LA Mode | May 2015

#transformationtuesday

#memorymonday

#waybackwednesday

#flashFORWARDfriday

#throwbackthursday

CYCLING THROUGH OUR DAILY HASHTAGS An year in review through the lens of traditional hashtags as well as new ones to celebrate the coming of summer and a new school year.

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MAY

CONTENTS

à la HASHTAG

05

Transformation Tuesday by Laura Perez

06

Way Back Wednesday by Nadine Barragan

à la THINKER

05

09 10

Healthy Eating by Caroline Torres

Do’s and Don’ts of High School by Damaris Osuna

à la CONQUEROR

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11

Teacher Messages by Marlene Fierros

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Spring/Summer Fashion by Jailene Michel

à la CREATOR

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13 14

DIY Room Accessories by Helen Khuu

Smoothie Recipes by Tatiana Romero and Becky Nava

à la LEISURE

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Summer To-Do List by Tatiana Romero and Valeria Wang

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

8

Photos courtesy of Mark Hughes

START OF AP TESTING SENIOR HONORS WHEN: May 4-15 NIGHT WHEN: 7 PM WHERE: Gym

APRIL 30 SENIOR PROJECT

PRESENTATIONS/ MINIMUM DAY

7 RENAISSANCE RALLY STAFF Magazine Editor: Valeria Wang

Photography: Alina Avalos Jacob Kim

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GRAD NIGHT

WHEN: 5 PM-3AM WHERE: Disneyland

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Photos courtesy of Mark Hughes

GRADUATION WHEN: 7:30 PM WHERE: Stadium

11-13 SENIOR FINALS

27 SENIOR RALLY

Design: Gisselle Garcia Jailene Michel Giovanna Vasquez Kimberly Wong

15

Damaris Osuna Laura Perez

Helen Khuu Melisa Rybaltowski

14 SENIOR BREAKFAST WHEN: 9 AM WHERE: House of Blues

19-20 GRADE 9-11 FINALS + LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Dear Conquerors, We are almost at the end! This magazine is filled with activities that you can during summer break.

However, hopefully it may also help in relieving stress as we make our way into finals week. I hope you all enjoy this year end edition of A LA Mode.

As always, the magazine would not have been possible without the help of the journalism staff, Ms. Guzman, and Mrs. McReynolds. Thank you for sticking with us throughout the year! Have a great summer!

- Valeria Wang, Editor

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TREASURING THE MEMORIES

By Gisselle Garcia

O

Sygourney Williams, junior

ld memories can bring laughs and smiles, and each person has a different story to tell. The memories formed today will be cherished in the future. Although they may seem as insignificant parts of everyday life, simple experiences with friends can lead to lifelong memories.

In high school, the best memories are formed with others. Whether they happen during lunch, after school, or any other time, the best experiences can occur spontaneously as long as they are spent with friends. Junior Stephanie Alejandre says, “My best high school memories are of my group of friends and I and the great times we’ve spent at the table we stand at during lunch. There are days when we discuss geeky stuff like “Dr. Who” and “The Walking Dead. “We even have arguments about these topics, but not in a serious way. It’s all part of the fun”. Junior Jennifer Romero recalls the moment she first met her friend Sygourney Williams, junior, also known as Pony, “One of my best memories is when I first met my good friend Pony. We were in the same class, and I always sat quietly as I did my work. One day, I saw a girl with long hair and,” Romero and Williams laugh, “she galloped towards me and asked if I had written down the notes she missed”. Williams says, “It was from that moment that we became good friends”.

Recollections of the happiest memories can change an unfortunate day into a fantastic one. It is important to appreciate current friendships, special occasions, and any other future possible memory.

Stephanie Alejandre spends time with her friends during lunch.

Jennifer Romero, junior

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May 2015

y

#

nda o m y r o mem

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#TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY

By Laura Perez

I

nstagram’s launch on October 6, 2010, gave birth to several phrases that are now commonly used and known to almost everyone. One of the most popular is Transformation Tuesday, which is when Instagram users post a young picture of themselves beside a current picture to show how much their appearance has changed.

A common way teenagers in high school use Transformation Tuesday is by displaying a picture of their freshman year beside a picture of the year they are currently placed. Junior Caitlyn

“Transformation Tuesday is a healthy thing to do.

Confidence is key and natural.”

-Rafael Villanueva, junior

Montano says, “I take part of Transformation Tuesday. It’s nice to see other people’s pictures. ” Junior Rafael Villanueva says, “I think Transformation Tuesday is a healthy thing to do. Confidence is key and natural. I don’t personally take a part in it, but maybe one day I will.”

Others are not as content with the photos. Junior Nia Courtney says, “No, I do not take part in it and I don’t think anything of others that do because I am not very

Cristian Vega, (top) freshman year (bottom) junior year

Caitlyn Montano, (top) freshman year (bottom) junior year

interested in those photos.” Similarly, Sophomore Brenda Vega says, “I don’t doTransformation Tuesday, but for the others that do, I believe that if they are happy, then it is cool. I’m glad people are happy for their transformation.”

To some Transformation Tuesday is a fun way to revisit the past, while others think it’s a waste of time. Either way, millions of people take part in it every week, and millions more “like” their photo. It is another example of how technology affects society.

“I believe that if they are happy, then it’s cool.”

-Brenda Vega, sophomore May 2015

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#WAY BACK WEDNESDAY

A

s many people say, “friends come and go.” This does have some truth, but it is not always the case. It is very much possible to have a friend you have known since middle school, elementary, or even preschool.

To simply know someone and call them a friend is different than having a bond with someone and calling them your best friend. How many of your childhood friends are still your friends now? Chances are not many, but fortunately some Los Altos students are still friends and even best friends with their childhood buddies. Freshmen Celeste Gutierrez and Trinity Amber have been best friends since Kindergarten and are still the best of friends during their first year of high school. This friendship wouldn’t have existed had it not been for Trinity apologizing to the American flag. When asked what the most important trait in a best friend was, they answered, “To be completely honest with each other. Trust your best friend with your life and when they get annoying or you’re going

“

“

through problems, just remember that they’ve always been there for you and love you unconditionally.” Juniors Josiah Contreras and Nick Galvan first bonded while playing baseball and basketball at the age of seven. They have played baseball and basketball on the same league and all-star teams and, now that they have grown up, they are currently playing high school baseball, which has strengthened their longtime friendship.

The two both agree on the fact that, “The best friendships are formed when we don’t try to make each other mad, we just let it happen.” Juniors Melissa Camarena and Monica Sanchez met for the first time in 7th grade PE but

- Celeste Gutierrez and Trinity Amber, freshmen

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The best friendships are formed when we don’t try to make each other mad, we just let it happen.

- Josiah Contreras and Nick Galvan, junior

To be completely honest with each other. Trust your best friend with your life.

“

By Nadine Barragan

“

didn’t become close friends until a drama class Freshman year. In the four years that they have been best friends they have done many bonding activities such as attending concerts and Disneyland. These two friends have bonded over One Direction concerts, Kalin &Myles concerts, and the love they share for Disneyland.

In order to maintain a strong friendship, they both agree that the following is key, “Trust and talking out complications not only smooth over a rocky friendship, but also make it so much stronger.”It’s never too late to reignite old friendships, it may be hard, but if both friends are willing, it can become possible. It could very well turn out to be one of the best decisions they make. Friends are an essential part of life.

Without them, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are as a person, and it’s difficult to have life long memories.

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TEACHER THROWBACK

By Laura Perez and Gisselle Garcia

B

efore they were the inspirational educators of today, they journeyed through experiences that would expand their wisdom. From toddlers to college students, these memories are what shaped the people we all know and look up to every day. History teacher Michael Shaw recalls, “My best childhood memories are from the summer of 1983; it was the perfect summer. There was not exactly a specific moment. I remember travelling to San Diego and Long Beach, bonding with friends, hanging out by the swimming pool, and just going places that summer. At one point, I recall being rescued by lifeguards. It was a summer of pure bliss.”

Spanish teacher Guadalupe Muñoz says, “ I grew up in Mexico, in the countryside. My parents gave me a lot of freedom, and I spent most of my time wandering among the animals and playing with my friend. We played sports, and sometimes we would take the calf out and let it chase us until we climbed the tree house that my father had built for us. My father was a teacher, and I liked to pretend that I was a teacher too and that my stuffed animals were my students. I loved to dance as a child, and I would organize performances for my grandparents every sunday.” Muñoz recalls with a laugh, “My friends and I did not know how to speak English, but we would speak jibberish to each other to pretend that we did.” Math teacher Jeff Buchholz notes that not too long ago, he would be, “playing Yu-Gi-Oh all day and watching Digimon”.

As teachers reminiscence on their childhood memories, we create our own memories, leaving a legacy for future generations.

“It was a summer of pure bliss.”

-Michael Shaw, History

“I liked to pretend that I was a teacher too and that my stuffed animals were my students.”

- Guadalupe Muñoz, Spanish

“[I was] playing Yu-gi-oh all day and watching Digimon.”

-Jeff Buchholz, Math

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WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

By Valeria Wang

I

n taking part in the trending hash tag Flashback Friday; students are able to physically see their growth throughout the years, which often gives them a bit of shock and also a sense of accomplishment. However, as the new season starts, we should also channel our future selves, aiming to not only reflect but to also expand on our ideas.

The pattern of college, job, family, and finally retirement may look restrictive. However, we must seek to remember that each of these stages can be incredibly modified and thus looks different for every student.

Freshman Jonathan Mendoza has plans to create his own individual path by becoming a doctor that specializes in bodily functions. Mendoza says, “I want to be successful.”

His definition of success is very different from Gaby Cordova, senior, who likewise holds goals to earn a doctorate. “A veterinarian, probably located somewhere in California is what I want to become. I also want to be someone who is more confident, true to myself and faithful. I will always stick to my roots.”

In observing various Conquerors’ future plans by requesting each person to provide a flash forward experience or emotion, the answers had

#flashFORWARDfriday

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an overlying intent that seemed to be somewhere between success and happiness.

Senior Veronica Castillo says, “I resolve to become a successful and well-rounded person by persevering through college and learning from the many obstacles I will have to endure since it will be the start of my independent life.” Diana Bautista, freshman, felt that happiness would lie in Oregon, a place she found suited her love of rain. Bautista says, “I want to go to the University of Oregon. From there I want to be a better person by surrounding myself with good friends and seizing opportunities as they come.” Her friend Kady Hirayama, freshman, foresees herself as a video game designer. Hirayama says, “I would like to become a person who is more spontaneous and can easily get out of my comfort zone.”

The world is in a constant need of doctors, lawyers, and policemen. However, our society is also always in need of creativity. Junior Amber Vanega wants to continue to pursue her passion for animation and art by becoming an animator and taking part in cosplay competitions as a side job. “I don’t want to be afraid of expressing myself in an artistic manner. This is why I want to be in the artsy business where I can be surrounded by people who are colorful, fun, open, and free,” says Vanega. Jasmyn Recinos, junior, aims to become a music composer. Her pursuit towards this career is accompanied by a desire to also be a voice and influence to others through her music.

“I think it would be fun to design video game music. However, no matter what it is, I want to be surrounded by people that are passionate and know what they are doing,” concludes Recinos.

There is no right answer as to what path a person should follow to reach a dream. However, by seeking to find a goal or even constantly picturing your goal, imagination or dreams become motivation and a blueprint for future life.

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TEACHER BLESSINGS

By Marlene Fierros

A

s the year comes to a close, seniors will graduate and enter what many call the “adult world.” Some will pursue a higher education, others will seek employment, and others still will serve in our armed forces.

Regardless of what these seniors’ future plans may be, the Los Altos staff has helpful advice that can be applied to everyone.

“When you stop fearing life, you can actually enjoy it, don’t be afraid to learn what you don’t understand.”

Michael Shaw, Social Science

“Hard work beats smart any day of the week.”

Mark Hughes, Science

“Don’t say no to invitation, if someone invites you to go to the movies, then go to the movies. Get involved and make sure that you get out there and enjoy the whole experience.”

Winnifred Gilbert, Math

“I should have taken advantage of the teachers’ willingness to help when I was in high school.“ It is the only time when you have teachers who are willing to help you in any way you need.”

Janice Kim, Social Science

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SWINGING INTO SPRING through fashion snapshots of Conquerors around campus

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ABBY KASPARIAN

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MICHAEL PACHECO

MICHELLE LEE

Welcome the warmer weather with shorter sleeves, shorts, skirts, and dressses.

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NATALIE URREA

LISA

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Even though spring fashion has its staples, fashion is ultimately about expressing yourself. Wear whatever pleases you!

Traditionally, spring brings bright colors and patterns.

SARAH YEE

VEGARA

DANIELLE

VERDUZCO

One trend that seems to never go out of style are FLORALS. With the coming of spring, we’d like to say,”Why not?”

LUCIA

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PENATE

May 2015 4/30/15 6:49 AM

DIY

By Helen Khuu

Spice up your life College life is the start of independence. But sometimes, we do not want to be an adult and want to revert back to our childhood ways. The stress and fear of a new start can really crimp our style. Trying to adjust to the new life in college can be both tiring and wistful. Here though, is a DIY dorm room idea to help college life be a little easier and more at home.

Here is an easy way to organize your desk:

DIRECTIONS 1. Place three mason

Mason Jar Organization

jars together, then stack two on top to form a pyramid like stack.

Continue stacking if you have more jars.

2. Glue the jars

5 MASON JARS

(more if you want more school supply organization)

together

1 HOT GLUE AND HOT GLUE GUN

OPTIONAL:

1 DRY ERASE TAPE

5 SETS OF SCHOOL

OR CHALKBOARD TAPE

3. You can label the bottom of the jar by gluing chalkboard or dry erase tape.

ENJOY!

SUPPLIES

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SMOOTHIES

As the school year comes to a close, the anticipation for summer mounts. We can practically feel the scorching heat of our laptops as we relax behind air-conditioned doors, practically taste the blissful relief at being able to sleep until dusk. And, perhaps most importantly, with the arrival of summer comes the excuse to polish off an entire pint of ice cream. However, summer also offers an opportunity to revamp yourself, to return the following school year better than ever before. A simple and delicious way to do this is by maintaining a healthy diet. Here are a few smoothie recipes to get you started.

SUPER ENERGY SMOOTHIE Ingredients 2 pints pineapple 2 pints watermelon 2 quarts coconut water spinach 2 green apples Directions

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Green apples are packed with vitamins A and C and contain lots of ďŹ ber!

Feel free to experiment with different fruits and vegetables. These two smoothies are just some of the many combinations one can make!

BERRY BLAST SMOOTHIE Ingredients 1 banana 1 cup blueberries 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Based on preference: sweetener to taste, ice Optional: protein powder, chia seeds, cocoa powder, nuts, dried fruit Directions Blend all ingredients together and pour. Makes approximately one and one half cup.

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By Becky Nava and Tatiana Romero

Blend all ingredients until smooth. ENJOY!

Blueberries provide antioxidants which help improve memory and cognitive skills! *Photos taken from allwomenstalk and 5pointsblue.com

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3 STEPS TO A STRONGER YOU

By Crystal Rivas

Fitness resolutions do not have to be only made at the beginning of January! Whether you’ve fallen off your fitness routine or you’re just getting started, there’s no better way to begin a resolution then to start with the basics! Here we have three exercises that will insure a solid foundation for you to gradually build stamina and endurance!

BURPEES 1. Stand with both hands on the side.

2. Squat down with both legs tucked into chest.

3. Extend legs into push up formation.

4. Tuck legs back into chest by jumping in.

5. Jump with arms extended high.

CRUNCHES 1. Sit with legs extended in a 90 ° angle and arms tucked into chest.

2. Keep back held at a slight angle while extending legs out.

3. Tuck legs back into chest.

For a higher intensity workout, try this!

GLUTE TONER

15 Minutes to fABtastic Abs 3. Return to Step 1 and repeat with other leg.

1. Kneel with hands placed shoulder width apart on the ground.

2. Extend one leg up at a 90 ° angle.

-100 Crunches -15 Bicycles -30 Second Plank -20 Second Side Plank (both sides) -10 Crunches -20 Second Side Plank (both sides) -10 crunches -30 Second Plank

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SUMMER

TO DO LIST

The staff of A LA Mode has compiled a list of places to visit this summer. We hope you have a safe and wonderful summer!

1

FOOD In-n-out is ALWAYS delicious...but maybe it’s time to try something new?

TEA STATION/ ROWLAND HEIGHTS

AKASAKA/ HACIENDA HEIGHTS THE WING FIX/ WHITTIER CHAMSOOTGOL BBQ/ ROWLAND HEIGHTS SNOW MONSTER/ HUNTINGTON BEACH

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INDOOR ACTIVITES Because you know there’s more to do then just watch Netflix all day.

ROCK CLIMBING HARRY POTTER MARATHON GO BOWLING LORD OF THE RINGS MARATHON GAME NIGHT

ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT

MAKE POPSICLES

JIM’S BURGERS/ LA PUENTE

KARAOKE

CURRY HOUSE/ ROWLAND HEIGHTS

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITES Sometimes it’s good to get some fresh air and Vitamin D!

LEARN HOW TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT

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SPONTANEOUS ADVENTURES Fill out the rest!

DRIVE IN MOVIE/ CITY OF INDUSTRY

FIND THE HIDDEN STAIRS IN LA

BRIDGE TO NOWHERE HIKE/ AZUSA

FIND LA FREEWALLS MURALS

FARMER’S MARKET

COMPLETE AN ONLINE SCAVENGER HUNT

TURNBALL CANYON WATER TOWER HIKE

ROAD TRIP

BONFIRE KAYAKING GO TO A LAKE WATER BALLOON FIGHT SANTA MONICA PIER GO TO A CONCERT HUNGTINGTON LIBRARY/ SAN MARINO

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