The Matador: October 2016

OPINIONS

“Bus fee should not be implented, undermines students” pg. 4

FOCUS

“How does social media affect your selfesteem?” pg. 6-7

SPORTS

“San Gabriel girls volleyball takes toll on Mark Keppel” pg. 9

THE MATADOR

SAN GABRIEL HIGH/OCTOBER 12, 2016/ VOLUME 62 / ISSUE 2

WWW.THEMATADORSGHS.US/801 S. RAMONA ST., SAN GABRIEL CA 91776

Former Office Manager Presidential debate reveals candidates’ motives Villagra passes away

Photo courtesy of Newser

Photo courtesy of Newser

Kim Ta

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Li

This picture of former Office Manager of Instruction Maria Villagra now hangs in the office in her memory and time she spent at San Gabriel.

Kim Pham Maria Villagra, the former Office Manager of Instruction at San Gabriel High School, passed away on Oct. 7 in the care of her family.

Villagra worked a total of 18 years with Alhambra Unified School District—first as an aide at Granada Elementary School and then as a Guidance Technician at San Gabriel. Villagra was known for her work in easing the everyday routine for teachers. She was in charge of creating the master schedule each year and handling the copiers and paperwork.

Villagra went out of her way to do the little things, such as providing coffee to the teachers every morning.

Chemistry teacher Ryan Wong recalls an encounter he had with Villagra as a freshman at San Gabriel that left a lasting impression.

“The first time I met her was actually during the summer before my freshman year at SGHS,” Wong said. “I had no clue how registration worked, and I remember not getting any answers about where to go or what to do. She was the one who guided me through the whole day, even though she didn’t even work at the guidance office. Just that first impression made me a little more comfortable entering a school with hundreds of freshman after graduating from a middle school with a class of just 20 students.”

Villagra was described as a caring and selfless person. Her “presence made the Office of Instruction feel more like home,” as computer technician Daniel Lopez said, because she always put her own work aside just to be able to assist others.

“I will never forget how wonderfully she baked. I recall having sampled Maria’s cakes in the past, and for this I was nervous about asking her to bake a cake for my fiance’s birthday. Needless to say it was the best cake my fiance and I have ever eaten. It was truly a labor of love,” Lopez said. “I was fortunate enough to be able to work with Ms. Villagra for about eight years, and in that time I developed a profound respect for her.”

Villagra was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. in her teens as an unaccompanied minor. She reunited with her parents and worked hard to earn money for her parents to come to the U.S. She was a proud mother of three and grandmother of four. Her son graduated from Columbia University of Law and became the Executive Director of the ACLU of Southern California.

School community coordinator Bea Macias remembers Villagra to be helpful, especially toward students from different countries.

“She understood their challenges. She would encourage them and offer whatever she could give. While she was ill, one former student would travel by bus over an hour to visit her,” Macias said. “She was a pillar and stronghold at San Gabriel. Someone you could depend on during good times and difficult ones. She was a grand lady. I am very grateful because it was a true blessing having known her and worked with her.”

With 26 days left in the presidential race, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump have begun to discuss issues affecting the future of the United States in a series of three presidential debates.

And according to a poll made by NBC News and Wall Street Journal on Oct. 7, Clinton as a lead of 14 percent from Trump.

The first debate between the two candidates was moderated by Lester Holt on Sept. 26. Later, in the second debate on Oct. 9, Martha Raddatz and Anderson Cooper moderated. Structured as a town hall meeting, the candidates received questions through social media as well as from audience members who were undecided voters in attendance.

continued on pg. 2

Mock election stimulates voting experience

(only 89 out of over 120 surveys were considered because of inappropriate answers)

Graphic done by Kevin Contreras Survey done by Carlos Carillo and Kevin Contreras

Shirley Dinh With the presidential election coming up on Nov. 8, San Gabriel will hold its own mock election prior to the election. Since 2004, there has been a tradition at San Gabriel to hold mock elections before the actual elections.

Students Advocates for Voter Empowerment (S.A.V.E.) will be hosting the mock election. According to history teacher and S.A.V.E. adviser Eric Hendrickson, the purpose of the mock election is to “give students a realistic voting experience.”

“S.A.V.E. would like to promote more young people to vote,” Hendrickson said. “It’s a great way to promote people’s civic duty to vote, [and it’s] good practice.”

Senior Tam Ngo, who recently turned 18 and is now eligible to vote, shared her thoughts on the upcoming

mock election.

“It’s my first time voting, so I’m really excited. Since I’m still a student, most of us wouldn’t go out of our ways to go vote or even care about the election,” Ngo said. “I think the mock election will help us get a lot [of information]. It’ll give me an idea of how voting will be like, and I guess help prepare us for the future elections.”

To make students feel like they are actually voting, there will be voting booths with ballots. The topics on the voting ballots include elections of the president, senators, and passing four of the 18 propositions that have yet to be chosen by S.A.V.E..

All social science classes will be participating in the mock elections, and freshman English classes may partake in voting as well. The mock election will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room on Nov. 3.

2

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

New club focused on improving mental health C h ri s t i n a L o v At the request of Gateway to Success, a District program targeted at improving student well-being, peer counseling and history teacher Eric Hendrickson agreed to become the adviser for a possible new club called LET’S (Let’s Erase The Stigma) Bring Change to Mind.

The club aims to promote mental health awareness by normalizing discussions on the subject and organizing ways to engage with the school and greater community. Introducing the club to all of his classes, Hendrickson piques the interest of many peer counseling students.

“We’re lucky that our district is committed to promoting mental health because our mental health is just as important as our physical health,” Hendrickson said.

According to Hendrickson, there are many ways to talk about physical health, such as complaining about cramps and headaches.

However, many students do not talk about their mental health at all. They brush the issues aside by saying, “I’m fine” or “I’m just stressed.” Statistically, 20 percent of teenagers have a mental health issue, but 66 percent will not seek help.

“It just blew my mind [on] how many people don’t seek help, and it almost hurts me,” future club president Amy Pabon said. “We have this wall set up, and I really think we need to break it down [by talking] about it.”

In addition to the problem of not seeking help, many students think of mental illness when they hear mental health according to Pabon. By establishing this club and normalizing discussions, she hopes to end the negative connotations around mental health.

“I’m actually really excited for this club,” Pabon said. “I honestly think [it] will improve a lot of students’ mental health, [and] maybe they’ll finally realize that it’s okay to talk about it.”

Although talking about mental health issues to others might seem uncomfortable or intimidating, future club vice president Fatima Uc expresses her genuine desire to help.

“I want people to know that they’re not alone, and there’s always people that you can talk to,” Uc said. “Even if we’re strangers, you can talk to me about anything.“ Once the club is sanctioned by the Associated Student Body, meetings will be held every Monday at A209 during lunch.

Presidential debate reveals candidates’ motives continued from pg. 1 History teacher Laura Galiazzo-Armenta mentioned her views on the effects of the presidential race on the students.

“I just think it is important, especially [for] seniors this year, to watch the political landscape of this country because what happens, it is going to directly affect them,” Galiazzo-Armenta said. “It is more important than they know, to them and their parents.”

After the first presidential debate that took place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., on Sept. 26, a video from the Washington Post about the Access Hollywood controversy that Trump had, got brought to America’s attention about Trump’s vulgar comments on women.

The second debate commenced on Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. There, the candidates were asked a variety of questions such as if their behavior is good model for the youth and seeing a good aspect of the opposite candidate with a compliment. There was the occasional arguments brought up from one candidate to the other to show that they are better such as Clinton’s email issue, Bill Clinton’s actions upon women, and Trump’s possible relationship with Russia.

In Clinton’s campaign—“Stronger Together”—she emphasizes on advocating for all kids and families. “It will be my mission to build a country where our children can rise as high as their dreams and hard work takes them..”

In Trump’s campaign—”Make America Great Again,”—he compares his future changes toward America with Clinton’s dealing with the immigration policy as in building a border to keep America secure.

The election depends on these states: Minnesota, Virginia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Arizona, Iowa, and Georgia. They are all the states with relatively even support for both mainstream candidates. On Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., Clinton and Trump will debate one final time in front of America at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Senior night celebrates students’ achievements

Photo by Michelle Ho

Senior football players line up, waiting to receive their sashes in honor of their high school career Kathy Quach Seniors from both performance groups and varsity football were honored on Oct. 7, the last football game before Homecoming.

Commentator Andrew Bitterolf started off the night by announcing the names of seniors in drill, Choreo, Colorguard, and cheer on the track, as they were presented sashes. Following them, the football team took to the field to receive theirs as well. Seniors were introduced individually, describing the extracurricular activities they had participated in during high school.

At around 7 p.m., the football game between San Gabriel High School and Bell Gardens High School began. During halftime, seniors in Marching Band were introduced.

Many students were tearful as they cheered on their friends or accepted their sashes. Seniors were especially excited and enjoyed their moment in the spotlight.

“To me, senior night is a cute way to recognize the seniors before the season is over,” senior band member April Vuong said.

When the game came to an end, a few more Marching Band seniors were introduced and the night was over. San Gabriel lost the game, but spirits were still high from celebrating senior night.

“It was everything I had hoped it would be,” senior drill member Huong Phu said. “It honestly felt like a dream. It’s a night where seniors get to shine most [and] it felt like I was someone important.”

NEWS

Chromebook carts roll into classrooms Sydney Tr ieu

With 11 Chromebook carts on campus, the newest addition to San Gabriel High School’s arsenal of technology has been made available in classrooms around campus.

Funding for these Chromebook carts was allotted in the Alhambra Unified School District’s Local Control and Accountability Plan, which details the goal and budget standards set for the entire district. The purchase of these Chromebook carts fell under goal three, which aims to “ensure [that] all students and staff have efficient and productive access to technology to support student achievement and communication with all stakeholders.”

“I think it’s great to have technology—better to have it than to not,” Principal Debbie Stone said. “I think it’s a motivator, and giving it to [students] in school is a good thing to prepare for college and the future.

It’s a tool necessary for success.”

According to computer technician Daniel Lopez, Chromebooks were purchased instead of other laptops because they are the “ideal laptops to work within a Google apps environment” and are cost-effective.

“Considering that Google houses our district employee and student e-mail accounts, Chromebooks provide for a smooth transition into the entire platform of Google apps,” Lopez said. “Google, G-mail, Docs, Spreadsheets, etc. work very well on a Chromebook. Moreover, Chromebooks are fairly light, quick, and effective workstations.”

Physiology and biology teacher Amy Wu has used the Chromebook carts in her own class, utilizing programs, such as Haiku and Google Classroom, to allow her students to check on projects, organize their work, and review class material on Kahoot! and Quizlet.

“Having the Chromebooks is a lot more organized for the kids because they can just start [on work] and do what they need to do,” Wu said.

“Information is literally at their fingertips.”

Jordan Vogel, who uses the Chromebooks in his English ¾ Honors and American Literature classes, also believes that “there are a lot more things [teachers] can do in the classroom if [they] have access to [the Chromebooks].”

“I hope that [the Chromebooks] will continuously make me a better teacher and help students learn better,” Vogel said. “There are more things we have access to, more things we can do with reading and writing, and there are a lot more materials and resources. You can do more reading and writing, but I also think you can do better reading and writing with the Chromebooks.”

Sophomore Serena Ta, a student in Vogel’s English ¾ Honors class, agrees that “the Chromebooks were definitely a plus to the classroom because they were easy to use.”

“Not everyone has a cellphone, and depending on the area you are in on campus, you [might] not have service at all,” Ta said. “I feel like having these Chromebooks give students some time to learn on their own rather than always having the teacher lecture.”

Both Vogel and Wu hope to see Chromebook carts in every classroom over the coming years, accessible to all students at any time.

“I know [our technology is] getting better with the number of Chromebooks we have compared to last year,” Vogel said. “I think being able to have that freedom is great; we can do in more the classroom with access to [the Chromebooks].”

Teachers may request Chromebook carts by sending an e-mail to lopez_ daniel@ausd.us. They may also check the list of current reservations online on the school website, <<www.sghsmatadors.org>>.

NEWS

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

Red Cross blood drive returns to SG

3

J oanne C hau Nurses, blood bags, and dizzy students were seen on the campus of San Gabriel High School.

Hosted by Red Cross, the first American Red Cross blood drive of the 2016-17 school year occurred on Friday, Oct. 7, lasting from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR).

Sign-ups began 2-3 weeks before the actual donation day. Aspiring donors signed up at the quad, where they were asked their name, age, and period they would miss to donate. Males must weigh at least 110 pound and be at least 4’10”. Likewise, females must weigh at least 110 pound, but must be at least 5’1”. Donors who have anemia, HIVs, low blood pressure, or have been exposed to the Zika virus were declined donation. All of these were identified through a finger-prick test and a mandatory questionnaire.

“I wasn’t able to donate because my iron level was too low,” senior Kelly Tam said. “I was disappointed because I was looking forward to donating blood for the first time.”

Set-up for the blood drive began at 6:15 a.m. for cabinet members of Red Cross and workers from the American Red Cross. On the day of the blood drive, students were summoned to the MPR. Before getting near the needles, they were asked questions about their family’s medical history.

“The questionnaire was essential to make sure that your blood is safe for donation to others. If not, you can easily infect [those who receive your blood],” senior Raymond Yip said.

Once declared eligible, donors were sent to professional nurses who inserted the needle and began the donation process. Drawing a pint of blood took about 10-20 minutes.

“I was nervous at first, but when they stuck the needle inside of me, I just looked away and pretended it wasn’t there. It didn’t hurt at all so it went by pretty quickly; it felt like 5 minutes,” junior Randy Lee said.

Annual Poetry Out Loud competition returns soon N at han Ta On Monday Oct. 17, the sixth annual Poetry Out Loud competition will return to San Gabriel High School. The free performance will be held at the auditorium starting from 3:15 to 4:45 In the competition, students will recite their memorized poem chosen from the Poetry Out Loud website. They will be judged on their performance by three performance judges, an accuracy judge, and a score tabulator. English teacher Cady Burkhart, who is in charge of the competition, encourages all students to attend “I feel like poetry is a way for us to learn about ourselves and other people,” Burkhart said. “The more poems we hear, the more poems we can experiment and experience.

[Because of this] I feel like we are going to be better off for it as people and as a human race” Five winners will be chosen from the school competition and advance to the district competition. Although Burkhart understands the drive to win, she hopes participants do not make winning the end goal of the competition.

“I hope that they walk away knowing something about themselves that they didn’t know before,” Burkhart said. “What they hopefully get out of this is a lasting relationship with a set of words that they can apply to their own lives in various situations.”

Burkhart also believes that poems “reclaim a little bit of power when they feel like they are powerless.”

“I think poetry in general has achieved that effect people are using words to find a voice that they didn’t know they had,” Burkhart said.

Students who wish to perform at the Poetry Out Loud competition may go to Burkhart’s classroom, P110.

Whitman takes over physics class A nny Li Wu Advanced Placement Environmental, Earth Science, and regular environmental science teacher David Whitman decided to drop his second period environmental science class for second and third period physics class after being convinced by Principal Debbie Stone.

After two months, school administration anticipated that a new physics teacher would take over the Physics ½ classes. However, the teachers who applied did not meet the requirements.

“I gave up on my second period regular environmental science class to help out students in physics class [as well as] Principal Stone,” Whitman said.

With the help of from a teacher, Dr Russel Clothier, from a program called Acellus, Whitman and a substitute teacher Suzanne Martin stream videos for students to learn from.

After watching a video, the whole class answers practice problems together. If they get a certain amount of questions wrong, they have to restart the practice problems over until they get it correct.

“I like how I get to interact with the whole class [by answering questions as a class],” junior Anthony Diaz says.

Having Whitman as a teacher for the third year, senior Susan Lam felt more adapted to his class.

“I feel more comfortable with the class because I’m familiar with his teaching style,” Lam says.

Junior Paris Phan also mentions that having two teachers, Lopez and Whitman, is better than having a substitute teacher.

“Two teachers is a lot more efficient grading and teaching wise, because the main teacher, [Whitman, will have the help from Acellus],” Phan said.

While Whitman is teaching Physics ½ second period, science teacher Jennifer Wright will be teaching his environmental science class.

Photo by Sunny Chen

Senior Jorge Jimenez lies on a cot while the Red Cross nurse draws blood from him.

After donating, students were told to not exercise for 24 hours. Those who felt lightheaded were given ice packs and were allowed to lay down for 20 minutes. Donors were given a t-shirt and snacks such as Cheez-its, Chips-Ahoy, and fruit snacks. During lunch, they were able to go back for a slice of pizza, courtesy of San Gabriel Red Cross.

“I signed up to donate because I wanted to help those in accidents with my B+ blood type,” senior Mina Lam said. “Plus, I heard there was orange juice.”

Some student may be nervous on the day of the blood drive. However, with experience, this anxiety will become less prominent.

“Donating blood isn’t really that scary. It was nerve-wracking the first time, but [by the fourth time], there isn’t any anxiety. The only thing you need to be worried about is the finger pricking at the beginning,” senior Thuan Bui said.

Around 110 students participated at this event. With two more blood drives set throughout the school year, the next blood drive will be held on Jan. 27, 2017.

Ongoing Investigation

Mexico’s ban on GMO reignites controversy Car los Car illo Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are one of the most controversial topics in the world today. Proponents argue that they increase yields and protect crops, while critics feel that they are unfit for human consumption and harmful to the environment. Regardless of stance, it is impossible to deny that GMOs are found in a great deal of food produced around the globe. The New York Times re p o r t e d t h a t worldwide, over 440 million acres of land are planted with genetically modified crops.

However, a major hurdle that the biotech industry faces with its increasingly popular GMO crops is national prohibitions against modified organisms.

The prohibition of planting GMO crops includes 38 countries and many of those nations have restrictions on GMO imports as well. Recently, Mexico also ruled against the biotech industry when it repealed a permit it had granted to American seed giant, Monsanto, in 2012 to plant 620,000 acres of soy in the southern state of Yúcatan. A district judge overseeing the case sided with thousands of Mexican beekeepers when it overruled the decision. According to The Guardian, the judge was won over by evidence claiming that the introduction of herbicide resistant soy to the environment would harm bee populations and therefore honey production in Mexico’s

southern peninsula.

The issue with the soy Monsanto sought to plant lied in its genetic modification to make it resistant to their popular herbicide, RoundUp. With this alteration, farmers spray their crops with RoundUp in order to kill weeds without killing the crops. However, the herbicides main ingredient, glyphosate, is the subject of polarizing debate worldwide as some people question if it harms the environment and the consumers of the food. In terms of the bees, farmers worried that they would feed off of modified soy and be harmed by exposure to glyphosate.

Additionally, genetically modified foods are not labeled in countries such as the U.S, which people like History teacher Henry Osborne think is a problem.

“I understand why some farmers and companies want to use them [GMOs],” Osborne said. “However, there aren’t any long-term studies on the effects of GMOs and people should know what they are eating.”

GMOs are still growing in popularity, however, especially in the United States, where over 175 million acres of land are devoted to modified crops. Whether the GMO industry continues to grow or is stifled by opponents is yet to be seen.

Photo coutesy of WKOW

4

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

“Ni,” myself, and I

Nian Capili Seeking answers I’ve been going to San Gabriel High School (SGHS) for nearly three years, and I’ve tried to be involved in school. I joined sports and clubs to my liking and had so many memorable experiences with each of them. I saw many new faces and created new friendships. Although I liked the sports and clubs I was in, I could not remain loyal with any of them.

Growing up, I had a strong passion for basketball. I loved watching the NBA, playing pickup games with friends and family, watching highlights on YouTube, and so on. I started playing in a team from elementary to middle school with my friends. When I first came to SGHS as a freshman, I continued to play basketball, tried out for the team, and luckily made it in. It was only my first year at SGHS, so I was unfamiliar with a lot of clubs but more aware about the sports. Throughout my freshman year, I played for the basketball team and created new bonds that I cherished. Practices were timeconsuming and exhausting, but we kept doing whatever our coach told us to do and managed to have fun at the same time.

However, after the basketball season, we had junior varsity tryouts for us freshmen.

I took the program for granted, expecting myself to stay and make it in, but I ended up being cut. I was disappointed and frustrated at myself. I felt that if I could have contributed more effort and used common sense for our practices and games, I would still be in the program today.

Sophomore year came along and I joined the Medical Careers Academy (MCA), Red Cross, and Volleyball. I signed up for MCA during freshman year because I wanted to learn more about the medical field and thought it would look good for my college applications. However, I became unhappy with the program and decided to quit. I also tried out for volleyball during the summer as well, since I wanted to continue doing a sport. I created more bonds and loved the chemistry the program had with each other on and off the court. However, I decided to quit within the first couple of weeks of school. I thought volleyball was really fun, but it didn’t feel right for me and thought I wasn’t going to be good enough. Red Cross was an interesting experience, but I only went to one event and didn’t fulfill my hours requirement. Throughout my sophomore year, I was very lost on what I should do for myself. I lost sight of my passions and had no goals for myself.

So far, I’ve struggled to find the right place to call home. I always contemplated whether or not I should do certain clubs or sports, but I was too hesitant and thought about the consequences too much. I realized that I was at my happiest when I didn’t over think and just pursued whatever I wanted to do. So I decided to follow that realization this year—my junior year—and ended up joining journalism and swim to find my so-called home and passions. Even with the ups and downs I’ve gone through, I still had some memorable experiences with many sports and clubs. As of right now, I’m happy with what I’m doing and learned that once you quit, there’s no going back. Don’t quit if you feel like you can contribute more effort into it, just have fun with what you’re doing and stop thinking about the consequences you may face, because those consequences may be beneficial in the long run.

OPINIONS

Editorial

Bus fee should not be implemented, undermines students With new bus regulations, new headaches are presented to the student body of San Gabriel High School. Starting in second semester, students who do not have free or reduced lunch must pay $100 each semester for a bus pass. However, this is not new policy, as transportation fees are in the Alhambra Unified School District’s board policies and regulation (BP 3250 Business and Noninstructional Operations). This rule was simply never enforced. It was nonexistent, which the policy should have been. Nonexistent.

The fact that students are required to pay just to get to school is absurd. Because of how the District lines are drawn, many San Gabriel students come from Rosemead and thus have to travel a considerable distance to go to school. Even if over 80 percent of the student body is on free or reduced lunch, the people who have to pay are being punished

for where they live. Many parents have work, and buses are the only means of transportation for many students. Buses are a necessity, and therefore should be as accommodating as possible.

Furthermore, school is already expensive for students who do not qualify for free or reduced lunch. Extracurricular activities often require money out of the pocket, such as club dues or even prom. Moreover, standardized and Advanced Placement testing could easily reach hundreds of dollars in a single year. The mountain of expenses students face is only exacerbated by these expensive

bus passes.

According to District policy, it was “necessary to charge fees for home-to-school student transportation” because “the cost of providing student transportation exceeds funding provided by the state.” However, the District could use money in it’s reserve in order to accomplish this goal. If this is absolutely impossible, the $100 price tag per semester should be reduced to a more affordable price.

It is understandable that the cost of transportation is exceedingly higher due to the nature of San Gabriel’s demographics. However, it is the District’s duty to provide and accommodate for the students’ situation. This yearly $200 barrier to simply attend school accommodates no students but the District’s coffers.

Illustration by Vincent Maresca

Discriminatory Red Cross cord requirements stir controversy J essi ca Tran Years ago, the establishment of the cord program was introduced

by San Gabriel Red Cross Club. Ever since the inauguration, members of San Gabriel Red Cross Club were then informed by the cabinet that these a graduation cords could can only be obtained by donating blood, stirring some controversy within the student body. With such tight restrictions on bodily measurements with donating blood, the cord program essentially awards merit based on those who meet these requirements and choose to donate. The cord program should instead introduce substitute options that are more accessible to attain a cord to avoid shutting out the unqualified.

“Every month, we have a district general meeting with schools like Alhambra, South Pasadena, and San Marino,” Red Cross President Anney Lin said. “We hear from our [American Red Cross] youth advisers’ information, and we deliver [to the club].”

After inquiring about how club members could receive a cord, Lin was notified that students were required to must donate blood twice at school and once outside of school.

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to donate blood due to the strict weight and height guidelines.

The official Red Cross website at <<www.redcross.org>> states that the donor eligibility for females under the age of 18 range from the minimum weight being 133 pounds for those that are 5’1” to 110 pounds for 5’6” or taller. In other words, those who do not meet these requisites are automatically disqualified from receiving a cord due to their inadequate body types. In this way, people are given merit based on their adequate measurements. The program was constructed to

motivate those who are eligible and willing to donate blood; however, these prerequisites should not undermine those who are willing to donate blood but do not meet the requirements. If there are two people who wish to donate and one meets the requirements while the other that does not, why should this obstacle of requirements determine who can or cannot be rewarded a cord? The weight and height restrictions of donating blood ultimately shut off those who have inadequate body types. “[These measures] were established by the American Red Cross [organization] a few years back when the cord program started. There are alternatives other than donating blood,” Lin said. “Mainly [this is] how we advertise for our school because it’s the easiest way.”

These alternate options can be found on the Red Cross website under the American Red Cross Leadership Program; other than donating blood, students can choose to bestow their platelets or double red cells—both of which share similar measurement restrictions. These alternate options do not affect those who do not make the measurement restrictions. In other words, even with the substitute options, the ineligible still cannot make up the requirements.

A student who wishes to remain anonymous shared a mixed reaction.

“I think that it’s good that they want to encourage people to donate blood since there’s always a constant demand for it,” they said. “[On the other hand] it’s unfair because someone who has been in the club for four years can’t even be rewarded with a cord.”

Given these points, those who donate blood should be recognized; however, in the long run, the American Red Cross Leadership Program should introduce alternate options for ineligible blood donors.

Illustration by Jennifer Cheung

Ethnic Halloween costumes promote cultural insensitivity, ignorance K i m P ham As a kid, Halloween meant deciding between Disney princesses and Ninja Turtles. It meant mapping out the neighborhood for the best trick-or-treating route and trading Tootsie Rolls for mini Skittles bags at the end of the night. Each year, my biggest concern was whether my bag was going to be big enough to fit all the candy I was expecting. Yes, those were the good old days; when there weren’t any big, scary words like “cultural appropriation” and “white privilege” flying around.

But alas the year is 2016, otherwise known as the year of dealing with white police officers shooting young, black men, horrific immigration systems, and overall high racial tensions. And with the recent backlash that Disney is facing after the release of their Pacific Islander costume to promote their soon-to-be-released movie “Moana,” featuring a bodysuit that gives kids brown tattooed skin, you should probably think twice before throwing on a sombrero and poncho as a Halloween costume this year. While the whole purpose of the holiday is to take on another identity, there is a way to do so without giving off a sense of unapologetic appropriation. There is a way to do so without choosing to put on a Native American headdress and neglecting to acknowledge the racism that is responsible for the eradication of tribes and their cultural practices.

Of course, many of us do not walk into Party City with the intention of insulting an entire group of people. More so often than not, political correctness is the furthest thing from our minds when deciding what to wear on a day that is just meant to be fun and games. Some costumes are clearly offensive to all, but sometimes the boundaries remain obscure.

Mitchell Chen, a director of diversity efforts at the Associated Students of the University of Michigan, believes it is best to opt out entirely in this situation.

“If there’s a gray line, it’s always best to stay away from it,” Chen said. “The goal here is for students to avoid promoting concepts that reinforce historical stereotypes and mock or offend various cultures, races, ethnicities or identities.”

The dean of students at the University of Michigan has a webpage titled “Cultural Appropriation — what is the big deal?” It urges students to ask themselves why they are wearing a particular costume, and then to consider how accurate it is in depicting a culture or identity. “Still unsure? Don’t be afraid to ask someone!” the page urges. Photographs show students in acceptable costumes, including one dressed as Rosie the Riveter. Hopefully, opening forums for honest conversations about race, culture, and all the intricacies that come with it will lead to more witches or goblins, and less Geishas for future Halloweens to come.

OPINIONS

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

C l i n t o n , Tr u m p h a v e s l o p p y d e b a t e s Vi n c e n t M a resca After a year of campaigning for the primary elections, Donald J. Trump and Hillary Clinton had their first debate of 2016. But a big “strategy” was used by both candidates: political mud-slinging and truth-stretching. With a smooth start in the debate, it shortly went off the rails with conspiracies and lies from both of the candidates.

For example, Clinton revealed Trump’s harassment of women with titles like “pig” and “Miss Housecleaning” directed at even Latina Miss Universe pageant winner, Alicia Machado. Trump has also been accused of being disrespectful with most women, who claim that he forced romantic advances and inappropriately commented on their figures. Trump, feeling threatened, has tried to contradict all of Clinton’s arguments and even brought up her email crisis, claiming she deleted and revealed 33,000 emails. Trump and Clinton truly reached far down the barrel just to find something to insult the other with.

Through a fact-checking community on The Washington Post, it is revealed that most of the claims were lies.

Trump’s claim about Ford going overseas was true, but the statement saying that thousands of jobs would be lost in Ohio and

Michigan was false. Trump later claimed that China’s climate change was just a money-making scam, in other words, a “hoax.” When Clinton called out Trump on his federal income tax debt during the 1900s, she was proved wrong when it was confirmed that Trump paid off these taxes in the 1970s. Did they not realize they were on live TV? So many people were watching and the fact-checking websites were working live during the debate. Do they think that lying to make their opposition look bad is the true way to win leadership of the country?

Because it is not.

Lying should not be a loophole through election, especially if you refuse to believe that global warming is real. But what benefit would be gained from these lies? What are the candidates trying to accomplish? Neither seemed to have a set mindset, and the whole debate just felt petty, frustratingly complicated, and half-minded.

With such a bad start into the debate scene, you would think that the two would have learned some new strategies in conversations. They didn’t. The second debate was almost more unorganized and even worse in sensitive topics like genders and terrorism. Someone must learn at some point that this is not the way to win over voters. When will this fiasco of debating issues end?

Illustration by Jennifer Cheung

Students react to bus pass fee, availability of hot water New bus sytem implements student fee

Microwave, hot water should be available to students

“I think it’s rather unfair because a lot of the students at this school don’t have the money to pay the amount that the school requires for the bus.”

- Paula Lay, 10th grade

“Well I know a lot of people at school who eat noodles for lunch, so I feel that even if the nurse won’t provide it then we should have it somewhere else.”

-Taylor Hoang, 9th grade

“It is fair because people are just taking advantage of the free rides. Who is going to pay for gas? Isn’t the district [already] poor?”

- Randy Liu, 11th grade

“As a student of San Gabriel I believe that we should be provided the use of microwaves and hot water because every student has a different situation with lunch. However, being teens and getting more mature, we should learn to clean our own mess and not ruin it for other students.”

-Amber Van Gordon, 10th grade

“I disagree that this should take place. Many students, including myself, depend on the bus, and if someone does not get free lunch, they can not [get a free] ride?”

-Marina Ceniceroz, 12th grade

“I feel good about the new hot water policy because you guys need to stop eating cup of noodles, it’s no good for your health.”

-Mickey Estrada, 11th grade

Quotes gathered by Selina Han, Katrina Matias, Kayla Tang

MATADOR

Editors-in-Chief News Editors

Opinions Editors Focus Editors Life and Art Editors Sports Editors Features Editors Copy Editors Photo Editors Artist Business Managers Website Editors Multimedia Editors Blogs Manager Community Editors

Sydney Trieu Thomas Wang Joanne Chau Nathan Ta Sunny Chen Eileen Ong Karina Matias Kim Pham Lu Yue Wang Jennifer Cheung Jessica Tran Uyen Sy Kim Ta Michele Thai Selina Han Kelly Ho Shirley Dinh Eva Hernandez Andy Yung Sunny Chen Michelle Ho Vincent Maresca Anny Li Wu Christina Lov Tom Cheah Kathy Quach Kevin Contreras Michelle Ho Vivian Wong Carlos Carillo Virginia Situ

Reporters: Nian Capilli, Lucas Jorgensen, Chelsea Li, Vincent Maresca, Kayla Tang, Emily Valentin The Matador is published monthly by the journalism class of San Gabriel High School. 1,600 copies per issue are published at J. E. J Print Inc. The Matador is a public forum for student expression and highly encourages responses in reaction to issues discussed in the paper. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, not the faculty or administration. Articles without bylines are the opinion of the staff. Submit comments as a letter to the editor, signed (anonymity is guaranteed if requested), to H-2, or Ms. Kim’s mailbox.

The Matador Bullring Who/what influeneces your political views?

“ “

“

I would base it on social media because rumors about the candidates are talked about a lot there.”

-Sophia Lin, 9th grade

Usually it’s adults or people who are close to me, or even social media because I’m always on it.”

-Jonathan Yu, 10th grade

“

It’s mostly from what is discused in my U.S History class, and I form my views on what I learn in there.”

-Ashley Garcia, 11th grade

My family influences my political views because whatever happens to the country will affect my family the most. “ -Andrew Flora, 12th grade Photos by Sunny Chen

5

“Eva”-lasting escapes Eva Hernandez

A life on paper My life consists of two worlds. Two separate universes that must not touch, lest an apocalypse ensue.

My parents have been divorced for as long as I can remember, and the constant moving from house to house became a part of my routine.

Week in, and I’d play the role as dutiful and timid daughter to my mother; week out, and I would have to don the cape of lively and bright daughter to my father.

Two split personalities and ways of behavior to fit my surroundings.

In this bustling from house to house, some things would get lost, or misplaced.

A pen here, a hair tie there, my-self esteem somewhere over there, in the dark closet that I never want to venture into again.

I spent the majority of my 17 years living with my mother in the San Fernando Valley, and after some difficult and trying circumstances, I moved in with my father and began attending San Gabriel High School. Though I moved into an environment that felt a little warmer than the previous one, I was still missing the one thing I left in that dark closet of yesterday.

It’s true that the life of an only child can be awesome, and being the center of attention can feel amazing. However, as I learned over the years, when your parents can’t talk to each other and arguments often end in silence, the lack of company can really get to you.

I often turned to the books on my shelves for the support that I didn’t find at home or at school. There just weren’t enough words—or proper words—to express why I didn’t exactly like my home life. And, being extremely young when my unease was most prominent, no one really took into consideration what I began to write down on paper. Because, apparently, “hate” doesn’t become a strong word until you reach the age that society deems you mature enough to handle the hardships of life.

When the silence of an empty house became too much to bear, my words, written on the paper of my notebook, would speak entire conversations for me. The open, blank face of a Google Doc and the tiny notebook I carry with me on a daily basis have become my lifelines when the buzz of trafficking populations overpower the light noise milling around in my head.

The relationship I have with my writing is one I don’t think will ever be matched by a friend, boyfriend, or husband. It is something far deeper, far more intimate, and far more trusting.

The pages will never betray me, because they can’t speak. The bindings can’t cheat on me, because they are of the finest quality and will not break under pressure. The words will never hustle me, because even though they can be washed away, smudged, erased, and blurred, they will never have reason to believe that I am weak.

It is on these pages that the two universes that were forbidden to interact each other, can finally meet in secret.

I misplaced my self-esteem in that dark closet, the one I am afraid to walk back into. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to recover fully what I’ve lost.

However, through the therapy that my books and writing have given me, I have begun to stitch the wounds from yesteryear and learn to love myself again.

8

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

Fall Play Preview: Steel Magnolias

LIFE & ART

Los Hijos de Gloria takes centerstage

Photo courtesy of Leo Yue

Actresses huddle around Jannell Gonzales (far left) during rehearsals.

Jennifer Cheung Plastered with paint and surrounded by wooden planks and metal tools, students remain on campus past sunset to construct the set for their new theatrical performance. The Little Theatre is ongoing a transformation to showcase Steel Magnolias, the fall play being presented by members of drama club.

Originally based off of a play written by Robert Harling, the story is placed in northern Louisiana during the ‘80s and shows the importance of relationships and coping with emotions. Women ranging from different ages meet at Truvy’s Beauty Salon to discuss various outrageous events occurring in their lives.

Working on the backdrop is assistant stage manager sophomore Kelly Tsan, who is learning how to become stage manager by making sure actors follow their script, as well as other duties. “[The set] is a garage turned into a hair salon,” Tsan said. “We have hair sinks, blowdryers, styling chairs, mirrors, and the lounging area in the back.”

In addition to making a visual impact, there are also ambitions to carry out procedures to stimulate more than just the eyes and ears.

“We were planning to make it smell like a hair salon, so when you walk in, you will smell hairspray and hair dye,” Tsan said.

Also working behind the scenes is stage manager junior Alina Hurtado, who is adjusting to her newly assigned position.

“It’s a lot harder than last year,” Hurtado said. “These are my peers, these are my friends, so I have to get them to listen to me so we can get everything done.”

The person who decided to make Harling’s piece available for audiences at San Gabriel High School is drama teacher, play director, and tech director Patrick Posada.

“I have a lot of strong actresses,” Posada said. “It’s a beautiful play and was wildly popular. A movie was made out of it.”

Included in the cast is junior Brizeth Lomeli playing the role of Ouiser Boudreaux, a 66 year-old woman who is loud and confident. Steel Magnolias will be Lomeli’s sixth play at San Gabriel High School.

“The theme of this play is very womanly,” Lomeli said. “One issue [the play] touches is the relationship between mother and daughter.”

Unlike other dramatizations, Posada’s rendition of Steel Magnolias has an all-female cast, similarly to The House of Bernarda Alba, a play that was also turned into a drama by Posada last year, written

by Federico García Lorca.

“Steel Magnolias is a rollercoaster of emotions,” Posada said.

“You will be laughing through your tears.”

Steel Magnolias will be open for all to see at the Little Theatre Oct. 18 and 19 at 3:30 p.m. and Oct. 20, 21, 22 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available for $6 with an ASB card, $8 without an ASB card, and $9 at the door. Discounts can be offered for entire periods of classes attending. Additionally, a question and answer session with the cast and crew will be held after each performance.

Playing M’Lynn Eatenton is senior Angelica Morquecho; her daughter Shelby is sophomore Lily Cabrera; Annelle Dupuy is sophomore Genesis Landeros; Clairee Belcher is senior Jannell Gonzales; Truvy Jones is junior Brianna Cabrera.

ALA hosts Day of the Dead art competition Vivian Wong With bright colors, elaborate clothing, and sugar skull face paint, the annual cultural festival Día De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, will be hosted by the Alhambra Latino Association (ALA) on Nov. 5. ALA invites students to participate in its yearly art contest where winning artworks will be exhibited at San Gabriel High School on the day of the event.

The art contest is a chance for students to create an original, creative, and meaningful interpretation of their understanding of Día De Los Muertos.

“It’s nice to be aware of all the holidays we have going on, so absolutely [all students should participate],” ALA Vice President Monica Marquez said.

The judging criteria of the submitted art is based on several elements.

Judges look for art pieces that display uniqueness, are well-executed, fulfill the theme, and have impact of the visual content. Winners will receive art supplies and will be honored at the event.

The art contest will end on Oct. 27 at exactly 12 p.m. All entries are to be mailed or turned in to the visual and performing arts office located at 1515 W. Mission Rd., Alhambra, CA 91803.

Photo courtesy of David Ho-Romero

Alex Romero (far left), David Ho-Romero (second to left), and Oscar Romero (far right).

Joanne Chau Applause, laughter, and rhythm fill the room as the crowd dances the night away. This scene is not unfamiliar to senior David Ho-Romero and his two younger brothers.

Romero decided to take his passion for music and start a band this year. And what better members to choose from than his very own blood: his brothers. Named Los Hijos de Gloria, their band is devoted to regional mexican music.

“We named the band after our mom, Gloria. It means ‘the sons of Gloria.’ The name was unintentional. My uncles and friends kept teasing us about how we were the three sons of Gloria, and the name just stuck around,” Romero said.

It all began when Romero’s friend, junior Ernesto Cardenas, suggested that he should play Spanish music. They practiced together, and little by little, Romero developed a strong connection to singing and playing the upbeat music of his culture.

“Music has always been in my life. When I was in seventh or eighth grade, I tried to be a little rapper, but I wasn’t going anywhere with that,” Romero said. “One day I was at home practicing guitar and I told my brothers, ‘We should start a band.’ From there, [my brothers and I] started playing together; I taught them how to play [the guitar, bass and tuba] and that’s how we started our group.”

Thus, in April 2016, Los Hijos de Gloria was

brought into existence. The band consists of Romero, leading voice and leading guitarist, 14 year-old Alex Romero, and 12 year-old Oscar Romero. Within just six months, Los Hijos de Gloria was already performing their own original songs, including “Me Equivoque” and “Te Dejo Mi Corazón.” All of these songs fall under the sierreño and campirano genre. There is no doubt that the band’s splendid harmonization of guitar, bass, and vocals brought them plenty of show opportunities. They now continue to play every weekend at private events, parties, clubs, and fairs.

Although it is a dream come true, being in Los Hijos de Gloria is no walk in the park. Along with school, Romero and his two brothers must make time for practice, songwriting, and performances.

Romero also acts as the band’s manager, taking on business duties such as updating their Instagram, organizing events, writing and signing contracts and making sure deposits are received from private events. Long nights and early mornings are not unusual for the three brothers.

“Practicing is a big struggle. Mostly, time management is the hardest part. Sometimes we don’t stop playing until 5 or 6 in the morning,” Romero said.

For updates on events and a sneak peak of the band’s music style, check out the band on Instagram @hijosdegloria.

As expressed in their music, “It’s always a party with Los Hijos de Gloria.”

CaliBurger offers quality hamburgers for substantial prices

Photo by Selina Han

The Cali Double is the most popular menu item.

Selina Han When CaliBurger first opened in Shanghai in 2012, it was sued by the popular food chain In-N-Out Burger for having Double-Double burgers, Animal Style fries, and similar restaurant aesthetics. The case was settled after CaliBurger agreed to change the names of their dishes to what is now called the Cali Double and Cali Style Fries.

CaliBurger was met with criticism from many.

However, despite being known as a knockoff of InN-Out, the newer food chain has since spread across the globe, having restaurants in over 10 different countries.

CaliBurger in Pasadena had its grand opening in mid-June this year. Since then, it has received over 80 reviews on Yelp with an average rating of 2.5 out of 5

stars. Most critics were unhappy with the restaurant’s inconvenient location, overall food quality, and its lack of cleanliness.

When I arrived at the burger joint on Friday around 6 p.m., there was a very welcoming smell of food being cooked up in the kitchen. However, when I looked around, I noticed it was relatively empty compared to the long lines at the In-N-Out I passed by on my way there.

I stayed optimistic, and two very friendly employees greeted me. The waitress who took my order was happy to help me choose a dish. I ordered the Cali Double, the most popular burger. The food was ready pretty quickly and tasted better than I had expected.

The ingredients tasted very fresh and the flavors complemented each other very well.

The Cali Double was composed of two beef patties, American cheese, tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, and their signature sauce. Honestly speaking, if I were to eat In-N-Out’s Double-Double and CaliBurger’s Cali Double blindfolded, I would not be able to tell the difference between the two. The only problem I have with Caliburger is their price. The Cali Double costs $4.99 while the Double-Double costs $3.45.

CaliBurger’s Chipotle BBQ Chicken Sandwich, another popular item, costs $6.99. At that price, I would much rather go eat at an actual restaurant, not a fast food chain.

Overall, I would give CaliBurger 4 out of 5 stars.

I found most of the experience to be great, especially the service and the short lines. CaliBurger trumps InN-Out in terms of menu options and technology by offering alcoholic milkshakes, ordering stations, and an interactive gaming screen, but the food is overpriced.

SPORTS

9

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

2016-17 Fall Sports Scoreboard BOYS FOOTBALL

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

CO-ED CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS TENNIS

VARSITY 9/23 vs Temple City 10/7 vs Bell Gardens

VARSITY 9/29 @ Bell Gardens 10/4 vs Mark Keppel 10/6 @ Montebello

VARSITY 9/28 @ Legg Lake

VARSITY 9/22 @ Mark Keppel 9/27 vs Montebello 9/29 @ Alhambra 10/4 vs Schurr

12-6 13-5 16-2 11-7

L W L L

JV 9/22 9/27 9/29 10/4

14-4 9-9 10-8 12-6

L W L W

FROSH 9/22 vs Temple City 10/6 @ Bell Gardens

26-13 L 47-22 L

25-22 W 42-7 L

JV 9/29 @ Bell Gardens 10/4 vs Mark Keppel 10/6 @ Montebello FRESHMAN 10/4 vs Mark Keppel 10/6 @ Montebello

3-0 L 3-2 W 3-1 W 2-0 W 2-1 W 2-1 W 2-0 2-0

L L

JV 9/28 @ Legg Lake

FROSH 9/28 @ Legg Lake

(B)

3rd

(G)

5th

(B)

2nd

(G)

2nd

(B)

6th

(G)

4th

vs Mark Keppel @ Montebello vs Alhambra @ Schurr

San Gabriel girls volleyball takes toll on Mark Keppel C hel sea Li The Arena was filled with acquaintances and the joyous reunions of friends. Hugs, fist bumps, and smiles from Matadors and Aztecs occurred all at once, and it did not seem to settle.

Students and parents soon found their seats, anticipating the first set of five. San Gabriel High School (SGHS) came out with a stable start, but Mark Keppel High School (MKHS) was not intimidated. The audience was on the edge of their seats as each point went back and forth. Viewers from MKHS cheered loudly when they caught up, watching intensely as if they had never won a set against San Gabriel before. The Matador was down with two points, as the first set ended with a score of (23-25), giving the Aztecs the win.

Both teams prepared for the next set that would soon decide whether it was San Gabriel’s opportunity to catch up or Mark Keppel’s advantage of a two-set play. After the referee blew the whistle, San Gabriel racked up a score of (10-0) and it looked as if the set was a sure win.

Although Mark Keppel stocked up multiple points towards the end of the second set, San Gabriel triumphed. They wrapped up at (25-15), closing behind the Aztec.

“I think we played with a lot of energy, but there were some places where we just kind of leveled off,” senior Vicky Ong, captain of the girls varsity team, said.

A set win on both sides had given them an equal chance of winning. However, the third set was another loss for San Gabriel with a score of 23-25, the same as the first set they had played.

The third set started rough, but they were able to overcome the difference. Incredible serves from the players helped gain an immense amount of points and left the crowd in awe.

The hitters gave their all as they spiked remarkably well and tipped cleverly. Impressive digs from the passers had SGHS crowd in an uproar, sending waves of support to the players.

Preventing the Aztec from stealing the win, the Matadors beat them 25 to 16.

With two set wins from San Gabriel and two set wins for Mark Keppel, the crowd was desperate to watch if it would end in an Aztec victory or a Matador comeback.

It was the finale, and the first team to total off 15 points would win the game. Eagerness awaited when the set was signaled. The score at the beginning did not appear to forecast anyone’s win. Suddenly set in motion, San Gabriel compiled a 3-point lead with the help of their powerful offense and imperceptible defense coverage.

“The last set (15-6) was the most memorable set because that determined who won the game. Plus, [our team] was on top of their game and really focused. We communicated more and energy was the key,” Ong said.

The whistle blew, and the game came to an end. Joyfulness and tiredness crept on the Matadors’ face, as the Aztecs settled down. San Gabriel had won against Mark Keppel on Oct. 4 at home.

STEP 1

Photo by Sunny Chen

Junior Rebecca Ho spikes the ball as her teammates, sophomore Virginia Situ, junior Nicole Nguyen, and senior Vicky Ong cover her in case of a block.

Workout of the Month: Burpee Tuck Jumps

STEP 2

Sunny Chen This month’s workout is the burpee tuck jump which incorporates a full tuck jump into the traditional burpee exercise. This exercise is targeted to tone your entire body, working your arms, legs, core, and even your heart muscles.

Step one: Start in a push-up position.

Step two: Jump your feet forward into a crouch, keeping your abs engaged.

Step three: As you stand up, push off the ground into a jump, bringing your knees towards your chest.

Step four: Land back in the crouching position (step 2), and then spring your legs back into the starting push-up position (step 1).

STEP 3

STEP 4

Photos by Sunny Chen

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016 10 SPORTS Freshmen Peraza, Tan shine in sports THE MATADOR

Photo by Sunny Chen

Photo by Michelle Ho

S el i na H an

M ichelle Ho

San Gabriel High School (SGHS)’s varsity girls basketball team played their most recent game on Oct. 1 against La Mirada High School, taking home their first victory of the school year with a score of 33-28. This game was the third time freshman Leah Tan stepped onto the court this school year, and more importantly, it marked Tan’s first win of the school year as the only freshman on San Gabriel’s 2016-17 varsity girls basketball team.

“I feel very proud of myself [for] what [I’ve] accomplished in order to become the only freshman on this year ’s varsity team,” Tan said. “[My teammates] are very nice and generous. They make [me] feel welcomed and that’s what I like about SGHS, everyone makes you feel welcomed to any new thing.”

Tan started playing basketball around fourth grade, and it quickly became an essential part of her life. She credits basketball with boosting her confidence and pushing her to do things beyond what she initially thought she was capable of. “[Basketball] has taught me so many things on and off the court. It pushes me to just achieve what I want to achieve most,” Tan said. “[For example], in basketball you have certain achievements you want to [reach] and that’s what I like to do off the court, focus on [my goals]. I always emphasize education and family first and basketball second because basketball is the second most important thing that I want to be apart of my life.”

Tan believes that playing basketball shapes her mindset and actions. It encourages her to set goals for herself not only in the sport, but in school, and at home as well. She has ambitions and knows how to prioritize and reach them.

“My coach believes that we can achieve anything out of life. Coach Franey always tells us ‘Be the best that you can be, always achieve what you want to do,” Tan said. “I think if I keep working hard for the next four years with Coach Franey, I can continue to college [basketball]. She’s just a great teacher; she’s an inspiration. I want to keep doing what I think is best for me.”

Discussing her future, Tan reveals her intentions for continuing her passion for basketball even after highschool. She admires her coach for pushing her teammates and herself to reach their goals in life.

Her palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, she was tired and exhausted from strenuous hours spent at practice. Freshman Adelaida Peraza is almost astonished as she slowly realizes her true status. It is only natural that a smile appears on her face as she lives her reputable image as a steady player on the football team.

For Peraza, football is not only a mere hobby but rather an aspiration she considers seriously. As a young child, she disciplined herself with this sport continuously for a vast majority of her life. She feels that from her previous experience, her abilities as an athlete allow her an equal playing field with her teammates.

“The other members treat me like any other person on the team,” Peraza said.

“Rather than feeling awkward knowing that I was the only female, I feel unique because I know that I am one of a kind. Irreplaceable.”

Peraza believes that she can make a difference in the perception of female inclusion in male-dominant sports. Peraza says she would take pleasure if she were to be a representative of all the females out there who have ever felt inferior based on their gender. She advises others to reach towards their goals and dreams.

“I wanted to be a symbol to other girls that females can do things that guys can too,” Peraza said. “I want to help others understand what I feel every time I step foot onto a field, every time I reflect on myself knowing that I can do anything I set my mind to, [and the] self-satisfaction [in the end].”

Although she was reluctant in the beginning, her brothers served as her inspiration as they encouraged her to play the sport alongside them. To this day, she does not regret her decision because the sport has taught her the values of hard work.

“I like playing football, but sometimes it can be really hard,” Peraza said. “But nothing in life is easy; otherwise, we wouldn’t have the satisfaction of success.”

Peraza anticipates the day which she is able to completely apply all the values in which she learns from her team. In addition, the freshman athlete also dreams of the day where other females take part in male dominant sports. She envisions an acceptable high school career in football.

San Gabriel girls varsity tennis team scuffle for win Michelle Ho The blazing hot sun shined from above, sweat dripped from every face in sight, and the sound of tennis balls smacking against the fence resonated throughout the court. Despite a strong effort, San Gabriel High School’s varsity girls tennis team was defeated in a game against Schurr. Because of the final score was 7-11, Schurr ’s varsity girls tennis team took home the win; whereas San Gabriel’s team took it upon themselves to self-reflect on their performance.

“To be honest, I felt annoyed, as though I was letting the singles players and the team down,” varsity junior Midori Ng-Corral said, “Honestly I wanted to feel less negative and better about myself, and one way that could happen was if we beat Schurr.”

With relentless efforts on the second court, juniors Lilian Ngo and Tiana Chung won their first set of the first round. This was followed by another set win from doubles partners senior Michelle Meng and junior Kylie Chow.

With things starting to look up, players began to give each other words of encouragement and the occasional hug. Meng said that the team is constantly encouraging each other with little gestures like starting off a game with a chant or giving each other fist bumps.

“The team always do something quirky to lighten the mood,” Meng said. “Just seeing the other players play their heart out on the court next to you is always a good motivation.”

Hot sun rays crept through the eyes of

many, and the snickering of the opposing team became more constant; some of San Gabriel’s players began to feel discouraged as a sense of disappointment swept over the entire team.

As the game continued, set by set, round by round, the voice of their coach, Coach Steve Akiyama, continued to linger through a few of their minds.

“Our coach always tells us ‘Don’t panic, just hit the ball. Think simple,’” varsity player junior Guomin Tang said.

The finished up the second round and were just about to start the third when someone suggested a way to bring the spirits of the players up. As a way to demonstrate how united the team was in the eyes the opposing team’s minds, the San Gabriel tennis team decided to go into something they considered a “rare occurrence”— cheering in between rounds. The team wanted to express to Schurr that the scoreboard was not affected them.

Gathered in a close huddle, the team yelled “SG!” and dispersing from their huddle several of the players continued into wishing each other the best of luck for the next round.

Although the team was not able to obtain a victory, some realized values that came along with the game.

“Tennis taught me that, although it might be played individually, you have to win as a team,” senior Phuong Ha said. “To most, tennis might be a quiet and relaxing sport. Tennis is basically a mind game; the more I over think, the more mistakes I will make. It has taught me to zone everyone and everything out.”

Photo by Michelle Ho

Junior Midori Ng-Corral hits a forehand stroke against her opponent.

FEATURES Tell Me

Famous Hallway quotes

“How can I crush your dreams when you don’t have any?”

- Teacher addressing class “We’re already keeping up with the Kardashians; we don’t need to keep up with you.”

- Substitute teacher says about social media “The only 4.0 I’m getting this semester is on a scale of one to ten.”

- Student joking about his grades “Dwayne Johnson can’t save all of us !”

- Teacher talking about earthquakes

All quotes overheard

by The Matador Staff.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

11

Pablo joins SG community through snack sales

what’s the

WORD.

THE MATADOR

N i an C ap i l i After a long day of school, the first thing most students do is rush out the door and head home.

But first, they make a stop at the ice cream man, also known as Juan Pablo. Pablo comes to the front of the school, sets up his cart, and sells snacks and drinks to students right after school.

With snacks that school vending machines do not have—such as chips, ice cream, soda, Gatorade, and more—students are more eager to buy from him.

Pablo has been selling at San Gabriel High School (SGHS) for nearly 20 years. He began when he noticed plenty of students outside of campus. At first, former SGHS Principal Jim Schofield questioned Pablo why was he selling to students.

Eventually, Pablo and Scholfield, along with the campus supervisors, came into an agreement allowing Pablo to sell his snacks until this day.

Almost every day, Pablo starts his business in local areas around 11 a.m., resumes selling at SGHS after school, and finishes selling through more local areas up until 7 p.m.

“I decided to sell snacks in local areas because I am too old to for anyone to give me work,” Pablo said. “I sell because I have necessities; I have to pay rent, buy food, and I even have my own kids to take care of.”

Although it may seem that he makes a good profit, better than SGHS’ black market chips and spam dealers, Pablo states that he spends more than he earns. His earnings range from $60 to $80 a day along with buying all the products he needs to sell, aside from snacks and drinks, such as utensils, napkins, and the sauces.

Throughout Pablo’s 20 years at SGHS, he has gained a lot of popularity and support from the students and staff. Junior Andrew Canizal said the Pablo affected everyone, especially student athletes.

Canizal said that students could easily run over to Pablo whenever they were dying of thirst or exhausted and provides them with whatever he has such Gatorade, water, or snacks.

Currently, Pablo is still continuing his business selling snacks outside of SGHS. Since Principal Debbie Stone took over Schofield’s former position, Pablo believes that she and the rest of the staff will allow him to continue to sell after school.

“I am thankful for the staff to give me this opportunity because I wouldn’t be able to pay for rent and necessities,” Pablo said.

Photo by Selina Han

Ngo’s passion for new modeling career knows no limits U yen S y Senior Nancy Ngo relaxes in a chair as makeup artists and stylists pamper her up for the Charity Fashion Show. She checks herself in the mirror one last time before it is her turn to strut down the walkway. False eyelashes. Intricate nail art. Curled voluminous hair. Sparkling high heels. Long red gown. Her heart beats with anxiety as she poses in front of the audience, but that is the thrill of her modeling career.

Ngo wished to become famous ever since she was young. Thanks to her sister who found her the modeling opportunity, she now has the chance to pursue her childhood dreams.

“I’m currently a modeling student for different production companies who sponsor potential models, and I’m also a delegate representing Vietnam for Miss Teen Asia USA,” Ngo said.

At rehearsals, Ngo puts in tremendous effort to sharpen her skills of basic modeling in order to prepare for fashion shows.

“We have to learn how to walk in every dress that we have to wear. Every dress requires a different walking style and position. We also have to learn how to dance and walk in heels,” Ngo said.

Before modeling, Ngo had more leisure time to play sports, to complete homework, and to spend time with

friends and family. However, with modeling, she has learned to prioritize.

“It’s a lot work.” Ngo said. “I spend more than six hours on modeling a week, on weekends and weekdays. There are pictures I have to take and dresses I have to try on. It’s stressful to balance school work but modeling is fun.”

From this experience, Ngo feels that she has grown into a better person. Ngo would often remember herself on stage and reflect on how satisfied and proud she felt.

“Usually, I’m very insecure about myself, but [modeling] makes me feel more confident. It shows another side of me that I never knew I had,” Ngo said. “I discovered something new about me.”

Although Ngo is ambitious, she has encountered setbacks such as negative remarks from the people around her. However, Ngo uses their discouragement as a motivation to strive harder.

“A lot of people would put me down. They would question me by asking ‘Why are you doing this? You’re too ugly’ or ‘You’re never going to make it, why bother trying?” Ngo said. “Modeling could show people that I’m not just a nobody or a dreamer. I want to prove them wrong.”

Ngo advises others that if they can dream it, then they can do it. With this, she will continue to invest time and effort in modeling to achieve her ultimate aspiration of being a famous model.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Ngo

Daniels’ daughter hopes to inspire LGBTQ+ through new book Eva H er nand ez

Photo by Eva Hernandez

English teacher Georgia Daniels with her daughter’s new book, DREADNOUGHT.

The norm for any novel about gender issues is to create a storyline that is not only realistic but full of emotion and drama. The contemporary genre has housed books that detail members of the LGBTQ+ community, and how they must come into their own and accept themselves in a society that is less than accepting. English teacher Georgia Daniels’s daughter, April Daniels, has published a novel that will not only relate to the same population but also give them a figure to look up to in a more fantastical manner.

Being transgender herself, April Daniels spent the past three years working on the manuscript that would become DREADNOUGHT, a book about a transgender girl named Danny who transforms into a superhero overnight, changing from a boy’s body to a girl’s and inheriting the powers of an amazing superhero.

“I wanted to write the book I wish I’d had when I was 15,” April said. “It’s my hope that by writing a book with a trans girl as the main character, anyone who is in the situation I was in could see someone relatable and sympathetic and feel like they can come out of the closet and [that] things will be okay.”

The road to publishing her book was full of hardships, as the full manuscript of the novel had to be completed before a publisher would consider it. However, along with a manuscript, April also had to find an agent willing to fully endorse the novel and represent her to publishers. Aside from all of this, April was fired from her previous employment, and had to move between jobs.

“With my unemployment insurance paying the bills, I was able to write all day every day for a solid six weeks, and it was easily the happiest six weeks of my life,” April said. “This [actually] takes a lot longer than you’d expect.”

Georgia Daniels, her mother and English teacher at San Gabriel High School feels excited about April’s novel coming to bookstores

on Jan. 24, 2017.

“I’m delighted,” Georgia said. “I wish it had come out a year earlier. [The process] has been a lot slower than I thought it would be.”

The progression to getting DREADNOUGHT has left an impression on her as well, as going through April has shown her how difficult it can be to publish a book, as well as the complications that may happen along the way.

“I have never published a book,” Georgia said. “There were other [complications]. It may have been that the publishing company was just busy.”

She has also been probing her classes for the past few years, and hopes that members of the teenage population would be interested in reading her daughter’s book.

“I asked my classes if they would be interested in reading about a transgender superhero,” Georgia said. “I’m hoping that [not only] kids will like it, but even adults as well.”

She hopes that her daughter’s novel will gain much success, and is eagerly anticipating its release in Jan. DREADNOUGHT will be available on Amazon on Jan. 24, 2017, as well as in local bookstores.

12

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

Photos courtesy of Kristianne Cordova, Kevin Nong, Ronnie Woo Graphic by Kelly Ho

FEATURES

For more features on teachers, visit www.thematadorsghs.us

“The happiest state of the mind is when it is quietest” is an insight that math teacher Kevin Nong found relevant during a teaching hiatus one summer.

Life before he entered monkhood is what he would call normal. Becoming a monk was something he wanted to pursue ever since he was seven. Due to career commitments, monkhood remained unattainable until about 30 years later.

In a temple in Riverside, Nong spent an entire summer when off in solitude. “[Unlike many other temples], my temple practiced the traditional Buddhism way [called] Theravada,” Nong said.

Those who believe in Theravada reject lone superiority-such as belief in a god--, but instead recognizes the Buddhist teachings as superior. Contrary to common belief that the elderly should be respected, those who believe in Theravada believe that monks in their early stages should be most honored. In monkhood, there are different stages and Nong was recognized as a novice. As a novice, Nong exercised 10 restrictions, forbidding him from common extravagances such as eating past 12 p.m., sleeping on a luxurious bed, listening to music, and watching television.

“We refrained ourselves from speaking about worldly topics. [We] weren’t allowed to talk topics beyond Buddhist teachings unless [it is something like] ‘Where’s the restroom?’”

Nong said. “I felt like I had a bonding with the religion so there was no struggle [to adjust].”

Converting to a monk endowed him a different outlook that regards everyone as equal and being happy with any resources given.

With this personal insight, Nong recalls his most cherished quote: “I would live like the face of the earth which takes all things even the best and the worst, [like] spitting or peeing on the earth, the earth still gives you beautiful flowers.” “[By being a monk] you reach a stage where no man has gone before, and that stage cannot be described with any word in the dictionary,” Nong said.

When it was time to transition from being monk to a teacher, Nong felt that he had more freedom in terms of global material but his mind was not as at ease as when he was a monk. “[I have] more worries and pressures,” Nong said. “Invisible bonding with human beings creates a lot of frustration. If I don’t care for you enough, it’s not fulfilling. If I’m detached from you, I’d feel happier.”

As a teacher, Nong hopes to bring love, equity, and a more helping approach toward his students and those around him.

Nong hoped to preserve his monkhood for a long time, but family commitments prevents him from prolonging his experience. When time permits, he will resume his practice.

Article written by Jessica Tran

At San Gabriel High School she is known as Ms. Cordova of S2, but sometimes she is recognized as Xena Warrior Princess. Cordova immerses herself in a post apocalyptic world three days every month through LARP, also known as “live action role-play.” “[LARPing]’s like extreme acting and camping that is 24/7 for three days straight. [It] never ends,” Cordova said. “You have what’s called a game master and you have storytellers, so [there is] a premise for what you want going on. But your storytellers work when the game’s not happening [in order] to figure out what’s going to be the plot of the next story.”

Cordova LARPs for Dystopia Rising, a tabletop game that is also a collection of novels that contains information on the aspects of the post apocalyptic world in which the players play in. Dystopia Rising takes place “long after the fall of civilization to a worldwide zombie plague.”

“I LARP [to] be in a different world and [to] forget about everything that’s going on for a weekend,” Cordova said. “You get to see friends [that are] not [your regular] friends, but friends that you are doing something with a purpose in the game over there. It’s really a great community to belong to.”

Cordova encourages people to try LARPing. Accord-

ing to Cordova, the Dystopia Rising fan base is really friendly and close-knit. Before and after each LARP event, they have weekly socials where they hang out, practice fighting, and make their costumes.

“A lot of [the costumes] we make on our own. I probably spend about $150 on my character. You [need to] buy clothes for summer and also [for] winter because where we play, there are places to stay cool inside but no air conditioning. You really are wearing a lot less clothes in summer [than] in the winter; if it rains the game still goes on.”

Cordova’s friend from another job was an avid LARPer, and the more she talked about LARP events, the more Cordova wanted to try it out for herself. When she attended her first event, she instantly fell in love with it.

Cordova has since been LARPing for about a year now.

“A lot of people are a little bit shy and scared and I’m not going to lie, there [are] people who take the game super [intensely] and seriously,” Cordova said. “It’s okay to make fun of yourself and a little bit of others too, but for the most part, I would say don’t be embarrassed about it. Once you see everybody taking it seriously and getting into it, you just become really comfortable about it.”

Article written by Selina Han

In the classroom of L207 lies a martial artist who possesses a first degree black belt in Taekwondo and a blue belt in karate. At UC Berkeley, math teacher Ronnie Woo practiced Taekwondo for the four years he was an undergraduate student and at UC Irvine, he practiced karate for one and a half years while he was a graduate student.

“Growing up, I saw Bruce Lee as one of my inspirations to do martial arts,” Woo said.

As a martial arts student, Woo recalls contending and winning medals in competitions such as Jimmy Kim’s Invitational, an event at UC Oakland, and an open event at UC San Diego. However, there is a specific competition he remembers from his sophomore year at UC Berkeley in 2004.

“I got knocked out in this competition. The moment before I got knocked out, before last round, I was down 5-2 [points] and about 40 seconds left on the clock.” Woo said. “I knew I had to be more aggressive to catch up so I [attempted] a roundhouse kick and my opponent countered with a back kick to my face with his heel [landing] on my jaw. I knocked out [unconscious] for two minutes.”

Woo did not realize he was unconscious during those few minutes. He got right back up and was about to lunge in when the coach had to pull him aside and tell him the

reality that occurred. Still today, he only remembers the memory before he got knocked out and what happened after without the in-between to fill the gap. “[Karate is] an exercise and a form of discipline and definitely can be [used for] a self-defense. [I] practice to get better; it’s not about always learning [new] things—it’s about how to improve doing the same thing,” he said.

Woo feels that Taekwondo was constructed to be more popular in order to garner more attention, making the technique flashier. On the other hand, he felt that karate was more personal and focused on art showmanship.

He explained that control requires aspects like humility, hard work, and discipline.

“I’m more fit and confident about myself and being with people around me. Mentally, I’m more resilient; I’m not bothered by little things that may affect other people,” Woo said, “[There’s a] spiritual aspect of it, mindset [for example]. you’re always working on something [and] you’ll never reach it—the goal is to be a better person than before.”

Due to limited time in the day, Woo is unable to progress in professional competing in martial arts. On a recreational basis, Woo still practices at home and trains at varying locations over the summer.

Article written by Jessica Tran