Features

03.04.16 INDEPENDENCE

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MAKING MOM PROUD MatteoDanforth

EVERYONE HAS EXPERIENCED ADVERSITY IN THEIR LIVES. YET WE DON’T ALWAYS REALIZE THAT SOME HAVE TO BREAK THROUGH MORE COMPLEX INVISIBLE BARRIERS SET UP BY SOCIETY. THESE BARRIERS ARE ESPECIALLY EVIDENT TO THOSE NOT BORN IN THIS COUNTRY. WHETHER IT IS MOVING TO A NEW COUNTRY, LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE, OR TRYING TO FIT INTO A NEW CULTURE, SOCIETY CAN MAKE IT HARD TO FACE AN

It isn’t rare that Martha Valencia finds herself on her bed, fingers cramped and eyes burning from staring at a laptop screen, filling out financial aid and college registration forms with information she has rewritten so many times and evaluating her life in order to write her personal statements. In Valencia’s case, the statement is very personal — and even more powerful. She wouldn’t just write about being a senior who is struggling to attract the attention of top colleges. She wouldn’t just write about the multiple Advanced Placement classes she takes to boost her grade-point average or the five clubs that she is a part of, three of which she holds an officer position. She wouldn’t just write about the time after school she spends at golf practice or the weekends

PARENTING

she reserves to fill out applications for colleges and financial aid. Valencia’s personal statement would include events from five years ago, the day she had to leave her mother to pursue an education in the states. “She let me go and that was especially hard on her,” she said. Although she had been born in the United States, when her mother was deported, she had gone with her. Valencia lived in Mexico until the beginning of seventh grade, when it was decided she would leave her mother due to the lack of opportunities in the country. Since that day, Valencia said, “Everything I do is for my mom. I not only have to prove to myself that this is all for something, but I also have to make my mom proud.” Moving in with her brother, Salvador, his wife

and their two children added one more to an already full house. Life at home is a struggle for Valencia. Without her parents, the senior looks to her brother as a parental figure, but she realizes “he’s not a parent, he’s my brother. Teenagers are naturally dependent, but he’s not used to that.” On top of that, Valencia explains, “He wasn’t ready for a teenager. He took a chance letting me in and it’s been a process. Him and I have learned a lot.” But the ordeal has involved more than just learning. After two years of living with her brother and his family, Valencia’s sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. Months spent in the hospital because of surgery and chemotherapy have kept her sister-in-law away from the family. The news was even more harrowing as Valencia’s brother was unemployed at the time. The financial burden and the void left by her sister-in-

Valencia aims to show family in Mexico her academic success

law led Valencia to step up and help take care of her nephews. Being able to balance chores as well as going to practice, finishing homework and studying became a daily struggle Through it all, though, Valencia has made some stunning accomplishments. Family matters were extremely draining for Valencia. As a child, she struggled with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and this became extremely detrimental. “Having (ADHD) not only made it hard for me to concentrate on school but it also killed my confidence,” she said. The stress of ADHD was a constant obstacle and it made her feel stagnant. Yet, after years of dealing with the disorder, Valencia has learned to manage it and even transcend. Over the past summer, Valencia did research at Lawrence Livermore Lab, where she faced the stig-

CULTURE

ma of how others viewed her. “It was hard enough not knowing how to do the labs, but people looked down on me,” she said. Coming from Stockton was seen as a limitation by those that were also working in the labs. This prejudice she felt by those around her was only fuel for Valencia to work even harder; to prove that she could do anything she set her mind to, no matter her origins. “That judgement I felt only made me want to prove them wrong and I ended up being the one who discovered the protein.” Now, as Valencia begins to feel the anxiety of college acceptance, she reflects back on these moments and appreciates the discoveries she has made. “I think it’s important to remember that your circumstances don’t define your path in life,” she says. “ In the future, I want to get my degree and afterward, get my mom back.”

PHOTO BY CELINE LOPEZ

Seinor Marth Valencia has been accepted into Cal State and San Diego State.

Teachers had to assimilate Being married at young age more common in Hmong culture JeffersonLeiva

(Clockwise from left) Yer and husband Nhia take a post-wedding photo. Yer’s two children at a birthday party. Xiong and her longtime friend Kang Moa at the Hmong New Year. PHOTO COURTESY OF YER XIONG

CelineLopez She misses a day of school because of sickness. But she wasn’t sick, her son was. Sometimes she is encouraged to go to school anyway, because her husband will take care of the children. At 16 years old, Yer Xiong got married. Later, she had a son and a daughter. Surprisingly, Xiong’s family supports her marriage. In Hmong culture, she says, most families encourage their daughters to get married before they’re 18. “For the American girl, they’ll look down on you. But in Hmong culture if you’re 18 and you’re not married yet, the (grandparents) would say, ‘You’re too old. You’re 18 already, move out or go get married.’” Now, Xiong is a senior and continues attending high school. “I know that I’m not going to stop going to school,” she said, “and nothing will stop me from going to school even though I had kids.” Some of her classmates, she said, would judge her for being married at such a young age. She adds that in one of her classes her teacher made the assumption that none of the students could be married at this age, but when she rose her hand to announce she was, the whole class turned to her in shock. “It’s life, and that’s how my culture goes, so I don’t care,” she said. Jasmine Moua said, a freshman, thinks her generation is different from older ones. She says that in traditional Hmong culture parents would “force” their daughters to marry someone the parents know. “My mom, she’s different because she wants to change tradition,” Moua said. While her parents were married young, if she were to get married, she said, her parents would be disappointed in her choice but would still be supportive. Sue Vang’s three older sisters were all married at young ages, ranging from 16 to 19. “In my culture, the girls are expected to get married,” he said. His sisters, except one, didn’t go to college. His second oldest sister, who did go to college, dropped out after one year when she got married. “(A woman) could stay home, but if you want to go to

college, you can too,” he said. “(Your parents) can’t really stop you.” Vang, a senior, says that in a traditional setting Hmong women must know how to cook, clean and raise a family and Hmong men must work and be providers or they will “bring shame to the family” and get kicked out. “That’s what our culture is based on,” he said. Vang says his parents are traditional, but since he and his siblings were born in the United States, they are more aligned with American society. However, he says his parents acknowledge the open opportunities offered in America and encourage their children to attain an education. Vang doesn’t believe his sisters were forced or pressured into marrying young, because they had all dated their husbands prior to engagement and are happy. “It’s a tradition to get married young so that way you can start a family earlier,” he said. Vang thinks most Hmong people go to Hmong New Year festivals to celebrate and enjoy the food, not to find a mate. “I’m trying to fit into my culture, but I don’t really want to marry at a young age,” Vang said. “I want to go to college before I get married.” Xiong passionately supports independence for Hmong women. “You’re not really free,” she said. “You’re a housewife now. All you have to do is stay home and watch the kids.” Some Hmong husbands force their wives to assimilate to the traditional role of a housewife by not allowing her to go out with friends or have a job. Xiong plans to go to Delta then transfer to University of the Pacific to become a nurse. Her husband fully supports her decision and actually encourages her to study while he takes care of their children. “In America, there’s more opportunity for women,” she said. “I think a lot of women need to have their independence and freedom. I was thinking, what if I was 16 and married back in Laos and my husband didn’t let me do anything? I was only 16.” Before she got married, Xiong didn’t tell her family. She and her then boyfriend merely told her parents and said they were going to the store. But they really left Sacramento, where Xiong lived, and came to Stockton to get married. “My mom was shocked,” she said. “I told her I’m not coming back because I chose the life to be married.”

When she was 18, she got a job. Soon, more years passed and she began to grow new roots in this alien world. She lived in a “beautiful, wonderful, big city, Guadalajara.” Span- In many ways, art teacher Chuzin Vang felt the same way. He ish teacher Raquel Prado said with a wistful look came to the U.S as a refugee from Thailand with in her eyes. “My school was around the corner. I several other people. would walk to school. I would talk to everyone.” When he went to school, he practically faced The idea of starting over was scary. Having to the same prejudice that Prado experienced. lose connections with her loved ones, her favorite Vang observed how other students learned. His places, her home, to that of an uncertain future aspirations was to be one of the top students, yet seemed rather unpleasing. Prado described it as behe “hated going to school of because of the cultural ing uprooted and replanted on an alien planet. shock,” Vang said. “I didn’t know how to react or She moved from Mexico, to a place known as how to behave.” Bacon Island, which is 30 minutes from Stockton. He recalls being unable to understand inside Not knowing how to survive, not wanting to conjokes because everything was so new to him. form, she felt paralyzed. “They look at you like you’re weird because you As a 15 year old, going to a new school where can’t associate with a group of people,” Vang said. her understanding of the foreign language was lim“They look down at you and think you’re stupid.” ited, made it hard for her to want to stay. His escape from this ostracization was art and “I went to the school where I met other Mexihe chased his new dream of becoming an art major. canos,” Prado said. “But they were mean and cruel. Sometimes time allows us to ease obstacles.“You They would make fun of me because I came from get used to being here after a while,” Prado said. Mexico.” “Even if you don’t speak English, you do.” She didn’t identify as a Chicana or any other The thing that drove both Prado and Vang labels that were put on her. The transition from a through the bullying, stereotypes and prejudice big bustling city to a literal island was hard. was their education. In both of their home coun “There was a home and a mile later there was tries, going to school was a luxury. PHOTO COURTESY OF They appreciate that they were able to obtain another home.” Prado said. RAQUEL PRADO She had the idea that if she didn’t learn English an education here in the U.S. Yet Vang explains and didn’t get an education, that she would be sent Prado at around 8 years that “education makes you feel comfortable about old with her dog Cachito. back to her homeland. yourself. But you may encounter barriers anywhere Except, years passed. you go.”

EDUCATION

Students from outside U.S. seek high school diploma LuciTomas

America is known as the land of opportunity and for many foreigners this is the main reason they choose to come here: to experience the American life. Senior Michael Silva said, “The American way is unique.” In Brazil, Silva was enrolled in 17 classes, nine on some days and eight on others. One struggle Silva recalled when he came here was understanding English. It took a few months for him to adapt to the culture and language. Although Silva studied English at a young age in Bra-

zil he couldn’t comprehend it as well at school. “At times it’s hard to understand the teachers,” Silva said. Geometry is one of the hardest subjects for him. “The concepts are taught really different here,” he said. “But I like it.” Silva was interested in coming to the U.S. through a student exchange program called “Face The World.” This program calls for requirements such as tests and speaking basic English. “I found the listening part of the test to be hard because it was really fast,” Silva said. In the next three months before Silva graduates, he is looking

into colleges. Before receiving his diploma, he must send his grades to Brazil for approval to graduate in the U.S. After graduating, he plans to go back to Brazil to unite with his family for six months and come back to the U.S. for college. For now Silva is undecided on which college, but would like to major in engineering. “I want to (either) attend college in Portugal because it has a good name in the market or attend college in Arizona and New York because I have family there,” Silva said. Another newcomer, Azam Choudhry from Pakistan, will

also be graduating this year. He moved to America with his family in 2012 for better education and jobs. “A diploma in Pakistan isn’t (as) valuable as a diploma in America,” Choudhry said. However, the diploma isn’t the only beneficial thing in America. Silva said, “The good thing about America is if you have a good idea, then you have an opportunity to succeed.” “In a lot of other countries you don’t (have opportunities) like mine,” Silva said. “I’m excited to receive my diploma like other Americans.”

LANGUAGE

ALIENATION

Castillo brothers teach parents English as they learn

Senior faces estrangement dealing with adapting to new culture

Brothers teach parents RosaGarcia

GRAPHIC BY JOANN SAGARAL

Stagg Line

Having parents who don’t speak the same language as the surrounding community can be a challenge for those who come from another country. Language barriers are often the disconnection between the surrounding community and foreign families. In some cases, the children have to become the teacher for their own parents. Joel Castillo, a junior, came to the U.S. at a young age, along with his younger brother. Both were unable to speak English. Growing up here helped him learn it, but his parents didn’t have the same advantage as he did by learning the language through school. He said the only time the language barrier affected him was with parent-teacher conferences. And sometimes, he explained, he would use it to his advantage by getting himself out of trouble, “..but my mom always knew I was in trouble by the teachers’ face expressions.” The bad part was that his parents had a hard time knowing his progress in school. Castillo not only was his parents’ teacher but also their translator. He said, “To me it isn’t a problem teaching or

translating.” He then explained how with time his parents got a better understanding the language. It grew on them, but still then decides to speak his native language to them. Younger brother Gabriel Castillo explained that translating for his parents was a norm to him. “It had always been like that, growing up.” He explained that the language barrier for his parents wasn’t much of an issue either. Since he would rather help than anything he said, “It was more of a support, it felt good to help my mom.” Gabriel said even now they have to speak different languages depending on location: “School English, home Spanish.” Gabriel just said that speaking Spanish younger made him feel unique, since kids at his age often didn’t have to translate for their parents. Being bilingual gave him opportunities to help in many ways. He recalled an incident from elementary where he helped others at school with translating. “A mom walked in angry, screaming Spanish and I understood it. The teacher had asked if anyone had knew Spanish and so I had helped.”

Prejudice hinders adjustment MatthewKimani

Moving to a foreign land is exceedingly difficult when you don’t know the local language. You can’t interact with locals and finding work is nearly impossible. But what if you’re already fluent in the local language? Sophomore Karan Bains emigrated from India to Stockton in August with his mother and sister in order to be near her while she attends UOP. Because he went to an English-language school in India, he speaks English more eloquently than many native speakers. That has not made adapting any easier. “When I first came here, I felt really isolated. I used to cry,” Bains said. “Even in school it can be difficult to hold in my emotions.” Bains has suffered through many of the same tribulations that non-English speaking immigrants face: He doesn’t share any views, interests, or concerns with Americans, and so he finds it difficult to relate to them.

“When I first came here, I felt really isolated.” Karan Bains sophomore

“In my art class, everybody is a stoner. What would I say?” Bains said. “It’s not like I don’t talk to them. I can’t say they’re really good friends.” According to Bains, American students who mistreat him and other Indians are part of the problem. “They tend to be racist towards us,” he said. “I have been told ‘Go back to your country,’ I have been called ISIS. Then I really want to go back.” Bains has found solace in Stockton’s vibrant South Asian community, which includes a number of Stagg students. But local Sikhs, members of a religious community that makes up the majority of the population of Bains’s home state, frighten and disturb him. He says many of them are supporters of a movement that fought for an independent Sikh state in Punjab. Bains calls them terrorists. “We don’t feel comfortable in Stockton’s gurdwara (Sikh temple), because we suffered a lot during that time,” Bains said. Nostalgia for India may also play a role in Bains’s present melancholy. He enjoys talking

about everything he loves about life in India. “Your parents have more control over you, but it’s more open. Everyone knows everyone.” He especially misses the tight-knit campus environment and committed teachers of his native land. “From kindergarten to 12th grade, you’re in one school,” Bains said. “You can go to a teacher’s house at 8 o’clock in the evening and she will still help you.” But some students have found a way to ruin even that nostalgia for him. “You know how sometimes you’re talking, and they’re like ‘Oh, you’re from India? You must be poor.’” Bains said. “I say ‘Oh, we do this like this in India’ and their only response will be ‘Oh, your country sucks.’ Like, how?!” Bains has nevertheless been able to make peace with his situation. “I don’t know anything about them,” Bains said. “But it’s not my country. They don’t know anything about me, so it’s all right.”

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Entertainment

03.04.16

BMTH rocks with everyone My’KaylaMoore

SOURCE: WWW.BMTHOFFICIAL.COM

Bring Me The Horizon is an alternative rock band consisting of five members: Oliver Sykes, Jordan Fish, Matthew Nicholls, Matt Kean and Lee Malia. They are one of those bands where even if you don’t like the genre, it doesn’t even matter. Because with them, there’s something for everybody. Every one of their songs tells a different story, and listening to them can give you an idea of the hardships that some of the members have been through in the past. Failing relationships, drug abuse, and various others. A few of their most well-known songs that people might know are “Drown,” “True Friends,” and “Throne,” which are on their newest album that released in late September of 2015 titled “That’s The Spirit.” Their style of music has changed a lot since they formed the band in 2004, and their fan base seem to be liking it. There are other

‘H3H3Productions’ raises ruckus JoAnnSagaral

YouTube celebrities have gained the affections of millions of viewers. In fact, some have made YouTube their main source of income. Most successful YouTubers create their own skits or commentary for video game streams. Other creators are more popular because of their risqué content. And then there are the final malicious few that are content thieves. Calling out the faults of these powerful idols takes moxie. The channel H3H3Productions is popular for mocking these distasteful individuals. Ethan and Hila Klein are a married couple that previously lived in Israel. Since then, they have moved to Philadelphia. Their channel name derives from the couple’s first name initials. Comedy and utter ridicule is their forte. Most of their videos are comprised of Ethan reacting to far-fetched videos and revelling in the absurdity. They may be a channel dedicated to comedy, but their efforts also include whistleblowing. Ethan and Hila are avid hecklers

of disdainful channels such as SoFloAntonio and PrankInvasion. They point out that these channels consistently break the rules set by YouTube yet do not suffer the repercussions. SoFloAntonio is a blatant plagiarizer. PrankInvasion is known for his frequent off-color “pranks” that are scripted and depicted with racy women. Recently, the couple has been churning out satirical skits on “how to produce modern art” and “documenting Homogeneous Khalidius (DJ Khaled)”. With each video they produce, there is an improvement in the production quality that is refreshing. No longer are they heavily bogged down by awkward lighting or camera restrictions. As a viewer, the connection one feels with a YouTuber goes

beyond just watching the videos. To see a creator’s comedic style evolve is increasingly gratifying. H3H3Productions’ audience is always in anticipation. Ethan and Hila are open to frequent Q&A streams as well as frequent raffles in which they give away their merchandise. They are enjoyed for the way they poke fun at others. But they are admired for the way they can also laugh at themselves.

bands that have been around much longer and are more well known, but as of late, BMTH seems to be at the top of the “rock band” totem pole, which they are more than deserving of. Some veteran fans have been expressing that they don’t feel as connected to the band as they used to. They have also mentioned since they have changed the style of their music a bit, they have only been trying to please the younger generation, especially teenagers. The band has changed their music, but not too much to where it’s only for one age. There really aren’t any bands that only want to target one specific group of people. In a recent interview with the band, the same subject came up, and lead singer Sykes stated that the band is not trying to target any specific group of people, and that they just want people to like the music for what it is. He says, “If a 17-year-old or an 80-year-old like our music, I’d still be happy; we just want people to appreciate it, regardless of age.”

Movie review

‘Race’ presents no hurdles SaraAbdeltawab

ART BY JOANN SAGARAL

PHOTO BY CELINE LOPEZ

The caption should be about two sentences and not only describe the picture but also what the picture does not say. Include names, identification of key people.

GRAPHIC BY ROSA GARCIA

“Out there, there ain’t no black and white, there’s only fast and slow. Nothing matters – not color, not money, not even hate”-- Jesse Owens, 1936 Olympic Gold Medalist. A movie that had a lot of hype to it, a movie I would have wished to given five stars but settled on four, a movie that brought the past to modern-day society, a movie that opened the eyes of many — “Race.” I had many high expectations for this movie being that it was a big event in history, and because I was inspired by how motivating and empowered Jesse Owens (Stephan James) was in this film, but in some aspects the movie itself did fall short. The title itself comes off as a bigger meaning than the movie as a whole because race describes how Owens was one of 18 African Americans who went to the Berlin Olympics, and race describes how Owens was a four-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field. The movie basically tells us what we should already know, but it was a feeling of thinking you were there in that era actually watching the historic event. With the high expectations I had for this movie I was pretty disappointed in the scene where he went to Berlin, Germany. It didn’t even look like older times, meaning it could have looked more like the 1930’s. Although this event revolved around racism, the authors and directors turn racism into an important character almost, and give us less information on the main focus of the movie, which I assumed would be Owens. Rather than Owens telling the story from a first person’s perspective, his sport track and field made the story and or carried the plot. There’s always a good and bad to everything, and honestly this movie comes up more gold than anything. “Race” really captures certain moments in marvelous ways, in ways that make you feel as if you’re Owens himself. Each and every character playing their role in the movie just as identical to the person they were playing, it was like watching history replayed itself in front of your eyes. It was a very eye opening and great film from beginning to end, although it could have been a better hand off from start to finish.

This film really captured a historic event well and made viewers feel as if they were actually present at the 1936 Olympics.

Sports CHEWING ON TOBACCO 03.04.16

the

Stagg Line

Baseball players take on tobacco following MLB players SaraAbdeltawab

The unforgettable candy like taste, as they describe it, leaves them feeling like they have no care in the world. Chewing tobacco, they say, makes them lightheaded by day to where they can’t think straight and have no care, but active by evening just in time to get pumped up for practices and games. Idolizing the big league, several players from the baseball team chew tobacco, which is also known as “dipping.” These baseball players are aware of the risks tobacco leaves on the human body, but they continue to chew because it’s “cool,” they say, and it makes their mouth feel moist. For those who would think it would be hard to get such a substance, because they are underage, they find ways to get it from the liquor store, even though it is illegal to supply to a minor. Chewing tobacco— it’s become a Friday thing. On those Fridays during lunch they gather at “the spitting tree.” They say when they spit it out it just evaporates into the air. Sometimes the players take it farther than just a lunch thing and do it during games. But where can they spit it, with there not being a tree on the baseball field? Also they can’t throw it on the field, which would be damaged, so where does it go? They throw it alongside the wall near the baseball field. Beginning with the two finger swoop, they scoop the tobacco from the container into their mouth continuously until they have a bulging lip. The different flavors swirling through their taste buds give them a sensational feeling. This feeling may be blocking them from realizing what it’s really doing to their bodies. And because they are too busy chewing they miss out on what tobacco can really cause such as blood clots which could lead to strokes.

What they also should be worried about is not being able to even run long enough to get to third base, because when chewing tobacco, low blood supply flows through the legs. Tobacco is just a leaf, but a leaf that could cause these players to develop diseases whether they are aware of it or not. Certain diseases that tobacco can cause are things such as Leukoplakia, which is where a small gray-white patch that will form in the gums of their mouth and later to become cancer. Most baseball players end up getting lung cancer that don’t ever develop that well. Even worse some may become addicted to chewing or swallowing tobacco, and according to Erick Brigham, Channel Medical, said that chewing tobacco is “nothing bad but in reality because of the addiction they can’t quite.” Brigham said that even though people take tobacco “tobacco is tobacco” and it’s not healthy for the human body. Especially because “over periods of time we can become chemically unbalanced,” he said. “But American tobacco is different from Turkish and Turkish is different from Israel,” Brigham said, meaning that different tobacco can have different effects. “We’re just teenagers,” said one sophomore on the JV team. “We don’t know right from wrong.” Although they say they are aware of the medical consequences of using tobacco, their main concern is being kicked off the team. Knowing that baseball isn’t everyone’s go to sport, when asked why they do such a thing the players replied with “to make baseball more interesting.” They see the MLB players do it so they just think, “What’s wrong if I do it?” “The little things have long term effects, but when you’re in the moment the feeling is worth it,” said a junior on the varsity baseball team.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE JIMENEZ

A baseball player is preparing himself for the “sensational feeling” of the tobacco in his mouth on a Friday afternoon. The players consider this a pregame ritual.0

Badminton rebuilds team with devotion StephanieJimenez

Every year a team suffers from a loss of seniors. Because of that, numerous teams decrease in members and may lose strong players. That leads to “starting all over” and training upcoming players. This is a cycle that occurs every year, and it is challenging for upcoming players to exceed the standards that the previous players reached. Badminton is a sport well recognized for its championships, especially for the girls team. This leads to upcoming players to feel pressured to continue badminton’s triumphs. “Since all the seniors are gone, we have to push ourselves to be like them,” junior Kochia Anderson said. With last year’s varsity team being almost all seniors, this year the team is formed out of sophomores and juniors. Second year player Anderson says that this year they have to work hard in order to win league. “It is our priority,” she said. The girls badminton won second place in league, and although the team didn’t get first place, the players insist they clearly worked hard to earn that spot. “There’s a lot of rough competition out there,” Anderson said. “It is going to be hard for us to win.” The youth of this year’s team will cause this year’s group to face countless hours of practice. “This year is our time to step it up,” she said. Junior Jessica Eth says that this season “all players will try harder to meet the expectations of previous players.”

“This year’s varsity team isn’t the worst team I’ve worked with, but because of that, players should be motivated to be a better team this year.” Hung Nguyen coach She also mentioned that she sees the potential needed among her teammates. As her second year playing, Eth believes this year’s team can manage to follow last year’s team footsteps. “This year’s varsity team isn’t the worst team I’ve worked with, but

because of that, players should be motivated to be a better team this year,” coach Hung Nguyen said. In order to come through this year “we have to grow as a team,” said junior Briana Ledesma. “The key to become a better team this year, we have to forget about last year and simply focus about how we’re going to play this year,” she said. Ledesma said that being often compared to last year’s team will just affect the players negatively during season. Being her third year of playing, Ledesma hopes this year the season will be a success. One of many seniors that graduated last year Vanessa Hoang still comes out today to assist both teams. “I’ve always liked badminton and being able to teach others, it creates a nice feeling,” she said. Lastly Hoang explains that by attending practices and assisting upcoming players feels “like I’m giving back what I’ve learned.” Although players seem to be anticipated for this year’s season, the girls team is lacking players. “I try to talk to underclassmen, to encourage them to come out because we need people,” Hoang said. The varsity girls team is almost entirely made out of players who have stuck with badminton. As a result, it is difficult to recruit new players. “The people that are here and come out every day are the players that are faithful to badminton.”

Tennis strategies for playing smarter “If you focus on everything you do — your swing, your foot placement — that’s what improves a player the most.”

Kevin Bishop junior

“I’m focusing on being consistent, aggressive, and trying to make the smallest mistakes as possible.” Joel Castillo junior

“I try to focus on what my opponent is good at and what they’re not so I can use that against them.” Jonathan Alvarez junior GRAPHIC BY STEPHANIE MATSUMOTO

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News

PATHWAY TO SUCCESS Students in AVID and Business Skills are now aware of the possibilities after high school CelineLopez

Choosing classes as a freshman can determine a student’s path in education. Certain programs, such as AVID and Business Skills, can make those pathways clearer. With AVID, students can set short-term and long-term goals and develop a plan for higher education. Business Skills allows students to develop a work ethic and skills to prepare them for entering the workforce out of high school and college. These two programs have shown a large growth in the cur-

rent school year. “Those two classes helped me to not be so afraid to talk to people and to open my eyes to what’s in front of me,” junior Erykah Smith said. “(They helped me) prepare for a job.” AVID junior and seniors and a selected group from Business Skills experienced mock interviews on Jan. 29 by representatives from McDonald’s, the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the Business Education Alliance and other local organizations. The students received the experience of an actual job interview and helpful feedback.

Millenials are the most diverse constituency in the U.S. today. There are 44 million millennials eligible voters. Your vote along with theirs could easily impact this election. Make your voice count and register to vote.

To be eligible to vote, you must be

• A United States citizen • A resident of California • 18 years of age or older on Election Day • Not currently imprisoned or on parole for the conviction of a felony

Before registering online at registertovote.ca.gov, you will need

• Your California driver license or California identification card number • The last four digits of your social security number • Your date of birth

Fill out the form and take into consideration

• Your political party preference • Whether or not you would like to vote by mail • The location of your potential polling place “A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.” Theodore Roosevelt

SOURCE SJCROV.ORG GRAPHIC BY JOANN SAGARAL

WeeklyGallery

Check out our website for galleries spotlighting sports, science, clubs and even hair colors.

“It made me realize I need to put in more work into what I say,” said senior Oscar Gonzalez, who is taking Business Skills for the first time this year and is in SkillsUSA. The senior feels that he is awkward and he has trouble speaking with others. Feeling hopeless, he even searched for jobs that don’t require talking to people, but he found they were all low-paying. “It made me realize you can’t really be in your own world. You have to get out in the world to achieve what you want.” Now, after one semester, Business Skills has helped him

boost his confidence. “It helped me know what to do to get there.” The mock interviews helped students gain confidence. “It’s good to experience a real interview,” AVID senior Raiya Yon said. “Most of the people in the class haven’t had a job or applied for one,” Alex Barajas, another senior in AVID, said. “So, going into the mock interviews, some people were nervous. It was actually really helpful.” Three and four-year AVID students acknowledge the program’s improvement, which is largely due to district funding. This funding allows the program to hire college tutors that come to the class and an work with students in college-style discussion groups. With the lack of AVID mentors, which are four-year students, these tutors are key components with tutorials. AVID students agree that the class has helped them define a clear path for college and made the application process easier. Selena Rivas, a senior, says that taking the class made her “think twice” about choosing a two-year college over a four-year college. The practice of Cornell notes, tutorial request forms, and study skills prepared her for the transition. “But not all kids are going to college,” Business Skills teacher Ron Tankersley said. “It’s career or college, not just college. There are vocational options. I give them both avenues.” In his classes, Tankersley has his kids work on a 10 year plan, designing their high school and college paths and looking into two years of career. “Their goals may change,” he PHOTO BY CELINE LOPEZ said, “but the process doesn’t.”

During the mock interview, Junior Koletta Wooten is being interviewed for a job in her AVID class. These programs and clubs help students learn what it takes to be out in the real world.

Your Voice, Your Choice

03.04.16

To see more visit staggonline.net

Bernie Sanders excites young voters to participate in election StephanieMatsumoto

With presidential elections coming up soon and the decision greatly impacting the future for students all across America, politics has become an important topic across campus. Though most are still unable to vote, many talk with each other about who they want as their next president, and there seems to be a fan favorite. When talking about who might be the soon-to-be president, classes go wild for Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. Sanders is more popular with high school students than any other competitor. The question that one can ask is why? For senior Ruth Garcia-Espino, Sander’s vision for the young audience is powerful and one that is especially important for her and her peers. “I think that the fact he wants free public education for the youth helped him win the young people vote.” She feels his determination to help young people makes him much more admirable in their eyes. Other plans he has, such as improving the Affordable Care Act for everyone also captures the attention of her age group. Decisions like these can change the lives for people, notably for high school students at the moment. “As a senior going into college next fall, you want all the financial support you can get and if you look at the prices, they’ve rose since a few years back,” Garcia-Espino said. “Now the prices

have become unbearable for a minority student to attend college.” Gabby Khan, a senior, also feels this way. Sanders’ proposal for free public education could impact her future as well. However, in her eyes, Sanders also stands out from his other competitors by being a charismatic character that can relate to his audience. “He’s different because he actually wants to do more things for the people and doesn’t fit the rich white male stereotype.” While Sanders may seem like the many white and male presidents we’ve had in the past on the outside, to students, that really doesn’t seem to matter. Students such as Alexander Qualls, a junior, support Sanders because he not only is different from the stereotype, but also the plans he has if he were to become president. “People aren’t looking at his race or his age or anything,” Qualls said. “They’re simply looking at his policies, which I think is great.” While Qualls is not sure as to whether Sanders would be the best candidate for presidency, the policies he endorses are commendable. His views on issues are ones that appeal to students and the youth in general, leading to many “feeling the Bern.” “Bernie Sanders is a different candidate in the respect that he wants to make more radical changes,” Qualls said, “and I think that young people are always that group who want more change.”

“I think that young people are always that group who wants more change.” Alexander Qualls Junior “He wants free public education for the youth (that) helped him win the vote of the youth.” Ruth Garcia Senior

PHOTO BY CELINE LOPEZ

Nathan Ensley and Haley Barnard, Lincoln High seniors, volunteer at the Bernie Sanders rally held at University of the Pacific Feb. 13.