March 22, 2013

Lefty Probs pg. 7

Bothersome Bugs pg. 3

Photo by Gil Sanchez

Stratford High School

THE Volume 40, Issue 8

Read Across America pg. 12

O

Graphic by Victoria Shin

Photo by Alex McNees

14555 Fern Drive, Houston TX 77079

RACLE

Friday, March 22, 2013

Graduation Requirements Likely to Change

Legislature currently reviewing changes to graduation programs, EOC testing Justin Todes The 83rd State Legislature has recently proposed several bills that will likely change how students graduate from high school.

Every two years Texas Senators and House Representatives meet to discuss laws and propose changes to state functions. In 2008, the 4x4 became the current graduation program. It requires students to complete 4 credits in each of the 4 core subject areas. During the 2011 session, end-of-course (EOC) assessments became an additional graduation requirement for students graduating in or after the year 2015.

The present graduation requirements are under review during the current legislative session.

Spring Branch ISD hopes to see significant changes to graduation requirements.

As part of the Spring Branch Plan created in 2012, the district has a goal of doubling the number of students completing a technical certificate, two-year degree, or four-year degree by 2017. The goal is referred to as T-2-4.

“We hope to see a new graduation plan that will work favorably toward T-2-4. It would offer more choice,” Building Principal Christopher Juntti said.

“Right now, when you look at the number of credits required for graduation, the number of mandatory core credits far outweighs the number of electives. A new plan will hopefully give students more choice, and

increase the number of electives that they can take.”

Regardless, a new plan would provide a more personalized graduation plan that is tailored to each student’s desired career path with relevant courses.

“In college, everyone takes the same introductory courses freshman year. After that, they decide which path they want to take. It could be engineering, medicine, or the arts,” Juntti said. “In high school, we want the same principle to be true.

A student that wants to become a doctor will take biology, but might not need physics.”

The district is also hoping to see a significant cutdown in the number of EOC assessments, and would like to see state-funded national-norm assessments such as the SAT and ACT to give a true measure of student performance.

House Bill 5, written by House Representative Jimmie Don Aycock, has been passed by the House and has moved

on to the Senate.

If passed, the current Minimum, Recommended, and Distinguished diploma programs will be replaced with a new “Foundation diploma program.”

Beginning in 2013, freshmen would graduate under the Foundation.

All students, under the Foundation program, would need to graduate with 4 English credits, 3 math credits, 2 science credits, and 3 social studies credits. In addition, students would need 2 foreign language credits, 1 fine

arts credit, 1 PE credit, and 8 additional elective credits to graduate.

Students under the new Foundation program would have opportunities to earn endorsements focusing on the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), business and industry, arts, and public services. Students with high performance on tests such as AP, PSAT, PLAN, SAT I/II, or ACT could earn a “distinguished achievement” endorsement.

Senators have recently eliminated the requirement that state exams count toward 15% of a course grade. But more changes to testing are on their way.

As part of Aycock’s proposed Foundation program, the number of EOC exams would drop from 15 to 5, with exams only in English II reading and writing, Algebra I, Biology I, and US History.

Algebra II and English III EOC exams would become completely optional.

Students would also be able to choose to substitute AP, PSAT, PLAN, SAT, and ACT scores in place of their EOC scores.

If action is taking promptly, freshmen and sophomores will only need to take tests in Algebra I (freshmen), Biology I (freshmen), and English II (sophomores) this year.

To learn more about and stay updated on the proposed graduation requirement changes, visit http:// sbisdsnapshots.blogspot. com/2013/03/legislative-update.html.

Cheating.

Stratford has a strict cheating policy. The rules and regulations can be found on the school website.

See pg. 14 for full story Graphic by Jackie Mask

2

NEWS

Friday, March 22, 2013

Sweet Sixteen

The ins and outs of the popular spring formal Samantha Vargas Amy Brajenovich Stratford use to participate in Cotillion with schools such as Saint Agnes, Memorial, Houston Christian and Episcopal. The Stratford community eventually decided to branch off and start their own tradition.

Sweet Sixteen started with the help of the parents of sophomore girls. The parents helped organize a black tie dance that takes place in a grand ballroom at the Omni Hotel every year in March.

Sweet Sixteen is not a school-affiliated event. It is open to all sophomore girls who are willing to contribute to the cost of decorations, renting the venue, and other costs needed to cover the event each year.

Every year, sophomore girls can choose to be a host of the spring formal dance by paying a fee. Hosts get to invite a date and another girl from each grade and the invited

girls get to bring a date as well.

Each girl that is invited to the dance receives a formal invitation for themselves and their date that lists the sophomore girls who are hosting, the expected attire, and the regulations and requirements.

The freshman and sophomore girls will typically wear floor-length dresses and the juniors and seniors wear short cocktail dresses. Their dates are required to wear a tuxedo or a nice suit to enter the dance.

The hosts of the formal are required to arrive three hours early to the Omni Hotel ballroom with their date and their parents. The sophomore students then enjoy a dinner prepared by the chefs at the Omni. There is a photographer and a father-daughter dance before the rest of the guests arrive.

For all other grades, groups of girls and their dates meet to exchange their boutonnieres and corsages. Parents

will take pictures before the students heads to dinner.

The group of friends often head to an upscale restaurant to eat before the dance. Reservations are typically made to reserve a table large enough to seat the entire group. After dinner, the group will then go to the Omni Hotel to enjoy a wonderful evening.

Sweet Sixteen begins at 8 o’clock and ends at 11:30.

Guests are not be allowed to enter after 9 o’clock, and once any guest leaves, they cannot be let back in.

Throughout the night, the invited guests arrive for the dance with their dates. Before they enter, they must go to the check-in table and are able to check in any loose items.

Fun songs play and refreshments are available throughout the extravagant night.

Anyone that goes to Stratford is allowed to host as a sophomore, more information is needed see a current or former participant.

Crime in School

The Oracle

How to protect personal items from being stolen Samantha Vanston

It is a student’s choice if they want to bring personal items like laptops, iPads, iPhones, and money to school.

However, students are being encouraged to become more cautious about their personal items during school hours.

The most popular item that stolen during school hours is cell phones. With cell phones evolving into handheld computers, they are becoming more expensive and more fashionable. Such reasons increase the likelihood for them to be stolen.

If anything is taken on campus, it is not the faculty’s responsibility to find the lost item. They can assist the student, but can not devote all of their time or guarantee that the item will be found.

Students need to know that there is a difference between irresponsibility and theft. The majority of theft in school is caused by students leaving their cell phones and electronics out on the table then walking away, leaving it out in plain sight. This is

irresponsible of the student.

They are making it too easy for the thefts. The minor percent of thefts are mainly caused by students unzipping backpacks and taking

EASY ACCESS • An anonymous student reaches into another

student’s backpack demostrating how simple it is to steal an item out of a backpack’s front pocket. Photo by Samantha Vanston

items. This is common during passing periods. Because every one is crowded, pushing and bumping into each other, having items stolen at

this time is not uncommon.

If the stolen item is $500 or more it is possible that it can become a legal issue. If proven that the criminal is guilty, it is the victim’s choice if they want to press charges or not.

If theft happens on school grounds, the principal has the decision to press charges, regardless of the victim’s choice. The principal also has the right to decide the criminal’s academic punishment.

If the item is under $500, consequences can be as small as receiving ISS or as high as spending some time in District. The necessary punishment is also decided by the principal.

The reconstruction that Stratford experienced over the summer helped caused a decrease in crime compared to the previous years however, items still can be stolen.

It is highly suggested that if anything is stolen on campus should be reported to Mr. Juntti and not handled only by the victim. Students, please be aware of where valuables are placed.

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oracle

Creatures Among Us

The school’s propensity for housing creepy crawlers and where they take residence Hannah Bevers

Unwanted visitors have invaded the school. They are small, speedy, and they live within the walls.

These little visitors are bugs, mice, and rats. Usually, students find them in science rooms on the third floor, an area that is especially popular for the crawlers.

Some students claim that they just think the bugs are gross. Others are annoyed by their presence, saying that the bugs are a nuisance.

Mrs. Lisa Guidry, who has had a breed of ants called “crazy ants” in her classroom for three years, claims that the ants have been repeatedly sprayed for and they still are there. This bug problem is more than just an infestation, though. It’s a distraction from daily classroom activities and assignments.

“I’ve had ants crawling on kids while they’re taking tests,” said Guidry, “I also had

a rat chew through my backpack.”

The presence of food on school grounds, especially in classrooms and on the third floor, draws the insects and small animals into the building.

“The ants, I guess, are after food. But we only have a couple of times when we use food in a lab and [the ants] are still crazy,” said Guidry.

Mrs. Stephanie Gaiser, who teaches Biology and AP Environmental Science, has found that she has a similar problem.

“People, when they’re taking their tests, especially, will be trying to kill ants on their desks,” said Gaiser of the distractions that bugs can cause.

Gaiser, however, has only noticed the bug problem “since school started this year.” However, she moved into her current classroom this year, so the insects could have been present before.

Over the year, her classroom’s insect population and presence has fluctuated.

“We had more when we had habitats in there [for an Environmental Science p r o j e c t ] ,” said Gaiser, “and once I got rid of the habitats, [the ants] seemed to have gone away.”

Mr. Davey Barrett, who teaches AP

Biology and is the advisor for the Academy of Science and Engineering (ASE), claims that ants have been in his room “forever, or at least as long as [he has] been here.”

The bugs who take up residence in Barrett’s room “live in the faucets. When [students] turn the water on, the ants shoot out.”

Other than food, the critters are also searching for water, which is why they live inside the faucets.

Barrett doesn’t find the bug problem as distracting to stu-

dents as Guidry and Gaiser.

“I think they’re funny,” said Barrett, “they make the kids laugh and keep things lighthearted.”

Mr. Barrett has also “seen [rats and mice] run across the floor a couple of times in the middle of class.”

Journalism teacher and newspaper advisor Mrs. Cummons has had numerous encounters with rats in her classroom.

Cummons, whose classroom is on the first floor near the cafeteria, left a purse containing a package of crackers in her room overnight.

When she came in the next morning, she realized that a rat had chewed through her purse and eaten a corner of the cheese crackers. The picture of the chewed purse is to the left.

The insects aren’t likely to leave Stratford any time soon.

As long as there is food in the building, they’ll be here.

SAVE $75 WHEN YOU CALL BEFORE 05/31/2013

STAAR

Memorial 9451 Katy Freeway, 77024 713-933-2655, or ...

NEWS 3

S

ara’s pace

I found out I got rejected from University of Texas while in line for a small Angel Food at Smoothie King.

I pulled up MyStatus on my phone and as I handed my cashier a five dollar bill, the screen finally loaded and informed me that I did not make the cut.

I thanked the cashier for my smoothie and breathed a huge sigh of relief. Finally, I could commit to Indiana University. Finally, I could push the metaphorical button and commit to my roommate, dorm, and the city of Bloomington for the next four years.

But I was still waiting on one thing.

Months earlier, I had applied to the journalism Honors program at IU. I spent days filling out the application, tweaking my resume, and writing and rewriting three essays. I worked every free minute I had until the day before the deadline.

Last Tuesday, I opened my mailbox and saw the IU logo on an envelope.

My stomach tightened.

I had been watching for this letter for the last three months.

I ripped open the envelope. I didn’t get in.

The letter informed me that over 200 people applied for this program and only about 20 people got in. So I should be comforted. But I’m not.

Because I thought that I was good enough to be one of those 20 people, and even if it was just a fluke that I didn’t get in, I wanted it to be a sure thing. I wanted them to look at my essays and credentials and be impressed, talk about what I wrote, be excited to have me.

I guess I have a long way to go.

4

NEWS

Friday, March 22, 2013

AOF in the City

Having taken at least four business classes and 160 hours of internship work, senior members are eligible to go on the New York trip. There are 31 members of Academy of Finance that toured the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve, the Finance museum, took a harbor tour around the Statue of Liberty, and went to the top of the Empire State Building. These lucky students saw Spider Man on Broadway and slept above the Hershey’s store in Times Square.

This trip was the experience of a lifetime for these young business people. Photo by Katie Gregory

The Oracle

BPA National Qualifiers

Five Stratford students came home with awards from the Business Professionals of America state competition.

These five members are senior Sara Boyle, who placed 4th in Administrative Support, freshman Scott Kennedy, who placed 3rd in Global Marketing Team and 4th in Management, senior Abby McMurtry, who placed 1st in Interview Skills, senior Rosie Wu, who placed 2nd in Advanced Accounting, and junior Katherine Kennedy who placed above 5th in five different categories. Photo by Katherine Kennedy

INFO AND SHORTS

Choir Does Disney World

The Stratford choir flew across the country to Florida for their annual choir trip. They were in Florida for 4 days during the last week in February. While there, they performed in a Disney workshop, recording a song from Beauty and the Beast which was then placed over the video. In addition to going to Disney World, the choir went to Epcot Center, Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios. For some of the choir students this was the first time to fly in an airplane. Photo by Keeley Flynn

The Oracle

Friday, March 22, 2013

ADS

5

6

PUZZLE PAGE

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oracle

7 MUSE Silly Laws in Texas Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oracle

USE Photo by Jackie Mask

sports “A lot of things aren’t provided for you sportDESKS wise-- it’s difficult to find One gloves, or learn of ost to use things the m n r o like a compute comm nts d an mouse lai comp he left scissors since gt n o u m a mm they’re made ed co hand the desks. for right hands nity i desks are ed people.”

“The noying, Bradley an really t having Bates, 11 u witho rest your m an ar ets really m ar g ,” -Stetired ank, Sw phen 1 1

SMEARING Righ hand t ed folk may reali not ze but w this leftie hen s mos write, t of t he ink e on th nds up e “The ir hand. b of m ottom y ha nd alwa ys ha pen s o -Ma n it,” di Rale son y, 12

It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.

The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.

It is illegal to drive without windshield wipers.

You don’t need a windshield, but you must have the wipers.

You can be legally married by publicly introducing a person as your husband or wife 3 times.

When two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone.

Beer may not be purchased after midnight on a Sunday but it may be purchased on Monday.

Any artificially constructed water barrier reefs must come with an instruction booklet.

Sources:

http://1023blakefm.com/stupid-laws-texas/ http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/texas http://www.stupidlaws.com/laws/united-states/texas/

Tweets of the Week E e ven tas veryd cut ks, s ay pap ting a uch ficu er c she as et lt. an ho “The be d of do le is thu ifwn u m p ” Da -Ch side b im rist ler, i 12 an

Lefty Complaints Graphic by Bronte Ye

It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.

A city ordinance states that a person can not go barefoot without first obtaining a special fivedollar permit.

SCISSORS

Many people may not realize that being left handed can present some obstacles. Students share their complaints and comments about the struggle of being left handed.

It is illegal to sell one’s eye.

It is illegal to milk another person’s cow.

BUMPING ELBOWS Having to strategically place yourself at the dinner table is another disadvantage of being left hand ed, otherwise you end up bumpin g elbows with yo ur neighbor. “It’s annoying beca use you always hav e to say sorry an d it’s uncomfortable,” -Taylor Brittain, 9

Layla Shahhosseini

Story by Chandler Callahan

Parker Lund @ParkourLund I would pay to see Mrs. Benefield’s reaction to the person twerking in the library Blake Denney @EatAtDenneys13 Here’s to the kids that are up right now #3ameppichflow Camila Castaneda @CAMillionaire33 forgetting you have spartan time on your offcampus day #bookinit @Simply_Sibley

Kylie Schaper @SCHAPaholic Awkwardly getting stuck behind a couple kissing in the hallway #stratfordprobs Christopher Juntti @ChristopherJunt @eweava it is more stressful when your test is voided for being on your phone.

Graphic by Isabel Deakins and Harrison Vaporciyan Tweets compiled by Jackie Velarde and Sarah Sturgis

8

MUSE

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oracle

e Club r a C

Club y e K

Omid Hadj, 12 “We help with Spartan Share, volunteer at various events in the Houston area like the Vision Walk and Turkey Trot.

The mission of the group is to help the community through volunteering.”

l

t C o un n e d ci u t S

C

hai Club

Isabel Deakins, 12

Shelby Kallus, 10 “Do community service and good things for the community. The name “key”comes from a world group.”

rd Oa o f t ks ra t S

“Our mission is to serve the community and teach people of the Jewish traditions. You don’t have to be Jewish to join and our next service project is petting cats.”

Morgan Brast, 11

Students join “The mission of this club is to help out in together to better the community, provide leadership and to represent each of our classes. We are inthe community volved in organizing Spartan Share and we mainly do a lot of activities with one the school. We also went downtown to feed people for thanksgiving.”

Photos by Gil Sanchez, Jacob Cribbs, and Ariyan Almassi Compiled and Designed by Caitlin Hilton. Font by Harrison Vaporciyan and Isabel Deakins

Jake Soltis, 12 “We maintain the trees.

We have planted trees in the past.”

The Oracle

Books That Matter

A closer look at some of the best coming of age novels.

• Wreaked • Jeff Goins Goins writes the truth, a task many authors fail to do.

Having worked with various non-profits, ministries and mission publications, he discusses the process of living a fulfilled life. Through dozens of inspiring anecdotes and grade A advice, Goins moves any reader into reconsidering the way they live their life.

• just listen • Sarah Dessen What seems like a cliche ‘chick flick’ is actually an in depth look at the values of life. As Annabel struggles to

Friday, March 22, 2013 survive in a mist of adolescence she meets Owen, the first person who ‘just listens’.

Dessen’s complex and disturbingly real characters allows us to question the company we keep and look at our surroundings with a polarized lens.

• The Au Pairs • Melissa De La Cruz Ever dreamt of spending the summer in the Hamptons?

Join Eliza, Mara and Jacqui, three girls who are hired during the sunny season as nannies for a wealthy Hampton family.

While the story seems too good to be true, it provides a light-hearted fantasy that everyone needs every now and then.

• The Adoration of Jenna Fox • Mary E. Pearson Jenna Fox awoke from a coma and can’t remember anything. Set in a not too futuristic world, this novel revolves around a teenager who has to re-learn how to live.

Providing an up close look at what it would be like to for-

get your own name, Pearson makes you appreciate even the littlest of things.

• Wintergirls • Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls is a story of two girls who began battling anorexia and bulimia at an extremely young age. While there are many novels that cover eating disorders, Wintergirls is one of the only books that dabbles on what it is like to compete for a weight. Both Cassie and Lia, the two main characters, fuel each other’s addictions, creating a toxic environment that brings about tragic health issues and emotional battles.

• Redeeming Love • Francie Rivers Redeeming Love is a religious romance novel set in the 1850s during the California gold rush. It’s the story of a broken girl who works in and out of brothels, and the novel explores God’s everlasting and unconditional love. While this book is ideal for Christians, it holds valuable life understandings and lessons for any reader.

• The Virgin Suicides • Jeffrey Eugenides Suicide is never a happy subject, and the story of five teenager girls that take their own lives is perhaps even more unpleasant. Told from the voices and thoughts of neighborhood boys who spent their high school years infatuated with the Lisbon sisters, The Virgin Suicides is unique in so many ways. Eugenides does an impeccable job at capturing the creepy and gloomy lives of sisters who spend most of their time trapped in their rooms under the roof of overprotective, paranoid parents.

• The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake • Amiee Bender Rose Edelstein is nine years old when she discovers her ability to taste peoples emotions through the food they cook. Her bizarre gifts turns into a curse when she struggles to fully love those she knows too much about.

Dealing with family conflicts

and the brokenness found in all of us, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake is heartbreakingly sad, yet funny and warm. Bender provides the courage we need to share our true feelings with those around us and the knowledge to love someone for the exact person they are.

• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close • Jonathan Safran Foer

Now a major motion picture, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is about a boy name Oscar who lost his father in the biggest tragedy of our time--9/11.

This novel is sure to tug at your heart and trigger some tears. It is artistically stunning and down right brilliant.

As Oscar tries to understand and accept his fathers death, we true can understand how much our nation lost on that faithful day. There are not many novels that leave you breathless and emotionally awakened as this one does.

• Loose Girl: A Memoir of Promiscuity Kerry Cohen •

MUSE 9

Perhaps Loose Girl is a bit much for those unprepared to read about an extremely mature subject. The true story of author Kerry Cohen’s sexual struggle to feel loved is one that any young girl or woman can relate to. Loose Girl is about finding one’s self and learning to love the person you are. Through countless boys and unhealthy relationships, Cohen learns that sleeping around will push you farther away from happiness than you could ever have imagined.

• Stolen: A Letter to My Captor • Lucy Christopher The horrifying nightmare of abduction comes to life as Gemma is snapped up from an airport at six years old.

Terrified and lost, Gemma recounts the seemingly endless months that she spent trapped in the Outback of Australia.

Written in letter form from Gemma to her captor, Ty, this novel covers everything from love to pain that at times seems unbearable.

10

SPORTS

Friday, March 22, 2013

Softball

The Oracle

BOYS LACROSSE

GIRL’S LACROSSE

3/22 vs. Memorial HS @ Grob 7:30 p.m.

3/28 vs. Kingwood HS @ Grob 7:00 p.m.

4/6 vs. Clear Lake @ League City 11:00 p.m.

4/8 vs. Memorial @ Grob 7:00 p.m.

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

Q: How long have you been coaching?

A: In total, I’ve been coaching 15 years, but here at Stratford a total of 5 years.

Q: What was your favorite baseball moment at Stratford?

A: It would have to be from a couple years back in a playoff game against Katy Taylor. We were down by 4 in the top of the 7th when the lights suddenly went out. When the lights came back on, our current pitcher, Andrew Mitchell, threw three strikes in a row. Then we came to bat and scored 6 runs and eventually won the whole game. What a turn-a-round it was!

Q: What do you hope will be the outcome of the season this year?

A: Well, we have been in quite a play-off drought for the past few years and that is first and foremost our goal.

The varsity team seems fairly promising so I am hopeful.

Q: What has been your previous experience in this sport?

A: I played all the way from little league to college play at Austin College. I was primarily a catcher, but I also served as a pitcher.

Q: Who do you think will be your toughest competition this season?

A: It would definitely be Tomball. They were tough competition in their old 5A district, going very far in playoffs. They also have a ton of returning players who are pretty good. I would definitely say they would be our new rivals because they are our toughest team, aside from Memorial in pre-district play.

3/23 vs. Tomball 2:00 p.m.

3/26 @ Ridgepoint 7:00 p.m.

3/28 vs. Spring Woods @ SHS 7:00 p.m.

4/4 @ Tomball Memorial 7:00 p.m.

4/6vs. Memorial @ Constellation 2:00 p.m.

4/9@ Northbrook 7:00 p.m.

4/12vs. Willowridge @ SHS 7:00 p.m.

4/13 @ Katy Taylor 2:00 p.m.

4/16 @ Tomball 7:00 p.m.

4/19 vs. Ridgepoint @ SHS 7:00 p.m.

3/22 vs. Tomball @ SHS 6:30 p.m.

3/26 @ Ridge Point 6:30 p.m.

3/28 vs. Spring Woods 6:30 p.m.

4/4 @ Tomball Memorial 6:30 p.m.

4/5 vs. Marshall 5 p.m.

4/9 @ Northbrook 6:30 p.m.

4/12 vs. Willowridge 5 p.m.

TENNIS 4/16 @ Tomball 6:30 p.m.

3/22-23 Kemah Boardwalk Invitational @ Clear Creek HS 7:30 a.m.

4/19 vs. Ridge Point 6:30 p.m.

4/8-10 District Championships @ Tomball Memorial HS

Baseball

Coach Jason Willis

3/26 @ Fort Bend Christian Academy 6:00 p.m.

3/28 vs. Memorial @ Grob 7:30 p.m.

4/5 vs. Clear Lake @ Westchester 6:30 p.m.

4/9 @ Westside 4:30 p.m.

4/13 @ Friendswood vs/ 4:00 p.m.

4/15 vs. Bellaire @ FUN Stadium 7:30 p.m.

Boys T&F

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

3/23 @ Willis Relays 9:00 a.m.

3/28 @ Woodlands 3/29-30 Texas Relays @ UT 4/9-12 District Meet @ SHS 4/19-20 Area Meet

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

3/23 Willis Relays @ Willis HS 9:00 a.m.

3/28 @ Woodlands HS 4:00 p.m.

4/3 Tri Meet @ SHS 4:00 p.m.

4/9-12 District Championships @ SHS 4:00 p.m.

Newton’s Law Alex Newton

The MLB regular season is just around the corner with a new era of Astros baseball getting set to begin.

New head coach Bo Porter has swag, as do the new uni’s, but the process to respectability is a long grind that will most likely not be resolved by the end of this season.

In fact, I fully expect this to be the worst season in Astros history.

They have sent away all their players that have decent talent and the starting roster they will produce will be very weak. Fortunately, the future does look bright.

Thanks in large part to new GM, Jeff Lunhow, the Astros have one of the best farm systems in baseball.

Prospects such as Carlos Correa, Jonathan Singleton, and George Springer look to be very good players in the near future.

The Astros will also have the top pick in this years draft once again which should continue to help bring the Astros back to their 2005 hiatus.

My top team in baseball this year is the same team I had last year, the Los Angeles Angles.

The Angles had a surprisingly mediocre year last season yet how can you not look at

this team and think they are contenders.

With Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, and now Josh Hamilton, this team has a nasty lineup.

The team also has a strong bullpen accompanied by former Texas Ranger C.J. Wilson.

And if you missed Albert Pujols last year as he departed from the Cardinals, he is now in the Astros division once more which is also quite possibly the toughest division in baseball being the American League West.

Across the street at the Toyota Center the Rockets are once again battling for a playoff spot. With the Lakers hot on their tail, every game is crucial for the Rockets.

The recent trade they made giving away Patrick Patterson may benefit the team in the near future, yet for now it did not help this team.

Thomas Robinson is not as good as Patterson as of right now, and Tony Douglas was a solid bench point guard.

Yet the trade does not hurt the team much and if the beard is on, no one can stop the Rockets either way.

Look for GM Daryl Morey to make some noise this offseason.

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oracle

Concussions Exposed

Junior Sophie Moll reveals her experience with concussions Elaine Parizot Layla Shahhosseini

Photo by Gil Sanchez

Junior Sophie Moll has been playing soccer for the majority of her life. After making varsity her freshman year, Moll and her family had high hopes for her future soccer career. Unfortunately a series of three concussions over the course of seven months changed Moll’s plans for her future and soccer drastically.

The definition of a concussion is a traumatic brain in-

jury that alters the way the brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can include problems with headache, concentration, memory, judgement, balance and coordination.

Although concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head or upper body is violently shaken.

Each year more and more research is being done on the long-term effects of concussions on the brain. Most of this research has become evident in the National Football League, especially after the suicides of Kansas City Chief Jovan Belcher and former New England Patriot Junior Seau.

Both players were suspected of suffering long-term dementia-like effects caused by having many small concussions over the course of their

careers.

However, football players are not the only people that suffer from concussions and their more severe long term effects. Other athletes from any sport at all levels can get concussions.

Being hit in the head by a ball, collisions with other players, and falling are all common causes of concussions that can occur in virtually any sport.

“The first concussion was at club soccer, and it was a headto-head collision,” Moll said.

Collisions happen all the time in soccer, but the consequences that befell Moll after this one were troubling to her.

“With my first concussion I lost consciousness and memory for 5 hours,” Moll said.

Later, she received her second concussion while at a recruiting camp at Clemson

University and she described her symptoms as more minor.

“I had confusion and was sick to my stomach,” Moll said.

She got her third and most serious concussion when she got into a head-to-head collision at school practice. This concussion left Moll with balance and cognitive issues.

“With my third concussion I had light sensitivity, a fracture in my cheek bone and with all of them I was extremely tired,” Moll said.

After her third concussion, Moll was unable to go to school normally. She stayed at home for a miserable six weeks to rest and heal.

“I slept every day a lot. Some days I had to sit in a dark room with no sound. It was awful,” Moll said.

Light and sound sensitivity are symptoms of a concussion.

SPORTS

Although she waited the recommended time period after each concussion to return back to playing soccer, the waiting still wasn’t enough.

“After the 3rd concussion I realized I needed to wait longer than three months and that it would take a lot of waiting and a lot of work to come back from three serious concussions in such a short period of time,” Moll said.

Even after waiting for so long, playing soccer again is very unlikely for Moll.

“I just recently found out that I can’t play soccer again, and if I did I would have an 80% chance of getting another concussion. This one would be worse than the ones I’ve had before,” Moll said.

Moll has had to readjust her future without soccer since her current situation has left her unable to play.

“My plans have changed

11

drastically, because soccer has been a huge part of my life for 13 years and I’ve worked really hard for such a long time to get to where I was before I was unable to play,” Moll said.

Moll treated her concussions the way she was supposed to by waiting the recommended time to play again after each concussion. After seeing five concussion specialists and going to the Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) downtown, there is virtually nothing left for Moll to do other than wait.

Although Moll’s case is severe, she is not alone. Like many who have experienced any kind of setback from concussions, Moll hopes research can improve her chances of playing again.

“I wish doctors had enough information to tell me when I could play again and make the game safer,” Moll said.

SPORTS Football Reads Across America 12

Friday, March 22, 2013

Secret World of Fencing

Football players take part in a National Campaign

Elyse’ Stieber

GET YOUR READ ON

• Reading to the Kindergartners at Thornwood Elementary School is junior Will Hachtman. Hachtman went to Thornwood with other members of the football team to participate in the national campaign, Read Across America. Photo by Brent Raif.

THE RUNDOWN L A N D O N

H O L L Y H E C K M A N N

N E U M A N N Position: First Base Favorite Bat Brand: Easton Position: Left Field Number: 27 Favorite College Team: Nebraska Favorite Restaurant: Chuy’s Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Jackson Best Softball Moment: Beating Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump Memorial in the Spring Woods Favorite Video Game: Super Smash Tournament Bros. on Nintendo 64 Favorite TV Shows: Friends and Favorite Food: Sesame Chicken Prison Break Favorite Quote: “I used to be legit. I Favorite Quote: “Faith makes us was too legit. I was too legit to quit. sure of what we hope for and gives But now I’m not legit. I’m unlegit. us proof of what we cannot see.”And for that reason, I must quit.”Hebrews 11:1 Rod Kimble Photo by Stephen Martinez

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Lori Brown

The Oracle

that produced many excel- Segey Danilov, where he realWhen the word “sports” lent fencers back in the day. ized he was behind in his skills Shlimak wishes he had taken compared to everyone else. comes to mind, the common “I had to start at a level person would think of foot- things more seriously in Russia and hadn’t blown it off, but with middle school kids beball, the all-American dream.

However, to junior Matt he still competed and was of a cause of my slacking in Russia, which I definitely Shlimak, his thoughts regret,” said Shlimak. are quite different.

“I had to work twice Matt is a competitive as hard to get to fencer, a rare find in the where I am today.” southern states. Matt Shlimak trains 4-6 started his fencing career times a week at about in 6th grade, viewing 12-16 hours, which it as just a fun activity, depends on both his but when he noticed he homework load and his enjoyed it and was good tournament schedule. at it, he began to take Currently, he is ranked things more seriously. in the top 30 in the US, “A family friend began and started traveling fencing at the same time this year on a national as me, and their mutual team traveling to Ausfriend owned a fencing FENCING • Pictured above is junior Matt tria, France, and Swefacility and was the head Shlimak in his fencing warm up jacket. Shli- den for tournaments. coach,” Shlimak said. mak is very involved in fencing and hopes to His goal is to play in “He happens to be one pursue it in college. Photo by Elyse’ Steiber. the NCAA at an Ivy of the best coaches in the League school. He is US and our club is currently ranked number one”. relatively high rank in Russia. interested in UPenn, Brown, When he moved back to the Duke, UNC, and NYU. More While living in Russia from 7th to 9th grade, states at the beginning of 10th prestigious colleges offer he trained at a famous grade, he enrolled at the Al- fencing because of it’s Euroclub called CSKA (Central liance Fencing Academy with pean decent, dating back to Sports Club of the Army) coaches Andrey Geva and before America was founded.

The Oracle

THE

ORACLE

Newspaper Staff Editors-in-Chief Sara Boyle Caitlin Hilton Samantha Hicks News Editors Samantha Vargas Samantha Vanston Hannah Bevers Muse Editors Chandler Callahan Layla Shahosseini Kali Venable Sports Editors Alex Newton Elaine Parizot Elyse Stieber Opinions Editors Michelle Evans Lydia Sweet Esther Jeon Reporters Andres Acosta Dua Mazhar Aldo Martinez Photo Editors Katie Gregory Stephen Martinez Katherine Kennedy Photographers Gil Sanchez Emily Copeland Sarah Sturgis Will Klussmann Maggie Vickers Harper Jones Bonnie Slattery Jordan Comparin

Ads Editor Mary Margaret Weaver Ads Staff Emily Brown Jacob Cribbs Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Katherine Mavergeorge Allison Rice Design Staff Claire Galbraith Caroline Suchman Harrison Vaporciyan Ben Fairchild Staff Artists Molly Richter Claire Pena Natalie Yoo Victoria Shin Bronte Ye Online Staff Online Editors Janelle Blackwood Isabel Deakins Samantha Stazo Online Photography Editors Jackie Mask Ariyan Almassi Online Photographers Mark Coffman Michael Martin Claire Pena Rebecca Williamson Online Reporters Jackie Velarde Faith Figueroa Building Principal Christopher Juntti Advisor Janice Cummons

The Oracle is a newspaper published every three weeks by the Journalism Department of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Journalism Association, National Scholastic Journalism Association, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

The Oracle is open to any and all contributions submitted by the readers. Any material can be submitted by e-mail to thestratfordoracle@gmail.com, brought in person to Room 120, or placed in Janice Cummons’ mailbox.

The editorial board reserves the right to determine whether the submitted material will be published depending on the available space. The submitted material may also be edited to remove libelous or defamatory statements.

Any material that is submitted must be typewritten and accompanied with the writer’s full name and grade. The opinions expressed are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration, or the school district. The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community. They welcome freelance submissions and are eager to hear from their readers regarding story and photo opportunities.

The Oracle is also online at spartanoracle.blogspot.com.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Revisiting NAHS Cords

OPINIONS 13

Certain cords are considered better than others Jackie Mask The nearing day of graduation is a day celebrating the achievements and milestones of graduating seniors. A day when all of your achievements are recognized in one event, when all of your friends and family are watching as you are handed your diploma and tie off your high school career in the transition to adulthood.

However, in the sea of school colors, certain individuals show off their achievements by wearing cords, or sashes for the walk across the stage. National Honor Society is the only organization in the district permitted by the school board to show off their academic and charitable achievements.

National Honor Society (NHS) requires a standard of scholastic achievement, leadership, character, and service, that keeps them in the organization. Meanwhile, National Art Honor Society (NAHS), requires its participants to

regularly attend meetings, volunteer, and produce quality artwork outside of class. If a student meets all of these requirements, they are rewarded with cords that the student can wear on graduation day.

But, a student who wears the colorful NAHS cords will be severely reprimanded. An NHS member may proudly sport their sash or cords with their family clapping them on. So why should an organization of similar merit be suppressed and unable to show their achievements from the past four years, on a day that is specifically designated for the students to be proud of their accomplishments?

Senior Paige Yim took it upon herself to advocate for these cords. After months of politics and false hope that possibly these cords could be worn, the situation hasn’t changed.

“I am a member of National Art Honor Society and have put in countless hours outside of school into my artwork

and this organization, so when my art teacher told me about a student a few years ago whose NAHS cords were removed, I was horrified and outraged that art is seen as second-rate to academic achievements and leadership,” said Yim, after several meetings with Building Principal Christopher Juntti. Regardless of her efforts, the cords are still banned from graduation this year.

With Mr. Juntti, progress is being made regarding the cords. Mr. Juntti states that, “[he] would love to see every kid have something worn around their neck at graduation.” Juntti is pushing for the cords of every honor society to be allowed into district policy as soon as possible. Hopefully in the coming years, with the combined ef-

forts of Principal Juntti and students, all honor societies who meet the high standards of the board will be allowed to wear their cords.

Graphic by Jackie Mask

Unfair Exemptions

Party Responsibly

Lydia Sweet End of the year exemptions are a privilege that every grade enjoys. The policy is relatively simple until AP tests get involved.

Many seniors in AP classes feel that it is unfair that they have to take their AP exams to be able to exempt their final. If a senior does not feel like they can score high on the exam, then they should not be forced to take it.

Having more students in AP classes take the AP tests makes the school look better but it is a waste of money for the students who do not get above a 3.

School ranking should not be the only drive for making students take AP tests.

When students are forced to take an AP exam most will just fail on purpose.

If the school did not force kids to take AP exams then less people would waste time and money by taking a test that they don’t care about.

Students are required to sign a contract before taking an AP class which says they agree to take the test at the

Andres Acosta The seniors are almost there.

And by there, I mean graduation.

Every day, the seniors are one step closer to graduating and going off and starting the rest of our lives. Some will go to college, some will go straight to the work force and some will even join the military.

However, before any of that, the seniors deserve to just take a moment and let it all sink in. After at least twelve years of school, they will be receiving their diplomas.

They deserve a celebration.

And that is just what most seniors are going to do. They are going to go out and party and celebrate their tremendous accomplishment.

However, it can’t be forgotten that the seniors are still participants in the real world.

The decisions made can still significantly impact lives especially because society now considers seniors adults.

And if society sees the seniors as responsible adults, then they expect them to face adult consequences.

Those consequences, de-

Students forced to take AP tests end of the course. Most students forget about this binding contract or didn’t read it when they signed it in the fall.

Students should realize that AP exams can be good practice for taking midterms and finals in college.

There should be a way for these students to still exempt their classes without taking the test.

Some seniors are taking up to 10 AP tests. There is no way that they can take all of those tests and be successful.

With the current exemption policy if a person is taking 4 exams they can opt to take one less. If a student is in 5 AP classes or more they only have to take 4 AP exams.

Each exam costs $77 which can add up quickly for students. It used to be less but budget cuts make it harder for the school to lower the cost of exams.

AP students should have the same exemption policy as other students. They shouldn’t have to take a final just because they didn’t take the AP test.

Use caution at the next grad party pending on the severity, have the potential to follow you everywhere.

Universities and potential employers will ask to see your criminal record and you can bet that it will play a huge part as to whether you get into a university or get a job or not.

We are still very young and we still have our entire lives ahead of us, and one careless decision could jeopardize all of that. It is just not worth it.

What will your high school diploma really mean if you decide to risk your future on celebrating it?

We are at the point in our lives where we have to think smarter about the choices we make.

Before, our parents were always there to support us with everything, but with more independence, especially for seniors who move away to another city or state for college next year, they won’t always be there to help us.

So remember to make responsible decisions. Party responsibly, Stratford America.

14

OPINIONS

Boy Scout Gay Ban

The Oracle

Friday, March 22, 2013

Sara Boyle, Colton Slaughter

Recently, the Boy Scouts of America released a survey to organization members asking their opinion on the ban on openly gay members.

Many have the opinion that because it is a private organization, they have a right to dictate who belongs to their organization.

However, others believe that the ban is morally unsound.

Students shared their opinion on lifting the Boy Scouts of America gay ban.

The Boy Scouts of America will present their decision in May.

Philip Bevers, 9 “As a Boy Scout, I know that it was formed by Christians so I can see why they would do this. However, I think they should allow homosexuals in the organization.”

Evan Moore, 12 “It’s difficult to say whether they have a right to go through with the ban. On one hand, it’s their choice as a private organization, but it’s not a clear religious organization so I don’t think they should.

David Humphrey, 10 “I’ve been in Boy Scouts for five years. I think they have the right to enforce the gay ban but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should.

Melanie Gil, 12 Annie Elliott, 12 “I think that homosexuals “They have the right to go have the right to do what- through with the ban, but ever everybody else can.” if the Boy Scouts of America really wants to reach out to people, they should allow everyone to participate.

Before You Cheat

Students question what is more important: a good grade or the ethic Staff Editorial

I’m a cheater.

I have experienced the feeling that so many have experienced before me. The teacher passes out the tests, and the effort you have put forth seems to have paid off. Each answer comes effortlessly until you reach question 30 or 40.

You have no idea what the answer is. Your grade is dependent on this one test.

What if that one question makes the difference between an A and a B? For some people, that question could determine whether or not they achieve valedictorian status.

These thoughts may be irrational, but the person who is stuck in that situation at the time can not think straight.

Their mind is so focused on that one question. They start to sweat and suddenly they look over, and there it is: the person next to you has their scantron so clearly displayed for your eyes to see.

It would be so easy. Just peek at the answer you need, and scribble it onto your paper. The teacher would never notice, and you would get the grade you worked so hard to earn.

These are the stages that each student’s mind goes

through when they are debat- homework, so you copied ing whether or not to cheat. your friend’s: that was cheatHowever, there is a stage ing. Those questions you that everyone seems to for- typed into Google so you get about. The final stage: the were guaranteed to get it graded test with your score in right: cheating. tiny pink letters. Whether it’s Cheating is the silent epithe score you wanted or not, demic at Stratford. Many the question looms in your reasons are to blame for the mind: was it worth it? epidemic: pressure, lack of If you say that you have nev- morals, competition. er once cheated in your en“I think the pressure to tire life, cheat exists you are because a liar. there is “People say cheating is just using Cheatso much your resources, but the idea is to i n g prestest what you learned. Cheatis not s u r e ing makes it so you don’t have to someto sucbother learning, which defeats t h i n g c e e d ,” the point.” - Katie Leggett, 11 that just said sedishonest nior Matdelinquents thew Foster. do. Cheating exists among “People will the innocent as well. The time d o anything to you completely forgot about make sure they get an t h a t A.” The comm a t h petition in the education system of today seems to cause any evidence of morals and ethics to

fade. Students are so obsessed with getting the right grade that they see past what is right and, instead, do what is easy.

Whether or not you cheated that one time won’t matter whenever your teacher puts that A in the grade book. This is the mind set that people have developed, and they have been brainwashed into believing that life is nothing without good grades. They convince themselves that it’s okay, no matter how many times they do it.

Plenty of students are caught in the act of cheating and plagiarism. Once the student is accused, it is up to the teacher to decide what the course of action will be. The teacher can decide to keep it within the classroom and punish the student themselves, or the teacher can turn them in and let the administration decide.

After all, cheating on homework is not nearly as bad as cheating on a test. Cheating on a final is the worst act of all.

If the

teacher witnesses it, they shouldn’t have been cheating. should determine what pun- The levels of punishment ishment their student re- should be the same no matter ceives. their prior commitment. The This brings about another is- “no pass, no play” rule never sue that is not as easy to man- warrants a valid reason for date. While everyone cheats, dishonesty. some have a more prevalent We are all cheaters. Whether face on campus. it was “just that one time” or The star athlete who just re- on every test, we are all guilty. ally needs to play in the game The next time we study really this weekend, their team is hard for that test, but that one depending on them. They ques- tion is just too hard, only cheated we need to dethis one cide the “Cheating is the way to make time, and ethics good grades. If you’re not cheatit will that we ing, you fall behind everyone never shou ld else.” - Anonymous student happen follow. again; they We shouldn’t rebelieve ceive a punishthat students ment because ever yshould use each opporone cheats.

If the tunity to rise above cheating team were depend- and accept the grade they deing on you, then you serve and have worked hard to earn. We should remember that our grades will inevitably reflect our ethics. True success requires hard work.

When the time comes to enter the “real world,” the cheaters and the “try hards” will be revealed for what they really are: the ones who took the time to learn, and the ones who remained ignorant and took the easier route.

Graphic by Victoria Shin

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oracle

Below is an article written by a former Stratford student who highlights the best qualities of Stratford.

Do you want an article in the newspaper without being on staff?

Contact any staff member, stop by Room 120, or email thestratfordoracle@gmail.com

Always a Spartan

A former student compares both of his high schools David Eisenberg Ever since I was a freshman, I always envisioned what my senior year was going to be like. The laid back classes, graduation, getting that acceptance letter from my dream college; senior year is supposed to be the best and smoothest year of high school, right? Well I personally can say that for me, it has not been that easy.

My family and I moved to a new city after the first six weeks of this school year. It was something that I never could have foreseen, but for the past year my parents have been building a new house in Fulshear, Texas (which is between Richmond and Katy) and were eager to move as soon as it was finished. I, however, wasn’t so eager. I always imagined myself graduating in my green cap and gown and going to prom at the House of Blues with my friends. But fate had something else in mind for me, and I have found that even though this experience has been trying it has yielded some very pleasant surprises.

October 24 was my last day at Stratford, but it wasn’t my last day as a Spartan. I have never been a school spirit fanatic, but once you leave Stratford you can’t help but develop some kind of pride.

The new high school I go

to is Foster High School in Lamar Consolidated ISD. The most interesting and difficult part of this experience was adapting to some major changes for just the remaining semester and a half of my senior year. For starters: 1. School at Foster is from 8:15 a.m. - 3:40 p.m. 2.

Foster is a 20 minute commute from my house (compared to the 5 minute commute I had to Stratford).

3. Foster only has seven periods, but has every class every day for 50 minutes.

We also have an advisory period which is the equivalent to Spartan Time, but we have this every day.

4. Foster is a two story building but is very, very long!

5. Instead of a Wendy’s and a pawn shop across the street, Foster literally has cows grazing in a field.

6. There is only one cafeteria and we can’t eat outside.

This was very disappointing for me because I would always eat lunch outside at Stratford. So when Mr. Juntti asks you to keep the courtyards clean; please, Please, PLEASE keep them clean!!!

7. The pep rallies are during lunch and are extremely sub-par compared to the ones at Stratford.

8. There is very little school spirit.

9. The cafeteria food looks

absolutely disgusting (luckily I take my lunch!) If you think the cafeteria food at Stratford is bad, trust me it could be a lot worse.

10. I am assigned a specific parking spot. This wouldn’t be that bad but since I came during the middle of the year; my spot is all the way in the back of the parking lot.

11. Dual-credit programs are with Wharton Community College instead of Houston Community College, causing me to switch to Honors English.

12. Parents, students and teachers do not take as near as much pride in their school in comparison to Stratford.

Even though there are many things to complain about, I learned that adaptation is the key to survival and I wasn’t going to let anything come in the way of me having an awesome senior year. I have made a plethora of new friends, and luckily for me, I found a Speech and Debate team at Foster that really took me under their wing and treated me as if I have always been on the team.

I will always remember Stratford because going there has made me the person I am today.

I know that I will always have a home and friends at Stratford and I will always be a Spartan.

OPINIONS 15

Calcutta in Your Own Home A notion to help those in your town

Kali Venable Perhaps you have been considering traveling to a thirdworld country to help people in need, to fight malaria or dig wells for water. Perhaps you have dreamt of visiting a far away place to serve those less fortunate, but have you

e v e r thought about starting right h e r e ?

Mother Teresa once said, “You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have the eyes to see.”

Of course entering the foreign and unknown seems exciting and new, however spending three to four thousand dollars on a mission trip or service trip is not an everyday expense, especially when

your parents are trying to save money for your education.

Rather than spending money on an expensive service excursion or waiting for an “adventure,” find ways to help out in your own town.

There are thousands of people who go without dinner every night right here in America, people that struggle to find places to sleep and clothes to wear.

Aside from the basic materialistic needs, there are also those that live in emotional poverty. There are children that feel unwanted, unloved and uncared

f o r .

For those that have attended mission or service trips, coming home

Graphic by Molly Richter

and finding service work is hard. Not because it doesn’t exist, but because it may look different than the villages occupied over the summer or during spring break.

Aside from donating items or money, why not donate time? There are so many people that could just use someone to talk to, to listen to them and to care for them.

Even serving the homeless meals at a foodbank helps.

The great thing about volunteering nearby is that one can commit to long term service.

Instead of having only a week or two to help others, time is endless meaning that relationships can be as strong as you would like them to be.

Perhaps Mother Teresa was foreseeing the timeless desire to give that is often blind to the poverty of one’s own home. We can only see when we are looking, while that may seem like an obvious statement, people tend to forget it every day.

That Time of the Year

Prepare yourself for college decisions Esther Jeon This is it.

We’ve reached the end of our run- by now, most of us will have heard back or will be hearing back very soon from all our colleges. To those sitting contentedly with their acceptances and already know where they’re going, the rest of us still waiting envy you to bits and pieces.

(I also might hate you a little bit.)

To those who are still waiting, let me offer my condolences. I know how it feelseverything for the past few months of my life has been defined by this moment.

When I heard about The Great Gatsby movie coming out this May, my first thought was I know where I’ll be going to college. When I heard about the Catching Fire trailer coming out this April, my first thought was I know where I’ll be going to college (followed by, of course, an immediate string of gibberish attempting to describe my excitement).

I can’t stop thinking about

it, and it’s ridden every fiber of my being with worry because I am terrified. I am terrified of rejection, and I’m sure I can’t be the only one who feels this way. I’ve let this fear define me; I’ve yet to tell anyone I like that I like them for fear that he’d spur me at once and I’d be left to wallow in my terrible pit of self-pity and absolute pathetic-ness.

If you didn’t know before, I can tell you now- I am a wallower. I wallow despite my mother’s ardent remarks that life will go on. Of course, this often falls flat to my youthful ears when I’m facing what seems like an impossibly long stretch of life ahead of me, but as it so often happens, my mother is right. Life goes on, and it doesn’t wait for anyone.

So to those accepted, congratulations! You did it and you are without a doubt awesome. Celebrate with your family and friends and indulge in the wonderfulness that life is for you now!

To those rejected, congratulations! You did it and you are without a doubt awesome.

You are incredible. You applied to college, and that in itself is no easy feat. You’re dealing with rejection, and that’s no easy feat either. If anything, this should show you how strong you are.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, things in life don’t work out. I wish I could tell you why, but to be honest, I’m as lost as you are. I don’t know why the things that happen happen to all of us, and when things don’t go our way, I know that it seems impossible to go on. It makes us feel worthless, as rejection often makes us feel.

But the good ol’ Dalai Lama said something (actually, many somethings) that’s worth thinking about: “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”

So hold your head high.

Things aren’t over yet. I believe that everything that happens happens for a reason, and whatever decision comes out, it’s happened for all the good reasons. Great things are waiting for you.

16

ADS

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Oracle