Literary Arts Magazine
ART AND PICTURE CREDITS Front & Back Cover: Analise Pacheco Credits Page: Analise Pacheco Staff Page: Photo By Jeffrey Perez Table of Contents: Shelby Argabright Page 6 & 7: Analise Pacheco Page 8 & 9: Photo by Karla Galaviz Page 10 & 11: Analise Pacheco Page 12: Photo by Andrew Kodous Page 13: Photo by Aaron Pimentel Page 14 &15: Analise Pacheco
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Los Altos High School
LA MODA LITERARY ARTS MAGAZINE Volume: XXV, Issue I
15321 Los Robles Ave, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
Magazine Editor: Caley Asbee
Dear Conquerors, This winter issue of La Moda was made with you in mind. I wanted to create a magazine that featured those who truly represent Los Altos, including five features, one short story, two poems, and a final poem in Spanish. The art and accompanying photos really exemplify the talent we have at LAHS. Sincerely,
@lahs_journalism
February 2018
Layout: Andrew Kodous
Caley Asbee
Journalism Editor-in-Chief: Nicolรกs Hernรกndez
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Layout: Aaron Pimentel
CONTENTS Carina Chin Chin 64 Carina Isaias Marín
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97 Millie Suthasri Alizé Espinoza 4
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12 10 Alondra Gutierrez Blake Rozsa
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Leslie Tinoco
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Rigo Valadez 14 12
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Aspiring Poet expresses her mind through her CRAFT By Alexis Cardenas
Senior Carina Chin portrays a deep and meaningful talent through writing that allows her to connect emotionally in many different ways. Chin began writing poetry during her sophomore year and has not stopped since. She writes when she finds free time outside her busy schedule of homework and soccer. Chin states, “I feel like there’s an obligation to provide deeper meaning to any piece of writing, and that’s what poetry allows me to do.” Chin has always been a poetic person and many have complimented her about her
beautiful and meaningful words. Chin began writing poetry because she wanted others to find meaning through her writing and introspective thoughts. Chin adds, “I find writing poetry a meaningful way of expressing myself, my views, and my feelings.” Sophomore Ariana Robles, deeply cares for Chin and is proud of her and all of her accomplishments. Robles states, “Carina is such a wonderful, beautiful, smart and caring friend. Many people look up to her in soccer as an expert at passing and executing moves by juking people out. She would have never ended up having that much
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talent if she didn’t continue to stay dedicated and hard-working.” It breaks Robles’s heart that this is Chin’s final year here at Los Altos. “Seeing her go makes me so sad but I know she will do great things.” As for the future, Chin sees herself studying literature at Whitter College which is wellknown for their poetry and creative writing department. Chin is very excited to start a true writing career and enjoys finding herself through writing. She hopes her work will also inspire and help others find themselves as well.
Choices
Carina Chin
There is a gloom That overcasts from time to time, Blocking the truth of the sunlight And it is in those times That you must not hide What may not meet the eye, For it is your soul that will thank you When you choose to grasp The quality in the light
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XIVE Frontman Develops Musical Passion By Aaron Kim
Isaias Marín is a freshman that has been working to make his dreams and aspirations become a reality. Being involved with the school’s fine arts programs and his own music group, he is excited for what the next four years will have in store for him. Being a singer and musician, Marín auditioned for the school’s show choir, otherwise known as Production Choir. Marín made it into Production Choir as a freshman, which is not common for someone his age. When asked about what his thoughts were on his choir, Marín responded that, “Production Choir is my favorite class. It feels like a huge family and I like it so much because despite the diversity of students, we are one united group that all love music and enjoy singing together.” His love for performing was shown in this year’s Fall Musical, “Grease”, where he played the role of Sonny. Marín states, “I tried out for the musical to see where it would take me, and I am very happy and shocked to be a part of the musical as one of the lead roles.”
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Marín is also in a music group called XIVE where he sings, plays the piano, and also guitar with three of his other friends, Landon De la Vara, Brian Martinez, and Darianna Alcantara. Marín has been writing every day, in his notebook specifically dedicated to his musical creations. He is trying to compose instruments and write songs that people might like, along with the members of Xive who all have different roles in the creation of their songs. When asked about what they have been recently working on, Marín responded, “We have been working on something a little out of our range. We are using a lot of influence from Tyler the Creator’s new album, Flower Boy and we are trying to mix genres of music to make songs suitable for our audience.” XIVE produces and uploads their music on SoundCloud for people interested in their sound. XIVE has had the honor of winning first place at the LAHS talent show, and were featured at the second semester Renaissance rally. Marín’s passion for music is greatly influenced by his dad. Marín’s dad was in a
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band when he was younger and is Marín’s mentor, teaching him the value of music. “Sing in your own voice.” is a phrase that Isaias’ dad always reminded him. Marín’s father demonstrated to Isaias that he has the power to be whomever he wants to be. These words inspired his musical start, and influenced his current taste in music. Marín described his love for music as, “The idea that so many chords and melodies can tune so well together is what I love about music. I feel comfortable, safe, and happy when I am making music.” He aspires to be like great artist, Tyler the Creator and has been working every night to grow as a musician. “Tyler just gives a vibe where you can do anything that comes to your mind. He consists of so many talents and it makes me believe I can achieve many dreams as well. His music is so diverse and different from everyone else, giving a very fresh and new vibe.” Although only a freshman, Marín is already on the right track for potential stardom.
By Kaitlyn Orozco Senior year is hectic enough, with grades, college applications, and other activities. That does not stop senior Millie Suthasri from being involved in other activities, such as sports, clubs and leadership programs. “I’m involved in Red Cross as the President, Kiwins as the Vice President, Eco Club, and ASB as the Commissioner of Dances,” explains Suthasri. Suthasri is quite involved on campus, and boasts several extracurriculars, maintaining a 4.0+ GPA. Club involvement is no laughing matter for Suthasri. She has been incredibly active in the three clubs that she has been a part of. Suthasri has been an active member in the Red Cross club for four years, and this year she took on the responsibility of becoming president. She has also been a loyal participant of the Kiwins club for three years in which she has done a tremendous job volunteering around the community. For the past two years, she has assisted in promoting recycling on campus as a member of the Ecology club. Former Red Cross President and alumn, Sumitra Ariel Bernardo says that, “She [Suthasri] has a lot on her plate but I know she can manage. We’ve discussed the idea of being super involved because we’ve both dealt with managing our honors/
AP courses and other extracurricular activities and I think she can manage and pull it off.” Outside of clubs, Suthasri also plays a key role in ASB. She recently became the commissioner of dances, and this year she is responsible for planning venues, booking companies for themed backgrounds, and organizing school dances.
Suthasri describes her relationship with her fellow ASB members, “I love that I’m able to see these people [my peers] so often to call them a second family. I feel like I have a place in each club, and especially in ASB since we are responsible for making great changes togethe.” Suthasri remains heavily involved and is hopeful to leave her mark on the Los Altos campus.
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A Friend Like Her It’s quite often you find young girls playing with dolls. Maybe you could even find them already pursuing their passion in a hobby. Rarely do you find any breaking world records or being discovered for being unique in a special way. However, nobody, absolutely nobody, has done what little Olivia has done. Olivia was a young five-year old girl, light brown skin, black narrow eyes, and long brown hair. She was a silent little girl because she really didn’t have anybody to talk to, and even if she did, she had nothing to say. She came from a silent home, she never owned a doll because she was taught that wasn’t a reality, and there was no time for fantasy. She never watched a second of television in her life. She never dared to run around the house. Olivia’s parents only permitted her reading and nothing more. She was taught that success was only achieved through nothing but hard work. Fun was nothing but a distraction. Unfortunately, school wasn’t any better for Olivia. Her dark clothes would scare the kids and the ones brave enough to confront her would usually run because of her silent, emotionless demeanor.
They were even more confused withthe fact that she read nonstop. She was the only student in her entire first grade class to read every book inside of the school library. She was never bullied, however, just isolated because the other kids found her fearsome. Olivia was depressed by the idea, but she carried on and continued to keep to herself. It was this particular day where Olivia learned to do something that would change her entire life forever. She was out at the park with her classmates on a field trip, where she sat on the long field that was next to the playground. With her book in hand, she happened to glance to her right side only to find a shadow. Her shadow. She never noticed it, nor any other shadow because her nose was always stuck in a book all day. However, the sight amazed her. Ignorantly, the sight of the stationary shadow made her feel loved. She waved at her shadow, hoping it would stay. As she waved, the young girl hesitated as shadows are never acknowledged and only seem to follow. After a quick panic, she waved back. The response had Olivia in tears of comfort because of the acknowledgement. Olivia
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Alizé Espinoza
then asked the shadow, “Name?” in the small quiet voice that she had. Her shadow shook her head in response, starting to get comfortable with Olivia. After staring at the sky for some seconds, Olivia looked at the shadow and said, “Well, since you’re my new friend, why don’t we call you Friend?” The shadow flew up and danced in excitement. With a light giggle, Olivia got up and began dancing around with Friend in the grass. The other students saw and just became more afraid, but the teacher became curious. After analyzing Olivia’s peculiar actions, her teacher seemed to let it go and took it as a way of Olivia having fun. When the sun began to set, the teacher gathered the kids and began to walk back to school where the parents were waiting. When Olivia’s parents arrived, the teacher made an innocent mistake of informing them of Olivia’s dancing. When the four arrived home, the interrogating began. Olivia’s parents were in her face questioning her about the dancing and alleged fun. Olivia blankly stared at the end of the hallway where she saw Friend hiding behind the wall. She smiled as a tear rolled down her
face and frightened her parents and they demanded she go to bed. When Olivia’s parents shut their door for the night, Olivia turned in her bed to find a shadow running towards her. When Friend approached her, she wrapped her arms around Olivia in fear, as Olivia cried in fear. Olivia began to vent that her parents were harsh and how she never seemed to be good enough for them and continued for hours. As the night approached, Friend waved bye and began to walk towards her window, and when Olivia questioned why she was leaving, she gestured at the absence of light which restrict Olivia from seeing her. Sad but understanding, Olivia thanked Friend for the comfort and went to sleep. When Olivia fell asleep, Friend stared through her mirror questioning why she was noticed. She wondered why Olivia acknowledged her and what was the purpose. The thought exhausted her to rest. The next morning, Olivia rode the bus with Friend and they played. Their friendship grew strong over some weeks, as Olivia would laugh and talk aloud at school with Friend. Of course again, the teacher decided that she would inform Olivia’s parents. The day of the parent
conference, the teacher discussed Olivia’s progress. Olivia happened to be out on the playground playing with Friend during the conference. When discussing Olivia being more outgoing, her parents grew furious, but the teacher grew concerned. The teacher stated that Olivia had been laughing, playing, and talking…to herself. She then glanced outside to see Olivia demonstrating her claim. Olivia’s parents were frightened and left with Olivia. In the car, they questioned Olivia if she had any new invisible friends. Olivia denied all claims of danger since meeting Friend. As the car stopped, Olivia realized that she wasn’t home. She was at a psychiatric hospital. When they got inside, Olivia held Friend’s hand as they went down the hallway. When they arrived to an office, Olivia was asked to enter alone. When she walked in, the room was dim, thus causing Friend to not be seen by Olivia. The doctor was questioning Olivia, but she began to cry out of fear. That was when Friend grew protective and tried to find a way to make herself seen. She ran into the walls and began knocking items off of shelves. Olivia in a blank stare, began to look around the room to see everything crashing down. The doctor looked at her in a peculiar
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manner and questioned her about why she was looking around, simply because he didn’t notice or see anything. Olivia with a smile, “I can see Friend in the dark now.” Olivia then proceeded to stop crying and told the doctor that she was fine. The doctor was not afraid, but seemed concerned and asked her questions about Friend. She explained how she was her best friend and how she was there for her why her parents were yelling at her. After the session, Olivia’s parents were informed about Olivia’s depression diagnosis. The doctor explained how Olivia has been through so much emotional stress that she made friends with her shadow. He then stated that Friend was real in Olivia’s eyes and her imagination is so strong that she can see her in the dark. Olivia’s parents were stunned and overwhelmed by the news. They went home and had a talk with Olivia. They asked her for her forgiveness and also asked her to introduce them to Friend. I would say that this is a happy ending, but it took pain to get there. Without suffering, there is no compassion. So when you ever feel alone, use a little imagination, look to your side, and always remember that your shadow will always be your friend.
ALONDRA GUTIERREZ Shooting for the Stars By Alexis Cardenas Alondra Gutierrez, sophomore, is known for her well-rounded nature. Alondra is involved in a plethora of extracurricular activities and has ambitious plans for her future. Gutierrez is involved in Yearbook, Renaissance, Spanish Honors Society, Color Guard and serves as the president of the Youth United club. Even though she is overwhelmed with extracurricular activities, she is enrolled in several honors classes and is maintaining good grades. Although it is a lot to handle, Gutierrez has learned to use her time efficiently and ask questions in the classroom in order to make sure she is on track. Gutierrez states, “I actually love my classes, they are very entertaining and I feel like I am in a good environment, my teachers are very understanding.” Even though she is a sophomore, the ambitious Gutierrez already has her sights set on higher education, she would love to attend Pepperdine University, in Malibu in the future but would be pleased to attend any UC college, as well. Gutierrez says, “I would love to either pursue [higher education] in business or medical field. If I were to go for business, then maybe have my own real estate
business. If I were to go into the medical field, then surgeon or anesthesiologist.” Gutierrez is shooting for the stars, but she will not stop there. Gutierrez also adds, “My main goal is to have a nonprofit to help women in third world countries.” Gutierrez explains how she believes that all women and girls should have the same opportunities and should be able to make a positive difference in this world. Gutierrez states, “No one should feel that they cannot have proper mentors to teach them the necessities of education. I believe that all women and young girls should have proper education and the materials to achieve it.” With that she explains her empowering message that everyone should be able to achieve. “No one should ever feel like they cannot reach a goal or have a disadvantage because of a finical issue, being the reason of where they grew up,” adds Gutierrez. She would like to become an activist to make a change for these young girls and women, because she believes that everyone, no matter their gender, can be a positive influence on the world. Outside of the classroom, Gutierrez has other interests like makeup, trying food dishes from variety of cultures, sketching
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and drawing, as well as writing about her thoughts. Gutierrez’s sisters both look to Alondra as a role model and see her as a sweet and caring sister. Gutierrez seems to be making quite a positive impact on her younger siblings. Her sister, Daniela Gutierrez, freshman here at Los Altos High, says, “[Alondra is] always there for me… always supporting others and trying to make a change outside and in school. I am inspired to try harder in life.” Her other sister. Crystal Gutierrez, “[Alondra] inspires me to be the best version of myself… Whenever someone is sad or hurt, you help them up, you have a good heart.” Gutierrez is extremely excited and ready for the upcoming years ahead of her and is ready to achieve greatness. Gutierrez adds, “I enjoy the extracurricular activities that I am in because I get a sense of being able to branch out and try out new things. I am able to experience many aspects of high school and want to make the best of them.” Gutierrez is a little overwhelmed with her courseload and extracurriculars, but as long as she keeps up the good work, great things are definitely coming her way.
Captain Engineers Ways To Overcome Pressure By Kaitlyn Orozco Senior Blake Rozsa is ready to continue his involvement with clubs, schoolprograms,andsports. Rozsahasbeen an active member of theLosAltosAcademy of Engineering, and he is the current president of KeyClub International. He is also an athlete, partaking in water polo and the swim team for all four years. “By being in all these programs and sports, I’ve just learned how to manage my time and use it to my full advantage,” says Rozsa. Proud to be a key contributor and competitor in the LAAE program, he remarks, “The engineering program has helped me to realize what career I would like to pursue for the rest of my life.”
Rozsa clarifies what student engineers accomplish in the program “We [the engineering team] get to build a lot of different pieces of technology that most people wouldn’t know how to make.” Key club has also played a valuable role in Rozsa’s life by allowing him to make adifference in the Hacienda Heights community. “Key Club has given me the opportunity to meeting new people, go to different events and overall help make a change in my community” states Rozsa. “The community service that we do just makes me appreciate what I have even more.” This will be Rozsa’s fourth year in Key club as the president of the association.
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The water polo team not only values Rozsa’s athletic abilities, but also his leadership skills. “He’s a valuable player who we (the team) can consistently rely on,” asserts his Varsity water polo teammate ,Jason Soohoo. Soo Hoo further compliments Roza’s abilities. ”He contributes all around, but his shooting ability is his strongest asset.” Rozsa’s talent has landed him the title of captain. As captain, he leads both the boys varsity water polo team and the swim team alongside his cocaptain Senior Ivan Padilla. Although this year will be challenging for Rozsa, he is excited to take on the responsibilities that senior year has to offer.
M Í CULTURA Rigo Valadez
Yo soy de padres Mexicanos Y aunque nací en Estados Unidos No me da pena decir que soy mexicano Como otras persona que he conocido A mi me encanta mi cultura Las fiestas los bailes la comida La raza que nunca se da por vencida La raza que no raja La gente que trabaja Para salir adelante en la vida La gente que no se da por vencida Es un orgullo ser parte de esta cultura Aunque seamos discriminados No hay que dejarnos Todos somos igual Merecemos igualdad Somos humanos Somos Mexicanos
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The Sea Of Love Leslie Tinoco
My love for you is like an ocean Every drop containing precious memories, Each wave of love different from the other, A current so strong, it can knock any one off their feet. But of course, what is love without a storm to destroy everything, Without a disaster to cause fear in others, Fear of losing, dying, destruction. However, love is also is also beautiful like a calm sea bending with the wind, Like the soothing sound of waves quietly and gently hitting against a rock. As long as that ocean always keeps knocking people down, Creating a destructive storm, and being a beautiful sea. My love. Will never. Perish.
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